Thursday 10/8/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros at Royals

GAME: Houston Astros (87-76) at Kansas City Royals (95-67)
DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 08 - 7:30 PM EST
WHERE: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Playoff Series: Divisional Playoff; Series Tied 0-0

The Kansas City Royals begin defense of their American League pennant while the visiting Houston Astros attempt to be this year's surprise postseason force when the AL Division Series opens on Thursday. Kansas City took the wild-card route to the World Series a year ago and now Houston is looking to duplicate the feat after dispatching the New York Yankees in Tuesday's wild-card contest.

The Astros lost an average of 104 games over a four-year span before turning things around this season behind a young group. "I think this team is prepared, I think they’re ready," said closer Luke Gregerson, one of the team's veterans. "I know they’re young, but they showed this ain’t no fluke. This team can play some baseball. We can pitch, we can hit and we’ve got the opportunity to win." The Royals were expected back in the postseason mix and didn't disappoint, and now look to get back to the World Series. "We've been looking forward to this since the end of spring training," manager Ned Yost said. "That's the big change from last year. Last year, we hoped we would be in position to make the playoffs. This year, we knew we were going."

TV: 7:37 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Collin McHugh (19-7, 3.89 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08)

McHugh finished the season strong by winning his last six decisions and has proven to be a quality complement to ace Dallas Keuchel. He won his lone career start against the Royals, firing seven innings of five-hit shutout ball during the 2014 season and was craving the opportunity to start the opener. “To be able to have that chance on Thursday is a real blessing," McHugh told reporters. "It’s going to take some preparation the next couple of days, but I like our chances.”

Ventura has won 27 games over the past two seasons and was tabbed to pitch the opener over struggling Johnny Cueto. "Ventura has been excellent in his last six, seven starts," Yost told reporters. "And we wanted to keep everybody on five days' rest. We thought that would work out best for us." Ventura is 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three career starts against Houston and posted a victory on July 26 when he allowed one run and six hits over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals 1B Eric Hosmer batted .351 with two homers in the 2014 postseason.

2. Houston OF Colby Ramsus homered in the wild-card win over the New York Yankees and has gone deep seven times in his last 13 games.

3. Kansas City RHP Wade Davis was 17-of-18 in save opportunities and will handle the closing duties with Greg Holland out for the season.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Royals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Washington at USC

Washington Huskies at Southern California Trojans (-17, 56)

Steve Sarkisian coaches against his former team for the first time on Thursday when No. 17 USC hosts Washington in Pac-12 play. Sarkisian spent five seasons as coach of the Huskies before departing after the 2013 season and the Huskies replaced him with Chris Petersen, who hotly pursued the Trojans' gig but reportedly was underwhelming during the interview process.

Petersen, who went from Boise State to Washington, is still putting his stamp on the Huskies program during his second season as coach. Freshman quarterback Jake Browning has walked on campus and thrown for 996 yards and five touchdowns in four games as Washington looks toward the future. Sarkisian's goal is reaching the Pac-12 title game and he claims there is nothing special about coaching against the Huskies for the initial time. “I respect those kids a lot," Sarkisian told reporters. "We recruited them and got them to come to Seattle with the best interests at heart to go out and be successful. It’s going to be fun to compete against them. I know they’re going to be ready to go. I wouldn’t expect anything less of them.”

TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPN.

LINE HISTORY: The line hasn't moved from its opening number of USC -17. The total also has held steady at its opening number of 56.

INJURY REPORT:

Washington - DB B. Baker (questionable Thursday, ankle), CB A. Joyner (out for season, knee), WR J. Ross (out for season, knee).

USC - DT A. Woods (probable Thursday, shoulder), CB K. Seymour (probable Thursday, knee), WR J. Smith (probable Thursday, personal), DT C. Pelon (questionable Thursday, ankle), G K. Rodgers (questionable Thursday, personal), WR D. Rogers (doubtful Thursday, hamstring).

WEATHER REPORT: It should be a beautiful night for football at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It is expected to be a clear night with temperatures in the low 80's at gametime, with a very slight two mile per hour wind blowing towards the East endzone.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "Cody Kessler has thrown for 1297 yards with 15 TDs and just one pick. He's having a Heisman caliber season, and the Trojans are still a contender after a big road win over the Sun Devils." - Jesse Schule.

ABOUT WASHINGTON (2-2, 0-1 Pac-12): The Huskies have been stellar on defense and lead the Pac-12 in scoring defense (15.8), total defense (321.0 yards per game) and rushing defense (104.5). Junior cornerback Kevin King has a team-high three interceptions and sophomore linebacker Azeem Victor has a team-best 38 tackles. Freshman running back Myles Gaskin (209 yards) and junior Dwayne Washington (138) split the rushing duties while Washington also leads the Huskies with 17 receptions and 223 receiving yards.

