Thursday 4/30/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NBA

Bucks won last two games by total of 8 points after losing eight of previous nine series games; seven of last nine games went under the total. Bucks only turned ball over 48 times in five games (+31). Chicago cut its turnovers down from 28 to 12 in Game 5, but they were just 4-22 from arc- they have lot of pressure on them-- no team has ever blown 3-0 series lead. Bulls' bench is just 12-40 from floor last two games.

Clippers shot 51.3%, 53.6% from floor in its two series wins- they shot 42.4%, 34.1%, 46.5% in three losses. LA missed 16 foul shots, was 1-16 from arc in 111-107 loss last game; you get feeling they are better team, but they keep getting beat. San Antonio was 16-58 from arc in two losses, 29-73 in three wins. Spurs have solid record at home when they can eliminate opponents; home side lost three of last four series games.

Home favorites are 15-13 in this round, home dogs are 5-4; home teams are 24-13 SU-- over is 17-20.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'WC QuarterFinal'

San Antonio Spurs winning a 111-107 thriller at the Staples Center to take a 3-2 Western Conference Quarterfinal lead have an opportunity to close out the series when they host L.A. Clippers in Alamo City. Duncan and company dominating visitors this season winning 79.1% of their home games by an average 9.6 points/game have been pegged 5.5 point favorites. A few trends to ponder when handicapping this game. Since 2012, Spurs have had success against the betting line hosting Clippers posting a 11-9 ATS mark including 3-1 ATS during playoffs. Spurs have thrived as post season home favorite going 23-16-2 ATS and enter on a 14-8-1 ATS stretch as home chalk after a playoff win. On the other side, Clippers are a money-burning 8-15-2 ATS in Conference Quarterfinals games, 5-11-1 ATS in second season road games, 4-6-1 ATS after a second season loss.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB Preview: Tigers (15-7) at Royals (14-7)

Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: April 30, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Alfredo Simon is off to the best start for a Detroit Tigers pitcher in 27 years and he's making it look easy.

Simon looks to become the AL's first five-game winner Thursday night when the Tigers face the Kansas City Royals for the first time since narrowly beating them out for a division title last year.

Simon (4-0, 1.65 ERA) has settled into his new club rather impressively after coming over from Cincinnati in an offseason trade. He's the first Tiger to win his first four starts of a season since Frank Tanana won five in a row in 1988.

"I don't even look at that," Simon said, "because the ERA and the wins, sometimes you pitch a good game and you don't win. Every time I go out there I just try and do my job, try to win the game."

The right-hander has been outstanding over the last three starts, yielding two runs in 22 innings while pitching into at least the seventh inning in each.

"To be honest with you, I haven't caught anybody like Simon. He's unique," catcher Alex Avila told MLB's official website. "It's like he's playing wiffle ball out there. Nothing will affect him."

That seemed to be the case Saturday, as Simon battled through 111 pitches in 6 2-3 innings but yielded one run in a 4-1 victory over Cleveland.

"He just ... he just doesn't look like he breaks a sweat out there," manager Brad Ausmus said.

Simon hasn't faced the Royals since 2011 with Baltimore.

The Tigers (15-7) enter this four-game set having won four of five after overcoming a four-run deficit to beat Minnesota 10-7 on Wednesday. Nine of their 17 hits went for extra bases - including four homers - with Miguel Cabrera going 3 for 5 with two home runs and four RBIs.

"We're always in a game," said second baseman Ian Kinsler, one of six players with at least two hits. "I think it helps our pitchers that they understand that, that as long as they can keep us close and keep us in the game we've got a chance to win.

Detroit won eight of 10 at Kansas City last season, batting .319 and averaging 6.6 runs. That dominance was a big reason why the Tigers finished one game ahead of the Royals (14-7) for their fourth consecutive Central crown.

Despite that success, Cabrera went 7 for 37 (.189) with 10 RBIs at Kauffman Stadium in 2014.

