Sunday 8/9/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 7
By David Schwab

Week 6 Betting Recap

It took a few weeks of the new CFL regular season for the favorites to finally assert themselves, but they came away with a 3-1 straight-up run in Week 6 while going 2-2 against the spread. It did not start out that way in Winnipeg’s stunning 23-13 victory against British Columbia last Thursday night as a two-point home underdog, but Edmonton got things rolling with a 30-5 rout of Saskatchewan as a 9 ½-point favorite at home.

Calgary squeezed out a tight 25-22 victory in its matchup against Montreal this past Saturday, but it could not cover as 5 ½-point home favorite. In Monday’s East Division showdown between Hamilton and Toronto, the Tiger-Cats came out on top 34-18 as five-point favorites at home.

Sunday, Aug. 9

Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-3 SU, 3-2-1 ATS) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -7
Total: 54

Game Overview

The Blue Bombers are off to a respectable 3-3 SU start following a second-half collapse last season in which they lost 10 of their last 12 games SU. Quarterback Drew Willy has had to battle through injury this season and last week against BC he threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns to help pace the upset. He also led the team in rushing with 72 yards on just five carries.

Hamilton has gotten a solid effort from its quarterback Zach Collaros to help pace its 3-2 SU start. He is currently ranked fourth in the CFL in total passing yards with 1,444 yards and he has completed 71.4 percent of his 168 attempts this season. In this past Monday’s victory over Toronto, he completed 21-of-27 attempts for 229 yards and three touchdowns.

Betting Trends

Winnipeg is just 1-5 ATS in the last six meetings and the total has stayed UNDER in seven of the last eight meetings in Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats won the first meeting this season 52-26 as one-point road underdogs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tiger-Cats undefeated at Tim Hortons Field
Justin Hartling

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats may have to wait to move into Tim Hortons Field last season, but it has proven the wait. The Ti-Cats are a perfect 8-0 straight-up in their new home.

That eight game span, one of which was this season, has seen the Ti-Cars outscore their opponents by an average of 10.5 points per game. That average has been padded by some lopsided victories, which shows up in their mediocre 4-4 record against the spread.

Hamilton is currently -7.5 when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Blue Bombers quickly becoming a red-hot under play
Justin Hartling

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have gone under in their past four contests, after starting the season looking like they were going to be an over team.

Through the first two weeks of the CFL season the Bombers scored 28 points per game while allowing 39 ppg. From Week 3 onwards, the Bombers have tallied 19 ppg while allowing 23.5.

In their past four games Winnipeg has faced an average closing total of 51.5 despite an average combined final score of 42.5.

The Bombers visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Sunday with a current total of 53.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 7 CFL games

Winnipeg (3-3) @ Hamilton (3-2)-- Hamilton (even) hammered Bombers 52-26 in Winnipeg back in Week 2, outgaining hosts 457-276 in game they led 38-13 at half. TiCats won seven of last eight in series, but Bombers pulled 27-26 upset in last visit here LY. Six of last nine series games went under the total. Winnipeg is 3-1 vs spread as an underdog this year, but lost last two road games, by 29 at Edmonton, 1 at Saskatchewan. TiCats won three of last four games, beating Toronto 34-18 in home opener last week. Under is 4-0 in last four Bomber games, 4-1 in Hamilton's last five games.

Underdogs are 21-6 vs spread in CFL games this year, 3-0 this week, with three games decided by a total of ten points.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Hamilton TigerCats 7, 53.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Sunday
By Mike Dempsey

It does not get much better than yesterday’s Whitney (G1) at Saratoga where Honor Code ran down Liam’s Map in deep stretch, returning $9.50 as my top pick and toping a $2 recommended exacta that paid a hefty $76.50 and a trifecta with Tonalist that paid $225.50.

The question was whether Honor Code was better going around one turn like he did in his Met Mile (G1) score. The Shug McGaughey trainee was aided by sharp early fractions and he came running late in one of the most impressive efforts we have seen all year.

A showdown in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) between him and American Pharoah would be something to behold, and I just hope both stay happy and heathy for the next couple of months.

Our day at the Spa started slow, but we ended on a good note, knocking down the final three races with my top picks, paying $9.50, $11.20 and $5.30. Along with my second choice Cavorting in the Test (G1), the late Pick 4 paid $433.00 for $1.

Palace Malice is back in action today as the 5-2 morning line favorite in the $100,000 Alydar at the Spa. The five-year-old makes his first start since running a disappointing third in the Diablo Stakes at Belmont Park on May 10.