ABOUT USC (3-1, 1-1): Senior quarterback Cody Kessler has been spectacular through four games by completing 73 percent of his passes for 1,297 yards, 15 touchdowns and just one interception. Freshman Ronald Jones II (242 yards) and senior Tre Madden (213) are the top two rushers while standout sophomore wideout Juju Smith-Schuster has hauled in 27 receptions for 537 yards and six touchdowns. Freshman inside linebacker Cameron Smith has a team-leading 30 tackles while junior outside linebacker Su'a Cravens has 27 tackles -- including four for losses -- and one interception.

TRENDS:

* Under is 5-1-1 in the last seven meetings.
* Home team is 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Washington is 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
* Over is 4-1 in USC's last five home games.

CONSENSUS: The public is almost dead split in this matchup, with 51.47 percent of wagers giving the Trojans a very slight edge.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 6
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Oct. 8

Matchup Skinny Tech Edge

SMU at HOUSTON
Cougs have won and covered five of last six meetings. UH 20-9-1 last 30 on board.

UH, based on series trends.


WASHINGTON at SOUTHERN CAL
Trojans 1-3 vs. line last four as Coliseum Pac-12 chalk. Petersen on 6-2 spread run, and his teams are 27-10 vs. line as visitor since 2008.

Slight to Washington, based on recent trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tech Trends - Week 5
By Bruce Marshall

Thursday, Oct. 8

INDIANAPOLIS at HOUSTON (CBS/NFL Network, 8:30 p.m. ET)
Colts have won-covered 5 straight in series. Texans just 6-12 vs. line at home since 2013 (5-5 for O'Brien). Houston "under" 3-1 in 2015 and 8-3 "under" last 11 since mid 2014. Indy "under" 7-1 last 8 games and 9-2 "under" last 1. Colts 8-3 as road chalk with Luck since 2012 entering season.
Tech Edge: "Under" and Colts, based on "totals" and series trends.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Harrington Raceway

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


Race 3 - Post: 6:04 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$4000 - DELAWARE OWNED OR BRED F & M NW $1,501 LAST 4 STARTS AE: CLAIMING $7,500. HARRINGTON RACE CONDITIONS DRIVERS CHOICES: ALLAN DAVIS 2 OVER 5


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 HARDSCRABBLE TILLY 7/5


# 4 PRAIRIE LEE 8/1


# 6 CRUSHED AGAIN 9/2


If you want a really good play in here, feast your eyes on HARDSCRABBLE TILLY. Worth taking a close look at here based on the ratings in the speed fig department alone. She has nice class statistics, averaging 80. Worth considering for a bet in this contest. This contender achieved a respectable TrackMaster Speed Rating last out. Looks in good shape to come right back. PRAIRIE LEE - Deserves a shot given the positive win percent she sports. Has to be given a look based on the very nice TrackMaster Speed Rating achieved in the last race. CRUSHED AGAIN - This affair could be controlled by this mare. A single look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will confirm that. Been doing work with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 80).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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


Race 7 - Post: 9:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 72 - Purse:$17000 - FILLIES & MARES, 4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2 RACES OR $29,000 LIFETIME.


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 VRAKA HANOVER 3/1


# 9 SPORTS EXPERT 9/2


# 5 MACH MAGIC 7/2


VRAKA HANOVER definitely is tough to overlook as the harness racer to beat in this one. May be the strongest in the bunch here, showing really good figures of late. Avg speed is a solid 79. Surely the class of the pack with an average rating of 77. A nice selection. This horse achieved a formidable speed rating in last race. Looks to be racing sharply to come right back. SPORTS EXPERT - This fine animal achieved a competitive TrackMaster Speed Rating in last race. Looks to be racing sharply to come right back. We can't pass on this filly given one of the most competitive driver-trainer statistics around. MACH MAGIC - The 5 position is on fire here at Woodbine. More wins than is normal. Could be considered in here if only for the very nice TrackMaster Speed Rating recorded in the most recent race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

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


Race 4 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $6020 Class Rating: 73

FOR NATIVE FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 1 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 16 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE AUGUST 16 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 ANTILLANA 5/2


# 6 PURUQUINA 8/5


# 4 ALONDRA GABRIELA 3/1


I've got to go with ANTILLANA. Overall the speed figures of this equine look competitive in this competition. She has a good opportunity for this race as trainer, Martinez, has strong win clip with horses going this distance. Has formidable front speed and will almost certainly fare admirably against this group. PURUQUINA - Earnings per start in dirt route races is formidable for this racer. She has been moving soundly as of late while recording sharp Equibase Speed Figures. ALONDRA GABRIELA - Players should take a good look at this one as this mare has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group of horses in this race. Ran a solid last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Indiana Downs

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 79

FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE APRIL 21, 2015 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 8 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 12 MAGGIE'S BEST 9/2


# 10 WITH REVENGE 3/1


# 7 SPACE ME OUT 20/1


My pick for this event is MAGGIE'S BEST. With Prescott on top him, this gelding ought to be able to break out quickly in this contest. With a nice class fig average of 87, has one of the top class advantages in this group. Has to be given consideration against this group displaying solid figs lately and an average Equibase Speed Fig of 70 under similar conditions. WITH REVENGE - Overall the Speed Figures of this animal look formidable in this contest. Ran a strong last race. SPACE ME OUT - Wagerers should feel comfortable with this pick given Stjulien's recent gains at the window.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Gulfstream Park West - Race #2 - Post: 1:48pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $30,000 Class Rating: 70

