Sunday 2/14/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA All-Star Game Betting Preview: Western Conference vs. Eastern Conference
By ANDREW CALEY

Game to be played at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Canada

The NBA's showcase of its biggest stars will take place outside of the United States for the first time in history as the 65-edition of the NBA All-Star Game goes down at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada this Sunday. This year's game is expected to be the swan song for Los Angeles Lakers legend - and 18-time All-Star - Kobe Bryant, but all the big names will be there, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

The annual star-laden showcase has always been a high-scoring affair, but the last two years, its been at another level - the teams combined for a stunning 319.5 points over the last two games, with the East pulling out a 163-155 victory in 2014 and the West coming back with a 163-158 win last year. It was the West's fourth win in the last five year's and while the West may not be as dominant in year's past, the depth of their star-power and Kobe's significance to the game still has them as 5.5-point favorites according to bookmakers.

TV: 8:00 p.m. ET, TNT.

LINE HISTORY: The West opened as 5.5-point favorites and have yet to move off that number. The total has yet to be released.

ROSTERS:

West Starters - G Stephen Curry, G Russell Westbrook, F Kobe Bryant, F Kawhi Leonard, F Kevin Durant.

West Reserves - G Chris Paul, F LaMarcus Aldridge, G James Harden, C Anthony Davis, C DeMarcus Cousins, G Klay Thompson, F Draymond Green.

East Starters - G Dwyane Wade, G Kyle Lowry, F LeBron James, F Paul George, F Carmelo Anthony.

East Reserves - F Chris Bosh (injured), G John Wall, F Paul Millsap, G DeMar DeRozan, G Jimmy Butler (injured), C Andre Drummond, G Isaiah Thomas, F Pau Gasol (injury replacement), F Al Horford (injury replacement).

WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We moved to West -6 after an influx of action on that side today. The Kobe factor is certainly in full effect as the public believes the West will get the win in his swan song All-Star game. Currently, we have around 75 percent of the total wagers on the favorite and 65 percent of the handle. The over is getting hammered, per usual in this game, so we'll be rooting for a lot of missed shots." - Scott Cooley.

ABOUT THE WESTERN CONFERENCE: The West is all about Kobe. Well, not really. While Kobe should get every opportunity from his co-workers to win another All-Star MVP, putting a cap on his outstanding career, this side is all about the West's top three teams and their stars. The Warriors' trio of Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, the Thunders' dynamic duo of Durant and Russell Westbrook and the Spurs' understated tandem of Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

ABOUT THE EASTERN CONFERENCE: The East's roster is led by the usual stalewarts of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony who have all suited up in All-Star games at least nine time apiece. Look for the East to get a boost from Raptors Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan playing in front of their home town crowd. First time All-Stars Isaiah Thomas and Andre Drummond should also look to impress in their first appearance in the showcase of teh league's best.


TRENDS:

* The West is 4-1 in the last five All-Star games, averaging 152.2 points per game.
* No All-Star team has scored less than 138 points in the last six games.
* The West has won the last four All-Star games when an East team was hosting.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hoosiers (20-5) at Spartans (20-5)
Date: February 14, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

With its Big Ten hopes all but gone, Michigan State will try to seek to spoil Indiana's chances in its return home.

The eighth-ranked Spartans have usually proved victorious in the Hoosiers' recent visits to East Lansing and seek a fifth consecutive overall win in the series Sunday.

Michigan State (20-5, 7-5) likely needed to win out to have a chance at its first conference title in four seasons but were denied a fifth straight win Tuesday, losing 82-81 in overtime at Purdue.

The Spartans rallied from an 18-point deficit in the second half and held a two-point lead with 1:46 left but failed to regain that advantage.

"We didn't quit. I think that's a big deal right now because you're going to have a bad game here and there. Sometimes that's going to happen," coach Tom Izzo said. "We still almost found a way to win. That was the encouraging part."

Michigan State will try to bounce back with its 20th win in 21 home games against Indiana (20-5, 10-2), a stretch that dates back to 1992. The Spartans blew out the Hoosiers 70-50 in last season's lone matchup at the Breslin Center.

Indiana will try to turn the tables while registering its second straight win over a top-10 opponent. The Hoosiers gained a share of the Big Ten lead Thursday with an 85-78 home victory over No. 4 Iowa.

They recovered after blowing a 16-point lead to end a five-game losing streak to ranked opponents. Indiana's bench outscored the Hawkeyes' 28-0 as the Hoosiers, averaging a Big Ten-best 84.1 points, rebounded from a 68-63 loss at Penn State on Feb. 6.

They'll next face one of the conference's stingiest defenses. Michigan State is allowing 63.6 points per game on 37.3 percent shooting.

"We earned this one, and we're proud of our guys," coach Tom Crean said. "I know (Izzo) has been sitting there anxiously awaiting this game especially after Tuesday night. They'll have 15,000 of his closest friends ready to go along with his team and it will be a tremendous atmosphere.

"This is a big step for us tonight, and we're looking forward to our next challenge on Sunday."

Yogi Ferrell struggled from the floor again, going 2 for 12, but sank all eight of his free throws and finished with 14 points. He went 3 for 12 in the loss at Penn State.

Ferrell has averaged 18.5 points in the Hoosiers' four consecutive losses to Michigan State. He had 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the most recent meeting, a 74-72 home loss March 7.

Michigan State's top scorer, Denzel Valentine (19.0 ppg), has averaged 9.3 points on 31.7 percent shooting in four career starts against Indiana. Valentine is averaging 21.9 points in his last seven games and scored 27 while finishing two rebounds shy of a triple-double Tuesday.

The Spartans have won their past two home contests, including a 74-65 victory over then-No. 7 Maryland on Jan. 23, after suffering their first two losses at the Breslin Center this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Panthers (17-6) at Tar Heels (20-4)
Date: February 14, 2016 1:00 PM EDT

North Carolina coach Roy Williams insists that his bout with vertigo isn't a big deal.

Getting leading scorer Brice Johnson back on track surely is.

Williams did not start Johnson in the ninth-ranked Tar Heels' last contest and is trying to get the senior forward's confidence up ahead of Sunday's home game with Pittsburgh.