Here is today’s opening race from Saratoga to get the day off to a good start:

SAR Race 1 Clm $16,000 (1:00 ET)
2 Real Estate Rich 4-1
7 Energetico 7-2
3 Attractive Ride 2-1
1 In the Beat 10-1

Analysis: Real Estate Rich raced in between foes down the backstretch and had to check in traffic nearing the 5/16's. He was angled out very wide turning for home but faded to finish a well beaten ninth. He ran pretty well two and three back in third place finishes, two back for a $25,000 tag. He was claimed out of his last outing by the Barbara barn that is showing a 1 for 21 mark first off the claim. He catches a weak group and can move forward off his last start facing this weak group.

Energetico set the early fractions and weakened to finish fifth last out for a $25,000 tag. He was claimed out of the race by the Contessa barn that is 9% winners first off the claim. He drops into a softer spot here tagged for $16,000. He ran solid numbers in his last three starts at the Big A earning figs good enough to handle this group.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 2,7 / 1,2,3,7
TRI: 2,7 / 1,2,3,7 / 1,2,3,4,7

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 9 The Alydar (5:50 ET)
7 Souper Lucky 8-1
6 Palace Malice 5-2
12 Matrooh 4-1
11 Mylute 6-1

Analysis: Souper Lucky is coming off a sharp win last out against $40,000 optional claimers at laurel Park and looks to be sitting on a good one here as he steps back into stakes company. The Mike Trombetta trainee has spent most of his time in Maryland but he did break his maiden over the Spa main track back in '13. He has earned triple digit Beyers in three of his last five starts and his 8-1 morning line looks fair enough. Looks to have the best shot of beating the chalk here.

Palace Malice seems likely to get bet down from his 5-2 morning line. He did not fire his best last out in the Diablo in a third place finish in his first go off a nine-month layoff. He won four of his five starts last year including the Met Mile (G1). The Todd Pletcher trainee put in a bullet drill on Aug. 2 and looks ready to go, but his price is likely going to be on the light side in this spot.

Matrooh has won three of his four starts since coming to the U.S. and landing with the Chad Brown barn. He looks sharp enough to step up into stakes company here off good win last out against $100,000 optional claimers. The third place finisher in that race was Wealth to Me who won next out, but that victory was against $12,500 claimers on a Jacobson jam job.

Wagering
WIN: #7 to win at 5-1 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 6,7,11,12
TRI: 6,7 / 6,7,11,12 / 1,6,7,11,12

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Del Mar:

DMR Race 8 The La Jolla Handicap G3 (5:40 PT)
6 Papacoolpapacool 3-1
9 Prospect Park 5-2
3 On 7-2
10 Royal Albert Hall 10-1

Analysis: Papacoolpapacool stalked the early pace, came with a six wide move and drifted in down the stretch in a fifth place finish in the Oceanside. This guy won a pair of turf stakes back to back earlier this year, winning the Pasadena and La Puente. He has won four of his nine starts on turf and is going to be a slightly better price that our second choice.

Prospect Park just missed by a nose last out in the Los Al Derby (G2) and now makes his turf debut. The winner of his last race was the streaking Gimme Da Lute, who won the state bred Real Good Deal here on Aug. 2. His pedigree leans more toward dirt, by Tapit out of a Bertrando mare that has dropped four other winners but no turf winners. He has had a couple of drills on turf and has plenty of talent.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,9 / 3,6,9,10
TRI: 6,9 / 3,6,9,10 / 2,3,6,9,10

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.

Saratoga
R1: #1 In the Beat 10-1
R2: #9 Crazy Cat Woman 8-1
R4: #1 Tizquick 8-1
R5: #8 Brevard 15-1
R6: #2 J La Tache 8-1
R8: #7 Alexa’s Spirit 15-1
R9: #7 Souper Lucky 8-1
R10: #7 Easy Feeling 8-1
R11: #5 Jumpin Frac Flash 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Century Downs

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


Race 2 - Post: 2:20 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 48 - Purse:$5800 - MAIDENS 5YO & YOUNGER FILLIES & MARES ALSO ELIGIBLE: LISSIE BORDEN