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 AFLEET HONEY (ML=6/1)
#5 FABULOUS DREAM (ML=5/1)
#7 MY AUNT LILLY (ML=5/2)


AFLEET HONEY - First-timer has been working over this very track. I think that's a big plus in her favor. That recent bullet 36.4 work shows that this filly is ready for a top performance today. I know the outfit is serious today. The filly gets Lasix for the 1st time. FABULOUS DREAM - Faced tougher in the last race at Gulfstream Park. Based on Equibase class figures, this is a weaker group, so I will put this thoroughbred on my list of contenders in this race. You have to really like that most recent race speed fig, 59, which is the top recent race speed figure of this group. I believe this horse will be right there at the wire. Gets Lasix for the second time, so Garoffalo must have confidence in her. MY AUNT LILLY - Ran last out against a tougher field at Gulfstream Park. The move down in class ranks should suit her well. Zayas and Braddy perform well when they partner up. It's hard to beat a +24 ROI for a rider and conditioner. This horse could be tough in today's race, especially since Zayas rode last out and now should be acquainted with this one. Lots of trouble last time. This time around Zayas should keep her clean so she runs a good race. Forgive the out of the money finish on the off track in the last race. On a fast track, has a fair chance today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 MY BELLE AMIE (ML=3/1), #3 STARSHIP REINA (ML=4/1),

MY BELLE AMIE - Don't think that this filly has value at 3/1 this time. STARSHIP REINA - This racer will likely be way back as this field crosses the wire.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 AFLEET HONEY is the play if we get odds of 7/2 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [5,6,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPER HI 5 WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Meadowlands - Race #6 - Post: 9:30pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 87

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#1 ARTIE'S FLIGHT (ML=8/1)
#2 RIDE THIS TRAIN (ML=7/2)
#5 JUST ACE (ML=5/1)


ARTIE'S FLIGHT - Gorham seems to have this gelding primed for a big effort. His workout pattern is outstanding. This gelding is in excellent form right now. Ran fifth in the last race and comes back promptly. Just missed hitting the board on Sep 7th at Delaware Park. With respectable odds right here, he has my interest. RIDE THIS TRAIN - Comparing how the horses in this field have fared under similar conditions, I see this one has the highest Equibase speed fig for the distance & surface. This gelding garnered a nice speed rating of 89 in his last clash. That speed rating should be lofty enough to win today. 67-77-89 are last 3 speed figures. Improving each time out is something he should do again in this event. JUST ACE - Sacco has this gelding placed in the perfect race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 TREE FIRE (ML=5/2), #12 YEOWZER (ML=3/1), #9 SUNBIO (ML=4/1),

TREE FIRE - This colt finished outside the top 3 on August 30th and wasn't even close in the last race either. This less than sharp equine hasn't been on the track since September 14th. Not even any drills. Horse ran a great fig last time around the track, but that was on the soft turf. YEOWZER - This entrant has been a bummer for the bettors as the favorite time and time again. Don't feel this mount will make an impact in today's race. That last rating was disappointing when compared with today's class rating. SUNBIO - 4/1 is not enough of a value to take on most any entrant that has run poorly in back to back races.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #1 ARTIE'S FLIGHT to win if you can get odds of 3/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,2,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:01 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS DIRT TWO YEAR OLDS MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT $75,000.00 PURSE

#6 PIRELLONE
#3 SEAT OF HONOR
#2 ADD FOUR
#4 PATRICK'S DAY

#6 PIRELLONE qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," is the pace profile leader in this maiden field racing at the mile distance on the dirt, and comes off a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in his "first asking," missing his "diploma" by just a "photographed neck" at the wire in a determined attempt to break his maiden. #3 SEAT OF HONOR, a 5-1 shot, goes to the post with the skills of the Jockey/Trainer tandem of Jose Ortiz and "Shug" McGaughey in his corner ... they've hit the board with 52% of their entries saddled as a team to date.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Thursday 10/8 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

20-CENT (15% Takeout) Pick 5: 7/6,7/3,6,7,9/2,4,7,8/2,3 = $12.80

EARLY PICK 4: 2,4,7,8/2,3/2,7,10/4,9 = $48

LATE PICK 4: 4,9/2,4,8/1,2/2,3,4,8,10 = $60

MEET STATS: 10 - 42 / 59.10 BEST BETS: 1 - 4 / $4.60

SPOT PLAYS: 2 - 4 / 25.10

Best Bet: TOTALLY DREAMY (1st)

Spot Play: VRAKA HANOVER (7th)


Race 1

(7) TOTALLY DREAMY took no prisoners last week while winning at a nice price. Back in the same class he could be odds-on here but will be tough to beat. (3) NEEDLECREST fired early from the 10-hole and paid the price when the choice hung him out. He could do much better here with an expected easier trip. (5) SOAKING UP THE SUN chased the choice home in vain last time in 2nd and needs to find more late to get close to that one.

