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Northfield: Thursday 9/25 Analysis
By Ken Walters

DRF HARNESS


Best Bet: TIMER (1st)

Spot Play: SOUTH PARK KID (14th)


Race 1

(2) TIMER has speed and draws inside. Last was a late closing effort in a Billings race and he looks like the right one in here. (5) HIGH STAKES BANKER gave a good account of himself going uncovered two back but was roughed up on the rim in last. (4) TROTTIN ON OVER has been right there out of town in all recent outings.

Race 2

(2) U F SCOOTIN WHOSUR has two wins in three lifetime starts and is hard to look past in here. (6) ITSALLABOUTTONIGHT was used hard to the lead in last and faded late. A better trip should help his chances. (9) FREE BEA should be able to get around any early traffic and stay close enough to threaten.

Race 3

(1) ANYTIMEANYWHERE is sharp now and gets the nod over these. (7) BUSTED FLAT has been facing this kind in all recent and hitting the board regularly. (3) ES MUCHO will not have to be mucho to get a piece of this in his third lifetime start.

Race 4

(3) PLAYMAKER showed some gameness two back in a third-place finish and gameness may be all it takes to score in here. (2) AMAZING SUZY will take advantage of the post and be in striking position when it counts. (4) ROYAL STYLE has been close and competitive in most recent outings.

Race 5

(2) KEYSTONE SWAGGER takes a drop in company. (3) THIRTYTOFINALSCORE missed the bus in last scheduled start? Finished second after a scratched-injured line, so he could be in the photo. (1) S F SCORPION has the rail in a field of confirmed losers and earns a look this level.

Race 6

(4) BET ON BLUE gamed out a win in last coming uncovered and faces much the same. (1) BCS GOLDEN GIRL almost won a race two back but lost it to the top one. (8) INDOMITABLE SPIRIT wired the field at this level, but that was from post four in last out.

Race 7

(2) GUNMANS ACE will pick up a check tonight, so why not the lion's share? (1) BEAU JET has speed but needs some more determination. (4) FULLY LOADED GUN was too awful in last to be serious. Throw it out and he could be close at the end.

Race 8

(2) A PRINCES TALE seeks third straight off a string of late closing efforts. (9) ALADY FOR SURE has gone well in all recent including a couple of efforts from this post. (3) ST ELIANS FIRE can be close with a top effort.

Race 9

(1) G ROD ships in and draws the rail after racing on an `off' track last few. (4) MAXIMUM VIKING wired the field in last and steps up a bit. (3) DONE FOOL ME NOW fits competitively at this level from this post.

Race 10

(4) ACTION EAR TO EAR seemed to be in position to take his shot in last but racing room was tight. (6) MOMA JEANS CROWN was first over and second best in last. (2) DREAM KID just missed uncovered a few back and moves to a better post than he has seen in a bit.

Race 11

(1) MAJOR SPEED drops and draws the rail. (6) CATALINA KID sucked along for second best in last outing. (7) MECHANICAL ART flashed some late speed in his most recent race but the post may hurt.

Race 12

(1) MISS RILEY should atone for last week's miscue. (8) SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY has to get away well and find the rail to be most effective, but if he does he should be trouble judging by a couple of second-place finishes in recent. (6) LARRY P has a similar need but closed steadily last two.

Race 13

(6) NOAHS SHARK showed speed two back and went as far as he could before tiring. Last was a tough luck speed duel but he came closer at the wire. Can he improve a bit and get some racing luck? (3) MANARTICA drops a bunch in company. (7) REDICATION has to overcome the post but flashed some late foot in most recent venture.

Race 14

(1) SOUTH PARK KID draws the rail and was seen drawing a sigh of relief when he heard. Vet will give it as much as he has. (2) PANDAPOCKET moves in and should improve over last few. (5) GOODNITE WILBUR looks to have enough late speed to be in the hunt all the way.

Race 15

(7) LINCOLN JIMMY ships in and has been bet with enthusiasm back east. (2) SOUTHWIND MAIZE went down the road in last after a just-miss second place. Sharp enough to be obviously the one to beat. (1) MR DYLAN won here a few back facing slightly weaker.
 
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Mohawk: Thursday 9/25 Analysis
By Greg Gangle

DRF HARNESS


Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Best Bet: GRACEFUL MELODY (5th)

Spot Play: SHHH IT’S A SECRET (8th)


Race 1

(1) OLIVER SILK draws inside and was a game third last week in this class. He was only defeated by a length and comes from the Baillargeon barn. (3) AMERICAN SUPERMAN overcame post 10 last week to finish fourth and gets major class relief in here. (6) SORRENTO HALL moves into the Zeron barn after finishing third last start in a stakes final at The Red Mile. He may offer a nice price and is worth a look.