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 NEVADA 6/1


# 4 PUREFORM KISSNTELL 4/1


# 5 QUICK JET 2/1


NEVADA will have you running to the cashier's window in here. This nice horse has shown us some ability in the past, just look at the 63 avg class rating. Should play well in here. PUREFORM KISSNTELL - Many race players know speed is of the utmost importance. This harness racer has credentials with a 59 average figure. She has very good class rankings, averaging 62. Should be considered for a bet here. QUICK JET - Some trainers just fit better with certain harness racers. That seems to be the case right here with Hennessy. A really good wager.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 7 - Post: 8:18 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 75 - Purse:$9000 - 5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER COLTS, STALLIONS & GELDINGS NW 3 EXT. PM RACES OR $20,000 LIFETIME ELIGIBLE TO BE CLAIMED FOR $11,000 PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO IF NO WINNING TICKETS ARE SOLD ON PICK 4 CARRYOVER IS 100%


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 I'M ALL HEART 5/2


# 8 SCOOTCHIE 4/1


# 6 HIGHLAND TARTAN 7/2

The selection in this race is I'M ALL HEART. Feel the need for speed, this nice horse has been turning in some top notch TrackMaster SRs averaging around 79. A formidable class horse should not be be passed over. With an average class number of 83 all signs point here for the winner. Loved this gelding's last race. Ran a solid 82 TrackMaster Speed Rating. Major player. SCOOTCHIE - This entrant may have some hidden form, a ultimate prize would be a pleasant surprise. HIGHLAND TARTAN - Could very well provide us a triumph based on formidable recent TrackMaster speed figs - earning an avg of 81. A nice class horse can't be overlooked. With an average class stat of 82 all signs point to yes.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Canterbury

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


Race 10 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $12500 Class Rating: 43

FOR MN-BRED MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 BELONG TO ONE 2/1


# 11 GENTS LITTLE LADY 8/1


# 8 CONNIE LEE 9/2


I favor BELONG TO ONE here. She has a good opportunity in here as handler, Sweere, has very strong win clip with horses going this distance. Overall, has one of the top earnings per start in dirt sprint events in this field. With a nice class fig average of 52, has one of the top class advantages in this group of horses in this race. GENTS LITTLE LADY - Have to look at solely on class, with some of the top class figs of this group. CONNIE LEE - With Delorme in the saddle guiding her, this mare will probably be able to break out sharply in this competition.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Del Mar

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $58000 Class Rating: 106

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MAY 9 ALLOWED 3 LBS. ONE SUCH RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $50,000, IF FOR $45,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS. (NON-STARTERS FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $20,000 OR LESS IN THE LAST 3 STARTS


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 UNUSUAL TASTE 5/1


# 4 SIZZLIN' JOE 5/2


# 2 CHINA PRINCE 3/1


UNUSUAL TASTE has a very strong shot to take this race. Lately Gonzalez has been on fire which may give the edge to this gelding. Gonzalez has one of the top rider ROI's on the grounds, returning to risk takers +22 percent. This conditioner has the strongest ROI in this field with entries racing at this distance and surface. SIZZLIN' JOE - I like the jockey on this gelding - formidable chance to win the outing. Strong average Equibase Speed Figs in turf route races make this horse a key contender. CHINA PRINCE - Reliable average speed figures in turf route races make this racer a solid choice. Ought to go to the front end and could never look back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Valuline at Ruidoso Downs

Today's Most Likely Winner Is at:
Ruidoso Downs, Race 9 (Sunday August 9, 2015)

MONKEYWITHAMUSKET

RUI-9 7.5f DIRT Six Horses
"A" CLM 5,000 3YUP $7,700
P# dd ex p3 p4 t s ML WP TVL

1 MONKEYWITHAMUSKET 3/2 42% 7/5 Strong Favorite icon
5 KEAGAN'S WAY 2/1 20% 4/1
4 R C DILLINGER 6/1 17% 5/1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belterra Park - Race #7 - Post: 4:57pm - Maiden Special - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $9,800 Class Rating: 69

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 SAGITTARS STARS (ML=7/2)
#5 MISS CURLEY D'ORO (ML=10/1)


SAGITTARS STARS - This racer obviously likes the conditions for today's race. Has garnered the highest Equibase speed figure on the turf at the distance/surface. Looking at today's class rating, this horse is up against an easier field than last out at Belterra Park. Workouts are frequent over the past 2 weeks. That's a good sign Murphy must feel good about her chances in this race. Look for this filly to show better right here. Last affair at Belterra Park finishing ninth on a sloppy track is no sign of her true ability. MISS CURLEY D'ORO - The jockey/conditioner tandem of Yaranga and Keller has a strong return on investment together. Looking at today's Equibase class figure, this thoroughbred is encountering an easier field than last out at Belterra Park.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 LADY EMPRESS (ML=5/2), #8 SILVER THUNDER (ML=9/2), #2 RATINA (ML=5/1),

