Thursday 6/18/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

LEADING OFF: A-Rod chases 3,000 hits; 40-somethings on mound

June 17, 2015

A look at what's happening all around the major leagues Thursday:

CLOSING IN

Alex Rodriguez needs three hits to become the 29th player to reach 3,000 when the New York Yankees face Mat Latos and the visiting Miami Marlins. Latos struck out a season-high 11 in seven innings against Colorado in his last start, indicating his legs are finally fully healthy. He'll be facing the Yankees for the first time in his career.

LIFE BEGINS AT 40

Blue Jays knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, 40, faces his former team for the first time when he starts against the New York Mets. Dickey won the NL Cy Young Award with the Mets in 2012 before they traded him to Toronto. His opponent will be 42-year-old Bartolo Colon. No pair of opposing starters has had an older combined age since Aug. 15, 2008, when Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer (45) beat San Diego's Greg Maddux (42).

THE SECOND TIME

Detroit right-hander Justin Verlander makes his second start of the season in Cincinnati. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner had been sidelined by a strained right triceps. He went five innings against Cleveland in his return on Saturday, giving up three hits and two runs with two strikeouts in a 5-4 Tigers loss.

BACK ON THE HILL

Doug Fister and the Washington Nationals host Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Archer in a game with a little extra meaning for both pitchers. Archer is returning to the site of his major league debut in 2012, while Fister (flexor strain) is coming off the disabled list to make his first start since May 14.

LEADING MAN

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole (10-2) tries to become the first 11-game winner in the majors when he faces Jeff Samardzija (4-4) and the struggling Chicago White Sox.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Frazier's 13th-inning slam lifts Reds

CINCINNATI -- Todd Frazier's grand slam in the bottom of the 13th inning, his second homer of the night, lifted the Cincinnati Reds to an 8-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday at Great American Ball Park.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the 13th, Frazier launched Joakim Soria's 1-2 pitch an estimated 411 feet.
Detroit twice took the lead via homers, on first baseman Miguel Cabrera's three-run home run in the sixth, then again on pinch hitter Tyler Collins' solo shot in the eighth.
Frazier's game-ending shot was his 22nd homer of the season, tied for second in the major leagues.

Yankees 2, Marlins 1
NEW YORK -- Michael Pineda took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and New York held on for a victory over Miami.
Pineda pitched 6 2/3 innings and lost his bid at being involved in New York's 12th no-hitter when Christian Yelich opened the seventh by hitting a first-pitch fastball into the Yankees' bullpen.
Pineda gave up just the one hit while walking two and striking out nine.

Mariners 2, Giants 0
SEATTLE -- Felix Hernandez outdueled Madison Bumgarner as Seattle topped San Francisco.
Hernandez threw eight scoreless innings, allowing four hits, before left-hander Charlie Furbush and new closer Carson Smith finished off the win. Hernandez (10-3) gave up four hits, struck out five and walked two while throwing 106 pitches. It marked the third time in 14 starts this season that Hernandez did not allow a run.
Bumgarner (7-4) surrendered four hits and struck out nine but gave up two runs while taking the tough-luck loss. The Giants have failed to score a run in either of his past two starts.

Diamondbacks 3, Angels 2
PHOENIX -- Paul Goldschmidt had two hits, including his 19th home run, and Chase Anderson won his third consecutive decision as Arizona beat Los Angeles.
Goldschmidt homered in the first inning, and Anderson (3-1) limited the Angels to two runs in six innings.
Welington Castillo had two hits and a homer, and Yasmany Tomas added three hits, including his first triple as the Diamondbacks won for the fifth time in six games.

A's 16, Padres 2
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Billy Butler went 4-for-5 with a three-run homer, Jesse Chavez gave up one run over seven innings with a career-high 11 strikeouts, and Oakland crushed San Diego.
The A's amassed a season-high 20 hits and set a new high for runs. Ben Zobrist had a single, a double and a triple, drove in three runs and scored three times for the A's, who won their season-high-matching fourth consecutive game. Billy Burns went 3-for-5 and scored three runs.
The Padres lost their fourth consecutive game. They are 0-3 since firing manager Bud Black and 0-2 under interim manager Pat Murphy.

Rangers 5, Dodgers 3
LOS ANGELES -- Joey Gallo hit a two-run home run, Prince Fielder added a solo homer, and Wandy Rodriguez pitched five shutout innings to lead Texas past Los Angeles.
Fielder and third baseman Adam Rosales each had two of the Rangers' eight hits, with Fielder hitting his 11th home run of the season. Rougned Odor also drove in two runs.
Rodriguez (4-2) defused several potential scoring opportunities before leaving in the sixth inning. The 36-year-old veteran allowed three runs, nine hits and a walk while getting two strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Rays 5, Nationals 0
WASHINGTON -- Steven Souza, Jr. had three hits, including a home run against his former team and four pitchers combined to allow just two hits as Tampa Bay beat Washington.
The first-place Rays have won five of their last six while the second-place Nationals have lost seven of their last 11 and are 6-10 this month.
Curt Casali had a career-high three hits with a homer for the Rays, who got a measure of revenge after allowing 23 hits in a 16-4 loss to Washington on Tuesday in Florida. It was the seventh shutout of the year for the Tampa Bay staff.