North Carolina (20-4, 9-2 ACC) avoided a third straight loss Tuesday with a 68-65 victory at Boston College in which the big story was Williams spending most of the second half in the locker room after collapsing momentarily in a huddle.

The legendary coach said Thursday it won't affect how long he decides to coach at North Carolina and claimed his history with vertigo goes back two decades.

'It's happened,' Williams said in a humor-filled news conference. 'But as I say, it's the first time it's ever happened in a basketball game, that public.'

The incident overshadowed wholesale changes to the Tar Heels' starting lineup. Johnson and Justin Jackson did not start for the first time and Kennedy Meeks, who has started 14 times, was also out of the lineup.

The changes stemmed from losses to then-No. 19 Louisville on Feb. 1 and at Notre Dame last Saturday.

Johnson averages 16.3 points and had posted five straight double-doubles before managing nine points and five rebounds with four fouls Tuesday in 21 minutes.

"He and Kennedy didn't start at Boston College because they had the worst two defensive grades on the team at Notre Dame and then Brice was really disappointed with himself after the game against BC," Williams said. "I've had a good talk and I love him to death and I'm just trying to push, push, push."

Johnson is averaging 16.0 points on 69.2 percent shooting in three career games against the Panthers. The coach did not indicate who he will start Sunday.

Jackson responded well against the Eagles with 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting in a contest in which the Tar Heels trailed for most of the night before prevailing to maintain the ACC lead.

"I don't think people realize how big that was for us," forward Theo Pinson said. "Boston College hasn't won a lot of games, but we were in a packed house, we were down, everything was going their way."

Pittsburgh (17-6, 6-5) has dropped consecutive games for the first time after losing 65-63 at No. 12 Miami on Tuesday. Jamel Artis shot 2 for 10 and scored a season-low five points, 10.1 below his average, as the Panthers fell to 0-4 against ranked teams after also falling 64-50 last Saturday to then-No. 9 Virginia.

"I know it's two losses in a row but the reality is there are two ranked teams and highly ranked teams and we've got to get better for those losses," coach Jamie Dixon said.

Michael Young and Ryan Luther each scored 12 for Pitt, which had 11 assists for its second-lowest total. The Panthers and Tar Heels both average 18.2 assists to lead the conference.

Pitt won 89-76 over North Carolina in last season's lone matchup behind Sheldon Jeter's 22 points. These teams split two games in 2013-14.

"We know them obviously pretty well, we've played them three times in the last two years," Dixon said.

However, the Panthers are 0-4 all-time in Chapel Hill, and the Tar Heels are 12-0 at home this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Hurricanes (19-4) at Seminoles (16-8)
Date: February 14, 2016 6:30 PM EDT

Miami bottled up Florida State's freshman scoring duo of Malik Beasley and Dwayne Bacon the first time these teams met while also getting a huge second-half effort from Sheldon McClellan.

The 12th-ranked Hurricanes will try to duplicate that effort on the road in Sunday night's rematch against the improving Seminoles.

Miami (19-4, 8-3 ACC) was also ranked No. 12 for its 72-59 home victory over Florida State on Jan. 9. Beasley and Bacon combined for 23 points on 9-of-28 shooting; they form the highest-scoring freshman tandem in the country with a combined average of 33.2 points.

McClellan also keyed that victory by making all seven shots after halftime after missing his first four attempts, scoring 20 of his 21 points in the second half. He's averaging 17.7 points in three games against the Seminoles.

"This is our second time playing Florida State," McClellan said. "So I'm pretty sure they know what we do, we know what they do so it's about whoever makes the most plays on the court."

That may not be the case since Florida State (16-8, 6-6) has shown improvement with a four-game win streak that ended with Thursday's 85-72 loss at Syracuse. The Seminoles are shooting 47.2 percent in a 6-3 stretch since they connected at a season-low 35.4 percent versus the Hurricanes.

Beasley and Bacon combine to shoot 51.2 percent at home, where Florida State is 8-2 with a win over current-No. 7 Virginia.

"They are such an improved team, a very talented team and a team that plays better at home than they do on the road," Miami coach Jim Larranaga said. "They've changed quite a bit since the first time that we played them."

Beasley is among the top guards in the conference at 50 percent from the field, with McClellan ranking No. 1 at 53.4. McClellan will look to bounce back after being held to 10 points for his lowest effort in an ACC game in Tuesday's 65-63 win over Pittsburgh.

The Hurricanes trailed at halftime in a contest that was tight throughout, with Angel Rodriguez scoring on an offensive rebound with 1.4 seconds left for the winning basket. Rodriguez, who fouled out in 24 scoreless minutes two days earlier in a win at Georgia Tech, scored a game-high 17.

Center Tonye Jekiri added his fourth double-double with 10 points and 10 boards in 25 foul-plagued minutes. The 7-footer, among the league leaders with 9.8 rebounds per game, was a big factor last month against the Seminoles with eight points and 10 boards.

'He has such a big impact on the defensive end,' Larranaga said. 'There are plays he makes that there is no statistical category for.'

Beasley and Bacon will try to shake off a rough night against the Orange, as they totaled 25 points on 8-of-28 shooting. Coach Leonard Hamilton was more upset over the defensive effort as Syracuse shot 62.0 percent for the worst mark allowed by the Seminoles in three seasons.

'I was very disappointed in our defensive field-goal percentage,' Hamilton said. 'They took advantage of every defensive breakdown."

The Hurricanes are hopeful that reserve guard Ivan Cruz Uceda will return after missing the Pitt game with the flu.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Golden Gophers (6-18) at Hawkeyes (19-5)
Date: February 14, 2016 7:30 PM EDT

Iowa's most recent home defeat came one year ago this week to Minnesota.

Though these Golden Gophers are not of the same caliber and mired in their longest skid in almost three decades, coach Fran McCaffery wants to make sure his fourth-ranked Hawkeyes don't take anything for granted in Sunday night's home matchup.

McCaffery seemed less concerned about Iowa's overall solid effort in Thursday's 85-78 loss at Indiana than he is with its readiness to hand Minnesota (6-18, 0-12 Big Ten) a 14th consecutive defeat.

Though McCaffery expects to utilize his bench more after it was outscored 28-0 by the Hoosiers and needs a better performance than the 13-of-23 showing from the free-throw line, his biggest need - at least publicly - from Iowa (19-5, 10-2) this weekend is focus. It's something that hasn't been a problem for the Hawkeyes, but can creep into the collective mind of any heavy favorite while facing an opponent that's closing in a school-record 16-game losing streak set in 1986-87.