Race 2

(6) MYLTTLESTARSHINE was driven aggressively last time and produced an easy win. She gets a good starting slot here and is a good bet to repeat. (7) E L LOVE broke before the start in the Buckette on Jugette day and is obviously highly thought of. She needs to prove it, however. (3) TORTOLA SUNRISE gets post relief here and could share despite missing time.

Race 3

(7) MAJESTIC DIVA made a big first-over move last week but couldn't sustain it late. That improved effort should lead a good result here. (9) ULITTLERIPPER raced decently in his first two then broke on a half-mile oval. She should be a player here back on the big track. (3) SPIRIT SQUAD had late trot to offer last week which hints at better things to come. She's usable on pick 5 tickets here.

Race 4

(7) THIS DAY FORWARD closed ground in an accelerating final 1/4 last time in her best effort to date. She may have found a field she can handle here. (2) NAUGHTY LADY B fired off quick final quarters two and three starts back then broke last time. She has a shot here and should be a square price. (8) LAY LADY LAY showed a bit of improvement 2nd time out and is another with a chance in a wide-open dash.

Race 5

(3) MUSCLES FOR LIFE has really stepped up his game the past month, powering home faster each time. He will have to contend with (2) DEEP IMPACT, who has faced better but the former may be up to it and gets a slight nod here. (9) CHESTNUT SCHOFIELD came up with his best effort to date last out and should be passing many of these late.

Race 6

(2) C L ART MAGIC was an impressive winner in his first start on the circuit and should double up here, albeit at a puny price. (7) ANARCHY HANOVER made his move as the pace was accelerating last time and still did well to be third; in with a chance. (10) GERRIES SPORT wasn't far back in the Grassroots Final and will make his presence felt here - even starting from out there.

Race 7

(4) VRAKA HANOVER gets into this non-winners of two on earnings having already won three times. She should get an aggressive steer here and contend throughout. (9) SPORTS EXPERT is another that has won three times and is best on paper but the post may be enough to get her beat. (Note: 3rd choice COTTONWOOD CREEK was scratched.)

Race 8

(2) LOOKSLIKEACHPNDALE takes a big class plunge here and should take these if right. The break followed by almost a month off are a bit concerning, however. (8) GRANA PADANNO won easily in this class last Thursday here and the outer post is no issue for him. (4) CAULFIELD has been rounding back to his best form recently and isn't without a chance here.

Race 9

(2) DAYLIGHT RUSH has faced better in most of his starts and should handle this group. (1) BLAYDE HANOVER also faced some good ones this summer and should go better here starting from the inside. (10) TWIN B MACHNIVEN is capable of big early speed and could threaten here back facing maidens.

Race 10

(10) PUT YOUR BAD ON won two back first time in a new barn then was a decent third to a sharp winner. She could take this group down the road. (8) SHES LIGHTS OUT was 2nd to a strong winner and finished fast. She should be right there vs. these. (4) DOUBLE OLIVES was in sharp form before breaking last time. She could better this prediction. (3) CAMPS BAY beat maidens last time thanks in part to a very slow third 1/4. These are tougher. (2) MACHMETER exits the Grassroots series and should get a piece of this.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 10/8 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 202 - 963 / $1,418.50 BEST BETS: 23 - 80 / $106.00

Best Bet: ART FOR ARTS SAKE (8th)

Spot Play: NASSAU COUNTY (11th)


Race 1

(2) HIGHLAND ROCKSTAR is 1 for 25 this year but the good news is she moves down in class and gets post relief; poised to bounce back to winning form. (7) LITTLE MERMAID N Quite fast pacing mare got the job done last out down the road; big threat again despite the tough draw. (3) SOOKIE raced well in her last try; could have a say with these.

Race 2

(2) BIG BAD BOSSMAN has scored in his last two trips to the post; stays in same level and goes for sharp trainer; another huge effort in on the horizon. (4) TREND SPOTTER gelding flashed good speed in his latest; could contend with a favorable trip. (3) SODYS MOONSHINE might have been used up in the early stages last time out but that was against better stock; beware.

Race 3

(4) BAD GIRL VEGAS gets a cozy slot to work with; with a fine-timed drive from Dube, she can take this group to task for all the cash. (1) MACH THIS WAY Sharp in victory at Harrington last time around; moves to the rail so she must be considered. (7) NATY just missed the score by only a neck last week; exotics factor.

Race 4

(4) PITA put in three sharp efforts in a row so you have to think she is fit and ready to boss these. (3) DEREK DELIGHT took the pocket route home to a easy victory last out; big threat again. (1) MY CAROLINE Very consistent mare has hit the board in her last six tries; not out of this from the pole position.