Orioles 6, Phillies 4
PHILADELPHIA -- Chris Parmelee homered for the third time in two games as Baltimore beat Philadelphia.
Travis Snider also homered for Baltimore, which beat the Phillies for the third day in a row and won for the 11th time in 13 games in all.
Freddy Galvis hit a three-run homer for Philadelphia, which dropped its ninth straight.

Blue Jays 8, Mets 0
TORONTO -- Kevin Pillar had a home run among his three hits and two RBIs and Danny Valencia added a three-run blast as Toronto defeated New York.
Drew Hutchison allowed four hits, one walk and no runs while striking out five in 5 2/3 innings to pick up the win and snap the Mets' three-game winning streak.
New York's Jon Niese allowed seven hits, four walks and three runs in seven innings for his fifth straight loss. Niese, who last won a game on May 9, struck out six.

Braves 5, Red Sox 2
ATLANTA -- Nick Markakis tied a major league record for consecutive errorless games in the outfield, but it was at the plate where the right fielder came through for Atlanta.
Markakis, who has four RBIs in as many games, singled in the tie-breaking run in the seventh inning and the Braves defeated Boston.
Markakis has gone 392 games without an error, tying the record set by Darren Lewis from 1990 to 1994.

Pirates 3, White Sox 2
CHICAGO -- Jung Ho Kang's first-inning home run helped give Pittsburgh a lead it never surrendered in a victory over Chicago.
Kang's two-run homer, his fourth of the season, provided an early 3-0 advantage as the Pirates went on to their seventh straight victory and third in-a-row over the White Sox. Chicago dropped its sixth straight.
Pittsburgh's Jeff Locke worked six innings for the victory while Chicago's John Danks (3-7) suffered his third straight loss.

Cubs 17, Indians 0
CLEVELAND -- Kyle Schwarber went 4-for-5 in his first major league start, leading Chicago past Cleveland.
The Cubs exploded for 10 runs in the first three innings, and every Chicago player wound up with at least one hit in the team's 18-hit attack.
Kris Bryant hit a ninth-inning grand slam off Indians outfielder David Murphy, the second Cleveland position player to pitch in the inning. Ryan Raburn got two outs, and Murphy retired one batter. They combined to allow seven runs, all unearned.

Twins 3, Cardinals 1
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota got seven strong innings from Tommy Milone in a win over St. Louis.
Milone pitched seven innings, giving up one run on five hits and striking out five for his first victory since April 16. It was Milone's second consecutive outing of seven innings and third in seven starts overall this season.
Twins closer Glen Perkins entered with two outs in the eighth inning and got the final four outs for his league-leading 23rd save in 23 opportunities.

Royals 10, Brewers 2
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Alcides Escobar drove in four runs and Joe Blanton threw five reliable innings in the Kansas City's victory over reeling Milwaukee.
Escobar broke the game open with a bases-clearing triple in a four-run eighth. His four RBIs matched a career best.
Lorenzo Cain contributed two extra-base hits, drove in a run and walked twice. He is 5-for-12 with two home runs and five RBIs in three games against the Brewers.

Astros 8, Rockies 4
DENVER -- Houston continued an unusual sort of slugging perfection when it hit four home runs and beat Colorado.
It was the 26th multi-homer game of the season for the Astros, and they are a franchise-record 26-0 in such contests. The previous record was a 22-game streak in 1994.
Carlos Correa hit a two-run shot in the first inning, and Preston Tucker hit a solo homer in the fifth. Jake Marisnick added a homer in the sixth, and Chris Carter went deep in the ninth

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

U.S. Open: Keys to Chambers Bay

The second Major is upon us as the 115th U.S. Open will be contested this week from Chambers Bay on the western edge of the Tacoma, Washington suburb of University Place. This is a unique and history making U.S. Open considering Chambers Bay didn't even exist a decade ago and it was specifically built to host this tournament. Constructed in 2007, it is unlike any other U.S. Open venue as it is a links style course with massive greens and fairways, no trees and enormous elevation changes.

Thick, long and tiered rough was the calling card for the U.S. Open but we will be seeing a much different layout this week. The course is all fescue and while it is still trouble, it may be easier than players trying to hit out of the devastating rough. Tip-to-tip, Chambers Bay stretches out to 7,900 yards and making is even more unique is that holes No. 1 and 18 can both play as either a par four or a par five and they will be interchanged throughout the tournament.

While the thought is that the Majors are dominated by the world's best players, that has hardly been the case. Of the last 25 Majors, there have been 19 different winners with Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson being the only two-time or more Major winners. As far as the U.S. Open, nine of the last 10 winners hoisted the trophy for the first time, with Tiger Woods in 2008 being his third title. American players used to dominate but only three of the last 11 winners have been from the United States.