"I don't look at their record," said McCaffery, whose Hawkeyes have won 15 straight at home by an average of 18.4 points since losing 64-59 to the Gophers on Feb. 12 of last year.

"They have our attention, no question," McCaffery added.

The Hawkeyes have dropped two of three against Minnesota and needed a Jarrod Uthoff bucket with 6.1 seconds left to win 77-75 at Minneapolis in last season's first meeting.

"It shouldn't be too hard to get (our guys) to understand who we're playing," McCaffery said.

He also mentioned that even minus its top two scorers from last season's 18-win team and with only two seniors seeing regular time, Minnesota's been competitive while dropping seven of its league games by eight points or less. McCaffery singled out a 74-68 loss at then No. 19 Indiana on Jan. 20, when the Gophers overcame a 16-point second-half deficit to take the lead with less than 5 minutes.

"(Coach Richard Pitino) has good young players, and he's trying to push the right buttons," McCaffery said. "If you look at their record, it isn't reflective. ... They have had many games where they have been right there."

Minnesota shot 46.6 percent in Wednesday's 82-74 loss to Michigan, which shot 53.8 percent. It came one game after Northwestern made 53.7 percent of its attempts in an 82-58 rout of the Gophers.

'At some point here, come on,' said Pitino, who is trying to prevent Minnesota's first winless Big Ten season. 'Let's get some wins.'

Pitino would also like to see a squad that's 11 for 65 from 3-point range in the last four games, take the ball to the basket more. That would make sense against Iowa, which is among the national leaders in defensive 3-point field-goal percentage (29.7).

'It's hard to tell a guy, `Hey, you're not a great 3-point shooter,'' Pitino said. 'That's got to be our identity, driving the ball."

Minnesota sophomore Nate Mason has averaged 17.8 points and 6.0 assists in six games. He scored 29 in the two meetings with Iowa in 2014-15.

Uthoff (18.6 points per game) totaled 39 points in those matchups last season, and had 24 despite going 8 of 20 from the field at Indiana.

Teammate Peter Jok (15.3 ppg) should be available after overcoming an apparent leg injury to play 30 minutes Thursday. He scored 16 in last season's home loss to the Gophers.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Trojans (18-6) at Wildcats (20-5)
Date: February 14, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

Arizona isn't saying whether it has bitter memories of losing to Southern California in the longest game in college basketball this season.

The 17th-ranked Wildcats can avenge last month's quadruple-overtime loss to the No. 23 Trojans by winning at home for the seventh straight time in this series Sunday night.

USC (18-6, 7-4 Pac-12) served notice that it is a contender for the conference crown by outlasting Arizona 103-101 at home Jan. 9. It remains the nation's only game this season to go four overtimes and the only one in Wildcats history.

Elijah Stewart led the Trojans with 27 points, including two free throws with 22 seconds left for the final margin in a high-octane contest between two of the conference's top-scoring teams. The Trojans average 83.3 points and the Wildcats 81.2.

"I can't tell you how talented USC is," Arizona coach Sean Miller said. "When we played them the first time in L.A., it felt like a video game. It felt like the first 20 minutes we could not stop them."

That contest ended in controversial fashion when Stewart scored the winning points after a foul by Justin Simon that the Wildcats (20-5, 8-4) felt wasn't an infraction. They don't believe that the draining defeat gives them any extra motivation.

"We know they're a great team, they've got a lot of skilled players, they've got a lot of athletic guys," Arizona center Kaleb Tarczewski said. "Offensively they're unbelievable. It's going to be a tough game. It's not about revenge, it's just about us playing our game, being at our best on Sunday."

The Trojans' backcourt of Jordan McLaughlin and Julian Jacobs combined for 35 points, with Jacobs notching a career-high seven steals.

Allonzo Trier led Arizona with 25 points but broke his hand and missed the next four weeks. The Wildcats have won both games since he returned and four in a row overall.

Ryan Anderson had his streak of five straight double-doubles snapped at USC with a season-low five points and eight rebounds. He's enjoying another run of five straight after having 11 points and 13 boards in Friday's 81-75 win over UCLA in which Arizona battled back from a 10-point halftime deficit.

Trier led the way with 18 points and Parker Jackson-Cartwright, a Los Angeles native who was recruited by USC, scored a career-high 16.

"I thought this was a game that reflects the resiliency of this team and the toughness because there were a number of times we could have given in and we didn't," Miller said.

Jackson-Cartwright started in place of freshman Kadeem Allen, who scored four points in 21 minutes while playing with a lingering virus. Miller said Allen threw up three times Friday.

"We didn't really have Kadeem," Miller said. "He did the best he could."

Arizona moved ahead of USC in the Pac-12 standings after the Trojans' three-game win streak ended with Friday's 74-67 defeat at Arizona State despite Nikola Jovanovic's 25 points and 15 boards. The Trojans shot 51.9 percent but set season lows in 3-pointers made (two) and attempted (11).

'We just didn't play well,' coach Andy Enfield said. 'We played hard at times. We just didn't play well enough. A 31-game schedule, you are going to have bumps in the road.'

Stewart made 1 of 7 shots for two points, missing all four from beyond the arc, and Bennie Boatwright fouled out in 14 scoreless minutes. They are among six Trojans averaging at least 10 points.

USC hasn't won at the McKale Center since 2008 and has lost its last three visits by a combined 70 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's Tip Sheet
By David Schwab

Sunday’s college basketball slate gets a fast start out of the gate with a pair of Top 10 teams in both the ACC and the Big Ten trying to successfully defend their home court. In the first of two 1 p.m. (ET) tips, the ACC’s Pittsburgh Panthers go on the road to Chapel Hill to face the No. 9 North Carolina Tar Heels. The other early start is a Big Ten tilt between the Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing.

Pittsburgh Panthers at No. 9 North Carolina Tar Heels (ESPN3, 1 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: North Carolina -10

Betting Matchup

Pittsburgh has dropped its last two games straight-up, but it was able to cover against the spread in Tuesday’s 65-63 loss to Miami as a 7 ½-point road underdog. The Panthers are an even 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games while alternating a loss with a win over this entire stretch. The total stayed UNDER 143 in the loss to the Hurricanes and it has stayed UNDER in six of the Panthers’ last eight games.

