Thursday 2/2/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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NBA

Thursday’s games

Lakers lost eight of last ten games, but covered four of last five; they’re 2-5 vs spread in last seven road games. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Washington won its last 15 games (13-1-1 vs spread); they’re 9-0-1 vs spread in last ten games overall. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four home games. Road team won six of last eight Laker-Wizard games; teams split last six series games played here. Three of last four series games stayed under.

Atlanta lost three of last five games; they’re 5-2 in last seven games as a road underdog, 7-3 if they played night before. Rockets are 5-7 in their last 12 games, 2-4 vs spread in their last six home games. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Hawks won their last six games with Houston (5-1 vs spread); three of last four series games played here went over. Atlanta won by 7-6 points in its last two visits to Houston. Hawks won six of last nine games, 2 of last 3 on road.

76ers lost three of last four games, are 10-11 as road underdogs. Last seven Philly games went over the total. San Antonio won 12 of last 15 home games; they’re 10-3 vs spread in last 13 home games. Over is 9-3 in their last 12 games. Spurs won their last ten games with Philly (7-3 vs spread); eight of last nine series games stayed under total. 76ers lost their last five visits to Alamo (1-4 vs spread). Philly won six of last nine games.

Warriors won their last eight games with the Clippers; they beat ‘em by 46 Saturday in Oakland. Golden State won its last four series games in Staples (3-1 vs spread). Six of last nine series games stayed under total. Warriors won four in row, 11 of last 12 games; they’re 13-12 as road favorites. Under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Clippers lost four of last six games, but won six of last seven at home. Last four LA games went over the total.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top 25 roundup: No. 3 Kansas clips No. 2 Baylor
By The Sports Xchange

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- Freshman guard Josh Jackson recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds Wednesday as No. 3 Kansas outlasted No. 2 Baylor 73-68 in Allen Fieldhouse.
The victory boosted the Jayhawks (20-2, 8-1 Big 12) into sole possession of first place at the halfway mark of the conference season.
The Bears (20-2, 7-2) fell to 0-15 all-time at Kansas. Johnathan Motley led a gallant effort by the Bears with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Terry Maston added 14 points and junior guard Manu Lecomte had 16.

Cincinnati 57, Tulsa 55
Troy Caupain capped a game-ending 16-3 run by sinking a jumper with 4.4 seconds left as the 14th-ranked Bearcats dumped the Golden Hurricane in an American Athletic Conference showdown at the Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Okla.
Tulsa (12-9, 6-3) also turned it over on its last possession. Sterling Taplin lost the ball on a drive down the lane, and Kevin Johnson came up with it for the Bearcats just before time expired.
Caupain scored a game-high 15 points for Cincinnati, while Jacob Evans and Kyle Washington each notched 10. Jaleel Wheeler led the Golden Hurricane with 13 points, while Junior Etou and Martins Igbanu added 10 apiece.

UCLA 95, Washington State 79
Behind a career-high 32 points from freshman T.J. Leaf, the No. 11 Bruins ended its two-game losing skid with a victory over the Cougars in a Pac-12 game at Pullman, Wash.
UCLA (20-3, 7-3 Pac-12) was led by Thomas Welsh's 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, Lonzo Ball's 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Aaron Holiday's 13 points.
Washington State (11-11, 4-6) was led by Ike Iroegbu's 20 points, Conor Clifford's 16 points and six rebounds and Josh Hawkinson's 15 points, five rebounds and nine assists.

South Carolina 88, LSU 63
BATON ROUGE, La. -- The No. 19 Gamecocks rolled to a victory over the Tigers in a Southeastern Conference game in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
South Carolina (18-4, 8-1 SEC) kept pace with No. 8 Kentucky atop the standings at the halfway point of the conference schedule. Duane Notice and P.J. Dozier led South Carolina with 17 points apiece, and Sindarius Thornwell and Chris Silva each scored 16.
Brandon Sampson led LSU (9-12, 1-8) with 16 points, and Skylar Mays scored 11 off the bench.

Villanova 66, Providence 57
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Jalen Brunson scored 21 points and Josh Hart scored 17 to pace the No. 4 Wildcats in a win against the Friars at the Dunkin Donuts Center.
Eric Paschall added 12 points for Villanova (21-2, 8-2 Big East), which won their second straight after losing their No. 1 ranking thanks to a 74-72 loss to Marquette on Jan. 24. Villanova won its fourth straight over the Friars.
Alpha Diallo tied a career high with 18 points and leading scorer Rodney Bullock had six points and four fouls as Providence (14-10, 4-7) fell for the third time in four games. The Friars slipped to 1-6 against ranked foes this season.

Florida State 75, Miami 57
CORAL GABLES, Fla. The Seminoles went on a 20-2 run that started in the final minute of the first half and ran over the first seven minutes of the second to record a victory over the Hurricanes in Atlantic Coast Conference basketball.
Fifteenth-ranked Florida State (19-4, 7-3 ACC) was paced by Johnathan Isaac and Dwayne Bacon with 15 points each.
Miami (14-7, 4-5 ACC) was led by Bruce Brown with a game-high 17.

Virginia 71, Virginia Tech 48
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- The No. 9 Cavaliers led for all 40 minutes of a dominant win over the in-state rival Hokies at John Paul Jones Arena.
Virginia (17-4, 7-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) put three players in double figures, led by Devon Hall with 17 points. Isaiah Wilkins added a career-high 15 points and pulled down nine rebounds, while London Perrantes chipped in with 14 points.
Virginia Tech (16-6, 5-5), which struggled to a 35.7 percent shooting clip, got a team-high 14 points from Seth Allen. Zach LeDay added 12. Virginia Tech was held 33 points under its season average.

Purdue 80, Northwestern 59
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Caleb Swanigan had 24 points and 16 rebounds, and the No. 23 Boilermakers defeated the No. 25 Wildcatsin Mackey Arena.
Swanigan had his 13th double-double in his past 14 games before fouling out with 1:26 remaining. Vince Edwards had 17 for Purdue and Dakota Mathias scored 13 on a night when the Boilermakers (17-5, 7-3) made 12 3-pointers against the Big Ten's best 3-point defensive team (30.7 percent).
Northwestern (18-5, 7-3 Big Ten), which had a six-game winning streak snapped, played without leading scorer Scottie Lindsey (15.4 points per game), who did not travel with the team because of an illness. Bryant McIntosh led Northwestern with 22 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pac-12 Snapshot
By Joe Nelson

While UCLA made the early headlines in the Pac-12, they now trail Arizona and Oregon in the Pac-12 in what is shaping up to be a great race in the second half of the conference season. Right now, only four Pac-12 teams look like they are in good shape to make the NCAA Tournament, but two other teams are in the mix and there have been competitive efforts from some of the squads in the bottom half of the league. Here is a look at the teams in the mix for the conference race and postseason berths.

Favorite – Arizona (9-0 S/U, 4-3-2 ATS): Arizona started the season with some turmoil with injuries and the cloudy status of Alonzo Trier. The Wildcats wound up beating Michigan State on the opening game, but that win wound up losing some strength and losses to Butler and Gonzaga left the Wildcats without a top 50 win in the non-conference season. Arizona has delivered nine consecutive wins to start the conference season ahead of next weekend’s big game at Oregon, the lone regular season meeting. Arizona already beat UCLA and USC on the road though they will have late February meetings with those teams at home. The Wildcats won’t have an amazing overall resume when Selection Sunday comes around as to get a #1 seed they might need to run the table. Despite the limited experience, the size and talent on this squad will still make Arizona a contender for a deep March Madness run looking to get to Final Four that will be played in Glendale, Arizona.