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy and Masters winner Jordan Spieth join defending champion Martin Kaymer to head a list expected to include all of the top 60 players in the world rankings. Kaymer, who also won the 2010 PGA Championship, became only the seventh player to win in wire-to-wire fashion. He also won THE PL:AYERS Championship the month before which could bode well for Rickie Fowler who won the 2015 edition. The last back-to-back U.S. Open champion was Curtis Strange in 1988 and 1989.

McIlroy is the favorite at +675 with Spieth not far off at +855. 2013 winner Justin Rose checks in next at +1,545 and six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson is fourth in line at +1,550. The aforementioned Fowler who has four top five finishes in his last five Majors is +1,845 while Kaymer will try to defend his championship at a healthy +6,000. Tiger Woods, who is in search of his 15th Major and first since 2008, sits at +5,500.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

U.S. Open: 5 Bold Predictions
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. -- Rory McIlroy and Jason Day are convinced a long hitter will win the 115th U.S. Open. Tiger Woods says not so fast, wait to see how the wind is blowing and how the mystical masterminds at the USGA set up the Open rookie course known as Chambers Bay.

"It's unlike any other major championship I've ever had to prepare for," Woods said. "There's so many variables. ... The only thing I think that's going to be interesting to see is the various options that (USGA executive director) Mike (Davis) has, and what is he going to throw at us.

"He's going to try to keep us, I'm sure, off balance."

Woods is right on at least one front. No one knows what will happen when University Place native Michael Putnam kicks off the 2015 U.S. Open in the opening group at 7 a.m. PST on Thursday. Not the media, not Davis and not the players themselves. That's part of what has made this particular U.S. Open so fascinating well before the tournament even started.

That said, here are five bold predictions:

5. Chambers' teeth dulled: For all the pre-tournament rhetoric, my gut says Davis will set the course up reasonably on Thursday to promote a strong start to the tournament and ease concerns about Chambers Bay. He'll then look at the scoring and ratchet up the dial on Friday, seeking to show off the course's personality and separate the elite players and others who brought their "A" games from those who aren't equipped to handle all of Chambers' nuances.

4. Europeans litter leaderboard: There have been countless references to Chambers Bay feeling like an Open Championship. Granted, it has massive elevations changes not found in the British Iles, but Chambers Bay has been compared to St. Andrews, Muirfield and Hoylake this week. Players won't be able to utilize the ground as much as they can in Europe to run the ball up to greens, but those comfortable with fescue grass, lag putting and feature great creativity in their short games will fare very well here.

Expect Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and reigning U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer to be among those vying for top 10 finishes. Another international player I expect to make a strong showing is emerging Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama

3. Pouty Poulter not among them: Jack Nicklaus said he used to know who in the field he didn't have to worry about based on who complained about a course pre-tournament. England's Ian Poulter took to Twitter weeks before the U.S. Open, claiming he had heard from other players that Chambers Bay was "a complete farce" but that he hadn't seen the course and someone had to win. He has been here all week practicing and taking meticulous notes while vowing to keep his opinions to himself until his last putt.

Poulter will make the cut due to his familiarity with the style of golf that Chambers Bay demands, but his pre-tournament mindset -- and lousy record stateside in stroke play events -- will prevent him from being a factor come Sunday.

2. Always a (U.S. Open) bridesmaid: We hate to predict a seventh excruciating second-place finish in this event for Phil Mickelson, but the ingredients are there for another heart-wrenching runner-up. He has the length to take advantage of the three holes where distance could make a significant impact and has fared very well in the British Open.

So, too, has Rickie Fowler, brimming with confidence after his victory at The Players. Jordan Spieth has the patience and short game to absolutely succeed at Chambers Bay. Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson are two of the game's biggest hitters, which positions them well pre-tourney, but they lack the consistency in their short irons and green-side play that will be needed to tame Chambers. Tiger Woods? Enjoy what you see of him Thursday and Friday because that two-way miss on his driver will threaten more marshalls in the knee-high rough than fairways.

1. Rory in a rout: He's coming off a two-week break after two missed cuts in Europe, but Rory McIlroy was brimming with confidence after his first few practice rounds at Chambers Bay. He is the reigning British Open champion, loves links-style golf and stated the course suits his game -- which might be the understatement of the week.

McIlroy has the distance to take maximum advantage of Chambers' dried-out fairways, and the height on his irons to stop the ball with some spin on its rock-hard greens. It's a combination few players in this field can compete with when McIlroy is on his game. As Mickelson noted, salvaging pars won't be the No. 1 challenge this week, carding birdies will be -- and McIlroy will give himself far more opportunities than anyone else.