LADY EMPRESS - When examining today's Equibase class figure, she will have to earn a better speed figure than last time out to be competitive in this turf route. SILVER THUNDER - That was merely not a very good showing in the last race. RATINA - Most unsatisfactory speed fig in the last race at Belterra Park at 1 mile. Don't think this questionable contender will improve too much in today's race.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#1 SAGITTARS STARS is the play if we get odds of 7/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Presque Isle Downs - Race #3 - Post: 6:15pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 60

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 MUSTER IN (ML=7/2)
#7 SENDING BLESSINGS (ML=6/1)


MUSTER IN - I like to bet on this handicapping angle, a racer coming back off a strong contest within the last thirty days. Each one of this filly's recent finish positions has been progressively better. Just look at her latest speed rating, 65. That one looks good in this bunch. 58-60-65 are last 3 speed ratings. Improving each time out is something she should do again today. SENDING BLESSINGS - When this jockey and conditioner work together you have to take a look. Peltroche and Gomez have been terrific together. This filly is in fine form, having run a good race on July 20th, finishing first. Filly's last prep was second fastest of the day for the distance. This filly should be at the fitness peak, this far into her form cycle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 IRONY (ML=3/1), #2 IPOLITA (ML=4/1), #1 ABIDE IN ME (ML=5/1),

IRONY - The finish position of third in the last event shows me that this horse may be tailing off. IPOLITA - Speed ratings of 80/54/37 are going the wrong way. The rating last out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's contest. Mark this horse as a likely underpriced contender. ABIDE IN ME - In any race of 6 furlongs, I like to support a contender that has been looking good in sprint affairs of late. Don't think this steed will make a winning move in today's race. That last rating was mediocre when compared with today's Equibase class figure.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #5 MUSTER IN on the nose if you can get odds of 7/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #9 - SARATOGA RACE COURSE - 5:14 PM EASTERN POST


The Alydar Stakes

9.0 FURLONGS DIRT FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#1 BAY OF PLENTY
#3 NECK 'N NECK
#11 MYLUTE
#6 PALACE MALICE

This race honors the "unusual career" of Alydar, who was most famous for finishing a close second to Affirmed in all three races of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, a feat not achieved before or repeated since. With each successive race, Alydar narrowed Affirmed's margin of victory; Affirmed won by 1.5 lengths in the Kentucky Derby, by a neck in the Preakness and by a head in the Belmont Stakes. Alydar has been described as the best horse in the history of Thoroughbred racing never to have won a championship! Here in just the 3rd running of this stakes race, #1 BAY OF PLENTY, a 5-1 shot on top folks, has hit the board in four of his last five outings, including a trio of "Circle Trips" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. #3 NECK 'N NECK, a 15-1 BOMB, qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in his last five outings, hitting the board in three. #11 MYLUTE is 6-1 in the morning line, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in two of his last three outings, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Balmoral: Sunday 8/9 Analysis
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 7 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet (34 - 52 / $126.20): BIG EXPENSE (4th)

Spot Play: FOX VALLEY ANDY (5th)


Race 1

(8) LOCKPORT LEGEND was really sharp last week being used multiple times. (9) LITTLE MISS TORIE has shown a big burst of speed and was the driver's choice. (2) SNEACRET HANOVER filly stayed right with the top choice last week and for a moment looked like she was going by.

Race 2

(5) FOX VALLEY QATAR gelding will offer the biggest price of his career against state bred competition. The 2-year-old champ just needs to stay trotting for a piece. (6) SOUTHERN SPECIAL has shown big ability when he minds his manners; threat. (4) BULLDOG BENJI set a lifetime mark last out and looks to be improving with every start.

Race 3

(5) VITAL TERROR has been racing gamely earning a nice victory against similar last week. (6) SUNSET DREAMER has trouble keeping up on the far turn, but has a knack for kicking it in late. (4) KOSTAS WINE will offer a nice price facing easier.

Race 4

(3) BIG EXPENSE well bred trotter will look to make it three straight to kick off his career. (4) AMAZED went a really nice effort last week just tiring a bit late. (9) FOX VALLEY HARRAH filly has been facing tougher but is a bit inconsistent from week to week.

Race 5

(8) FOX VALLEY ANDY should finally get an honest pace to close into against softer. (7) TIM'S FINALE five-year-old should be sharper in his second start back off a layoff. (5) ALLAMERICAN MOTIVE was the top driver's choice of four and also should be better second start over the track.