Race 5

(6) JUST SAYIN raced evenly last time out and showed good speed; if she can revert to her September 10th trip where she rallied strongly for the placing, it could be game over for the rest; we shall see. (1) GET THE LOOK gets the best of the draw and has every right to contend with this group. (2) MADDIE D moves back to the 2-hole where she had some early zip two starts ago; beware.

Race 6

(1) ROCKIN JIMMY Gelding put in a late rally to miss the score by a length and three quarters; now he moves to the fence and he could take this with a favorable trip. (8) WORLD PEACE Very sharp in his last three starts; post hurts but he is very capable. (3) UPFRONT LORNE Closing bid in his last two starts makes him a serious player with these; watch out.

Race 7

(3) MAGIC MANNY was up against it from the 8-hole last week; returns inside with speed to boot; he has every right to take this group down the road. (5) OK GALAHAD charged home down the lane to get the job done recently; should be right square in the mix. (4) HALL OF TERROR Even finish last out; has been picking up checks so he must be considered in the exotics.

Race 8

(2) ART FOR ARTS SAKE has good tactical speed; last out he was very wide and that might have hurt his chances; good to see Brennan with the assignment; ready to mow these down at his best. (6) COOL LIKE THAT had nothing in his latest so he now drops a notch in class; could have a say. (4) BLADE SEELSTER showed good speed in his previous outing; could make some noise in deep stretch.

Race 9

(1) GODDESSS ROSA Pacing miss moves to the rail slot and she appears to have the speed over this group and Brennan had other options; with a return to her September 17th trip, the rest might have to settle for place money. (8) DENYITTOTHEEND She seems to tire in the stretch drive but based on her solid form, she's still a big threat in here. (2) NIPPY W HANOVER moves down in class and draws a better post; watch out.

Race 10

Will try (7) NEFERTITI BLUECHIP to put it all together against these; 4-year-old miss has back class and missed the victory two trips ago by only a head. (4) VILLAGE JESSICA Pocono invader got the job done via the pocket last time around; main danger. (1) VICTORIA MAY N Must be considered in the exotics from the fence.

Race 11

(3) NASSAU COUNTY Gelding receives a perfect slot to get back into the winner's circle; figures to rate and score with Brennan at the controls. (2) ALWAYS A DIAMOND flashed good speed in his last try; has every right to move forward; maybe. (5) ROETHBLISSBERGER Leaves the 8-hole and is on the dropdown; took a 40k claimer on September 4th; clearly not ouf of this.

Race 12

(2) ELM GROVE INARUSH Pacing mare has put in three excellent tries in a row; was third best against a little tougher last out so he appears to be ready to get back into the swing of things. (1) CANACO STAR has hit the board in her last three starts; retains the rail slot and she figures to be a major player. (8) GRACE SEELSTER has been in the exacta in her last four trips to the post; big threat despite the tough post.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (2nd) Shadow River, 4-1
(7th) Frisky Magician, 5-1


Belterra Park (2nd) Mize the Big Cat, 9-2
(6th) Amber Sunrise, 6-1


Charles Town (3rd) Ninety Degrees, 7-2
(7th) In Mid Heir, 4-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Caleb's a Survivor, 5-1
(7th) Piscesbymoonlight, 4-1


Gulfstream Park West (2nd) Fabulous Dream, 5-1
(4th) Starship Avenger, 3-1


Indiana Grand (2nd) Sheba's Echo, 9-2
(4th) Twirling Cinnamon, 4-1


Keeneland (1st) So Many Dreams, 5-1
(6th) Calmbeforethestorm, 5-1


Meadowlands (3rd) Breezy My Way, 6-1
(4th) Thomas Hill, 9-2


Penn National (4th) Quality Silver, 3-1
(8th) Battleship Gray, 3-1


Remington Park (5th) Harlan's Hope, 4-1
(6th) Venus de Milo, 3-1


Santa Anita (4th) Lacey's Rainbow, 6-1
(8th) Reinahermosa, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers (88-74) at Blue Jays (93-69)

Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: October 08, 2015 3:37 PM EDT

TORONTO (AP) For some pitchers trying to stop Josh Donaldson and the rest of the powerful Toronto Blue Jays, it's enough to take their breath away.

'You can't let up,' Texas Rangers closer Shawn Tolleson said a day ahead of Thursday's AL Division Series opener. 'There's no getting past one guy and taking an exhale. Definitely, that poses its challenges. It's not an easy lineup to just pitch around one guy and get to the next.'

Still, in their final series of the regular season, a four-game showdown against the Los Angeles Angels, the Rangers' pitching staff got something of a warm-up for facing the bashing Blue Jays.

'We've tried to do a good job this season about keeping the mindset of never letting up,' Tolleson said. 'We had those same talks when playing Anaheim the other day, pitching to (Mike) Trout and (Albert) Pujols and then you face (C.J.) Cron, who had really hurt us a lot all season long.'

'We talked about how you get Trout and Pujols out and you kind of take an exhale and then, before you know it, Cron hits a double off the wall or a home run. I think that kind of preparation is going to prepare us for this,' he said.