I think McIlroy firmly expects to win his second U.S. Open this week, and I believe he's going to do it in convincing fashion. With only a handful of players keeping their heads above par through the weekend, McIlroy cruises to a comfortable five-shot victory at 8 under for the championship.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 9 - Post: 3:30 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$4600 - N/W $250 P/S L/5 OR P/S IN 2015 $6300 P/C L/S AE: N/W 5 PM LT AE: $5000 CLM W/A J RYAN 6 OVER 4 J TAGGART JR 7 OVER 2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 ALL OVER THE WORLD 5/2


# 5 OK FAME 10/1


# 3 BIG GAME 7/2

Hey, listen up! ALL OVER THE WORLD is the knowledgeable wager if you like to win. Feel the need for speed, this nice horse has been turning in some great TrackMaster SRs averaging around 82. Heads into this race with formidable TrackMaster class markings in relationship to the group of horses - take a good look. Have to get behind a entrant coming out of the Monticello Raceway 1 position. The win percent is fantastic, way above normal. OK FAME - The number crunching team gives this horse a really strong chance to win this one, class ratings are tops in the field of horses. Cannot put a finger on it, but back this gelding for a wager. BIG GAME - Not many knocks against this contender, let's give him a shot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 11 - Post: 9:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 84 - Purse:$6000 - HORSES AND GELDINGS NON WINNERS OF $2000 IN THE LAST 4 STARTS NO. 10 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER J. SMITH LISTED ON 1, 2, 8 C. PAGE LISTED ON 4, 7 NO.2 LOL KEN WIN - OFF LASIX


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 GUN SHOW 3/1


# 10 MR I AM 12/1


# 3 BLESSING STONE 10/1

All signs point to GUN SHOW for the choice. Most definitely the class of the grouping with an average rating of 86. A nice pick. When the trainer Arledge puts Page up for the drive good things happen. Just check out the 21 win percent. This horse could get the ultimate prize here beginning from the Scioto Downs 4 post. MR I AM - Gelding has one of the most compelling win percentages in the grouping and that could be the deciding factor when they cross the wire. BLESSING STONE - Should be considered in here if only for the really strong speed rating achieved in the last outing. Considered a solid wager based solely on his high top prize percent.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero

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


Race 2 - Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $5750 Class Rating: 68

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE OCTOBER 18, 2014 AND WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS. WEIGHT, 121 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 3, 2015 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE MAY 18, 2015 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 18, 2015 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $3,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 WONDER GIRL 15/1


# 1 FLIGHTRISKCOWGIRL 3/1


# 5 CHOCOLATE BLISS 2/1


WONDER GIRL has a respectable shot to take this outing and is a competitive value bet given the line. Has put up formidable speed figures in dirt sprint races in the past. Shows evidence of the look of a money-making play, averaging a solid 63 Equibase Speed Fig which is one of the strongest in this group. Must be given consideration based on the very strong Equibase Speed Figure recorded in the last race. FLIGHTRISKCOWGIRL - Has a strong shot for this event if you like back class. Conditioner has strong win rate (20 percent) at this distance and surface. CHOCOLATE BLISS - Overall, this conditioner has been profitable at this distance/surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Oak Tree at Pleasanton

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


Race 8 - Maiden Claiming - 5.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $7000 Class Rating: 71

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 4 BRAVE LIFE 7/2


# 5 LAST SECRET 8/5


# 1 ATACAMA DESERT 15/1


I've got to go with BRAVE LIFE. Ought to be given consideration based on the strong Equibase Speed Fig garnered in the last contest. Is a very solid contender based on figures posted as of late under today's conditions. LAST SECRET - Could provide positive gains based on respectable recent speed figures with an average of 73. Will probably come out sharp - I have liked the way this gelding has moved quickly to the front end recently. ATACAMA DESERT - Is worth considering and may be a bet - strong speed figs (59 average) at today's distance and surface as of late. He should definitely be given a chance given the solid speed figures.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belterra Park - Race #5 - Post: 3:41pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $5,400 Class Rating: 71

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 CHES' STEIN (ML=4/1)
#1 ARCTIC MISSILE (ML=20/1)


CHES' STEIN - Gelding hasn't won in his last three starts, but his last win came on Feb 28th at today's class and distance. Was in a $15,000 Claiming race at Mountaineer in the last race. That affair had a class rating of 78 and he is moving down in today's race. A certain strong challenger. ARCTIC MISSILE - Shows a classic conditioning maneuver. Routing today after two short distance races.