Race 6

(1) HALLELUJAH FLIGHT made a break last out bet down as one of the favorites. The pacer should offer value in a wide open race. (2) LEO was the driver's choice and has some potential in his third career start. (3) THE DALI'S LLAMA has been knocking on the door in recent but has lacked stamina late; command a price.

Race 7

(7) FEELNLIKEAROCKSTAR was the driver's choice and is capable of a big effort at this track. (4) LUCKY CRUSADER was a game winner down in class a few weeks ago; threat. (1) FIRST CLASSALLTHWAY gets the best post for capable connections.

Race 8

In a weak field full of question marks, (8) DREAMS OF HER the well bred filly could be primed for a big effort against a suspect bunch. (5) SOUTHERN APPEAL gelding is probably the horse to beat but has been very disappointing in his last few lacking pop late; command a price. (3) EXPLOSIVE POWER three-year-old has a nice pedigree and has room to improve.

Race 9

(6) ROCKNROLL CRYSTAL was never given a chance last week taken back to last given a very chilly drive after racing gamely being used multiple times the week prior. The filly pacer is a major player with a smooth trip. (5) FOX VALLEY PIPA doesn't look the best on paper and has had trouble lagging the gate, however the 4-year-old owns a big brush when timed right. (10) BONJOUR MADAM has yet to win on the year but could offer value underneath in the gimmicks.

Race 10

(7) PEACELOVEPACE will offer a big price and owns some nice wins at this level on the year. The pacing mare does her best racing upfront; fires early. (3) SEEKIN FOR GALMOUR mare could be freshened up after some time off facing much weaker; threat. (2) SHAKEITTOTHEMOON set a lifetime mark last out at Maywood and will be right there with a similar effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Sunday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington Park (3rd) Maggie McSwain, 4-1
(6th) Baltic Star, 7-2


Belterra Park (4th) Eightthehardway, 8-1
(5th) Brett's Boy, 5-1


Canterbury (6th) Polar Plunge, 8-1
(9th) Nora's Song, 8-1


Charles Town (3rd) Golden Joe, 6-1
(6th) Foolish Flower, 5-1


Del Mar (3rd) Dr. Fager's Gal, 3-1
(7th) Surfside Tiara, 3-1


Ellis Park (1st) Brown Eyed Jozi, 5-1
(4th) Battle, 4-1


Emerald Downs (3rd) Sneaking a Kiss, 3-1
(8th) Betrbegone, 4-1


Fort Erie (2nd) Theperfectblossom, 3-1
(3rd) Solar Lady, 6-1


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Mascherato, 6-1
(11th) Zamarata, 5-1


Hastings (2nd) Whippoorwill Song, 10-1
(7th) Richter Red, 3-1


Laurel (7th) Stroke Play, 5-1
(8th) Unbridled Lion, 10-1


Monmouth Park (10th) Angel Code, 7-2
(11th) Formal Summation, 9-2


Mountaineer (1st) Pumpidu, 7-2
(8th) Cobra Katrina, 7-2


Parx Racing (2nd) Lucy's Finale, 6-1
(8th) Nice Surprise, 9-2


Presque Isle Downs (3rd) Muster In, 7-2
(4th) Dirty Betty, 4-1


Santa Rosa (6th) Free Time, 9-2
(9th) Eagle Screams, 6-1


Saratoga (5th) Whitman's Poetry, 7-2
(9th) Souper Lucky, 8-1


Thistledown (2nd) Halo's Thunder, 6-1
(8th) You've Been Played, 4-1


Woodbine (2nd) Layover in Tokyo, 4-1
(7th) Bourbon First, 8-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Red Sox (49-62) at Tigers (54-56)

Game: 3
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 09, 2015 1:08 PM EDT

Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is enjoying himself at Comerica Park this weekend.

Justin Verlander hasn't enjoyed himself there all season.

Ortiz has fared well in the past in this matchup of stars who may be past their prime, as the struggling Verlander seeks his first home win for the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.

It's been mostly a dismal season for these players who have combined for 15 All-Star appearances. Ortiz's .823 OPS is his worst mark in 13 seasons with the Red Sox (49-62) while the Tigers have dropped all five home outings by Verlander (1-4, 5.05 ERA), who is 0-3 with a 7.76 ERA in them.

Ortiz is 4 for 8 with five RBIs in this three-game series with homers in each of the first two contests. He is hitting .400 with 17 RBIs in a seven-game hitting streak versus Detroit, including four homers and 12 RBIs in his last three meetings.

'He's been great. There's power, there's plate coverage and he's able to hit the pitcher's pitches when he needs it,' manager John Farrell said.