The Royals open a seven-game homestand trying to improve on their 7-2 record there. They settled for a split of a six-game road trip with Wednesday's 7-5 loss to Cleveland, but they nearly suffered a far greater blow when Alcides Escobar was hit in the head by a Danny Salazar pitch in the fifth.

Escobar suffered a bruised left cheek and had a headache, but didn't go to the hospital or have X-rays. His status for this game is uncertain.

"It hit straight on my helmet, and I was real dizzy when it happened," the shortstop said. "I feel OK, not bad, way better than when I got hit."

Danny Duffy (1-0, 4.15) seeks a fourth consecutive effecting outing for Kansas City. After struggling in his season debut, the left-hander is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his last three starts. He allowed one unearned run over 5 1-3 innings against the Chicago White Sox on Friday and left in line for the win before the Royals lost 3-2.

Duffy is 1-6 with a 3.42 ERA in nine career starts against the Tigers, losing all five decisions over six home meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

The Belmont Park meeting got off to a mediocre start with just two winners on top, but we had some short fields and a rather unappealing betting card. Thursday’s holds a bit more promise.

Friday’s Kentucky Oaks Day Report is now available and we have a good card that features six graded stakes. The marquee event is the $1 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) which drew a full field of 14 along with one also-eligible.

Stellar Wind is the lukewarm 7-2 morning line favorite off her victory in the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) for trainer Bob Baffert. However, I can make a case for six or seven fillies in a very competitive field.

I’m a Chatterbox comes into the Oaks riding a three race winning streak, winning the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) in her last outing. Over the last 20 runnings of the Kentucky Oaks, seven of the winners used the Fair Grounds Oaks as a prep.

The filly is trained by Larry Jones, who has a pair of Kentucky Oaks wins to his credit, with Proud Spell winning in 2008 and Believe You Can in 2012.

Condo Commando is coming off a gate to wire score in the Gazelle (G2) at Aqueduct and Lovely Maria, who is trained by Jones, won the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland in her last start.

All of the stakes on Friday’s card drew strong fields, with 10 going in the $200,000 Eight Belles (G3), 11 entered in the $150,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) and 10 set to go in the $400,000 Alysheba (G2).

Nine fillies and mares were entered in the $300,000 La Troienne (G1) and eight will battle in the $150,000 Edgewood (G3), which is the first stake on the card.

Even the non-stakes drew wide-open fields, with first post set at 10:30am ET.


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

BEL Race 1 Md $20,000 (1:20 ET)
2 Um Boom Ba Bay 4-1
6 Astron 5-2
5 Beatle Boots 3-1
1 Larry Boy 7-2

Analysis: Um Boom Ba Bay checked in sixth last out after a wide trip in his debut for a $40,000 tag and drops a notch in class while adding blinkers here. The Tony D. barn has always been good second out, hitting at a 24% clip with maiden s making their second career start. Expecting to see more out of this guy here with a race under his belt and the extra ground.

Astron was of a step slow and made a good late run to finish in the runner up spot last out as the beaten favorite. The gelding owns solid early and mid pace numbers and with a better break should be right in the mix early in this spot. The Gullo barn is coming off a solid inner track meeting. The gelding gets a jock upgrade to Rosario. He is out of an Editor's Note mare that has dropped five winners.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 2,6 / 2,5,6
TRI: no play

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

BEL Race 7 Alw $62,000N1X (4:26 ET)
4 A P Johnson 5-2
7 Given Fire 2-1
2 Nonnie Connie 5-1
3 Royal Jest 4-1

Analysis: A P Johnson makes her first start since last September for the Rice barn that is 14% winners with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. The filly has a pair of wins on turf, last out beating $25,000 non-winners of two going seven furlongs here. Just three published works on the morning tab, but Rise has been live recently and CVel takes the call.

Given Fire is also coming back off the layoff, last seen in October fading to ninth at this level as the beaten favorite. Two back over yielding footing here the mare set the early fractions and held on until deep stretch, beaten just a neck, which was her first start against winners. She is in good hands with the Lewis barn that is 1 for 10 with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff dating back three years.

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

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.