Vulnerable Contenders: #6 TIZ NOW MY CHOICE (ML=5/2), #7 SPACE INDIAN (ML=3/1), #3 VAMPING THE WIN (ML=7/2),

TIZ NOW MY CHOICE - Difficult to keep stabbing at this kind of 'bridesmaid' horse. This gelding notched a speed fig in his last clash which probably isn't good enough in today's race. SPACE INDIAN - If you keep betting these sort of 'hanger' types, you're going to be let down regularly. VAMPING THE WIN - 7/2 is not enough of a price to take on most any horse that has run poorly in back to back outings. Unlikely that the rating he earned on May 23rd will hold up in this event.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#5 CHES' STEIN is going to be the play if we are getting 8/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Lone Star - Race #8 - Post: 9:51pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $7,000 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 SHADES (ML=4/1)
#5 UNBRIDLED RETREAT (ML=2/1)
#2 LEARTES (MEX) (ML=8/1)


SHADES - The rest of the group may trail this mount all the way around the track. Faced tougher last time around the track at Lone Star. Based on class ratings, this is a weaker group, so I will put this horse on my list of strong contenders. Ran a lackluster race at Lone Star last time out. Racing with the benefit of a fast track puts this gelding at the top of my contenders list. Finished fifth at Lone Star last out. Was close at the end and at odds of 4/1 in this race, he looks like a possible contender. UNBRIDLED RETREAT - Entered a $7,500 Maiden Claiming race at Lone Star last time around the track and raced on a track listed as good finishing fourth. Expect better today. LEARTES (MEX) - Just look at his recent rating, 58. That one fits in this bunch. Finished off the board last out at Lone Star, but was within five lengths of the winner. Opening at 8/1 makes me think he's got a chance. Have to forget about that last turf race. This colt should do better hitting the main track right here. Recent speed ratings show powerful pattern of improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 SPOTSBACK (ML=5/2), #1 SOUTHERN MOJO (ML=3/1), #1A DEVIL'S HAND (ML=3/1),

SPOTSBACK - This equine doesn't have a winning disposition. Almost always finishes close, but no cigar. When examining today's Equibase class figure, he will have to record a better speed fig than in the last race to compete in this dirt sprint. SOUTHERN MOJO - That was simply not a very good exhibition in the last affair. DEVIL'S HAND - Didn't finish in the money on Feb 1st at Oaklawn. Followed it up with another less than stellar try.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #3 SHADES to win if we can get at least 9/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
3 with [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,3,5] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #8 - BELMONT PARK - 4:57 PM EASTERN POST

6.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD OPTIONAL CLAIMING $85,000.00 PURSE

#6 BAKKEN
#7 SCARLY CHARLY
#4 CATRON
#3 DOUBLEDOWN AGAIN

#6 BAKKEN is the overall speed leader in this optional claiming field sprinting at 6.0 furlongs on the dirt, drops in class (-2), and has produced "POWER RUNS" in four of his last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" facing slightly better company (+1) in his 5th race back. Jockey Irad Ortiz and Trainer Chad Brown send him to the post ... they've hit the board with an impressive 60% of more than 125 entries saddled as a team to date, winning at an equally impressive, 31% clip. #7 SCARLY CHARLY, a 10-1 BOMB, is the pace profile leader, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last five "adventures," hitting the board in three, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both his last start, as well as in his 5th race back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Thursday 6/18 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY $1 PICK 4:

2,4,7,9/1,6,9/1,3/4,9 = $48


LATE $1 PICK 4: 4,9/2,3/5,8/2,5 = $16

MEET STATS: 122 - 378 / $714.70 BEST BETS: 16 - 34 / $54.80

SPOT PLAYS: 5 - 32 / $45.60

Best Bet: ARTIAWITCHTOYOU (10th)

Spot Play: SO RAVEN (4th)


Race 1

(3) MY WAY THE HIGHWAY has shown good closing power in both starts so far and need only leave a bit better here to contend vs. this suspect group. (2) ARRAKIS is erratic but has shown enough speed to figure prominently here. (7) INGE has 10 slices in 12 starts and ships in for a sneaky good trainer who sends them up here ready.

Race 2

(7) DONT RUSH was not asked for anything in his season's debut and still managed to get up late. These are tougher, but he should also be tighter; top call. (5) EL DIABLO HALL - winner of 8 of 11 lifetime with two seconds - has already easily won an OSS Gold event out of town and is the one to chase down. (1) WINNING WIZARD encountered a brutal journey from the 10-hole last time and moves inside now. He's another contender in a strong field.

Race 3

(1) DRINKSONTHEHOUSE has improved every start and now draws inside in a field that he should be able to contend with. Expect MacDonell to get this one rolling earlier this time. (7) CINCINNATI MISS raced well last week but was beaten by one that roared away from the field in style. She fits and is an obvious contender. (2) JENALEAH proved two back that she can compete here but miscued last week; contender if flat.

Race 4

(9) SO RAVEN closed well despite a long overland journey last week, firing a 27 1/5 kicker despite being out the route. It's hard to predict if she'll be laying closer from the 9-hole, but if she's in range at the head of the lane, look out! (2) GLAMOUR SEELSTER is out of a dam that has produced two 7-time winners from two that have raced so far. Team McNair could have this one ready to roll in her debut. (4) MACH MAGIC took a ton of support mostly off her excellent breeding, but she came up flat. It's quite likely she has much more to offer than what we saw from that debut race.

Race 5

(6) ELEGANT SERENITY seems much improved this year - perhaps finally living up to her top shelf breeding - and may be up to beating OSS Gold company here at a square price on the class rise. (1) YOURE MAJESTIC powered away to a new lifetime mark last week and will take some beating from the rail. (9) MEADOW SEELSTER has faced the two best fillies currently in this division in her past three starts and was 2nd each time. She's a player here.