In 54 games at Comerica Park, Ortiz has 21 homers - the most by a visiting player.

"Big Papi" may like his chances of continuing his surge since he is hitting .370 with two homers and four doubles off Verlander in the regular season.

The Tigers right-hander has posted a 10.91 ERA in a three-start home slide that is one shy of his worst-ever such stretch set last year. He gave up five runs in seven innings Tuesday in a 5-1 home defeat to Kansas City.

Verlander hasn't walked anyone in three straight outings for the first time.

'I think he's going to have to eliminate a lot of walks, because he can't reach back and throw 98-100 (mph) anymore,' manager Brad Ausmus said. 'That's when location becomes much more important.'

Detroit (54-56) evened this series with Saturday's 7-6 win behind Victor Martinez's go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning. Martinez has connected three times in his last three games.

The Tigers bounced back one game after a dugout scrap between shortstop Jose Iglesias and catcher James McCann was caught on camera.

Boston played without Hanley Ramirez, who was a late scratch from the lineup because of a sore left foot. Ramirez was replaced in left field by Alejandro De Aza.

Koji Uehara was also unavailable after he was drilled on his right arm in Friday's 7-2 victory and will likely not pitch Sunday.

Outfielder Rusney Castillo is 4 for 10 with four runs and three RBIs in this series.

Henry Owens (0-1, 5.40) starts for Boston after giving up three runs over five-plus innings in his major league debut in Tuesday's 13-3 loss at the New York Yankees. The left-hander is taking the place in the rotation of injured former Detroit starter Rick Porcello.

Owens may want to be careful with Iglesias, a .370 hitter versus southpaws.

Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler is hitting .541 with 12 runs scored in his last nine games. Outfielder J.D. Martinez is 4 for 8 in this series with a homer and three RBIs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Blue Jays (60-52) at Yankees (61-48)

Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 09, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

Bold moves at the trade deadline have the Toronto Blue Jays creeping closer to the New York Yankees in the AL East race.

The surging Blue Jays take aim at an eighth straight win and three-game sweep of the first-place Yankees on Sunday with a chance to move within 1 1/2 games of the division lead.

Toronto's hot streak has been fueled by deals for All-Stars David Price and Troy Tulowitzki, both of whom played key roles in Saturday's 6-0 victory. Price yielded three hits over seven innings while Tulowitzki had a solo home run, which followed Justin Smoak's grand slam that snapped a scoreless tie in the sixth.

'Everybody's doing their part. Everybody's being their piece of the puzzle,' said Price, who's given up one run in 15 innings in winning his two starts with Toronto.

The Blue Jays (60-52) have won all 10 games Tulowitzki has started and 10 of 11 overall. They've homered four times while limiting the Yankees to one run in the series and can record their first sweep of New York of at least three games since May 2003.

The Yankees (61-48), who haven't dropped three straight since June 28-30, will call upon Masahiro Tanaka to prevent their first three-game sweep since Texas accomplished the feat at Yankee Stadium from May 22-24.

Tanaka (8-4, 3.84 ERA) has won four consecutive home starts behind an offense that's produced 32 runs in those outings. The right-hander was backed generously in Tuesday's 13-3 rout of Boston in which he allowed three runs in six innings.

Tanaka won all three starts against Toronto last season but allowed four earned runs in four innings of a 6-1 home defeat to the Blue Jays on opening day.

"We need him to step up and pitch a good game, give us an opportunity to win," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.

Edwin Encarnacion had a two-run homer in that April 6 meeting and is 5 for 10 against Tanaka, who's held Jose Bautista and Josh Donaldson to a combined 1 for 16 with six strikeouts.

Encarnacion is batting .400 during an 11-game hitting streak and Donaldson is at .372 with six homers and 14 RBIs over his last 11.

Toronto's 151 home runs rank second in the majors - four ahead of the Yankees - while Tanaka has surrendered six in his last three home outings and 12 in his past eight starts overall.

New York, which has managed 11 hits over the first two games, will attempt to break out against Marco Estrada (9-6, 3.40). The Yankees tagged the right-hander for five runs and eight hits over four innings in his lone start against them, a 6-3 Toronto loss at Rogers Centre on May 5.

Estrada has been solid of late, however, posting a 2.50 ERA in his last nine starts. He gave up three runs over 12 1/3 innings to notch wins over Kansas City on July 30 and Minnesota on Wednesday, though both came at home.

Estrada has gone 3-3 with a 4.17 ERA in eight road starts. He's 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA in eight day appearances, however.