Contender – UCLA (6-3 S/U, 2-7 ATS): The Bruins still have the shortest future odds of any Pac-12 team to cut down the nets in early April, but after making big waves in a 13-0 non-conference campaign with a win over Kentucky, the Pac-12 schedule has taken a toll on Steve Alford’s team. This is the most efficient offensive team in the nation, but in allowing 81 points per game in Pac-12 play the offense faces a lot of pressure to post big numbers. Three road wins show that the Bruins can still be a serious contender in this league and in February they will get revenge opportunities against the three teams that they have lost to while closing the conference season with five of the final seven games at home. With six remaining games vs. the bottom of the conference, the Bruins are still in good shape to post a strong league record and be in the mix for the title if Arizona and Oregon slip.

Overachiever – Oregon (8-1 S/U, 8-1 ATS): After winning the regular season and tournament titles in the Pac-12 last season, Oregon earned a somewhat controversial #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Ducks held their own, but were bounced in the regional final for a 31-7 season. Expectations remained high this season with a great returning roster, but a 2-2 start raised serious questions. Oregon responded with a long winning streak that was just snapped last weekend with a loss at Colorado, the first S/U or ATS loss for the Ducks in conference play. Oregon did beat UCLA at home by two points while also narrowly winning at Utah, but a bumpy path may be ahead in the first half of February, drawing Arizona, UCLA, USC, and Utah in succession. Next week’s game with Arizona in Eugene might look like the conference title game, but in reality, the Ducks could have a few more losses coming as they close the season with five of the final seven on the road. This might be a team that falls short of last season’s championship run though it should still be a fine season and the Ducks will have the potential to win a few games in March.

Sleeper – Utah (6-3 S/U, 6-2-1 ATS): There looks like a clear separation between Utah and the top three teams in the Pac-12 standings and the Utes would also trail USC and perhaps California in NCAA Tournament consideration for the moment, likely on the wrong side of the bubble with a lack of quality wins despite a 15-6 overall record. At 6-3 in conference play, Utah won’t play Arizona or UCLA again and the road game at Oregon looks like the only extremely difficult remaining game in conference play. An 8-1 run the rest of the way looks possible and while 14-4 might not be enough to take the league title it isn’t completely out of the question with the teams at the top set for upcoming head-to-head matchups. Utah’s home win over USC is the best on its resume as there are no top 50 wins for the Utes who played a very light non-conference schedule. A bad loss to San Francisco will also hamper the profile, but Larry Krystkowiak has led Utah to back-to-back 13-5 Pac-12 seasons and despite this looking like a step-back season overall, that mark is pretty realistic and would likely be enough to get the Utes back into the Big Dance.

Enigma – USC (5-4 S/U, 3-6 ATS): After the great run in March 2013 taking Florida Gulf Coast to the Sweet 16 as a #15 seed, Andy Enfield endured two challenging seasons at USC before a solid 21-win season last year brought the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament. This year’s team is on pace to fly past last season’s record, but major questions are there for a really young team that went 13-0 with some close calls against marginal competition in the non-conference season. The win over SMU at home is all that stood out on the resume until last week’s huge home win over rival UCLA. That brought USC to 5-4 in Pac-12 play and gave the team just its fifth top 100 win. The Trojans will be favored to win the next three games before facing Oregon, UCLA, and Arizona in succession as a late season slide is possible for this squad. The win count is likely going to be strong and those two top 25 caliber wins should be enough to get the Trojans into the NCAA Tournament, but it just isn’t clear how good this team is given that two Pac-12 road losses came by 23 and 22 points and the two other Pac-12 losses came at home.

Bubble Team – California (6-3 S/U, 4-5 ATS): Last season, the Bears were upset as a #4 seed in the NCAA Tournament by Hawai’i for a sour finish to an up-and-down season for a very talented team. This year’s team could compile a similar overall record but a dearth of quality wins will leave the Bears potentially sweating on Selection Sunday. California has played a fairly high quality schedule, but they just haven’t won any of the big games outside of a narrow one-point win at USC, one of just three wins away from home all season long. The 6-3 Pac-12 mark includes losses to the top three teams in the league, but the Bears are going to have to play Arizona and Oregon again as well as playing Utah and Colorado twice each for a rather difficult remaining conference schedule that will also include five of the final seven games on the road. The defensive numbers are excellent and with potential NBA lottery pick Ivan Rabb plus a possible next level prospect in senior Jabari Bird the potential is there for the Bears, but unless they come up with a big upset over Arizona or Oregon, the margin of error will be very small for this squad the rest of the way.

Dark Horse – Colorado (2-7 S/U, 2-6-1 ATS): The Buffaloes are not a threat to win the Pac-12 title, but they are a team well outside the NCAA Tournament radar right now that could make a strong late season run to have a chance at inclusion. An uneven 10-3 non-conference campaign featured quality wins over Texas and Xavier before starting 0-7 in Pac-12 play. Colorado had to play five of the first seven games on the road in league play and the home games were difficult games vs. UCLA and USC. Colorado got a huge win last weekend over Oregon and while they face the Ducks on the road in a few weeks, they don’t have to play UCLA, USC, or Arizona the rest of the way. Ultimately back-to-back overtime losses to Washington and Washington State probably sealed the fate of the Buffaloes, but this is a team that is a lot stronger than the record shows and one of the most experienced squads in the conference has a chance to make some late season noise with a favorable remaining schedule.

Pac-12 Notes: Arizona (9-0) and Oregon (8-1) meet up next weekend for the first time with the winner considered to be in the driver’s seat in the Pac-12 race. Not since 2003-04 has a Pac-12 champion finished as good as 17-1 and 10 of the last 12 seasons, the champion finished with at least three conference losses. On the other end of the spectrum, 0-9 Oregon State is in danger of being the first team to fail to win a conference game in Pac-12 play since the Beavers went 0-18 in 2007-08. None of the nine losses for Oregon State have come by fewer than seven points and the remaining schedule is difficult with next week’s home game with Arizona State likely the best remaining opportunity for a squad that made the NCAA Tournament last season but has been hindered by injuries to two key players this season.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Missouri Tigers (5-15) at Florida Gators (16-5)

Date: February 02, 2017 7:00 PM EDT

Florida just won back-to-back road games by an average of 33.5 points and appears primed to add another convincing win to the ledger.

That is because the No. 24 Gators host woeful Missouri on Thursday in an SEC game.

The Tigers (5-15, 0-8) have dropped 12 consecutive games since defeating Miami (Ohio) on Dec. 6. They also have lost 13 straight in the SEC dating to last season.

But those two things might not even be the worst streak attached to the program.

Consider this: Missouri has lost 30 straight road games since beating Arkansas 75-71 on Jan. 28, 2014.

The program has never won a road game under third-year coach Kim Anderson and attempts to end that dubious fact against a suddenly hot Florida squad.

The Gators (16-5, 6-2) rolled over LSU and Oklahoma on their two-game road swing and seem to have righted themselves after back-to-back losses to South Carolina and Vanderbilt.

Yet a Saturday home showdown looms against eighth-ranked Kentucky and that worries Florida coach Mike White.