Belmont Park
R2: #1 Jacob’s Here 10-1
R5: #5 Cleancut Kid 8-1
R6: #2 Mohawk Lily 10-1
R8: #5 Ocean Boulevard 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Miami Valley

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


Race 2 - Post: 6:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 68 - Purse:$4400 - HORSES & GELDINGS N/W 1 PM RACE JE SMITH PICKS 7 OVER 8


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 MUNSTER HILL 4/1


# 6 INDIANA JONES T 5/1


# 2 RAGIN'S FLIGHT 5/1


MUNSTER HILL will have you running to the cashier's window in this race. Can't miss based on speed ratings which have been stellar (65 avg) these days. INDIANA JONES T - This race may be controlled by this gelding. One look at the avgerage speed figure will prove that. Change in medication (with second time Lasix) may be the key to a turnaround in today's race. RAGIN'S FLIGHT - Had one of the most favorable TrackMaster Speed Ratings of the field of starters in his last outing. I'd recommend using in your bets. With Beatty in the sulky, watch out for this race horse to get the win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Yonkers Raceway

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


Race 11 - Post: 10:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 86 - Purse:$16500 - F& M NON-WINNERS OF $8,000 IN LAST 6 STARTS WINNERS OVER $40,000 IN 2015 NOT ELIGIBLE. AE. OPTIONAL CLAIMING ALLOWANCE $20,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 COCOA BEACH 3/1


# 1 CHEYENNE MIRIAM 7/2


# 5 MIKELEH 12/1


If you want a nice play this time, feast your eyes on COCOA BEACH. Good for a win wager just off the amazing prior class figures. Have to like this interesting entrant. Take a long look at making this horse your win wager based on very high win statistic alone. Starters win from this post at Yonkers Raceway with better than average regularity, suggesting this excellent wager. CHEYENNE MIRIAM - Mare has one of the strongest win percents in the field and that could be the deciding factor when they cross the wire. When the starter calls, race horses coming out of the 1 slot have more wins than normal. MIKELEH - Cannot put a finger on it, but get behind this mare for a play. Tough to pass on this mare with talented Sears in the sulky. Major player for the score.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $8640 Class Rating: 63

FOR NATIVE FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 6 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 6 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, IF FOR $18,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 F. FOURTEEN 2/1


# 2 SWEET BORREGO 1/1


# 5 BEERS TO GISHY 10/1


F. FOURTEEN looks formidable to best this field. The average class fig alone makes this entrant a contender. Reason to like this filly as she has in the irons one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. Shows strong speed figures on average overall when matched with the rest of this group. SWEET BORREGO - Will most likely come out sharp - I have liked the way this filly has moved swiftly to the front end recently. This racer is highly ranked this field in earnings per start at the distance/surface. BEERS TO GISHY - Ran a very strong last race. This filly has some longshot handicapping angles I like to take a chance on.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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


Race 10 - Allowance - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $21100 Class Rating: 86

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 5 FORTUNE IN A WAGON 4/1


# 7 XOOM 3/1


# 6 SR ONE FAMOUS CHICK 5/1


FORTUNE IN A WAGON has a solid shot to take this race. Charettehill has one of the strongest winning percentages in this group with entries running at this distance and surface. Put up a quite good speed fig last time out. As of late Torres has been hot which may give the edge to this filly. XOOM - Ran a solid last race. With a nice Equibase class rating average of 88, has one of the top class advantages in this group of horses. SR ONE FAMOUS CHICK - Could best this group of animals here, showing decent figures of late. Has to be considered based on the quite good Equibase speed fig garnered in the last contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Prairie Mdws - Race #5 - Post: 8:17pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $19,880 Class Rating: 72

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 INDIAN STAR (ML=8/1)
#1 FIRST CLASS FLIGHT (ML=12/1)


INDIAN STAR - I figure Martinez is making a good move here. This mare can only benefit from the shorter trip. Taking a drop in class figure points from her April 4th race at Fonner Park. Based on that element, I will give this thoroughbred the edge. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run her best in the 3rd or 4th start back. FIRST CLASS FLIGHT - This speedy sort should be aided by today's shorter trip.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 JACO IA (ML=5/2), #7 DAZZLING PIONEER (ML=4/1), #4 TOURNADO LYNNIE (ML=9/2),