Several Yankees have enjoyed success against Estrada. Mark Teixeira has homered twice in five at-bats, Brian McCann is 6 for 15 and Jacoby Ellsbury 3 for 5. Carlos Beltran is 3 for 15 in the matchup but two of the hits were home runs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (55-55) at Indians (50-59)

Game: 3
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: August 09, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

The Cleveland Indians' previously stagnant offense has woken up against the Minnesota Twins.

Another big output could be on the way in Sunday's series finale at Progressive Field with a depleted bullpen backing up the home run-friendly Phil Hughes.

The Indians (50-59) had averaged 2.7 runs over 14 games immediately preceding this three-game series. They woke up for 14 hits in a 10-9 loss Friday, then had a season-high 19 in a 17-4 victory Saturday, their most runs since scoring as many June 9, 2014, at Texas.

"Today was a real good, fun, productive day for us," manager Terry Francona said.

Jerry Sands delivered a pinch-hit grand slam in the fifth, one of three innings in which Cleveland scored at least four runs. Jose Ramirez, who continues to fill in at second base for the injured Jason Kipnis, was a home run shy of a cycle with a career-best three RBIs.

Michael Brantley and Abraham Almonte - called up from Triple-A Columbus earlier in the day - combined for seven hits. Brantley is batting .415 with 12 RBIs in his last 13 meetings with the Twins.

Cleveland is hitting .407 while scoring 34 runs in the last three matchups with Minnesota (55-55), which is trying to avoid falling below .500 for the first time since it was 11-12 through May 1.

The Twins have used 11 relievers over the last four games, combining to allow 15 runs over 20 1-3 innings. Outfielder Shane Robinson pitched Saturday's eighth inning.

"I tried to go as long as I could without going to a position player," manager Paul Molitor said. "But I had to get Robinson in just to get us off the field."

An exasperated bullpen could be an issue after Hughes (10-7, 4.14 ERA) was unable to pitch deep into his last two starts. He gave up two homers each against Seattle and Toronto, failing to get through six innings either time after doing so in 13 of his previous 15 outings.

Hughes' 27 homers allowed are the most in the majors, and his 1.72 per nine innings marks the highest rate of his career - a year after he limited opponents to a personal-low 0.69. This is the sixth time he's surrendered multiple home runs in back-to-back starts, but he has never done so in three straight.

"I was missing over the plate a lot with my cutter and my fastball," Hughes said after serving homers up to Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki in a 3-1 loss at Toronto on Tuesday.

He has allowed exactly four runs in three straight meetings with Cleveland, splitting two this year while yielding one homer in each.

Corey Kluber (6-12, 3.60) has sandwiched a complete game July 29 against Kansas City with a couple of shaky starts, unraveling late in both. He gave up six runs over seven-plus innings July 24 against the Chicago White Sox, with four runs coming in the eighth. In Monday's 5-4 defeat against the Los Angeles Angels, all five runs during his 5 2-3 innings came in the fifth and sixth.

"Corey started out good," manager Terry Francona said. "It just seemed like about the fifth inning, they started stringing some hits together and he was having a hard time putting guys away."

Kluber is 2-1 with a 2.59 ERA while striking out 37 over 31 1-3 innings in his last four against Minnesota.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (59-51) at Rays (55-56)

Game: 3
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: August 09, 2015 1:10 PM EDT

The New York Mets have baseball's best record in day games at 24-10.

Bartolo Colon has started in one-quarter of those victories.

He'll look to improve to 7-0 in day starts Sunday and help the first-place Mets capture a three-game road series when he matches up with the Tampa Bay Rays' Chris Archer.

New York (59-51) apparently excels in natural light, though this contest will of course be indoors at Tropicana Field. The Mets have captured six straight Sunday games since a 1-0 loss at Atlanta on June 21.

Colon (10-10, 4.72 ERA) has posted a 4.03 ERA in winning six day starts. The streak he no longer has to worry about was a career high-tying six-game losing streak after he allowed one run in eight innings in Monday's 12-1 rout at Miami.

"That's a big outing for Bartolo because we need him," manager Terry Collins said. "If you're going to stay in the race you've got to get outings and innings from all of your pitchers."

Colon has baseball's third-best strikeout-to-walk ratio at 7.00.

The veteran right-hander hasn't faced the Rays (55-56) since 2012, going 0-4 with a 6.00 ERA in his last seven starts against them. Grady Sizemore is a .188 hitter in this matchup, Asdrubal Cabrera is 1 for 14 and Evan Longoria is 4 for 11 with two doubles.