Race 2

(4) STUBBORN BELLE won the Peaceful Way in her latest and is the filly to beat in here. (5) AMOUREUSE HANOVER has been a player all season in the Gold Series and finished fourth in the Peaceful Way final. She's an obvious choice for the exactor. (3) GEE OKEEFFE draws inside and has only missed the board once from seven starts this season.

Race 3

(8) ACAPULCO HALL receives class relief in here, is versatile and is due for a big effort. (5) LMC MARSHMELLOW has hit the board in two of her three career starts, begins from a good post and drops in class. (3) CHARLESTON SPRINGS draws inside, comes from the Henriksen barn and should offer a nice price. He's versatile and shows flashes of quick speed.

Race 4

(7) LIGHT OF AVELINE was a game third in her career debut last week and can only improve off that effort. (9) MACH SOME NOISE has pedigree and top connections in her corner. She may offer a nice price from an outside post. (3) PLAY GROUND draws inside and has scored back-to-back wins coming into this contest.

Race 5

(2) GRACEFUL MELODY has a one-for-14 record this season, but has been much better in her last two. I believe she's sitting on a big effort and offers terrific gate speed. (6) SAM enjoys racing off a helmet and should offer a nice price in this field. (8) SEAWIND GINGER comes from the Corey Johnson barn, drops in class and gets Jamieson in the bike.

Race 6

(1) CLIMB HIGHER draws the rail, gets Jamieson in the bike and is very likeable in this class. (4) CAREFULWHATYOUWISH has hit the board in five of eight starts this season along with three wins. (2) MAXIMUS DEO draws inside, comes from the O'Sullivan barn and will make his third career start. He continues to drop time and improve in each outing.

Race 7

(6) ELECTRIFY was too far back last start for trainer Fine and should receive a better trip in here. He drops in class and gets MacDonald back aboard. (7) VITAL SIGN has been very consistent in recent weeks along with a pair of wins in his last three. (8) P L GYRO doesn't like to win, but can't be overlooked with his on-the-board efforts this season. He's been very consistent over the past number of weeks.

Race 8

(1) SHHH IT'S A SECRET draws the rail, has a terrific record this season and will debut for high percentage trainer Nixon. (7) EMBRY SEELSTER was a closing second last week in this class, draws well and has been consistent in this class. (4) NINE LIVES HANOVER was a winner two back before self destructing last week. If she's on her game, she's a player in this contest.

Race 9

(3) DANIELLE HALL went a tough trip in her latest in the Peaceful Way final, but has five wins this season to her credit. She's hard to overlook in this dash with her quick speed and connections. (1) JUANITAS FURY has hit the board in seven of eight starts this season, comes from the Bax barn and finished second in the Peaceful Way final. (5) MUSCLE BABY DOLL comes from the O'Sullivan barn, is fresh off a win and has an excellent record this season.

Race 10

(8) RIVETING tends to offer quick speed, but doesn't have the best winning record this season. She's at a level where she's very capable of winning. (2) DAZZLE N DELIGHT draws inside and has hit the board in each of her last two starts. (3) MISS DOLLAR MAM has seven wins this season, comes from the Auciello barn and has been much better in her last two.

Race 11

(10) FOREGO THE CIGAR is fresh off a win, moves back into the Jarvis barn and looks like the horse to beat despite a post 10 start. (3) DIANES SHARK was a winner last week in this class, draws inside and comes from the Fine barn. (6) LITTLE QUICK has a patented late kick and draws well. He shouldn't be positioned too far back turning for home and is a logical threat for the triactor.
 
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Yonkers: Thursday 9/25 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS


MEET STATS: 285 - 1081 / $1,823.80 BEST BETS: 22 - 90 / $105.30

Best Bet: BAD AS BART (6th)

Spot Play: SO NICE (10th)


Race 1

Upstate invader (5) CASE SOLVED moves her trade to Yonkers. She has fine speed and could take this at her best. (2) CAT CORA gets a better slot to work with. (4) LITTLE MERMAID N put in two solid efforts; watch out.

Race 2

(5) COCOTIER was sent down the road last out for all the glory. Trotting gelding has every right to take these all the way for his second straight victory. (2) IMPERIAL PHOTO was sharp last time around for the score; main danger. (3) SAINT PATTYS DOLL rallied strongly in her last trip for the show spot after she broke at the start; beware.