Race 6

(3) REASONABLE FORCE went a monster trip first off the claim, making two moves setting serious splits and only faltering late. A breather or two here and he could be long gone. (1) FOREVER JUST takes a massive class drop and should be used on pick 4 tickets based on that angle alone. (8) BRINGHOME THEBLUE knocked off the choice off a following trip and is sharp; using.

Race 7

(9) A LOT OF SENSE drops back into a conditioned claimer and should be much more competitive here. Top call at a square price. (4) MISSEVIL takes a big class drop off an ugly line, but if she could recapture something close to her early career form, she would dust these. Beware.(3) TON OF LUCK moves inside which should make her a contender, but notice the 17 slices vs. only 3 wins in 42 tries the past 18 months.

Race 8

This OSS Gold dash shapes up as a clash of the two top 3YO trotting fillies in the province and based on what we have observed so far we'll give a slight edge to (3) MUSCLE BABY DOLL, who has been razor-sharp vs. lesser. She also may offer a marginally better price than (2) STUBBORN BELLE, who is already a stakes winner in only two starts this year but has trotted much slower final 1/4s than the choice. (5) ALL THAT SPARKLES trotted a big mile last week at The Meadowlands and was only nailed late, but she'll likely find the top two too much here.

Race 9

(8) SOUTHWIND GEISHA has been very sharp for several weeks and looks best in here so long as she can get within striking range by the 3/4 pole. Top call, but be wary of the leaders possibly getting away on her. (5) COTTONWOOD CREEK blasted home two back to break her maiden then was a decent third out of town in a Grassroots event. She's a contender here. (4) WINDSUN CHANEL finished just ahead of the one above off a following trip. She should be prominent throughout.

Race 10

(5) ARTIAWITCHYOU was an easy winner in this class last time and returns to face a field with only a couple to worry about; call to repeat. (2) WANDA BAYAMA has greatly improved her overall speed in the past 6 weeks and looks like the main danger. (3) LIVING HISTORY was a good third in a fast time in a sires stakes at Tioga, then she vet-scratched; mixed signals with this one. (4) ABBIJADE HANOVER has never missed a check and figures for a minor award here. (1) DANCINGATNIGHT slid up the rail late to break her maiden now steps up to face much better. A minor share is likely her ceiling here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Thursday 6/18 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 85 - 473 / $615.10 BEST BETS: 8 - 41 / $37.20

Best Bet: DENYITTOTHEEND (2nd)

Spot Play: CAMERON LUCKY (6th)


Race 1

(1) IDEAL A LITTLE is back at Yonkers and moves to the fence. Should find this group to her liking. (3) PAINTS HALL was third best upstate last out. (5) SHELIKESITHERWAY gets some post relief; maybe.

Race 2

(4) DENYITTOTHEEND was sharp in her last two scores and should keep on her winning ways against these. (1) ST LADS MORGAN should do much better from the rail slot. (5) NUTMEGS DESIRE took the pocket route home to victory last time around.

Race 3

(1) LOLAS CRUISER should get a better trip than in his last try. Gelding fits well in here. (6) TOUCH AND GO leaves the 8-hole and should flash more speed against this group; big threat. (2) ALLSTAR BLUES could land a share.

Race 4

With a return to his 5/19 trip, (2) AZOREANSAILOR could take care of business. (8) ARTS BLAZE gets a tough post, but is very capable with Brennan at the controls. (5) BIG BAD BOSSMAN could get involved in the early stages; watch out.

Race 5

(4) BEAT OF NY raced evenly in his last start. Gelding could be ready to move forward. (5) COSMICPEDIA has wheeled off three straight victories; main danger. (2) OR moves back inside; not out of this.

Race 6

(7) CAMERON LUCKY put in a mild bid to nail down the show spot in her most recent trip. With a meltdown of the early leaders, he could mow these down. (2) MY SPRING FLING was quite sharp in her latest; big factor. (5) BOOTS PLACE was second best in her last two starts, but is right in the mix.

Race 7

(7) JACKED UP is an 11-year-old gelding that seems to be knocking at the door. With a fine-timed drive from Brennan, he can clearly get the job done over these. (1) DUKES UP comes off a very game placing last time around; big threat. (6) ADDWATER closed well last out for the show spot.

Race 8

(1) ROADWAY has been right there in his last three trips to the post. Now he will move to the fence and could take this group down the road. (3) GAVINS DESIGNER just got up for place honors last time around; contender. (2) JETTY has fine speed and should not be counted out of this.

Race 9

(1) CLASSY LANE ROSE came up a little short for the victory last time out. Pacing miss might be ready for a better effort from the rail. (7) MARATHON DAY is a Philly invader with good early zip. (4) SUMMER SNOW could have a say in the outcome.