Cabrera is batting .525 in an 11-game hitting streak with a career-best six consecutive multihit efforts. Longoria is batting .455 over an eight-game streak for Tampa Bay, which ended New York's seven-game win streak with Saturday's 5-4 victory. The Mets' NL East lead was cut to 1 1/2 games over Washington.

Archer (10-8, 2.54) will face New York for the first time though he has experience against Mets newcomers Yoenis Cespedes (2 for 6 against him) and Kelly Johnson (1 for 4).

The right-hander went 0-4 with a 3.96 ERA in a six-start span before he was charged with two runs in seven innings with seven strikeouts to earn Tuesday's 11-3 road win over the Chicago White Sox.

Archer is third in the majors with 10.90 strikeouts per nine innings and also has a 0.99 WHIP for one of baseball's best marks.

Curtis Granderson, who is 0 for 3 off Archer, notched his second multihomer effort of the season Saturday as the Mets blew a 3-0 lead and fell to 2-5 on the road in interleague play.

Juan Uribe was 0 for 4, dropping the average of New York's designated hitters to .143 to match Colorado for the second-worst mark among NL teams. Granderson will likely serve in that role Sunday.

Sizemore and Kevin Kiermaier each drove in two runs for the Rays, who have won four of six after ending a five-game home slide against the Mets.

Kiermaier suffered a jammed thumb but stayed in the game.

"I'm OK, there's no ligament damage, no breaks or anything like that but it definitely wasn't fun," Kiermaier said.

Curt Casali left after two innings with a head bruise after being hit one inning earlier by a back swing. The catcher was replaced by Rene Rivera.

Mets slugger Lucas Duda was 2 for 4 with two RBIs to raise his average to .340 in a 13-game stretch in which he has nine homers and 17 RBIs.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (46-62) at Nationals (57-52)

Game: 3
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: August 09, 2015 1:35 PM EDT

Max Scherzer doesn't have time to worry about any other team but his own.

Focused on the task at hand, the right-hander tries to help the Washington Nationals earn a needed series victory Sunday against the visiting Colorado Rockies.

Washington (57-52) is 1 1/2 games behind the first-place New York Mets in the NL East and four out of the final wild-card spot, but as far as Scherzer (11-8, 2.31 ERA) is concerned, it's too early to get caught up in the standings.

"I really focus on what we do," he told MLB's official website. "If we get late in September and we scoreboard-watch, that's fine. But right now, it's not the time for it."

Scherzer is 1-0 in his last two starts and allowed all three runs in those contests Tuesday while striking out nine and walking three on 114 pitches in six innings to not factor in the decision of a 5-4 win over Arizona. Scherzer, who ranks third in the majors with 181 strikeouts, became the first pitcher to record 1,500 while in a Nationals uniform.

"It's a really cool milestone," he said. "It's performance and durability. We keep seeing guys go down with shoulder injuries, elbow injuries. I've been fortunate to stay away from that and be durable and make 30-plus starts. It's the reason I've been able to get to this milestone at this point and time."

Facing the Rockies (46-62) for the first time since 2012, Scherzer tries to help Washington build on Saturday's 6-1 victory that evened this three-game set. Stephen Strasburg came off the disabled list to allow that one run while striking out 12 over seven innings and Ryan Zimmerman had two hits with two RBIs for the Nationals, who have won three of the last five since dropping four in a row.

Zimmerman is batting .353 with seven RBIs in the last six games, and .373 with 12 RBIs in his last 17 at home against Colorado.

Nolan Arenado is 4 for 7 in the series after recording his 27th home run Saturday for one of the three hits by the Rockies, who couldn't capitalize on Friday's comeback 5-4 victory.

"(Strasburg) was in complete control, really,' Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. 'You know he is going to be tough to score off of. He looked like an elite guy, like he's been.'

Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez went 0 for 3 on Saturday after going 4 for 9 with two homers and seven RBIs in the previous two contests. His only hit in six at-bats against Scherzer left the park.

Yohan Flande (2-1, 3.54) was pushed back to Sunday after he threw a scoreless inning of relief during Wednesday's 7-5, 11-inning victory over Seattle.

"Having the off-day (Thursday) allowed us to rearrange it a little bit," Weiss said. "Give Flande an extra day. He would've been fine throwing on Saturday, but we figured since we have the opportunity to give him an extra day we're going to do it."

Prior to that relief appearance, the left-hander went 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his first two starts of the season. Last year, Flande went 0-1 with a 5.91 ERA in two starts against the Nationals.