JACO IA - This mare hasn't had any strong efforts in short distance events in the last sixty days. DAZZLING PIONEER - A bit of a less than stellar performance when this mare finished seventh. This runner ran a quite unimpressive speed fig last out. She shouldn't improve and will probably get beat in today's event running that figure. TOURNADO LYNNIE - If you keep selecting these sort of 'hanger' types, you're going to be disappointed regularly.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 INDIAN STAR to win if you can get at least 8/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Santa Anita - Race #4 - Post: 2:36pm - Maiden Special - 8.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $56,000 Class Rating: 97

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 SOLOMON NORTHUP (ML=6/1)


SOLOMON NORTHUP - For my money, a bullet workout is the best indicator of fitness there is. Look at that last one - 101.0. Very impressive. This colt garnered a strong speed fig of 100 in his last affair. That speed fig should be high enough to score today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 SMART TRANSITION (ML=6/5), #5 ROSICKY (ML=9/5), #2 FAR OUT KAILEE (ML=5/1),

SMART TRANSITION - The speed figure last time around the track doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's race. Mark this horse as a likely underlay. ROSICKY - Don't figure that this pony has what it takes to be the victor in today's event. FAR OUT KAILEE - If he goes off anywhere close to the morning line odds of 5/1, I'll have to pass.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - SOLOMON NORTHUP - I scan the TrackMaster Platinum PPs for this type of horse. Has the top TrackMaster Power Rating by at least 5 points.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#6 SOLOMON NORTHUP to win at post-time odds of 1/1 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
6 with 3

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #5 - BELMONT PARK - 3:24 PM EASTERN POST

8.0 FURLONGS TURF THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $50,000.00 CLAIMING $48,000.00 PURSE

#1 CANZONI
#8 PERNICIOUS
#2 ERIK THE RED
#6 BIGGER PICTURE

#1 CANZONI qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony, drops in class (-8), and has produced a quartet of "POWER RUNS" in his last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 5th race back. Jockey John Velazquez and Trainer Todd Pletcher send him to the post ... they've hit the board with 54% of more than 300 entries saddled as a team to date. #8 PERNICIOUS, a 6-1 shot, comes off "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in four straight, hitting the board in three of those "adventures."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 4/30 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4 TICKET:

2,7,8/8/3,6,7/1,3,8 = $27


LATE $1 PICK 4 TICKET: 1,3,8/4,6,7/1,2,5/7 = $27

MEET STATS: 39 - 126 / $194.00 BEST BETS: 7 - 11 / $22.60

SPOT PLAYS: 1 - 10 / $10.60

Best Bet: LOVELY ERIN (10th)

Spot Play: A LOT OF SENSE (4th)


Race 1

(7) MUSCLE MACK performed well first time over the big track chasing an impressive winner throughout. There are none in here that look that fast; down the road he goes. (9) CALIFORNIA RACHEL wasn't disgraced when facing a classy filly in her qualifier and her dam has produced 6 winners already; contender at first asking. (2) TSWALU edged the choice last time off a covered up following trip in an improved effort and should share here, too.

Race 2

(4) WILDCAT CHARLIE improved his speed dramatically in his second qualifier and is out of a dam that has produced several speedy winners; call at first asking. (3) ALIFE TIME EDITION was sent for an educational spin from the 9-hole in his debut. He could and should show a lot more here. (6) MAC RAIDER showed some hints of ability last year in an abbreviated campaign. He could come out swinging here.

Race 3

(7) MACHO MASS is from a dam that has thrown 3 winners from 3 starters to race so far and Henriksen coaxed enough speed out of this one in the qualifier for him to be ready to make an impact; top call. (5) NOBLE LEGEND goes for Team Christoforou and this breeding has worked previously to produce a 15-time winner; contender. (1) GAME ON HANOVER seems to be getting better with experience and should make an impact here.