Race 3

(7) DELICIOUSLYNAUGHTY got the job done all the way in her latest. Pacing miss is sharp and ready to boss these once again. (5) YOUNG AMERICAN has put in three good efforts; threat. (2) CANACO STAR is knocking at the door.

Race 4

(5) HERE AND NOW closed well for the third spot last time around. Pacing mare can make tonight a winning one and the good news is Brennan stays. (4) YOU LITTLE RASCAL raced evenly in her last trip. (3) BELLE BOYD has good speed; watch out.

Race 5

(3) SAILER EDDIE is 0 for 10 this year. However, this gelding moves inside and he will be on the engine; all the way. (2) MEADOWVIEW ARTY should fare well from the 2-hole. (4) AS YALL LIKE IT was second best at Tioga last time out.

Race 6

(1) BAD AS BART gets serious post relief. Gelding can take these to task for all the cash. (5) IDEAL FAME is better than his last flop. (4) ARDENS STORM N gets Brennan; not out of this.

Race 7

(3) LEGAL LITIGATOR just got up for win honors in his recent outing. Gelding is very capable of taking his second in a row. (2) TALBOTCREEK ARMANI is knocking at the door based on his last three; main danger. (1) ER ROOM posted a tough break in his last try but could contend with these.

Race 8

(5) SIR LEHIGH Z TAM put in a mild rally in her last start. Pacing mare should be well placed and might top this group with a fine-timed drive from Lachance. (1) BIJOU THEATER moves to the fence and that can help her cause. (4) MIKELEH should be right in the mix.

Race 9

(7) GIVEITTOEMSTAIGHT might be in the perfect spot to get the job done. But the trip will be everything. (3) CAVIART CARA put in a nice rally for show honors last time out. (1) MCEVER just got up for the victory at Philly recently.

Race 10

(3) SO NICE has tactical speed and this pacing mare seems ready to boss these at her best. (1) SWINGING BEAUTY beat lesser last out at Pocono. (2) SEA CRUISE HANOVER was caught at the wire in her latest; don't overlook.

Race 11

(2) INITTOWINAFORTUNE gets the best of the draw and Brennan is at the controls; all systems go. (4) CHERRY BLISS has a good late kick; she's a player in here. (1) VICTORIA MAY N should be right there from the rail slot.

Race 12

(3) LITTLE MISS HENRY is a 6-year-old miss that moves to the 3-hole where she got the job done two trips ago; threat at her best. (1) EVERYMILEAMEMORY was second best in her latest and the rail slot can help her move forward; maybe. (4) ARIADNE HANOVER was sent down the road for the score last time around; watch out again.
 
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At the Gate - Thursday
By Mike Dempsey

Entries came out yesterday for Saturday’s stakes action and between Belmont Park and Santa Anita we have nine Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” races including two for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).

At Santa Anita, the marquee name is the undefeated Shared Belief, who will go off as the chalk in the $300,000 Awesome Again (G1). The colt drew the four post with Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith aboard.

The Jerry Hollendorfer trainee already stamped a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Classic by virtue of his win in the Pacific Classic (G1) on Aug. 24, which ran his record to a perfect six wins from six starts. He is the solid early betting favorite for the Classic, currently at odds of 8-5 at Sportsbook.ag.

He faces seven foes that look overmatched but I have the remainder of the day to try and find somebody to beat him.

The other “Win and You’re In” race on Saturday is the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park and this is one of the best wagering races on the card.

Wicked Strong is the 3-1 morning line favorite despite coming up a nose short in the Travers (G1) last out to upset winner V.E. Day., who is 5-1 in the race.

Woodward (G1) runner up Moreno is the 7-2 second choice on the morning line. The colt won the Whitney (G1) two back in gate to wire fashion. He breaks from the 11 post and will have to deal with the speedy Big Cazanova (20-1) to his outside.

Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Tonalist is the 4-1 third choice. The colt was closer to the pace than I expected him to be in the Travers and he did not have enough punch left late in a third place finish. Trainer Christophe Clement is taking the blinkers off which should settle him down a little.

I will have more on the stakes over the next couple of days. The NBC Sports Network is picking up the action from 5:30 to 8:00 eastern on Saturday and I will have selections for all of the stakes in my Best Plays Report.

We had three winners on top on the nine race card on Wednesday at Belmont Park to start the week. The winners came in the first three legs of the late Pick 4, and with my second choice Chasin Chama ($23.00) in the nightcap, we scored a decent payoff of $172.50 for a $1.