Good practice, for sure, but Toronto's deep lineup will present even tougher challenges, with AL MVP candidate Donaldson followed by sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Catch your breath while you can, because shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and catcher Russell Martin aren't far behind.

'Our lineup is legit,' Donaldson said. 'One through nine, I feel like we have probably the best lineup in baseball.'

Tolleson wasn't about to argue.

'It's probably going to be more challenging than it would be going up against another team,' he said.

Toronto was the only big league team to top 800 runs and outscored the Yankees, baseball's second-most prolific offense, by 127 runs. That's the biggest gap in the major leagues between the No. 1 and 2 offenses since 1953, according to STATS.

Texas finished third in the majors with 751 runs.

Toronto scored double-digit runs 26 times this season, the most since St. Louis and Atlanta in 2003 - the tail end of the Steroids Era.

'The consistency, that's what blows you away,' Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey said. 'Every team probably has five or six games a year where they score 10 runs, but we have an offense that has generated a lot of runs in a lot of games. It's a pretty consistent baseline that you're seeing.'

Besides their big run output, Toronto's also led the major leagues with 232 homers, 852 RBIs and 570 walks.

'That's a great group of hitters,' Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. 'You've got to give them credit, you look at their numbers and what they've done, they speak for themselves.'

Texas opens with right-hander Yovani Gallardo, who beat Toronto twice this season and didn't allow a run in 13 2-3 innings.

'I think we've come up with a good game plan, just being aggressive,' Gallardo said. 'Obviously they have a good lineup, a powerful lineup. With the catchers, we did a good job of making adjustments throughout the game whenever we had to.'

Donaldson said Gallardo has become a different pitcher by improving his fastball command and adding a cutter to his arsenal.

'He's done a pretty good job of evolving himself into more of a complete pitcher,' Donaldson said. 'You have to take advantage of those mistakes that he's going to make, because he's not going to make a whole lot throughout the course of a game.'

Toronto starts left-hander David Price, who went 9-1 with a 2.30 ERA in 11 starts after he was acquired from Detroit on July 30t.

'He throws 98 with a couple of off speed pitches. He hits his spots,' Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder said. 'He doesn't mess around too much. He comes after hitters and he's not afraid of contact. He's a great pitcher, and it's going to be tough.'

Price hasn't pitched since allowing five runs in five innings in a Sept. 26 start against Tampa Bay, an 11-day break between outings.

'If you can get these days off at this point in the season, that's good,' said Price, who threw 220 1-3 innings during the regular season. 'If you can come into the postseason with your body feeling the way I feel right now, that's a plus.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Astros (86-76) at Royals (95-67)

Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: October 08, 2015 7:37 PM EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) When the Houston Astros had recorded the final out in Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, they flooded onto the field in a wild celebration, all their years of losing finally a memory.

It looked a whole lot like the scene in Kansas City a year ago.

Now, the long-suffering Astros will try to accomplish what the once-beleaguered Royals did by building on their wild-card victory over the Yankees. They visit Kansas City to begin a best-of-five AL Division Series against the Royals on Thursday night at Kauffman Stadium.

'It kind of reminds us of us last year,' Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas said after a light workout Wednesday afternoon, 'young and hungry and out there trying to prove to everybody that we deserve to be here.'

The Royals certainly accomplished that 12 months ago.

After ending a 29-year postseason drought, the plucky bunch of youngsters swept all the way to the World Series, where they fell in seven games to the San Francisco Giants. But it was the Royals' dramatic, extra-inning victory over the Oakland Athletics in their AL wild-card game that instilled in them a belief that they could play with anybody in baseball.

Much like Tuesday night in the Bronx seemed to galvanize the young Astros.

They clowned around before the first pitch, then took care of New York when it was time to get serious, before resuming their playful antics with a rousing 30-minute postgame party.

'You know, we did it in a little more dramatic fashion than they did,' Royals manager Ned Yost said of the wild-card win, 'but they played a very solid game, took advantage of mistakes, excellent pitching and defense. Both teams play with a lot of passion and energy.'

In other words, both teams have a whole lot of fun.

'I don't know if anybody else picked up on that, just as a fan watching what they were doing last year,' said the Astros' Collin McHugh, who will start Game 1. 'You can tell they have a fun clubhouse. I think that's probably the closest similarity I can see with our team.'

There are others, though. Both endured long periods of ineptitude, underscored by 100-loss seasons. Both were painstakingly built through the draft. Both clubs put a premium on speed and defense. And both have formidable bullpens and stout rotations, with the Royals sending out hard-throwing Yordano Ventura to face McHugh in the series opener.

The similarities are hardly lost on Astros manager A.J. Hinch, who played for the Royals in the early 2000s, when the organization was in the depths of despair.

'I think both teams sense the opportunity might be there to make a run in October,' Hinch said. 'Certainly, they've been a year or two ahead of us in this, I guess, move to the middle of relevant baseball with their run last year. But both really good clubs.'

Really young clubs, too. The average age of Houston for its wild-card game was 28 years, 343 days. The Royals were an average of 29 years, 51 days on Game 1 of last year's World Series.