Junior forward Michael Young was the only Pittsburgh starter in double figures in Tuesday’s loss with 12 points and sophomore forward Ryan Luther added 12 points off the bench. Young is the team’s leading scorer with 16.6 points per game and he is also the Panthers’ top shooter with an impressive 55.4 field goal percentage. Pitt is averaging 78.4 PPG and it is holding teams to 66.3 points at the other end of the court.

The Tar Heels are at the top of the ACC standings at 9-2 SU, but both of those losses came in their last three games. After falling to Louisville and Notre Dame on the road to start the month of February, they snuck by Boston College 68-65 on the road this past Tuesday as heavy 20 ½-point favorites. North Carolina is now a costly 1-6 ATS in its last seven games with the total staying UNDER in all six of those ATS losses.

North Carolina is averaging 83.8 PPG this season, but this average has fallen to just 74.6 points over its last five games. Senior forward Brice Johnson leads the team in scoring with 16.3 PPG and he is pulling down a team-high 10.2 rebounds a game. The Tar Heels remain deep in scorers with five additional players averaging at least 10 points a game. North Carolina is shooting 48 percent from the field and it is pulling down an average of 40.9 rebounds a game.

Betting Trends

-- The Panthers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven games on the road, but they fall to 2-7 ATS in their last nine games played on Sunday. The total has stayed UNDER in their last four road games.

-- The Tar Heels are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games and they have failed to cover in four of their last five games following a SU win. The total has gone OVER in six of their last eight games at home.

-- Head-to-head in this ACC clash, Pitt has won two of three previous meetings both SU and ATS with the total going OVER in all three games.

Indiana Hoosiers at No. 8 Michigan State Spartans (CBS, 1 p.m. ET)

Opening Odds: Michigan State -7 ½

Betting Matchup

Indiana continues to stay in the thick of the Big Ten regular season title race at 10-2 SU in conference play, but it has failed to cover in three of its last five games. The Hoosiers were able to cover as three-point home favorites in this past Thursday’s important 85-78 victory against No. 4 Iowa. The total went OVER 152 points in that game after staying UNDER in their previous three games.

The Hoosiers are the 10th-highest scoring team in the nation with 84.1 PPG led by senior guard Yogi Ferrell’s 17.1 scoring average. He went cold in the win against Iowa with a 2-for-12 shooting performance as opposed to his 46.2 field goal percentage on the year. Both Troy Williams (12.8 PPG) and Thomas Bryant (12.0) are each scoring in double figures and shooting better than 50 percent from the field. Indiana as a team is hitting 50.9 percent of its shots from the field this season.

Michigan State is likely to drop out of the top ten in both major polls following this past Tuesday’s 82-81 overtime loss to Purdue, but it still covered in that game as a 2 ½-point road underdog. The Spartans are now 4-1 SU in their last five games with a perfect 5-0 mark ATS. The total went OVER 143 in Tuesday’s loss and it has gone OVER in their last three games. Michigan State is 13-8 ATS this season when closing as a favorite.

Senior guard Denzel Valentine went off in the loss to Purdue with a game-high 27 points and he remains the Spartans’ leading scorer with 19 PPG. He has now scored 20 points or more in his last three starts. Valentine also leads the team in assists with 6.9 as part of the Spartans’ 20.4 assists a game which is the highest total in the nation. They have also played stout defense at the other end of the court with a points-allowed average of 63.6.

Betting Trends

-- The Hoosiers are 7-2 ATS in their last nine Sunday games and they are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games against a team with a SU winning record. The total has stayed UNDER in four of their last five road games.

-- The Spartans are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 home games and they have covered in five of their last six games played on Sunday. The total has stayed UNDER in six of their last eight home games.

-- The road team in this Big Ten tilt has covered ATS in five of the last six meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in three of the last four meetings. Indiana is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 road games against Michigan State.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Sunday's Top 25 Trends

Sunday, Feb. 14

Matchup Records Skinny Projection

Pittsburgh
Overall: 17-6 SU, 10-10 ATS
ACC: 6-5 SU, 6-5 ATS
Totals: 10-10 O/U

North Carolina
Overall: 20-5 SU, 9-14-1 ATS
ACC: 9-2 SU, 3-8 ATS
Totals: 14-10 O/U

Pittsburgh at (9) North Carolina (ESPN3, 1:00 p.m. ET)
North Carolina snapped a two-game skid by rallying past Boston College on Tuesday, 68-65, but failed to cover as 20 ½-point road favorites. The Tar Heels have stumbled to a 1-6 ATS record the last seven games, while posting a 1-4 ATS mark in five home conference contests. Pittsburgh owns an 0-7 ATS mark in the last seven games off a cover, coming off a 65-63 loss at Miami as 7 ½-point road underdogs. The Panthers are 2-1 SU/ATS against the Tar Heels since entering the ACC in 2013, including an 89-76 home victory over UNC last season.

Pittsburgh 66
North Carolina 75


Indiana
Overall: 20-5 SU, 13-12 ATS
Big Ten: 10-2 SU, 6-6 ATS
Totals: 12-13 O/U

Michigan State
Overall: 20-5 SU, 15-9 ATS
Big Ten: 7-5 SU, 7-5 ATS
Totals: 11-13 O/U

Indiana at (8) Michigan State (CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Indiana picked up a huge home victory over 4th-ranked Iowa on Thursday, 85-78 as 3 ½-point favorites to improve to 10-2 in the Big 10. The Hoosiers are listed as an underdog for the fourth time this season, beating Michigan and Notre Dame in their last two opportunities in this role. IU has won four of six conference road games, but lost two of its past three contests away from Bloomington at Penn State and Wisconsin. Michigan State saw its four-game winning streak end in an overtime setback at Purdue on Tuesday, but the Spartans cashed as three-point ‘dogs. The Spartans won both meetings with the Hoosiers last season, including a 20-point blowout in East Lansing.