He is intent on making sure none of the players peek past Thursday and start anticipating the much more important affair.

"They are not going to overlook Thursday or they are going to be sitting by me," White told reporters. "We're going to find five guys that are really excited to play Missouri.

"We're not good enough period, and even if we were, it wouldn't matter. ... If I hear Kentucky from one of our players, they may not play. We are preparing for Missouri."

That said, sophomore center Kevarrius Hayes admits he has thought about Kentucky. Just not a lot.

The player who established career highs with 20 points and nine rebounds in Saturday's rout of Oklahoma thinks worrying about his own team is the best route.

"It's mostly focusing on us, making sure we stay true to ourselves, keep doing what we're doing, don't change anything depending on whether it's the worst team or the best team we're playing against," Hayes said. "Just play the way we know how and everything will work out."

Things worked out really well as the Gators averaged 95 points in their last two outings.

Sophomore guard KeVaughn Allen leads the squad with a 13.6 scoring average despite a recent dip in production that has seen him score 11 or fewer points in five of the past six games.

Senior backup guard Canyon Barry (12.6) and junior forward Devin Robinson (12.0) also average in double digits for the Gators.

Sophomore forward Kevin Puryear (11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds) and junior forward Jordan Barnett (11.5 points, 6.6) rebounds lead Missouri.

Senior forward Russell Woods (8.2 points) has upped his play of late and had a career-best 18 points to go along with eight rebounds in Saturday's 63-53 loss to South Carolina.

Woods feels some of those Missouri streaks are on the verge of ending.

"I think we are very close at times in the game," Woods said. "I believe the whole team plays hard. We never try to give up. We believe in each other each every game, every practice. So I believe each game that we are right there."

Florida has won four of the previous six meetings, including last season's 82-72 victory at Missouri.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Arizona Wildcats (20-2) at Oregon State Beavers (4-18)

Date: February 02, 2017 9:00 PM EDT

No game could be more lopsided than Thursday's matchup pitting No. 5 Arizona at Oregon State, according to the Pac-12 standings.

The Wildcats (20-2, 9-0) are undefeated at the halfway mark of conference play for the first time since 1998. The Beavers (4-18, 0-9) are at the opposite end of the standings and will still be without sophomore standout Tres Tinkle (wrist) when the teams meet in Corvallis, Ore.

Arizona moved from seventh to fifth in The Associated Press poll after a chaotic week in the top 10, although the Wildcats played two closer-than-expected games in a home sweep of Washington State and Washington.

"We earned the right to win both games," Arizona coach Sean Miller said. "We made good plays when we need to. We did do some good things. I'm not going to spin it and act like death is among us. ...

"It's very difficult to be very good every game."

For Arizona, more optimism comes from having guard Allonzo Trier, who missed the first 19 games of the season because of an NCAA suspension following a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.

Trier is averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in three games, and he has 14 assists with just two turnovers. Trier had only 31 assists in 27 games last season, when he averaged 14.8 points as a freshman.

"I'm really happy with him," Miller said.

"Missing 19 games is an odd thing. But he's really embraced a number of the things that we fully expected him to do as far back as October. That is, he's a much better ball-handler and passer. He sees the court a lot better. He plays with his teammates a lot easier."

Trier has been coming off the bench, but he's still averaging 28.3 minutes and could soon return to the starting lineup, Miller said.

The combination of Trier and 7-foot freshman Lauri Markkanen is a potent scoring punch. Markkanen is averaging 16.8 points and is one of the top 3-point shooters in the country, making 50.5 percent (54 of 107).

The Wildcats have plenty of balance after that. Other double-digit scorers are center Dusan Ristic (11.9), guard Kobi Simmons (11.8), wing Rawle Alkins (11.7) and guard Kadeem Allen (10.1).

Arizona struggled against Washington's active 2-3 zone in a 77-66 victory on Sunday and is likely to see plenty of that defense from Oregon State.

The Beavers typically play at a slow pace and are the lowest-scoring team in the league at 64.5 points per game. Tinkle averaged 20.2 points through six games before being sidelined by injury. There is no timetable for his return.

"Still no updates," Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle, Tres' father, said Tuesday. "He's not going to play this weekend. That's where it is."

Oregon State does have some firepower in guard Stephen Thompson III, coming off a career-high 30-point game at Utah. The sophomore is averaging 17.1 points per game.

Sophomore post Drew Eubanks is averaging 14.9 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Beavers, who will be trying to stop Arizona's 14-game winning streak.

"The best is yet to come," Miller said. "As our team and (Trier) play together more, it will be more seamless moving forward."

This is the only meeting of the regular season between the teams.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Saint Mary's Gaels (19-2) at Pacific Tigers (8-15)

Date: February 02, 2017 11:00 PM EDT

A hot-shooting Saint Mary's team will try to stay within striking distance of No. 1 Gonzaga when the 18th-ranked Gaels travel to Pacific for a West Coast Conference game on Thursday at Spanos Center in Stockton, Calif.

Saint Mary's (19-2, 9-1 WCC) has won four in a row since losing to Gonzaga, which leads the Gaels by one game in the WCC standings. The Gaels are off to their best start since winning 22 of their first 24 games in 2011-12, when Matthew Dellavedova led them to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Pacific (8-15, 2-8) has lost five in a row and eight of its last 10. The Tigers are led by first-year coach Damon Stoudamire, the former Arizona standout who was named NBA Rookie of the Year with the Toronto Raptors in 1996.

Saint Mary's opened its current three-game road trip with a 72-59 victory over Santa Clara on Saturday. After playing Pacific, the Gaels will visit San Diego before going home to face Portland, Gonzaga and Loyola Marymount.

Jock Landale posted his ninth double-double of the season in the win over Santa Clara with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Emmett Naar added 15 points and nine rebounds.

"Jock was really good offensively," Saint Mary's coach Randy Bennett said. "He was great -- put us in a position to win."

Saint Mary's shot a sizzling 57.1 percent from the field and made 8 of 16 from 3-point range. The Gaels also had 18 assists on 24 made baskets and accumulated a 31-20 rebounding advantage.

The sharp-shooting continued a trend for Saint Mary's. The Gaels shot 56.9 percent from the field in an 85-65 victory over Pepperdine on Jan. 21 and 57.4 percent in a 66-46 victory over USF on Jan. 26.

"We played well tonight," Bennett said after the win over Santa Clara. "Played well against USF and played well against Pepperdine. I think we are getting better."

Pacific is coming off an 81-60 loss to USF on Saturday. Ray Bowles posted 19 points and six rebounds for the Tigers. Anthony Townes had 11 points and seven rebounds. T.J. Wallace added 10 points.

The Tigers shot just 37.3 percent from the field. They were 12 of 19 at the free-throw line.

"We missed a lot of easy shots," Stoudamire said. "I think that we have an identity. When we are a good team, we're balanced (and) that's inside-out. When we can't hit our outside shots, it looks like it looks tonight. We just have to keep plugging away."

The Tigers struggled badly from 3-point range against USF. They made just 4 of 18 from beyond the arc.

"We're confident shooting from 3," Bowles said. "Just tonight they weren't falling. I hit one, but I think we had some good looks. We try to get the ball inside and play inside-out.