'They're a young, energetic team, as we are too,' said Royals outfielder Alex Rios, who is in the postseason for the first time after 1,691 games. 'But they're also a team that has a lot of talent, so we have to go out there and play the same game we've been playing all season.'

The Astros and Royals are not mirror images of each other. Houston pounds home runs at the expense of strikeouts, while the Royals play to contact and grind out runs. The Astros greedily accepts walks while Kansas City swings away, regardless of the count.

Then there is the difference in their ballparks.

Kauffman Stadium is cavernous, the kind of place where home runs anywhere else turn into routine fly balls. Minute Maid Park is a bandbox where pop flies often carry the wall.

Oh, and there's one more difference: The Royals played in the World Series a year ago. It may not be much of an edge in postseason experience, but it's at least something.

'We had a good run last year, but that was last year,' Moustakas said. 'This is a new season now, the best team is going to win. We have to find a way to beat that club.'

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

ALDS Doubleheader Betting Preview: Rangers-Blue Jays, Astros-Royals

Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays (-230, 8.0)

The Toronto Blue Jays play their first postseason game in 22 years when they host the Texas Rangers on Thursday in the opening game of the American League Division Series. Joe Carter's walk-off homer against Philadelphia won the 1993 World Series for the Blue Jays and the franchise hasn't been part of the postseason since that memorable moment.

Texas wasn't forecasted to be playing in October but the club stunningly won the AL West after winning just 67 games in 2014. Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre swung a hot bat over the past two-plus months - .328 with 10 homers and 56 RBIs - and has five career postseason homers. Toronto has an explosive offense but leading AL MVP candidate Josh Donaldson has struggled on the postseason stage with no homers and no RBIs in 43 career at-bats. Ace pitcher David Price starts Game 1 and he has experienced his own postseason issues by going 0-5 with a 4.98 ERA in five starts.

TV: 3:37 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, Sportsnet

LINE HISTORY: The line opened with the Blue Jays as -230 home favorites and has held steady there. The total also hasn't moved off its opening number of 8.0.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (13-11, 3.42 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH David Price (18-5, 2.45)

Gallardo defeated Toronto twice this season and didn't allow a run in 13 2/3 innings - the only victories the Rangers had against the Blue Jays in six meetings. He was 2-2 with a hefty 4.85 ERA in six September starts but his success versus the Blue Jays made him the easy Game 1 call for manager Jeff Banister. "I just go up there and pitch my game," Gallardo said in a press conference. "They know the way I pitch. It seems like I have faced those guys throughout my career. It's not easy."

Price was 9-1 with a 2.30 ERA in 11 starts for the Blue Jays after being acquired from Detroit. He will have 11 days off between starts so the possibility of early inning command issues does exist. Price won each of his final five regular-season starts but is just 3-4 with a 5.15 ERA in 11 career regular-season outings against the Rangers and is 0-3 with a 4.66 ERA in three postseason starts against Texas - the playoff outings coming when he pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays.

TRENDS:

* Rangers are 7-0 in Gallardo's last seven starts versus the AL East.
* Blue Jays are 5-0 in Price's last five starts.
* Under is 8-0-1 in Gallardo's last nine starts during Game 1 of a series.
* Under is 5-1 in Price's last six home starts.


Houston Astros at Kansas City Royals (-137, 7.5)

The Kansas City Royals begin defense of their American League pennant while the visiting Houston Astros attempt to be this year's surprise postseason force when the AL Division Series opens on Thursday. Kansas City took the wild-card route to the World Series a year ago and now Houston is looking to duplicate the feat after dispatching the New York Yankees in Tuesday's wild-card contest.

The Astros lost an average of 104 games over a four-year span before turning things around this season behind a young group. "I think this team is prepared, I think they’re ready," said closer Luke Gregerson, one of the team's veterans. "I know they’re young, but they showed this ain’t no fluke. This team can play some baseball. We can pitch, we can hit and we’ve got the opportunity to win." The Royals were expected back in the postseason mix and didn't disappoint and how look to get back to the World Series. "We've been looking forward to this since the end of spring training," manager Ned Yost said. "That's the big change from last year. Last year, we hoped we would be in position to make the playoffs. This year, we knew we were going."

TV: 7:37 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

LINE HISTORY: The Royals open as -137 home favorites and the total opened at 7.5.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Collin McHugh (19-7, 3.89 ERA) vs. Royals RH Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08)

McHugh finished the season strong by winning his last six decisions and has proven to be a quality complement to ace Dallas Keuchel. He won his lone career start against the Royals, firing seven innings of five-hit shutout ball during the 2014 season and was craving the opportunity to start the opener. “To be able to have that chance on Thursday is a real blessing," McHugh told reporters. "It’s going to take some preparation the next couple of days, but I like our chances.”