Indiana 78
Michigan State 81


Miami, Fl.
Overall: 19-4 SU, 13-8-1 ATS
ACC: 8-3 SU, 5-5-1 ATS
Totals: 11-11 O/U

Florida State
Overall: 16-8 SU, 9-10-1 ATS
ACC: 6-6 SU, 4-7-1 ATS
Totals: 11-9 O/U

(12) Miami, Fl. at Florida State (ESPNU, 6:30 p.m. ET)
The Hurricanes go for the season sweep of the Seminoles after dominating FSU at home last month, 72-59 as nine-point favorites. Miami has won three straight games since losing at North Carolina State, but all three of UM’s conference losses have come on the road. Florida State’s four-game hot streak was snapped in Thursday’s 85-72 loss at Syracuse, the third time the Seminoles have allowed at least 84 points on the road in ACC play. At home has been a different story defensively for FSU, as the ‘Noles have given up 74 points or less in four straight in Tallahassee since allowing 106 points to UNC in the home conference opener.

Miami, Fl. 70
Florida State 73


Minnesota
Overall: 6-18 SU, 7-15 ATS
Big Ten: 0-12 SU, 5-7 ATS
Totals: 14-8 O/U

Iowa
Overall: 19-5 SU, 13-8 ATS
Big Ten: 10-2 SU, 8-4 ATS
Totals: 12-9 O/U

Minnesota at (4) Iowa (BTN, 7:30 p.m. ET)
It’s been a rough season for the Golden Gophers, posting an 0-12 record in Big 10 play. Minnesota has covered four straight times in the double-digit underdog role, including at Indiana and Michigan in the last month. Iowa lost only its second conference game in 12 tries at Indiana on Thursday, 85-78. The Hawkeyes own a perfect 12-0 record at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, including a 5-1 ATS mark as a home favorite against Big 10 opponents. Five of six home conference games have eclipsed the ‘over’ for Iowa, with the lone ‘under’ coming in their last home victory over Penn State, 73-49.

Minnesota 63
Iowa 81


USC
Overall: 18-6 SU, 15-8-1 ATS
Pac-12: 7-4 SU, 6-5 ATS
Totals: 12-12-1 O/U

Arizona
Overall: 20-5 SU, 14-11 ATS
Pac-12: 8-4 SU, 7-5 ATS
Totals: 16-9 O/U

(23) USC at (17) Arizona (FS1, 8:00 p.m. ET)
The last time these teams hooked up in Los Angeles, USC outlasted Arizona in four overtimes, 103-101 on January 9. The Trojans cashed as 3 ½-point underdogs, picking up only the second cover in the last eight matchups with Arizona. USC looks to bounce back after having its three-game winning streak snapped at Arizona State on Friday, 74-67, the lowest point total the Trojans have put up this season. Arizona is riding a four-game hot streak after rallying past UCLA on Friday, 81-75, but the Wildcats failed to cash as 11 ½-point favorites. The Wildcats have covered in seven of their last 10 home games, while going 7-2 ATS in the past nine as a home favorite of nine points or more.

USC 78
Arizona 86

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Notes for Sunday's games..........

Michigan State won four of last five games, losing in OT at Purdue last game; Spartans are 3-2 at home in Big 14, winning last two at home by 9-34 points. MSU won its last four games with Indiana, winning last two here by 5-20 points. Hoosiers lost two of last three road games, by 3 at Wisconsin, 5 at Indiana, their only losses in last 17 games. Big 14 home favorites of 8 or less points are 15-10 vs spread.

Pitt won its last two games with North Carolina by 5-13 points; but lost 75-71 in only ACC visit here, in 2014. Pitt is 3-5 in its last eight games after starting season 14-1, losing three of last four on road, with losses by 18-13-2 points. UNC plays Duke Wednesday; they lost two of last three games, and struggled to win 68-65 at lowly BC in last game. ACC double digit home favorits are 9-8 against the spread.

Syracuse won seven of its last eight games; this is their fiest road game in three weeks. Orange is 2-3 on ACC road, winning at Wake/Duke, losing by 8 at Virginia in last road tilt- they hammered Boston College 62-40 at home Jan 13, shooting 62% inside arc; Eagles are 0-11 in ACC. Orange are 4-1 vs BC in ACC games, winning by 10-14 in two visits here. ACC double digit home underdogs are 4-1 against the spread.

UMass upset URI/VCU in its last two home games, but those are their only two wins in last ten games. Minutemen lost last four road games, all by 8+ points- they won last four games with Duquesne; taking four of last five visits here. Duquesne won three of last four home games, but allowed 84.5 ppg in losing its last two games overall. A-14 home faves of less than 8 points are 10-12 against the spread.

Temple won its last four games, with all three all by 5 or less points or in OT; Owls won 70-63 at South Florida two weeks ago- they were +8 in turnovers (13-5) in beating USF four 4th straight time, winning by 1-13 in last two visits here. Bulls are 5-20 this year, losing last couple of games by 31-34 points; their only two wins in last 14 games were on road. AAC double digit home favorites are 6-12 vs spread.

Illinois State won 55-52 at Bradley Jan 20; teams were combined 10-44 on arc. Redbirds won last four series games, none by more than sixteen points. Braves lost last eight visits here, last four by 30-20-16-10. MVC home favorites of 15+ points are 8-0 vs spread. State won six of its last seven games, winning last three at home by 9-12-5 points. Bradley lost seven of last eight games; they're shooting 26.8% on arc (#350).

Evansville beat Loyola 74-66 at home Jan 19, shooting 59% inside arc; Purple Aces won four of five series games, winning by 3-9 in two visits here. Aces lost four of last six games after starting season 17-3. MVC home underdogs of 5 or less points are 7-4 vs spread. Ramblers are 3-1 in last four games but lost last home game to Illinois State; Loyola is 2-4 at home in Valley, with only wins over Drake, Indiana State.

Utah made 11-22 on arc, scored 1.35 ppp in 92-71 win at Washington State Jan 21; home side won six of seven series games- Utes won 67-59 here LY, its only win in three Pac-12 visits to Pullman. Utah won last four home games, by 6-9-22-8 points; they won six of last eight games overall, getting swept in Oregon LW. Pac-12 double digit home favorites are 6-2 vs spread. Wazzu lost in double OT Thursdsy at Colorado.