"We're a better team when we do that instead of just playing on the perimeter. It puts pressure on the defense when we go inside and look for the kick-outs."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Gonzaga Bulldogs (22-0) at BYU Cougars (16-7)

Date: February 02, 2017 11:00 PM EDT

BYU will host a top-ranked team for the first time in school history when Gonzaga visits on Thursday, setting up the possibility for the Cougars' greatest victory at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah.

The Cougars have also not defeated a No. 1-ranked opponent in four attempts, the last against North Carolina in 2007.

Gonzaga (22-0, 10-0 West Coast Conference) is also chasing history attempting to break the school record of 22 consecutive victories. The Bulldogs are presently tied with the 2014-15 team with the longest winning streak.

"They're really good," BYU coach Dave Rose said of Gonzaga, coached by Mark Few. "I think our guys are really excited to play them. It's probably as deep and complete of a team Mark's had for a while.

"His guards are really aggressive and strong and he's got four inside guys who can really score around the basket. They play fast, they play hard and aggressive. It's a good team. We look forward to playing them and see how we match up, see where we are."

BYU (16-7, 7-3) is 12-1 at home this season and the atmosphere at the 18,987-seat Marriott Center will be something Gonzaga has not seen this season. Many of the Bulldogs' road games in the WCC are in smaller arenas.

Students have camped out in tents since Monday to get seats.

Few is confident of his team's chances primarily because of its experience -- with each starter with at least three years of college experience -- and the way they have bonded despite three transfers being among their top players.

Junior guard Nigel Williams-Goss, formerly of Washington, leads the Bulldogs at 14.8 points per game. Johnathon Williams, a forward who transferred from Missouri, is averaging 9.6 points and 5.5 rebounds a game. California graduate transfer Jordan Mathews averages 10.5 points a game and is shooting 39.2 percent from 3-point range.

"We've had a lot of teams that were close, but the way this team came together, has functioned together so quickly, is impressive," Few said. "They've done a wonderful job of sharing, and really embracing the balance we have, which isn't easy to do. Being selfish is kind of one of those traits that all humans have."

Gonzaga now has the added pressure of upholding its top-ranked status, only the second time in program history that has occurred.

"It's something to celebrate for a little while, but it's only February," reserve guard Silas Melson said of the ranking. "Our goal is to be No. 1 in April, not in February."

BYU's starting lineup, by contrast, has two freshmen and two sophomores along with senior forward L.J. Rose. Three of the starters -- guards Nick Emery and T.J. Haws and forward Eric Mika -- are from the same high school (Lone Peak) in Alpine, Utah.

Emery and Haws combine for 27.6 points and 6.0 assists per game. Haws, a freshman, is shooting 39.5 percent from 3-point range. Emery owns the BYU record for consecutive games with a made 3-pointer at 32.

The young BYU lineup must contend with a dominant Gonzaga team that has played 11 straight halves without trailing their opponent. The Bulldogs have not trailed in the last 224 minutes and 31 seconds.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Arizona State Sun Devils (10-12) at Oregon Ducks (19-3)

Date: February 02, 2017 11:00 PM EDT

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon has not had to bounce back from a loss in more than seven weeks.

The 13th-ranked Ducks set the school record with 17 straight wins before losing 74-65 at Colorado on Saturday.

"Honestly, I think we needed to lose a game," junior forward Jordan Bell said. "We had been kind of sloppy and we got away with it. At Utah, we started off bad and ended bad and we got away with it."

Oregon (19-3, 8-1) will look to avoid a losing streak when it hosts Arizona State (10-12, 3-6) Thursday night at Matthew Knight Arena.

The Ducks are one game back of fifth-ranked Arizona (20-2, 9-0) in the Pac-12 with the Wildcats coming to town Saturday.

"Halfway through conference and we still control our own destiny," UO coach Dana Altman said. "We have to keep moving forward and worry about ourselves."

Oregon's last two losses have come against unranked teams, Georgetown and Colorado.

"We just know that was a wake-up call," Boucher said. "Now we have to focus on winning the league and show what we are capable of doing. We can't have days off as we did in Colorado. It was good for us to realize that we can't slip up because we have people coming for us every time."

Oregon's leading scorer, Dillon Brooks, had a rough game against Colorado when he had six points. He is averaging 13.4 points per game.

Boucher has come off the bench recently after Brooks moved back into the starting line-up after returning from offseason foot surgery. Boucher is averaging 12.8 points and 6.9 rebounds while leading the Ducks with 2.8 blocks per game.

Sophomore guard Tyler Dorsey scored in double digits in back-to-back games to fall to 12.2 points per game while senior guard Dylan Ennis averages 11.5 points per game.

Bell leads Oregon with 7.5 rebounds while scoring a career-high 11 points per game to give Oregon five players in double figures.

After hosting ASU, the Ducks have back-to-back games against ranked teams in Arizona and UCLA.

"This is a difficult part of our schedule," said Altman, noting that Oregon plays five of its final nine conference games on the road. "To finish strong, we have to play well and get better."

Arizona State opened conference play at 2-1 before losing five of its last six games. The Sun Devils are coming off a 91-83 home loss to Washington State when they were outscored 54-43 in the second half.

"It came down to second half, our transition defense was bad and it has been bad in other games," ASU coach Bobby Hurley said. "This was a tough loss in terms of where we were and the progress that we made. This loss is going to sting."

The Sun Devils are second in the conference by averaging 81.7 points per game, but rank last in defense by allowing 83.7 points.

Guard Torian Graham and Tra Holder rank second and third in the conference with 18.7 and 17.7 points per game, respectively. Guard Shannon Evans II is 12th in the conference with 15.4 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Trends to Watch - Thursday

Florida Force

Florida welcomes struggling Missouri to the O'Connell Center looking to keep pace in the SEC race. The Tigers haven't tasted victory in nearly a month, but they continue to play hard. The Tigers gave No. 20 South Carolina all they could handle in Saturday's 10-point loss. Mizzou is an impressive 8-3 ATS in the past 11 road games, and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 as a road underdog. The Gators are 8-3 ATS in their past 11 as a home favorite, and 16-5 ATS in the past 21 overall as a favorite. Defense has been a hallmark for the Gators team all season, and they have yet to allow a team to reach its season scoring average in regulation this season. The 'under' is 4-1 in the past five meetings in this series.

West is Best

Gonzaga puts its No. 1 ranking on the line when they travel to Provo to take on Brigham Young. It's a tricky spot for the Bulldogs, and bettors are feeling that. The line opened at 11 1/2, and quickly was bet down to 8 1/2. The public is on BYU despite the fact the Bulldogs are 22-5 ATS in their past 27 games overall, and 21-5 ATS in their past 26 games as a favorite. They are also 7-1 ATS in their past eight games as a road favorite. Gonzaga is also 20-7 ATS in their past 27 against teams with a winning overall record, and 19-7 ATS in their past 26 league outings.

The West Coast Conference's other ranked team, St. Mary's (Calif.) is also in action, traveling to Pacific as 16-point favorites. The Gaels are 5-2 ATS in their past seven road outings, and 39-19-2 ATS in their past 60 as a road favorite. However, they're 0-4-1 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing overall record, mainly due to inflated lines such as Thursday's 16-point mark. Pacific has struggled mightily, however, going 3-8 ATS in their past 11 league games, and 0-7 ATS in their past seven at home. The road team has covered five of the past seven in this series, too.