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

BEL Race 1 Clm $16,000N3L (12:50 ET)
4 Marcy 2-1
5 Heidi's Holiday 4-1
6 Wisdom of Oz 5-2
3 Vinhdication Spot 8-1

Analysis: Marcy returns off a two-month break with a key barn and jock switch. The mare was beaten double-digit lengths in her last two starts on turf which ran her record to 0 for 13 on the weeds. She is back on dirt here with a switch to RRod who is 27% winners (with a +ROI) with newcomers to the barn. She drops into a weaker spot here facing non-winners of three.

Heidi's Holiday came with a five wide run and made a mild late bid to finish third last out against open $16,000 claimers going 6 1/2 furlongs over the main track here last week. This is her third start in 19 days for a low percentage outfit and she has lost 14 in a row, but she will appreciate the class drop here and this is a really slow group. Sent off at 64-1 and 66-1 in her last two starts, the 4-1 morning line seems light, but she has run okay over a wet track.

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 4,5 / 3,4,5,6
TRI: 4,5 / 3,4,5,6 / 3,4,5,6,7

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

BEL Race 7 Alw $77,000N1X (3:56 ET)
3 Knockher Off 10-1
4 Shatak 5-2
5 Shore Runner 6-1
7 Sandy'z Slew 2-1

Analysis: Knockher Off is making his first start since last November for the Jerkens barn that is 3 for his last 9 (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a +180 day layoff. This will be the gelding's first foray outside of the state bred ranks, his last start a game win against New York bred Alw-2 optional claimers on the main track at Aqueduct. He took the field gate to wire two back to beat state bred Alw-1 foes over the turf here going seven furlongs. A couple of good works on the morning tab and he should be a decent price in this spot for a barn that had a good Spa meet and is off to a slow start here. The gelding has a solid off track pedigree if this comes off the grass.

Shatak pressed the early pace and finished evenly in a third place finish last out going a mile at the Spa over good ground in his first go off a seven month layoff. He should be tighter for his second start off the bench for the Weaver barn that also is off to a quiet start at the meeting here after doing well at the Spa. The colt has shown enough tactical speed he should be able to handle the cut back to six furlongs here.

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

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
R1: #3 Vinhdication Spot 8-1
R3: #3 Copper Bluff 12-1
R5: #1 Dinner Time 10-1
R7: #3 Knockher Off 10-1
R8: #10 Greeley Pack 10-1

Good luck today!
 
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SPOT PLAYS

For Thursday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Arlington (2nd) Slip Kid, 9-2
(5th) Fleet Encounter, 7-2

Belmont Park (1st) Heidi's Holiday, 4-1
(4th) Razia Sultana, 3-1

Belterra (4th) Gliding Alone, 9-2
(8th) Tensastrike, 9-2


Charles Town (6th) Kitty Fredo, 7-2
(7th) Captain Klink, 5-1


Delaware Park (3rd) Tinder Lord, 9-2
(5th) Ohnonotagain, 8-1


Finger Lakes (4th) Fullfaithandcredit, 4-1
(8th) Majestic Serenade, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (6th) Sweet Paola, 4-1
(9th) Capriccio Blue, 3-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Hesacutabove, 7-2
(4th) Argumental, 5-1


Laurel Park (3rd) Last Heartbreaker, 3-1
(7th) Buttercup Gold, 5-1


Meadowlands (1st) Silver Bouquet, 9-2
(2nd) Hope for Tomorrow, 5-1


Penn National (2nd) Majestic Koa, 4-1
(9th) Howelling Wind, 7-2


Presque Isle Downs (3rd) Jasizzle, 5-1
(4th) Court's Ruling, 5-1


Remington Park (3rd) Ocean Ahumin, 4-1
(9th) See Omega, 9-2
 
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Preview: Royals (86-70) at White Sox (72-85)

Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: September 25, 2014 8:10 PM EDT

Though the Kansas City Royals fell shy of a series sweep to open their final road trip, they're closing in on their first postseason appearance since 1985.

The Royals can secure a playoff berth as early as Thursday night as they open a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox.

Despite overcoming an early three-run deficit, Kansas City's three-game win streak ended with Wednesday's 6-4 loss at Cleveland. It left the Royals (86-72) tied with Oakland atop the wild-card standings, three games ahead of Seattle and 3 1/2 clear of the Indians.

They're two games back of AL Central-leading Detroit, which punched its own ticket to the playoffs with Wednesday's win over Chicago (72-86) and the Mariners' loss to Toronto.

"I know things are close, we're close," Kansas City slugger Billy Butler said. "We've got four games left. If we could do it right now, we'd be in a playoff spot. You can't help but realize that it's right around the corner, but you have to keep grinding and keep your head down."