Florida State lost 72-59 at Miami Jan 9, its 5th loss in last seven games with Hurricanes. Miami won two of its last three visits here; they shot 64% inside arc in first meeting. Seminoles are 3-2 at home in ACC with losses to UNC/Pitt- they won four of last five games overall. ACC home underdogs of less than 5 points are 5-7 vs spread. Miami won six of its last seven games; they're 2-3 on ACC road, winning at BC/Ga Tech.

Minnesota is 0-12 in Big 14, amidst rumors Richard Pitino will join his father at UNLV next year. Gophers' only top 100 win this year was in November against Clemson. Iowa-Minnesota split last six meetings, but Gophers won here LY for first win in their last four visits to Iowa. Big 14 home favorites of 15+ points are 7-4 vs spread. Hawkeyes are 6-0 at home in conference, with one win by more than fourteen points.

USC beat Arizona 103-101 in four OTs Jan 9, blowing 12-point lead in last 5:23 of regulation; home side won five of last six series games, with Trojans losing last six visits here, last three by 16-24-30 points. USC is 3-3 in last six games after starting season 15-3, losing last three on road, allowing 82.7 ppg. Arizona won its last four games, last two by 6-5 points. Pac-12 single digit home favorites are 23-14 vs spread.

UCLA lost five of last seven games, is 13-11 and likely headed to NIT; they lost last three road games, allowing 82.3 ppg in losses by 14-19-6. Arizona State lost 81-74 at UCLA Jan 9, after leading by 6 with 11:49 left to play; Bruns are 8-2 in last ten games with ASU, but lost last two visits here, by 18-2 points. Pac-12 home favorites of 4 or lsss points are 5-7 vs spread. ASU won its last two games after a 2-8 skid.

Rider won 66-60 at Niagara nine days ago, outscoring Eagles 20-8 on the foul line, with +6 turnover ratio (14-8). Broncs are 12-2 in last 14 games with Niagara, winning seven of last eight here. MAAC double digit home favorites are 3-5 vs spread. Rider lost tough 69-68 game to Monmouth Friday- they led by 14 with 3:58 but lost. Niagara lost four in row, eight of last nine games; they're shooting 27.4% on arc (#348).

St Peter's won 70-53 at Canisius Jan 9, shooting 56% inside arc; winning for first time in last seven series games. Griffins won last three visits to Jersey City by 9-4-3 points. Peacocks are 4-2 at home in MAAC, with wins by 16-13 in last two games. Canisius lost five of its last six games; they lost last three road games, by 7-11-23 points. MAAC home faves of 5 or less points are 5-6 against the spread.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Hawkeyes in bounce back mode'

The Iowa Hawkeyes look to get back into the win column Sunday evening when they host Minnesota Gophers. Hawkeyes fell to 19-5 (13-8 ATS) on the season, 10-2 (8-4 ATS) in Big Ten play with its 85-78 loss Thursday at Indiana. Hawkeyes, no slouches at putting the ball through the hoop dropping 80.5 PPG are flawless on home court at 12-0 straight-up, 7-2 ATS in line games. Hawkeyes are also on a sharp 12-3 (10-4-1 ATS) stretch hosting a conference rival.

In their last game, the Gophers at the wrong end of an 84-72 decision vs Michigan increased the horrible slump to thirteen straight (5-8 ATS) giving the team a 6-18 (7-15 ATS) record overall, 0-12 (5-7 ATS) mark within the conference. Gophers averaging a lowly 69.2 PPG, life on the road has certainly been a challenge. Away from Minneapolis, the team sports an 0-6 (2-4 ATS) record in true road games, 1-3 (0-4 ATS) mark in neutral site affairs. In the last seventeen matchps on a Big Ten opponents hardwood the Gophers are just 2-15 straight-up, 5-12 against the betting line.

Oddsmakers noting home court will play a significant role in this contest have pegged Hawkeyes a whopping -19.0 point favorite.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAA Basketball Betting Preview

Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan State Spartans February 14, 1:00 EST

In one of the biggest college basketball clashes of the weekend, the Indiana Hoosiers (20-5, 10-2 in Big Ten) will travel to the State of Michigan to take on the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans (20-5, 7-5), a Sunday afternoon NCAAB showdown that is expected to produce a lot of fireworks in East Lansing.

Why Bet on Indiana

In their biggest test of the season, a clash against the No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes, the Hoosiers showed the creamy stuff that is reserved for champions, delivering a statement 85-78 upset victory; a win that in fact came after they had taken (and blown) a commanding 16-point lead in the game. Indiana’s lethal offense, averaging 84.1 PPG (10th-best in the nation) and 16.4 APG (25th-best in the nation), was in full showcase against Iowa, balancing deep and close-range shooting to outclass the Hawkeyes in meticulous fashion, of course led by Player of the Year candidate Yogi Ferrell. Meanwhile, Indiana’s backups were equally up to the task, contributing 24 points compared to the zero points posted by Iowa’s backups.

Playing at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center will be an entirely different thing together, given the Spartans have lost just one home game all season, and that was in fact a lucky 72-71 win by Nebraska that could have ended up in a Sparty win had Michigan State not missed a couple of key shots down the stretch. Even so, Indiana has a pretty nice résumé, boasting of a decent number of marquee wins, which should be a big motivation for them to strive for a winning performance this Sunday.

Why Bet on Michigan State

While the Hoosiers have been pretty solid offensively, their defense has struggled, especially in Big Ten play. On the season the Hoosiers are allowing 68.8 PPG (ranked 109th in the nation). This leaky defense opens an opportunity for Sparty’s Player of the Year candidate and triple-double machine Denzel Valentine to get some solid production, along with his trustworthy teammates. Though Sparty is averaging 79.5 PPG (which is a bit low compared to Indiana’s average), the home-playing Michigan State is dishing out an NCAAB-best 20.4 assists per game. This ability to spread the ball around the court could prove very pivotal down the stretch, especially in instances that Sparty’s star players don’t have enough space to shoot.

Another big advantage for Michigan State is that the team is giving up just 63.6 PPG (15th-best in the nation), a defense that is guaranteed to cause fits to Ferrell and Co. Suffering the 82-81 road defeat to Purdue on Tuesday night was a big blow to the Spartans’ Big Ten title credentials and horrifying exposure to Sparty’s not-so-good-looking defensive underbelly, but if you’ve watched Michigan State this season, you would agree with me that the Spartans are never easy to beat, particularly when they are playing at home.