Pac Men

Arizona hopes to stay hot at Oregon State. The Wildcats have covered six in a row on the road, and they're 5-1 ATS in their past six as a road favorite. However, they're just 1-3-2 ATS in their past six as a favorite. The Beavers are 4-1 ATS in their past five home outings, and they're 18-7-1 ATS in their past 26 as a home underdog. The Wildcats have had their troubles in Corvallis, however, going 0-6 ATS in their past six trips. The home team is 20-7 ATS in the past 27 in this series.

Oregon looks to get untracked after a road loss at Colorado last time out. That loss snapped a 17-game winning streak, and an eight-game cover streak in the process. That's bad news for Arizona State, who is just 3-7-1 ATS in their past 11 games on the road. The Sun Devils are also 6-16-2 ATS in their past 24 as an underdog, too.

A pair of 15-6 clubs hook up in Berkeley when California hosts Utah. Cal is just 1-4 ATS in their past five overall, and 2-9-1 ATS in their past 12 games against teams with a winning percentage over .600. The Utes are an impressive 5-0-1 ATS in their past six road games, and 13-4-1 ATS in their past 18 conference games. Utah is also 5-1-1 ATS in their past seven against teams with an overall winning mark. The Bears are favored by three points as of Thursday morning.

Colorado and Stanford look to keep their postseason hopes alive. Both teams have 10 losses already, but can still make the NIT or NCAA Tournament if they can get hot. It all starts Thursday in Palo Alto. The Buffaloes improved their resume' with a nice win against Oregon last time out, but they cannot afford any additional setbacks. Colorado is 1-5-1 ATS in their past seven on the road, and 2-9-1 ATS in their past 12 overall. For Stanford, they're just 2-6 ATS in their past eight home games, but they're 6-2 ATS in their past eight home games agaisnt a team with a losing road record.

U-S-A...U-S-A...U-S-A

Florida Atlantic heads to Charlotte looking for a second straight road win. The Owls are 3-1 ATS in their past four overall, they're 6-1 ATS in their past seven road outings and the 'over' has cashed in three straight. The 49ers are 4-9 ATS in their past 13 overall, although they're 12-3-1 ATS in their past 16 as a home favorite.

Florida International looks to rebound after a loss to FAU, traveling to Old Dominion. The Golden Panthers are just 3-7 ATS in their past 10 overall, but they're 5-1 ATS in their past six away from South Florida. The Monarchs have struggled against the number, going 1-4 ATS in their past five overall, 1-4 ATS in their past five at home and 0-5 ATS in their past five as a favorite.

Louisiana Tech is heavily favored, and rightly so. They're 5-1 ATS in their past six as a favorite, and they're 7-2 ATS in their past nine home games. They will host a Western Kentucky team which has been struggling, going 1-6 ATS in their past seven overall. The Hilltoppers are also 4-9-1 ATS in their past 14 road games, and 0-5 ATS in their past five against teams with a winning overall mark.

Middle Tennessee aims for their 20th victory of the season at Texas-San Antonio. The Blue Raiders have covered seven of the past eight on the road, and they're 10-2 ATS in their past 12 league contests. While the Roadrunners are 4-1 ATS in their past five at home, they're 1-5 ATS in their past six as an underdog and 0-4 ATS in their past four league games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAB

Thursday’s games

Wm & Mary won its last three games, scoring 95.3 pts/game; Tribe is 5-0 at home in CAA, 2-2 as a home favorite, winning by 3-1-24-18-23 points. Northeastern lost four of last five games, is 0-2 as a road underdog- they lost last three road games, by 7-7-5 points. Huskies whacked Wm & Mary 84-64 in first meeting Dec 31; they were up 24 at the half. Tribe is 5-3 in last eight series games, winning last last three played here, by 14-16-18 points. CAA home favorites of 5 or less points are 7-4 against the spread.

NC-Wilmington won its last eight games with Charleston; they beat Cougars 65-59 on road in first meeting Jan 19, in brickfest where teams were combined 10-45 on arc. Charleston lost its last three visits here, by 2-13-10 points. Seahawks had 9-game win streak snapped in last game; they’re 2-2 as home favorite, winning home tilts by 16-24-8-13 points. Charleston is 4-1 on CAA road, losing by 6 at Towson; they’re 0-2 as a CAA underdog this season. CAA home favorites of 7+ points are 11-4 vs spread.

Michigan State lost three of last four games, losing last three on foreign soil by 9-5-7 points; Spartans are 3-2 in games with spread of 4 or less points. Nebraska snapped 5-game skid in last game; they’re 2-2 at home in Big 14, beating Iowa/Purdue, losing to Northwestern/Ohio State. Huskers won their last three games with Michigan State by 9-1-2 points; Spartans won two of last three visits here- road team is 4-3 in series games. Big 14 home teams are 7-9 vs spread in games with spread of 2 or less points.

Louisiana Tech lost its last two games; they’re 3-2 at home, 3-1 as home favorite, winning by 20-10-24 on its home floor, with losses to UAB/UTSA. Western Kentucky won its last couple games,* but lost last three road games, by 18-15-14 points. WKU is 0-3 vs spread as a road underdog. Home side won both Western Kentucky-Louisiana Tech games in C-USA; Hilltoppers lost 69-56 in last visit here, in 2015. Tech is forcing turnovers 21.5% of time in C-USA games. Double digit favorites are 10-8 vs spread in C-USA games, 7-6 at home.

Utah won three of last four games, is 3-1 on Pac-12 road, winning last three away games by 6-41-22 points- they’re 1-1-1 as a Pac-12 dog. Cal Bears won five of last six games; they’re 2-3 as a home favorite, with home wins by 16-10-4-11 points and a 67-62 loss to Arizona. Utah won four of last six games with California, but they lost three of last four visits here. Utes beat Cal 82-78 in Pac-12 tourney LY. Utes are shooting 59.3% inside arc in conference games. Pac-12 favorites of 3 or less points are 1-6 vs spread this season.

Santa Clara is on road for first time in 19 days; they’re 2-2 on WCC road, beating San Diego/Portland by 2-14 points, losing at BYU/LMU. Broncos won their last three games with Portland by 7-6-28 points; they pounded the Pilots 70-42 in first meeting Jan 5; Broncos made 14-32 on arc in that game. Portland lost its last eight games; their PG is out for the year; Pilots are 1-2-1 as a home underdog, losing home games by 19-41-1-16 points. Santa Clara won three of last four visits here. WCC road favorites of 6 or less points are 2-3-3 vs spread this season.

San Diego won 69-62 at Loyola Marymount two weeks ago, despite a -11 turnover ratio (18-7); teams split last eight series games. Lions lost last four visits to the Slim Gym, by 8-7-9-8 points- they were 11-26 on foul line in game at USD. Toreros are 1-3 at home in WCC, losing by 2-17-3 points with win over BYU. LMU lost three of last four games; they’re 1-4 on WCC road, 2-1 as a road dog, with losses by 1-38-1-8 points. Three of LMU’s five WCC road games were decided by a single point. WCC favorites of 3 or less points are 2-4-2 vs spread.

Gonzaga is 8-2 vs spread in WCC games, 4-1 as a road favorite, winning by 20-15-9-31-47 points on foreign soil. Gonzaga is 10-3 in last 13 games with BYU, with two of three losses at Gonzaga; Zags beat BYU in 4 of last 5 WCC tourneys- they’re 3-1 in last four visits to Provo, winning by 5-7-3 points. BYU won three of last four games, is 5-0 at home in WCC; their WCC losses are by 13 at St Mary’s, 8 at Santa Clara. Cougars get to foul line a lot; can they do it here? WCC road favorites of 8+ points are 8-2 vs spread this season.