Race 10

(8) MIKELEH is quite sharp off her seconds in the Jackpot series. Moves outside but is very capable of getting the job done. (2) GRACE SEELSTER gets serious post relief and that should help her cause; dangerous. (1) UPFRONTWHOSURLADY should be right in the thick of things from the fence.

Race 11

(7) SGT MOLLY PITCHER showed good speed in her latest. Could mow these down at her best. (4) GROUNDED moves down in class and that might be what she needs to beat these; contender. (1) FOX VALLEY HERMIA fits well in here so this gal can't be counted out.

Race 12

(2) ROCK N LOAD flashed fine speed upstate last out. She makes her return to Yonkers where this pacing miss has done her best racing; worth a shot to make tonight a winning one. (6) STRINGS was second best in her latest at Pocono; main danger. (3) HANDSOFFMYCUPCAKE has hit the board in her last three tries at Philly; watch out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Belmont Park (1st) Dariel, 3-1
(2nd) More Than Lily, 5-1


Belterra Park (4th) Rainbow Springs, 5-1
(5th) Space Indian, 3-1


Canterbury Park (7th) Sammy's Mineshaft, 9-2
(8th) Gypsy Melody, 6-1


Charles Town (3rd) Fionn Mc Cool, 7-2
(6th) Noah n' Jacob, 4-1


Churchill Downs (1st) More Than Most, 3-1
(8th) Peach Schnapps, 3-1


Evangeline Downs (5th) Hunters Hurricane, 10-1
(6th) Viking Warrior, 5-1


Finger Lakes (7th) Mea Maxima Culpa, 5-1
(9th) Silk Spinner, 5-1


Gulfstream Park (1st) Aoleon, 4-1
(3rd) Neto, 3-1


Lone Star Park (7th) I Call Shotgun, 9-2
(8th) Leartes, 8-1


Louisiana Downs (4th) Twice a Rebel, 4-1
(6th) Yankee Cowboy, 5-1

Oak Tree @ Pleasanton (4th) Federal Judge, 10-1
(7th) There Goes Donnie, 7-2


Penn National (3rd) Firey Diamond, 3-1
(8th) Celtic Wonder, 4-1

Prairie Meadows (1st) Vanity's Showcase, 6-1
(8th) Ella's Glory, 6-1

Presque Isle Downs (1st) Bluegrass Ball, 6-1
(4th) Zenzelda, 7-2


Santa Anita (7th) Cherubim, 4-1
(8th) Crystal Harbor, 10-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Pirates Sweep'

The closing matchup of a four game home-home interleague series is today’s baseball betting focus as the Chicago White Sox host the Pittsburgh Pirates this evening at U.S. Cellular Field. Right-hander Jeff Samardzija will toe the rubber for Robin Ventura's squad, bringing a 4-4 record, 4.84 ERA to the hill over 13 starts (6-7 TSR). Samardzija shaky at best the past three is 0-2 racking up an ERA of 8.38 getting smacked for 18 hits, 4 yard-ball, 18 runs. Samardzija will be matching pitches with Pirate's ace Gerrit Cole, who has a 10-2 record, 1.71 ERA in thirteen trips to the mound (10-3 TSR). Cole will look to continue his recent success of five wins in which the right-hander allowed just 7 runs, walking 6 while striking out 40 batters. Oddsmakers noting the contrasting records of the two hurlers have Pirates -$1.45 road favorite. Taking a road favorite can be a perilous road in baseball betting, but Cole in excellent form, Samardzija falling on hard times along with owning an 0-6 team start slump vs Pirates there appears to be enough to counteract such concerns. Look for Pirates to sweep the series extending its current winning streak to eight games while White Sox lose a seventh straight game.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Arthur Ralph Sports

Bonus Play Thurs Cards w/ Garcia -135

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Thursday

PADRES (Kennedy) @ ATHLETICS (Graveman)

Take: PADRES +132

This has not been a pleasant week for the Padres. They canned longtime skipper Bud Black following Sunday’s loss to the Dodgers. San Diego got torched at home on Monday with Dave Roberts in charge. Pat Murphy was then named interim manager for the rest of the season on Tuesday. The Friars then lost a nail biter to the A’s at Petco, and followed that up with a humiliating 16-2 defeat last night at Oakland last night. There’s more bad news as Wil Myers is now gone for an extended period as his chronic wrist issues have him headed to surgery.

So it’s probably not the best time to be looking to fire on the Padres, but I’m going to take my chances today. Ian Kennedy, who was a rock solid guy for this entry last season, finally appears to be getting back to pitching well. There were some positive signs starting to show, and Kennedy is now off his strongest start of the season, a very good performance that came against the Dodgers.

There’s certainly no guarantee Kennedy duplicates that effort today, but I would at least consider him as a value pitcher. 3-5, 5.84 and on a team that’s struggling mightily is not going to attract the masses. That’s reflected in the price as Kennedy is a pretty big dog today.