Indiana at Michigan State Predictions and Picks

Truth as it is that this clash will be decided by several factors, the bottom line is that the game is highly likely to come down to the star play of opposing guards Valentine and Ferrell. Defensively, both players aren’t as strong, so their offensive contribution will probably matter most. And as far as the season so far is concerned, Indiana’s assist and scoring leader Ferrell is averaging 17.1 PPG and 5.6 APG. Conversely, Valentine, who is also Sparty’s leader in assists and scoring, is averaging 19.0 PPG and 6.9 APG). The edge here is therefore on Valentine and Sparty. Then, of course, there is the fact that Sparty’s defense is way much better than Indiana’s, while the Hoosiers offense can go toe-to-toe with Indiana. Added to the fact that this game will be interestingly played on Valentine’s Day, I see the matchup ending up to be Valentine’s—pun intended—and not Ferrell’s.

College Basketball Picks: Michigan State for SU and ATS
Total; OVER: Score Prediction: Michigan State 84, Indiana 79

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

I hope everyone did their Valentine’s Day shopping yesterday because we have an outstanding 12-race card on tap at Gulfstream Park this afternoon, with a first post of 12:35 ET.

A field of nine will line up in the $65,000 Miami Shores Handicap, the 11th race on the card with a post of 5:28. (Best to make dinner reservations for after 6:00 ET).

Stonetastic is the 8-5 morning line favorite and is coming off a runner up finish in the Sugar Swirl (G3) here back in December. That was her first start since running eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).

She ran huge at Parx last September, earning a 109 Beyer Speed Figure beating up on third level optional claimers by 15 ¾ lengths. That is going to make her a short price here.

With her price likely to go south from her 8-5 morning line, I am looking to beat her with More Than a Party, who is 5-1 on the morning line.

Trained by Ed Broome, she faded to finish seventh in the Red Cross Stakes at Monmouth Park last June and has been on the shelf since. She is working sharply and put in a couple of very good efforts over the Gulfstream Park main track passing her first two allowance conditions.

Don’t forget we will be in action on Monday, with a full card from Gulfstream Park and a couple of key Derby preps, the $200,000 San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita and the $500,000 Southwest (G3) from Oaklawn Park.


Here is today’s opener from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Clm $16,000N2L (12:35 ET)
#8 Holy Scat 7-2
#6 Navajo Kitten 9-2
#7 Responsive 4-1
#2 Key d'Oro 3-1

Analysis: Holy Scat made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot last out at this level, beaten a half-length for the top spot. The third place finisher Mademoiselle Belle came back to beat $25,000 non-winners of two in her next outing on Feb. 10 at Tampa Bay Downs. The Kobiskie trainee broke her maiden two back in her local debut for a $16,000 tag. She comes in here sharp for a barn having a good meeting here.

Navajo Kitten came up the inside with a mild late run to finish in the runner up spot last out in the slop in a race taken off the turf. Three back going a mile at Gulfstream Park West she was beaten just a neck in a game effort. The surface switch and the stretch out should suit this filly, who broke her maiden here going a mile on turf back in 2014.

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,8 / 2,6,7,8
TRI: 6,8 / 2,6,7,8 / 1,2,6,7,8

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Gulfstream Park:

GP Race 10 Md Sp Wt (4:58 ET)
#8 Viva La Kid 8-1
#5 City Flyer 5-2
#3 Patterson Cross 15-1
#7 Never So Few 3-1

Analysis: Viva La Kid makes his turf debut here in his third career start for the Servis barn. The colt showed some ability with a runner up finish in his debut on dirt at Philly going long and then was seventh here on dirt in his local debut behind the talented Gettysburg. He should take to turf, he is by Lemon Drop Kid out of a Fly So Free mare that has dropped five winners including a pair of turf winners, top earner stakes winner Wacky Patty ($306,961), a dirt sprinter.

City Flyer made a good late run to finish fourth last out going 7 1/2 furlongs on turf off a three-month break. Two back at Keeneland in was fourth in a highly graded race that produced four next out winners. The colt is by Sky Mesa out of a Carson City mare that has dropped seven winners, one turf winner.

Wagering
WIN: #8 to win at 9-2 or better.
EX: 5,8 / 3,5,7,8
TRI: 5,8 / 3,5,7,8 / 1,3,5,7,8

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Gulfstream Park
R2: #6 In Full Motion 12-1
R3: #7 Private Journal 20-1
R5: #3 Princess Akila 8-1
R6: #2 Princess Fiona 8-1
R7: #6 Martini Kid 8-1
R9: #1 Canadian Flyer 10-1
R10: #8 Viva La Kid 8-1
R10: #3 Patterson Cross 15-1
R11: #6 Miss Melinda 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Cal-Expo

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 6 - Post: 6:40 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 65 - Purse:$15000 - CALIFORNIA SIRE STAKE THREE YEAR OLDS ALL HORSES REPORT TO DETENTION BY FEB 14TH BY 12:00PM PER CHRB RULE 1606 - 1,2& 5, 4& 6 UNCOUPLED


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 LODI BANK ROBBER 8/5


# 3 KISSED THE BOYS 7/2


# 5 DELTA BREEZEOFLODI 4/1


LODI BANK ROBBER will have you running to the cashier's window in this contest. Has the makings of a profitable play, averaging a nifty 64 TrackMaster Speed Rating. This gelding has been running against some of the most competitive horses in this field in recent times. Could beat this race, just look at the speed rating - 67 - from his most recent effort. KISSED THE BOYS - She looks formidable in this race and should find a way to take advantage of favorable pace rankings. When Desomer sends this interesting entrant out you can bet they'll hit the board, stats show them there 50 percent of the time. DELTA BREEZEOFLODI - Has really strong speed ratings and most likely has to be considered for a wager in this contest. A nice class horse can't be glossed over. With an average class rating of 64 all signs point to yes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Flamboro Downs

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 11 - Post: 9:20 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 83 - Purse:$5000 - N/W $2500.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 7 TORNADO TIM 5/2