Oregon was 8-0 vs spread in Pac-12 until they lost at Colorado Saturday; Ducks are 4-0 as a home favorite, winning home games by 2-23-42-23-17 points. Arizona State lost five of its last six games; they’re 2-2-1 as a road underdog, losing away games by 16-16-22-3 points, with a win at Stanford. Oregon won four in row, seven of last eight games with ASU; Sun Devils lost last four visits to Eugene by 9-3-7-3 points. Ducks force turnovers 22% of time in league, but ASU is good at protecting the ball. Pac-12 home favorites of 15+ points are 3-7 vs spread.

Cal-Davis won its last three games, is 2-1 on Big West road, with wins by 3-6 points and loss at Riverside. Aggies are 1-2 as Big West favorites; underdogs covered five of their last six games. Cal Poly is 0-3 at home in league, losing by 13-22-6 points; they’re 2-3 as a Big West dog, but did win at first-place Cal-Irvine last week. Davis won six of last seven games with Cal Poly, winning two of last three visits here. Davis won first meeting this year 68-64 at home Jan 7. Big West road favorites are 2-4 vs spread this season.

Colorado won couple home games LW after an 0-7 start in Pac-12; they’ve lost road games by 16-1-9-2-2 points, losing last two road games in OT. Buffs are 1-2 as a road underdog. Stanford lost its last two games, scoring 53.5 pts/game; Cardinal is 2-2 at home in Pac-12, beating both Washington schools by 30-7 points, losing to the Arizona schools by 5-39. Colorado won its last six games with Stanford, winning last three visits here, by 2-1-3 points. Pac-12 favorites of 3 or less points are 1-6 against the spread this season.

NC-Greensboro lost its last two games, is 0-4 vs spread in its last four; they’re 3-1 on SoCon road, 1-1 as a road underdog, with only road loss by 19 at Wofford. Chattanooga lost its last two games, is 1-4 as a home favorite, winning by 11-16-10-4 points, with loss to VMI as a 20-point favorite. UNCG beat Chattanooga 73-68 in first meeting Jan 2, after being down 12 late in first half; teams split last six series games. Spartans won three of last five visits here, winning 79-64 here LY. Single digit home favorites are 5-8-2 vs spread in SoCon games this season.

Belmont is 9-0 in OVC, covering five of last six games; they’re 5-1 as road favorites, with wins on foreign soil by 5-16-6-13-13-17 points. Murray State lost two of last three games; they’re 2-0 as an OVC underdog this year. Racers are 3-1 at home in OVC, with only loss to SE Missouri State as an 8.5-point favorite. Bruins won four of last five games with Murray State; home side won all five regular season meetings in OVC play- they lost by 5-15 points in two visits here. Four of six meetings were decided by 5 or less points.

Thursday’s tips
Happy Ground Hog Day.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

It turns out Arrogate ran even faster than most of us thought in his victory in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) last Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

After earning Beyer Speed Figures of 122 in his Travers (G1) win and a 120 in his Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) victory, he earned a 116 in the Pegasus.

He stopped the timer for the nine furlongs in 1:47.61.

Clocker Bruno DeJulio hand timed the race in 1:46.87 and 1:46.91 in two attempts, and the fine folks at TimeformUS came up with a time within .04 seconds.

Andy Beyer has updated the speed figure to 119 and TImeformUS upgraded Arrogate’s number from 134 to 139.

Why is this important?

Because it shows that even in the year 2017 the horse racing industry cannot even time their races correctly, meaning we as horseplayers are not getting accurate information when we wager our money.

There have been other races at Gulfstream Park at this meeting where the times have been questionable, and it has happened at other racetracks as well.

This would not be tolerated in any other sport, and it shouldn’t be happening in ours.

Andy Beyer said it best yesterday when he was quoted in The Daily Racing Form: “Bettors can’t play this game without reliable data.”

Don’t hold your breath waiting for changes to come soon.


Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 OClm $25,000SAL (12:35 ET)
#6 A Square to Spare 3-1
#7 Ventina 2-1
#3 Prove Me 7-2
#1 Beautyofaday 9-2

Analysis: A Square to Spare dueled for the early lead and tired to finish sixth last out against $35,000 starter optional claimers in her first start against winners. She was a good looking maiden winner two back at GP West going a mile, taking the field gate to wire wand winning going away by nearly 10 lengths. There is some other speed ion here but this gal is going to bounce back with a better effort tin this spot.

Ventina stalked the early pace and finished evenly in a fourth-place finish last out at this level. Two back in her first start against winners she was a solid second. She broke her maiden over the turf here at a mile in her debut. She is the logical one to beat here but our top pick is going to offer a bit more value for the top spot.

Wagering
WIN: #6 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 6,7 / 1,3,6,7
TRI: 6,7 / 1,3,6,7 / 1,3,4,6,7

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

GP Race 8 Md Sp Wt (4:02 ET)
#5 Travis County 7-2
#9 Sympatico 10-1
#8 Mutazen 2-1
#3 Tiz a Curve 8-1

Analysis: Travis County stalked the early pace while saving ground and finished evenly in a fourth-place finish last out in his first start off nearly a six-month layoff. The gelding was making his first start on turf after coming up short four times last year on dirt, missing in a photo two back at Belmont Park. The $850,000 Keeneland purchase is by Tapit out of a Giant's Causeway mare that has dropped two dirt winners, top earner stakes winner Cassaat ($714,733).

Sympatico makes his debut for the Nicks barn that is 18% winners with first time starters. The gelding is by Scat Daddy out of the stakes winner Senza Paura ($150,141) who has dropped seven winners including three turf winners. Decent looking works on the morning tab and debuts with lasix.

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

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 Art Bijou 12-1
R4: #2 Been Waiting 8-1
R7: #5 Kenitra 8-1
R8: #9 Sympatico 10-1
R8: #3 Tiz a Curve 8-1
R9: #4 Amaluna 8-1
R9: #7 Realistic 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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

Race 5 - Post: 1:45 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 71 - Purse:$3800 - ALL AGES W/O 2 BUT NOT MORE THAN 4 PM
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 5 LONE VALLEY SAM 5/1
# 4 CALIBUR STAR 5/2
# 2 CANTAB THE MAN 6/1

LONE VALLEY SAM looks respectable to best this grouping. Can't forget this contender, especially in exotics. Pace numbers put him in the mix in this contest. CALIBUR STAR - Has really good speed figures and definitely has to be considered for a play for this race. Deserves a shot given the positive win clip he sports. CANTAB THE MAN - Not many folks know, but the 2 post here at Monticello Raceway has been stellar for a well above average win statistic. This fine animal looks very good. Check out the 71 avg TrackMaster Speed Rating.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Woodbine

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

Race 1 - Post: 7:30 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$10000 - CLAIMING HANDICAP $12,000 TO $15,000. ALLOWANCES FOR AGE & SEX. ENTER IN MULTIPLES OF $1,000.
CONSORTIUM*CHOICES