Ventura has won 27 games over the past two seasons and was tabbed to pitch the opener over struggling Johnny Cueto. "Ventura has been excellent in his last six, seven starts," Yost told reporters. "And we wanted to keep everybody on five days' rest. We thought that would work out best for us." Ventura is 2-1 with a 3.78 ERA in three career starts against Houston and posted a victory on July 26 when he allowed one run and six hits over seven innings.

TRENDS:

* Astros are 6-1 in McHughs last seven starts.
* Royals are 6-1 in Ventura's last seven home starts.
* Over is 4-0-1 in McHugh's last five road starts versus a team with a winning record.
* Under is 13-2-1 in Ventura's last 16 starts versus the American League West.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Rangers vs Blue Jays
Gallardo is 1-2, 5.59 in his last four starts (under 8-1-1 in last ten).

Price is 5-0, 2.61 in his last five starts (over 3-1 in last four)

Rangers lost six of last eight games with Toronto (under 6-4 last ten); Texas is in the playoffs for first time since losing first AL Wild Card game in 2012- they've won four of last six games overall (over 5-4 in last nine).

Blue Jays are in playoffs for first time since winning '93 World Series; they lost four of last five games, after they clinched AL East-- over is 5-0-1 in their last six games.

Astros vs Royals
McHugh is 3-0, 2.49 in his last three starts (over 4-2-1 in last seven).

Ventura is 3-0, 3.23 in his last five starts (under 3-0 in last three).

Houston won seven of its last nine games to get here; this is Astros' first postseason since 2005. Astros are 7-2 in last nine games with Royals, but lost last two (under is 4-1 in last five). Houston played in Bronx Tuesday and is now here.

Kansas City lost Game 7 of World Series LY, its first playoff appearance since 1985; Royals won last five games overall (under 6-2 in last eight).

AL Wild Card game
Houston @ Bronx
Hst 3-0, even U7

NL Wild Card game
Chicago @ Pittsburgh
Chi 4-0, -$125, U5.5

NLDS
New York @ Los Angeles

NLDS
Chicago @ St Louis

ALDS
Texas @ Toronto

ALDS
Houston @ Kansas City

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'ALDS'

The Blue Jays, open the ALDS against Rangers in Toronto Thursday afternoon with the first pitch scheduled for 3:35 EST. Blue Jays were a sparkling 53-28 at the Rogers Center this season platting 5.56 runs/game with its pitching staff surrendering 3.6 per/contest. Left-hander David Price (18-5, 2.45 ERA) toes toe the rubber for John Gibbons crew in the opener. Since being acquired at the deadline, Price has posted a 9-1 record in eleven starts for Toronto (9-2 TSR) including a win vs. Rangers back in August.

Rangers 45-36 in enemy territory crossing 4.28 runs/game while giving up 4.27 per/contest counter with right-hander Yovani Gallardo carrying a 13-11, 3.42 ERA to the mound. Gallardo enjoyed success vs Toronto this season winning both starts tossing 13 2/3 innings of 6 hit shutout ball.

Series wise, Toronto holds the edge this season winning 4-of-6 outscoring Texas 34-21 and have won 14-of-19 the past three years including 6-3 in front of the friendly crowd at the Rogers Centre.

When handicapping this contest a few additional trends to ponder: - Jays have won 7 of their last 10 at home vs a team with a winning record. Jays were 4-2 opening a series w/Price, 4-0 handing the ball to Price in day games. Rangers are 5-5 L10 away vs a team with a winning record. Rangers were 4-6 opening a series w/Gallardo, 9-8 in the hurlers 17 road starts, 1-2 tossing in road daylight hours.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

TEXAS (88 - 74) at TORONTO (93 - 69) - 4:05 PM

YOVANI GALLARDO (R) vs. DAVID PRICE (L)

Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 93-69 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 49-30 (+16.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TORONTO is 53-28 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TORONTO is 53-28 (+12.6 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf this season.
TORONTO is 72-52 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 48-31 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TORONTO is 24-8 (+14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
PRICE is 24-8 (+11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PRICE is 11-1 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
TEXAS is 88-74 (+29.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 36-23 (+19.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 45-36 (+24.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TEXAS is 21-12 (+15.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
TEXAS is 48-43 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 35-31 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 47-40 (+16.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TEXAS is 45-27 (+30.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
TEXAS is 22-15 (+10.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.
GALLARDO is 11-4 (+10.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
GALLARDO is 10-2 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 4-2 (+1.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)

YOVANI GALLARDO vs. TORONTO since 1997
GALLARDO is 3-0 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.33 and a WHIP of 0.984.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

DAVID PRICE vs. TEXAS since 1997
PRICE is 3-7 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.04 and a WHIP of 1.345.
His team's record is 7-7 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-7. (-1.0 units)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOUSTON (87 - 76) at KANSAS CITY (95 - 67) - 8:05 PM

COLLIN MCHUGH (R) vs. YORDANO VENTURA (R)

There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 4-2 (+1.9 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.9 Units)

COLLIN MCHUGH vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
MCHUGH is 1-0 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

YORDANO VENTURA vs. HOUSTON since 1997
VENTURA is 2-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.380.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)