Race 4

(8) A LOT OF SENSE was unlucky last out, not being able to find a spot on the rail early and suffered a brutal parked out trip; she can rebound here at a price. (2) BLUE BELL BEAUTY moves to the big track for potent trainer Nixon to make her 2nd start off the claim and is in good form and a threat here. (8) DEBBIES MACH continues to show speed and tire late. She might benefit greatly from a pocket trip.

Race 5

(8) HAPE enters the Celias Counsel Final undefeated in the preliminary legs and is the one to knock off here. (7) LADYONE improved greatly as expected last week and may look to revert to closing tactics and sweep by late. (6) BRINKERS DREAM put up some big fractions and kept going in the first leg then was a vet scratch sick last week. She can be right there if recovered fully; beware.

Race 6

(6) FRIDAYNIGHTFLIGHT was paced into the ground by one that was hung the mile last week but he held on well, considering. He can take this group with a slightly better trip. (3) OLDFRIENDSKENTUCKY debuts for Moreau which always gets our attention; using. (7) DREYDL HANOVER barely got by the choice off a good trip. He could be overbet here.

Race 7

(8) DEWEYKEEPMNWHY went a big first-up trip off the layoff last out and takes this group if he can replicate that mile. (1) THERESADEMONINME raced tough on the lead for most of the mile after leaving from the 10-hole. The move inside helps his chances here. (3) O U SEXY GUY closed a big gap racing off a 3 1/2 week break. He should be respected here.

Race 8

(4) WINDSUN CHANEL failed to chase down a rival that stole some easy fractions last time when she was heavily-backed. She can make amends here aided by her typical good late kick. (7) OUR HOT MAJORETTE drops to face much easier here in her 2nd start of the year; respect. (6) NATIONALIZE really turned things around first time out for Adams and is another to use in the late pick 4.

Race 9

(1) LIVING HISTORY makes her 3YO debut off two solid qualifiers for trainer 'O Sullivan who sends them out ready; top call. (5) TAILWIND HANOVER made a sharp late move only to be nailed on the money; the obvious danger. (2) BLACK QUEEN continues to contend but fall just short; one of these times.

Race 10

(7) LOVELY ERIN has impressed in all three starts to stay unbeaten. She's tough to make a case against; we won't. (3) REGIL HURRICANE hasn't missed the board yet but would need to be closer than usual to have any chance of chasing down the choice. (10) BIN N HEAVEN showed some ability last year and could blow up the exotics in her 2015 debut. (2) WAR FILLY moves to a much better post and is a contender here. (9) GRACIES PARADE is a good one for the bottom of vertical wagers with her late kick.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 4/30 Analysis
By Derick Giwner

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 10 - 36 / $43.90 BEST BETS: 0 - 3 / $0.00

Best Bet: MY SPRING FLING (3rd)

Spot Play: FIRSTCLASSFLIGHT (2nd)


Race 1

(4) NUTMEGS DESIRE is in reasonable form and should set up with a cover trip from this post. (6) DENYITTOTHEEND goes for her fifth straight victory and is a must use. (1) FLYING MOCHA has been going in the wrong direction but projects for a cozy pocket trip on paper.

Race 2

(2) FIRSTCLASSFLIGHT has been sprinting home from tough outside posts in recent weeks. She moves inside tonight and I have to think she'll be closer to the action and perhaps heading to the front. (5) JUST SAYIN moves into a new barn and is automatically eligible to improve. (1) PUTNAMS GLORY finished second in this class last time. She doesn't show much early zip, but pylon position tends to bring that quality to the forefront. (7) ASHLEE'S COOL GAL ships in with form; maybe.

Race 3

(2) MY SPRING FLING is back with trainer Richard Banca, who got her to score two starts back. She should be sitting no worse than second tonight. (4) GET THE LOOK raced well off the claim; main danger. (1) TWIN B BIKINI is in a winnable spot and seems worth including on your multi-race tickets.

Race 4

(8) MY LITTLE BIT returns to Yonkers at a reduced level and seems to have enough early zip to secure a tuck from the eight-hole; narrow call versus a dull group. (2) CLIMATE HANOVER switches barns and has won at this level in the past. (7) GIVEITTOEMSTAIGHT has won two straight and merits consideration.