# 7 ALACRITY 6/1
# 6 MOONBEAM HALL 10/1
# 8 ELDORADO OF GOLD S 3/1

ALACRITY is the clear stand out wager in the eyes of the group. Could provide us a victory based on formidable recent speed figs - earning an avg of 80. Surely the class of the field with an average rating of 82. A nice play. MOONBEAM HALL - More wins than the expected average have been recorded by harness racers lining up behind the 6 hole at Woodbine. Going to post sharply, achieved a bang-up TrackMaster Speed Rating in his last race (79). ELDORADO OF GOLD S - Could be the most respectable in the group here, showing formidable figures of late. Average speed is a solid 80. He has really good class figures, averaging 85. Worth considering for a bet in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Delta Downs

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


Race 6 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16000 Class Rating: 70

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. FOUR YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, IF FOR $12,500, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 8 ROMANTIC STROLL 8/1

# 2 RED FERN DOLL 7/2

# 9 GARLIC 9/2

ROMANTIC STROLL looks quite good to best this group of horses particularly if the morning line of 8/1 holds. Batista has recent ROI figs which make this one a good wager. Strong average Equibase Speed Figs in dirt route races make this animal a definite contender. Has some positive angles which make this one a bet. RED FERN DOLL - Daniels has this filly running well and is a very good selection based on the very good speed figures posted in route races as of late. With a nice class figure average of 87, has one of the best class advantages in this group of horses. GARLIC - Could beat this group given the 67 Equibase Speed Figure put up in her last outing. Is worth careful consideration and may be a bet - strong Equibase speed figs (55 average) at today's distance and surface lately.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Santa Anita

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


Race 8 - Stakes - 12.0f on the Turf. Purse: $75000 Class Rating: 109

ASTRA II S. - FOR FILLIES AND MARES, FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. FREE NOMINATIONS CLOSE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 WITH 14. $1,500 SUPPLEMENTARY NOMINATIONS DUE AT TIME OF ENTRY. $300 ADDITIONAL TO START WITH $75,000 ADDED. THE ADDED MONIES AND ALL FEES TO BE DIVIDED 60% TO THE WINNER, 20% TO SECOND, 12% TO THIRD, 6% TO FOURTH AND 2% TO FIFTH. 124 LBS.


RECOMMENDED*CHOICES


# 6 RYANS CHARM 3/1

# 2 DRESSED TO A T 12/1

# 5 FRENZIFIED (GB) 4/1

I've got to go with RYANS CHARM. Could provide positive returns based on very strong recent speed figures with an average of 99. Has ran very well in turf route races. Had one of the strongest Speed Figures of this field in her last race. DRESSED TO A T - Could beat this field given the 108 speed figure garnered in her last outing. This mare has to be given consideration just off the earnings per start in turf route races alone. FRENZIFIED (GB) - Has been racing well in races of this distance, going 4 out of 11 under similar conditions. The average class fig of 99 makes this horse tough to beat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Penn National - Race #8 - Post: 9:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,500 Class Rating: 55

Rating:

#6 PATSY TIME (ML=8/5)
#5 EYE CONTACT (ML=3/1)


PATSY TIME - Such a solid closer. She'll try her best to catch the pace and pass them on the way to the wire. Rodriguez drops her down to this level. You don't need too much more handicapping data to think this thoroughbred is in a good spot at this level. The last time she tried this distance she got a fig good enough to win this event. Rodriguez brings her right back. I advocate you stick with this strong mare. EYE CONTACT - Look for this filly to run better right here. Last clash at Penn National finishing fourth on a sloppy track is no sign of her true talent. Stretching a thoroughbred out to a route after two sprints is a classic conditioning maneuver. While the finish was disappointing, this thoroughbred made a good stretch move in the last race at Penn National. Will most certainly do better in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 GOLDHUNT (ML=7/2), #4 HOOF HOOF AWAY (ML=8/1), #2 CROSS MY HEART (ML=8/1),

GOLDHUNT - Didn't close any ground whatsoever on December 27th. Hard to wager on today at the expected odds. Not likely that the speed figure she earned on December 27th will be enough in this clash. HOOF HOOF AWAY - Difficult to play at 8/1 odds after the last two outings. CROSS MY HEART - Recent declining speed ratings of 44/37/26 give a clue that this equine may be going off form.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Have to go with #6 PATSY TIME on the win end if we get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Oaklawn Park - Race #2 - Post: 1:57pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,500 Class Rating: 77

Rating:

#7 COUNTON CLAIRE (ML=8/1)
#4 CHICKEN NOODLE (ML=10/1)


COUNTON CLAIRE - Van Berg tried her against the boys last time out. This should be a good spot. Was in a $16,000 Claiming race at Churchill Downs last out. That event had a class number of 82 and she is moving down in this event. A certain serious competitor. CHICKEN NOODLE - This filly's last fig garnered on Dec 30th is in the top spot in last race speed figs.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 SPERLING (ML=5/2), #8 APPLIQUE (ML=7/2), #6 MOCHA CHIP (ML=5/1),

SPERLING - I usually try to beat these types of favorites off the long layoff. This filly earned a speed figure in her last race which probably isn't good enough in today's event. MOCHA CHIP - Didn't finish in the money on November 28th at Mahoning Valley Race Cour. Followed it up with another less than stellar try.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:

#7 COUNTON CLAIRE is going to be the play if we are getting 9/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [4,7]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:

Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Aqueduct

RACE #3 - AQUEDUCT - 1:50 PM

6.0 FURLONGS WINTERIZED INNER DIRT TRACK FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $20,000.00 CLAIMING $40,000.00 PURSE

#2 JULIE D
#1 RECKLESS HUMOR
#5 PICTURE DAY
#6 NATALIE VICTORIA

#2 JULIE D qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," has excellent early speed abilities to compliment for this inner track sprint, is the pace profile leader, and comes off five straight "POWER RUN WINS" in her last five starts. Jockey Angel Arroyo has been in her irons on one previous occasion, posting a win, and is back this afternoon here in Ozone Park for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." #1 RECKLESS HUMOR has hit the board in four of her last five starts, winning twice, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in her 3rd race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Woodbine Harness: Thursday 2/2 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Pick 5: 5,7,8/2,7/8/6,7,8/3,4,5,10 = $14.40

Early Pick 4: 6,7,8/3,4,5,10/1,3,9/2,5 = $72

Late Pick 4: 2,5/1,7,8/4,6,9/4,7,8 = $54

MEET STATS: 100 - 395 / $548.40 BEST BETS: 16 - 36 / $59.70

SPOT PLAYS: 15 - 35 / $59.40

Best Bet: MATTJESTIC TEMPO (3rd)

Spot Play: BLUE FOX (7th)


Race 1

(8) ELDORADO OF GOLD S was one of several claimed horses involved in an early skirmish for the front last week and he paid the price. He retains the leading driver and he should get an easier journey tonight. (5) CHIEVOUS COLE chased a tough repeat winner home last week and had broken equipment. He can be dangerous if he blasts here; using. (7) ALACTRITY fits here and goes for a new barn off the claim; consider. (3) GIRL DRAMA converted a perfect trip last time but she is often out of position at the 3/4 pole; minor share predicted this time.

Race 2

(2) TOP DOLLAR moves into a hot barn and gets an aggressive young driver here. Expect an earlier move this time. (7) HARLEIGH RIDER hasn't won in forever, but he gets McNair back for his second try in a claimer and he gets post relief; beware. (3) LEROYS DREAM is always around the money racing out of town. He can share here. (5) IM THE MAN will be part of the early pace but it's unlikely that he sticks around for more than a smaller share.