Clearly, there’s more to that number than just the mediocre Kennedy line. The A’s have a run differential that says they should own a much better record than they currently do. Oakland has been playing some better baseball lately, and the second time around this season has been a much smoother ride for righty Kendall Graveman. So in other words, I can see how it’s easy to make a perhaps more compelling case for the home team today.

But the buy signal for me on Kennedy was sent in that outstanding duel he had last Saturday with Zack Greinke. I can be pretty stubborn about these things and even with the Padres playing some horrendous baseball right now, I want to give them a roll today. Maybe the utter embarrassment suffered on Wednesday night lights a little fire that helps out as well. The price is the draw for me here, as there’s a nice payoff if the visitors can squeeze out a win today. I’ll go with the Padres for the Thursday Bonus Play.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

BIG AL

Our complimentary selection for Thursday, June 18 is:

Tampa Bay Rays (Archer) over Washington Nationals (Fister).

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Scott Spreitzer

HOU vs COL

Bonus Play Over

I'm recommending a play on the Over between the Astros & Rockies on Thursday. We had the Astros last night, citing Kyle Kendrick's high HR rate and the fact he was facing the team with the most homers in baseball. Houston then went on to hit four home runs, including two off of Kendrick. Colorado's David Hale doesn't walk a lot of batters, but he's yet another hurler who gives up the long-ball, allowing six in his last 25 2/3 IP. His HR rate is even worse at home where he's given up an average of 2.28 HRs per 9 IP in 19 2/3 innings. That's bad news when facing Houston at Coors Field. Meanwhile, the Astros will send Collin McHugh to the mound and he's nowhere near the pitcher he was in 2014. McHugh has allowed 19 earned runs, 36 base runners, and six HRs in his last four starts, spanning just 22 IP. The Houston righty has pitched three times at Coors, (was once on the Rockies' roster), and was bombed for an ERA of nearly 8.00 with a huge WHIP, and a .369 BAA. We should note that in four games with the Rockies, overall, McHugh was tagged for a 9.95 ERA. Houston games are on a 6-0 Over run and they're 10-2 to the Over when facing starting pitchers with a WHIP lower than 1.15. Meanwhile, the Rockies are on a 25-9 Over run against teams with a winning record. I expect this one to go Over the posted total. Thanks & GL! Scott Spreitzer.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Rays at Nationals

Tampa Bay Rays at Washington Nationals (+118, 7)

Steven Souza Jr. is only hitting .222, but his power numbers have provided quite a boost in his first season with the Tampa Bay Rays. Souza, who has reached base eight times in 13 at-bats during the series and belted his team-leading 13th homer Wednesday, looks to punish his former team again when the Rays visit the Washington Nationals on Thursday.

Souza is the only Tampa Bay player with more than seven blasts and he went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored in the 5-0 victory Wednesday. The American League East-leading Rays send All-Star Game candidate Chris Archer to the mound Thursday in an attempt to win the four-game, home-and-home interleague set after taking two of the first three. Washington fell to 6-13 in its last 19 contests and welcomes back right-hander Doug Fister from the disabled list to oppose Archer. Bryce Harper is 13-for-28 in his last eight games for the Nationals, who managed two hits Wednesday after recording 23 just 24 hours earlier.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), MASN (Washington)

LINE HISTORY: Oddsmakers opened the Nats +108 before adjusting to +118. The total opened at 7.

INJURY REPORT: Rays – RP Andrew Bellatti (DL-Shoulder), 1B James Lonely (Out-Finger) Nationals – N/A

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: “Rays continue to defy logic with a winning record and positive run differential (+12). They’re doing it almost exclusively with pitching as their (.232) batting average in June is the fourth-worst in the AL. As the pitching falters, the Rays will too as it’s unlikely that run production will suddenly appear from this lineup.” Big Al McMordie.

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (7-4, 2.00 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Doug Fister (2-2, 4.31)

Archer allowed three runs over seven innings last time out against the Chicago White Sox while extending his unbeaten streak to seven games with a no-decision. The North Carolina native boasts 113 strikeouts – 51 in his last five outings – over 90 innings and has held opponents to a .196 batting average in 2014. Harper is 1-for-2 with a walk against Archer, who is 5-0 on the road with a 0.51 ERA but lost his only career meeting with Washington.

Fister (forearm) returns to the rotation for the first time in month after pitching six shutout innings while allowing two hits and striking out four at Double-A Harrisburg in his last rehab start on Friday. The 31-year-old California native yielded one earned run or fewer in three of seven starts this season, but has given up 46 hits in 39 2/3 frames overall. Evan Longoria is 3-for-10 versus Fister, who is 2-3 with a 2.88 ERA in six appearances (five starts) against the Rays.

TRENDS:

* Rays are 6-1 in their last seven road games.
* Rays are 8-1 in Archers last nine starts as a road favorite.
* Nationals are 1-6 in their last seven home games.
* Over is 5-1 in Fisters last six starts overall.

CONSENSUS: Fifty-four percent are backing the Nationals.