Race 5

(2) DONT FOOL WITH ME drops back down to the level of his last score. (3) TALKTOMECOURAGE N double-drops in class to a level below his claim three weeks ago; mixed feelings. (1) DON'T STOP MACH looks good if you ignore the recent scratched-lame line. He has only missed the board twice in 11 starts this year.

Race 6

(4) LONG FIGHT HANOVER faces an awful group and really should go down the road. (1) ONE WARRAWEE figures to get away well from the inside and have every chance at winning. (3) LULU'S BOY was dull in his first start for this barn, but they do sport a 33% win percentage at the track.

Race 7

(4) MEETBEHINDTHEBARN has picked up some confidence at Philly or maybe the Lasix simply kicked in and helped. Either way, along with (1) CEE PEE PANIC, they look like the ones to beat. The latter draws best and should be firing away. (5) COLD BATH draws better this week and is clearly capable with the right trip.

Race 8

(3) MEETYOUATMIDNIGHT makes his second start off the bench and is very capable of being tighter now and taking this group down the road. (1) DUKE DID IT gets some major post relief and should be aggressive in this spot. (2) SECRETSOFTHEKNIGHT went too fast and stopped badly last time. He can save ground a hit the board.

Race 9

(1) R GAUWITZ HANOVFER scored at first asking for this barn and draws best in a competitive field. (3) JJ'S DOUGHNUT put in a solid showing upon arrival and looks very dangerous. (8) PAMS LEGACY qualified back nicely and has a strong track record here. (7) ROADWAY has been sharp since switching barns.

Race 10

(2) HOOSIER CHATTER moves into a live barn and has high early speed. (5) FOX VALLEY HERMIA raced well in her first start for new trainer Bamond; very dangerous. (8) UPFRONTWHOSURLADY has won three straight including at this level last time; post only issue.

Race 11

(3) MACH THIS WAY faces a field full of question marks and is a smooth trip away from victory. (1) CHEYENNE MIRIAM has some early speed and could make good use of the inside post. (8) ALHAMBRA may be the favorite from an inside post; chance with smooth trip.

Race 12

(3) LITTLE MISS HENRY raced okay in her first start in this barn and now picks up the track's top driver. (4) OUR ELS DREAM N & (6) RIVIERA are both dropping in class to some extent and deserve consideration. (1) BO TOX HANOVER is an exotics must.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (3rd) Tricky Zippy, 5-1
(4th) Life's a Roar, 10-1


Charles Town (2nd) Crimson Valley, 5-1
(7th) Quay Factor, 3-1


Churchill Downs (4th) Uneven Score, 4-1
(11th) Vandelita, 5-1


Evangeline Downs (2nd) Will's Not Mad, 8-1
(7th) Fancy Behind, 7-2


Golden Gate Fields (4th) Mirrabella, 7-2
(6th) Perfectly Styled, 7-2


Gulfstream Park (3rd) Wilshire Heir, 6-1
(8th) Gold Piece, 9-2


Penn National (1st) Something Quattro, 4-1
(7th) Loveshackled, 4-1


Pimlico (2nd) Pennies Appeal, 6-1
(7th) Check Your Six, 8-1


Prairie Meadows (6th) Laurens Powerplay, 3-1
(7th) Terrific Trio, 5-1


Santa Anita (3rd) One Bye Two, 4-1
(6th) Bellamy Concerto, 4-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Thursday's six-pack

-- Over is 17-6-3 in interleague games so far this season.

-- Dodgers haven't led the major leagues in homers since 1974.

-- Oklahoma-Villanova are playing a basketball game near Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, to commemorate the 74th anniversary of that sad day.

-- Last time a horse with #2 post won the Kentucky Derby was 1978.

-- Giancarlo Stanton was walked intentionally 24 times LY; he's only been walked intentionally once so far this year.

-- Alabama has had a kid taken in the first round of NFL Draft the last six years, the longest active streak in college football.