Race 3

(8) MATTJESTIC TEMPO roared up to win last week despite having a tough trip behind poor cover. She's razor sharp and the smaller field works to her advantage; a three-peat looms. (1) SR BEACH BABE should be able to leave better here, which puts her in the picture. (6) CASIMIR PARDON ME reversed tactics last week and closed for a slice. A more aggressive steer is likely in the cards. (7) SWEETSHADYSHARK should be near the front early and she can stick around for a slice.

Race 4

(6) KOULTONS ROCKET went a huge trip hung the mile from the outer post at Flamboro the other day. He is clearly in top form, comes back quickly again and will likely be a square price; top call. (7) QUICK FUN N takes a big class drop and must be used in multi-race bets, but he could be overplayed in the win pool. (8) ROCKIN WIZARD qualified well and he certainly classes up to these. Henry staying on likely means he's a 'go'; using. (4) SIERRA MADRE can pass horses late and fill one of the lower exotics slots.

Race 5

(5) I WISH YOU WELL took a shuffle in the Blizzard series but she did come back on for a share. She should be prominent throughout here. (10) MANHATTAN KELLY also exits the Blizzard series and will likely blast and try to control things or sit in the choice's pocket. (4) DANCING SHADOWS K beat easier with a power move in the third quarter. A smaller share is likely this time. (3) BALOO SANDS also steps up off a maiden win and she too can share.

Race 6

(3) DEAR DAD passed a few horses in the back half in his debut for Vanderkemp. Sharp improvement here would be no surprise. (1) ROAD LIGHT broke while making a move last week. She can factor here if she behaves. (9) WAVE CRASHER has some ability and he could take these if he stays flat, but that part could also be dicey. (2) MIGHTY NICKY is worth a look debuting for Henriksen.

Race 7

(2) BLUE FOX showed some late interest last time racing in the Snowshoe series. He should be closer early here and can take these with a well-timed steer. (5) SOUTHWIND MONTY raced big on the rim last time; using. (6) JUST A THOUGHT is always live in the lane but quite often at the mercy of pace and trip. A small share is likely for him. (3) HOME JAMES got nailed late by the chalk last week. He is another that can take this contentious heat.

Race 8

(7) FIRM IT UP takes a big drop here and attracts the leading driver, who has been moving horses up all meet long; top call. (8) SURPRISE HANOVER also drops and he figures to leave hard to get good position. Toss him on your Pick 4 bets. (1) BUCKSHOT KILLEAN was taken by Vanderkemp for himself and he adds Lasix. He can be a threat. (5) LONESOME ATTACK can close in late for a share while dropping in class.

Race 9

(4) BROOKLETSJUSTIFIED was held up to the stretch last week but once free had plenty of pace to get the job done. He should be tough in here facing similar. (6) REBEL VOYAGER continues to race well and is a danger from close range. (9) RED JOHN raced okay vs. the tough Lyons Sands last time and he is worth including in the late Pick 4. (7) FREDDY BEAR was well back of the choice last time but he could take a small slice here.

Race 10

(4) PUSH BACK raced huge last week considering he was pressed every step of the way. He should take these a long way. (8) CHEYENNE FORD got a dream setup last time and rolled by the choice late, but he is sharp as a tack and rates highly regardless. (7) HIGHPOINT CHIP raced well last time considering he was coming off 39-day break; using. (9) HOOSIER DALI can pass many of these late in the mile. (3) I WANNA BE GEARED can take a small share off an inside following trip.

 

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Meadowlands: Thursday 2/2 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF

Race 1 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 3 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Race 6 - $40,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

MEET STATS: 100 - 343 / $521.60 (-$164.40)

BEST BETS: 13 - 28 / $52.60 (-$3.40)

Best Bet: NEVER EVER CLEVER (8th)

Spot Play: ACTION BRAD (9th)


Race 1

I’m going to need a bit of luck to get (10) LIGHTNING STRIKE home from the tough outside post, but the price should be right to roll the dice. Nine-year-old faced traffic last week and clearly had something left. He switches to a more aggressive driver tonight and could be put in play early for a high percentage barn. (8) SAILIN METRO never finished after an issue with broken equipment as the favorite; makes amends? (6) MR BIG LOAD was in a slightly better spot last week, but should remain competitive regardless. (5) IDEALIST comes off a decent mile from a bad post. He looks like a contender but only had one win last year.

Race 2

(8) MAJESTIC SUNSET blew away many of these with an aggressive move by Marohn last Thursday. A similar effort can produce a similar result. (4) BUFF is clearly fast enough to win, but he has made breaks in each of his starts with Ginsburg in the bike. (5) IT’SASWAN moves from NW3 to NW2 and should appreciate the easier company.

Race 3

(8) STONEBRIDGE IDOL comes off a strong effort and should get another clear path to the front tonight. (1) HALL PASS HELEN is in a much better spot from an inside post this week; must use on all multi-race exotic tickets. (9) SNAKE EYES drops down a notch. I guess he could wake up. (4) MICHAEL’S WILD BOY comes off a confidence building win at Freehold and adds Brett Miller.

Race 4

(1) I FOUND MY BEACH comes off a good mile and now picks up Brett Miller. This looks like a brush and crush spot. (5) JOJO JOVE also picks up a new driver. He is fast enough to win. (3) MAJO JUST DO IT has been finishing up his miles well and only needs a smooth trip to pull off an upset. (6) WHO DO YOU LIKE finished second in his first start for this barn. He’ll be tough if another step forward occurs.

Race 5

(2) MONTALBANO BI kept his act together and absolutely blew away (3) STITCH IN TIME in the late stages. Unless the latter finds more staying power this week or the former breaks, the result should be similar. (8) BIG EXPENSE seems to have the best chance of upsetting the top pair; class-dropper. (6) P L HOUDINI broke for no reason last time; using underneath only.

Race 6

(10) KEYSTONE I WISH made a bold move and just missed last time. Bongiorno sticks here over a horse he won with last week. I’ll do the same. (3) GALARINA charged home last week and is clearly feeling good now. (7) JK PEARLS DELIGHT has won two straight and yet should offer some value in this field. (4) TRY N KEEP UP has raced well in three of her last four starts.

Race 7

(6) MELANIES SHARKETTE is the only mare in the race with consistent form and she can win from on or off the pace. (7) GOINROUNDNCIRCLES improved on the drop to this basement condition last time and seems like the main danger to the top pick. (4) JARNAC can show some early speed and grab a share. (5) SPORTSMUFFLER gets a better post to work with this week.

Race 8

(4) NEVER EVER CLEVER spent the entire mile on the rim and kept finding more in her best effort in months. Jonas Czernyson trainee should prove difficult to beat as the heavy chalk. (10) BAD DAY BLACK ROCK finished with a sharp rally to score last week but gets a negative post move and loses Miller to the top pick. (3) TAC’S DELIGHT didn’t have it last time but certainly can go with this field if feeling good. (7) DETROIT RAPPER should have a say in the race but lacks the form to actually consider in the top spot.

Race 9

(3) ACTION BRAD double drops in claiming price for a barn that is having a good meet. I’d be very surprised if this guy didn’t bring a top effort. (7) WHATAGAMBLE has early speed and form. If the top one falters at all, this is the next logical winner. (6) UF FAST FEELIN made an early wide move and flattened last time. Gelding moves into a new barn and could seemingly wake up. (1) BUCKEYE IN CHARGE raced well last time and can get into the exotics.