# 2 CAL CHIPS BROTHER 5/1


# 1 CREDIT SCORE 7/1


TORNADO TIM positively could be the fine animal to beat in here. This race could be controlled by this gelding. Just one look at the avgerage speed fig will confirm that. The 84 average class rating may give this gelding a distinct edge in the group of horses. CAL CHIPS BROTHER - The handicapping team knows that speed is the key in harness racing. This solid standardbred will unlock our way to a nice win. Good for a win wager just off the amazing prior class numbers. Have to like this entrant. CREDIT SCORE - This horse has a nose for the wire, just look at his better than average win pct.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Claiming - 7.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6770 Class Rating: 47

FOR NATIVE FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JANUARY 14, 2016 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 14, 2015 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 MY CHANNEL 3/1


# 3 MIS DOS MARIAS 10/1


# 4 MI CARMELITA 5/2


I like MY CHANNEL here. Castro has a winning percentage of 30 over the last 30 days. A solid 55 avg class rating may give this filly a distinct class edge against this group of animals. Castro has sharp numbers that point to this filly to be a very solid contender. MIS DOS MARIAS - Will probably be one of the front-runners of the group going into the halfway point of the competition. Ocasio's return on investment over the last 30 days automatically makes this horse a strong contender. MI CARMELITA - Negron has her trained strongly to break promptly out of the gate. The quick return to the races points to a sound effort today.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 5 - Claiming - 330y on the Dirt. Purse: $8115 Class Rating: 87

QUARTER HORSE 330Y, FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 SHEZA FLIGHT RISK 4/1


# 3 KID ME 7/2


# 5 ECLIPSE THROUGH TIME 9/2


My selection in here is SHEZA FLIGHT RISK. Has decent speed figures and has to be considered for a bet in here. Win percentage under similar conditions may be the key for this filly. Has been running very well lately and ought to be close to the front end early on. KID ME - Will probably be one of the leaders of the bunch going into the midpoint of the competition. Has to be considered against this group of horses in this race displaying very strong figures recently and an average speed rating of 77 under similar conditions. ECLIPSE THROUGH TIME - This jockey and trainer team has produced some very strong return on investment numbers at this track. Could best this field based on the speed figure - 82 - of his last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park - Race #7 - Post: 3:28pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $25,000 Class Rating: 88

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 ENGLISH MAHAVEER (ML=8/1)
#8 KID JETER (ML=6/1)
#2 SALT MINE (ML=12/1)


ENGLISH MAHAVEER - Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should improve in this race, with some pretty good odds. You probably should throw out that last race at Gulfstream Park on the soft turf where he finished out of the top three. Should do well right here in this race under better track conditions. I like this colt. Has the top earnings per start in this contest. KID JETER - You always have to be on the lookout for revenue generating jock/handler combos; we have it right here. You have to consider the solid works of late. SALT MINE - Last ran at Gulfstream Park and finished fifth. Reviewing his PP data, I see he was close at the finish line, within five of the winner. This horse ran outside the top 3 at Gulfstream Park last out on the soft turf. He should improve in this field on a fast track. Last raced at Gulfstream Park with a poor post position. I swiped some data from The Brain, and his computer says the inside should be a big help to this one today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #9 DEFICIT REDUCTION (ML=3/1), #10 STRONG (ML=4/1), #5 BIBBO (ML=5/1),

DEFICIT REDUCTION - Just cannot wager on any mount right back after he doesn't hit the board after any very long layoff. STRONG - I don't possess a positive sensation about this questionable contender in this event. BIBBO - Don't feel this horse will make an impact in today's race. That last speed fig was disappointing when compared with today's class rating.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #1 ENGLISH MAHAVEER to win. Have to have odds of at least 5/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
1 with [2,8]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,8] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Turfway Park - Race #7 - Post: 6:29pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#2 TWELVE JEWELS (ML=6/1)
#9 VOICED (ML=5/1)


TWELVE JEWELS - The 79 last race speed rating looks strong in black and white. VOICED - Trying to win for the first time moving from a race on the grass to the dirt. I think Drury will have her in good condition for today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 HARDCORE (ML=5/2), #7 SKY LANI (ML=7/2), #6 TWILIGHT APPEAL (ML=6/1),

HARDCORE - This filly hasn't had any in the money results in sprint contests in the last couple months. This questionable contender has been disappointing the public as the favorite time and time again. SKY LANI - Doubtful for this vulnerable equine to do much in today's event. The extended vacation is a troublesome sign. Betting a turf horse first time on the dirt is a tough play. TWILIGHT APPEAL - Tough to support any racer that runs as well as she did and then lays up and doesn't workout at all. This pony ran a somewhat easily forgotten speed rating last time out. She shouldn't improve and will probably suffer defeat in today's event running that rating.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #2 TWELVE JEWELS to win. Have to have odds of at least 5/2 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [2,9]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:50 PM EASTERN POST

The Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes

6.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK THREE YEAR OLDS STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#4 AWESOME GENT
#6 KING KRANZ
#1 SARATOGA MISCHIEF
#5 CONDO KING

This race, which was originally named The Swift Stakes, was re-named after the late New York racing announcer Fred Capossela in 1993. He was covered racing for The Brooklyn Eagle and The New York Evening Post before calling his first race in 1934. Here in the 115th running of this stakes event, I have a 4-1 shot on top folks ... #4 AWESOME GENT comes off back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his last two outings, Jockey Manuel Franco was in his irons for those two "Circle Trips" and is back this afternoon for his 3rd ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win!" #6 KING KRANZ has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in four of his last five "adventures," including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Aqueduct (4th) Evolution, 4-1
(9th) Rahy's Bandit, 7-2


Fair Grounds (1st) Masters Degree, 4-1
(6th) Baby Customs, 9-2


Golden Gate Fields (3rd) Hell On Heels, 3-1
(8th) Sweet Boss, 3-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) My Sangria, 5-1
(9th) We're All Set, 7-2


Laurel (3rd) Stone Crazy, 6-1
(5th) Slews Love, 10-1


Oaklawn Park (3rd) Disqualified, 4-1
(9th) Tipsy Suspect, 5-1


Santa Anita (1st) Alaskan Cruise, 5-1
(9th) L's Choice, 7-2


Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Hypothetical, 9-2
(9th) Tax Breaker, 7-2


Turf Paradise (2nd) Queen Kate, 3-1
(7th) Avadiva, 5-1


Turfway Park (3rd) Euro Cash, 3-1
(4th) Akapesche, 7-2