Kansas City is 10-5 against the White Sox this season and has outscored them 32-11 while winning five of six at U.S. Cellular Field.

James Shields (14-8, 3.18 ERA) is 3-1 with a 1.83 ERA in his last six starts at Chicago and 1-1 with a 2.67 ERA in four overall this season against the White Sox.

The Royals, however, have totaled six runs with Shields on the mound while he's gone 2-2 with a 2.74 ERA in his last six outings.

After giving up a run and 10 hits over 22 1-3 innings to go 2-0 over a three-start stretch, the right-hander allowed three runs and 10 hits in seven innings while not factoring in the decision of a 4-3 home win over Chicago on Sept. 15. He followed that by giving up three runs over 6 2-3 innings of a 3-2 loss to the Tigers on Saturday.

Paul Konerko, who went 1 for 4 in Chicago's 6-1 loss at Detroit on Wednesday, is 6 for 38 and has struck out 11 times versus Shields.

This marks the final homestand for Paul Konerko, who will retire after 18 seasons. Expected to play Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, Konerko is 6 for 49 with one RBI and 16 strikeouts over an 18-game stretch that included time missed with a hand injury.

Jose Quintana (9-10, 3.22 ERA) is 3-0 with a 1.65 ERA in his last four starts, but the White Sox have dropped each of the three he's made while going 0-2 with a 4.43 ERA versus Kansas City this season.

The left-hander, though, allowed a run in seven innings while failing to get a decision in a 2-1 home loss to the Royals while opposing Shields on July 23.

Nori Aoki is 6 for 13 with two doubles versus Quintana, who gave up an earned run in 7 1-3 innings of a 4-3 victory at Tampa Bay on Friday.

Kansas City's Eric Hosmer is 10 for 24 with five doubles in the last six games, but is 3 for 28 with seven strikeouts against Quintana.

Chicago's Alexei Ramirez is 5 for 13 versus Shields this season, and 23 for 55 lifetime against him.
 
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Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Thursday 8:05 PM

(919) OAKLAND ATHLETICS at (920) TEXAS RANGERS

Take: (920) TEXAS RANGERS +134

The A’s are still in good shape to make the post-season, but they’re anything but a playoff caliber baseball team right now. This team has succumbed to the pressure of what turned into high expectations and the Oakland free fall has been pretty close to unbelievable.

I listened to some post-game comments from A’s skipper Bob Melvin following the latest loss to the Angels, and let’s say he didn’t sound like the most confident guy around., Melvin was talking about the fact that the A’s will be back to 0-0 once the post-season starts, and that’s an old song I’ve heard in the past. But it’s only seemingly sung by coaches or managers whose teams are limping badly into the playoffs, regardless of the sport.

The Athletics have continued to be priced with respect throughout this massive tumble, and that’s the case again tonight. I just can’t see it based on their current form. On the flip side, the suddenly youthful Texas Rangers have caught fire since Ron Washington departed the scene, and I’m sure they’d like to finish the campaign on a high note as well.

Jason Hammel vs. Colby Lewis is the matchup on the mound. Hammel really scuffled after betting dealt west from the Cubs, but he’s been much better lately. Lewis is a back end of the rotation starter who is generally pretty hittable, but is also capable of the occasional big effort. Hammel has to rate the edge as far as this aspect goes.

But beyond that, it’s tough to find much that screams Oakland here. The Rangers are clearly not just playing out the string, and are in fact a red hot baseball team right now. It’s obviously a much bigger game to the visitors, but I cannot justify them as this much chalk. I prefer backing the rolling Rangers to spring the surprise as home dogs.
 
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Jim Feist

Comp MLB Pick for Thursday, September 25, 2014: 8:10 PM EST

(921) KANSAS CITY ROYALS VS (922) CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Take: (922) CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Reason: Your free pick for Thursday, September 25th comes in the American League as the Royals and the White Sox battle it out in Chicago. Chicago is a home dog but has a fine offense, 12th in runs scored and 9th in slugging. Chicago is home from a road trip and the White Sox are 7-1 in their last 8 home games following a road trip of 7 or more days. Starter Jose Quintana (3.22 ERA) has been impressive all year, allowing 1, 1, 1, and 2 runs the last four games. Quintana tossed a strong 7.1 innings in Friday's 4-3 win over the Rays, allowing three runs (one earned) on nine hits while recording six strikeouts. Chicago has had no trouble hitting James Shields this season, hitting .282 off him in 27 innings. And the White Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Play the White Sox.
 

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