Tuesday 11/3/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Magic (0-3) at Pelicans (0-3)

Date: November 03, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

While the Orlando Magic have been so very close to gluing the pieces together, the New Orleans Pelicans are in danger of completely falling apart.

Snake-bitten Orlando visits injury-plagued New Orleans on Tuesday night as these teams try to assemble an elusive first win.

The Magic (0-3) will continue that search in the middle contest of a three-game road trip. It's also their second game in a span of five of six away from home.

Orlando has dropped each game by five points or less, the first an 88-87 loss to Washington in which it coughed up a late lead and the second a 139-136 double-overtime defeat to Oklahoma City.

Sunday's 92-87 loss in Chicago seemed out of reach until a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Magic went cold in the final three minutes, though, and to coach Scott Skiles it was an overall dud.

'We were just lethargic on both ends,' he said. 'Most of the game we just weren't here tonight.'

The 136 points against the Thunder helped bump up Orlando's offensive numbers, but the Magic still rank toward the bottom of the NBA in field-goal percentage (40.2) and 3-point shooting (29.3).

Orlando's offense looked so good against Oklahoma City, producing Victor Oladipo's second career triple-double, Tobias Harris' fifth career 30-point game and an efficient 10-for-14, 26-point showing from Nikola Vucevic.

The same offense scuffled against the Bulls, however, making 38.9 percent of its shots, 30.4 percent of its 3-pointers and 58.8 percent from the free-throw line.

New Orleans (0-3) hopes to see that struggling offense after lining up against one of the NBA's best in two of its first three games. The Pelicans have allowed at least 111 points in each contest, including a 111-95 loss to Golden State in the opener last week and a 134-120 defeat to the Warriors on Saturday.

Opponents are shooting 48.9 percent against New Orleans and 41.3 from 3-point range.

Injuries have made it difficult for first-year coach Alvin Gentry to find consistency in his lineups. Omer Asik (right calf) and Luke Babbitt (left hamstring) returned over the weekend, but Tyreke Evans (right knee), Norris Cole (left ankle sprain) and Quincy Pondexter (left knee) remain out.

Jrue Holiday has played with a minutes restriction as he works his way back from a lower right leg injury, and Kendrick Perkins suffered a pectoral injury Saturday.

There is no timetable for Perkins' return.

"The injuries are the thing that knocked everything off track," said Gentry, whose team has won six of its last seven home games against Orlando. "Hopefully we get everybody back eventually and we're not going to panic. We don't think that we have the wrong system."

What the Pelicans do have is Anthony Davis. The 6-foot-10 power forward, who could rotate over to center to help fill the void left by Perkins, had 26 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two blocks Saturday.

Davis holds averages of 19.3 points and 15.0 rebounds in six games against the Magic.

Orlando is on the verge of dropping its first four games for the second straight season, while New Orleans last started 0-4 when it lost its first eight in 2004-05.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Raptors (3-0) at Mavericks (2-1)

Date: November 03, 2015 8:30 PM EDT

The Toronto Raptors have cruised to their best start in seven seasons, but the competition has left something to be desired.

That'll change Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks, who seek a fourth straight victory in home openers as the Raptors target the first 4-0 start in franchise history.

Toronto (3-0), beginning a four-game trip with back-to-back games in Dallas and Oklahoma City, last won its first three in 2008-09, but none of those wins came against teams that ended the season over .500 and the Raptors went on to lose 49 games.

They still have plenty to prove this time around considering their wins have come against Indiana, Boston and Milwaukee, who have combined for one win through three games each during the first week of the season.

Even so, after Sunday's 106-87 home win over the Bucks, the victories have come by an average of 12.0 points with the Raptors shooting 42.0 percent from 3-point range and holding a rebounding advantage of 12.7.

While DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry remain key pieces, center Jonas Valanciunas had 19 points with eight rebounds and is averaging 15.3 and 11.0. Newcomer and starting forward DeMarre Carroll has averaged 16.3 points and shot 42.1 percent from 3-point range.

The bench scored 21 of Toronto's 25 fourth-quarter points, with Terrence Ross getting all of his 11 in the final 12 minutes, while Patrick Patterson went 4 for 5 from 3-point range on his way to 16.

"I think we just went out there tonight and played our game," Lowry said. "We are getting a lot more comfortable with each other, feeling out where we are going to be and the spots on the floor where we need to be at."

Dallas won both meetings last season, holding DeRozan to 7-of-29 shooting and 9.0 points per game, while Lowry has shot 13 of 47 an averaged 13.0 points over his previous three in the series.

The Mavericks (2-1) were even more impressive against Kobe Bryant in Sunday's 103-93 win at the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was 3 for 15 and Dallas held the Lakers to 36.5 percent from the floor. On their season-opening trip against Phoenix, the Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers, the Mavs limited opponents to 39.8 percent and 27.0 from long range.

"I thought that we really were decent defensively," Dirk Nowitzki told the team's official website.

The veteran forward was also impressive offensively, scoring a game-high 25 points on 10-of-13 shooting, though he was held to 35.1 percent in last season's wins over Toronto. He's shooting 55.3 percent to start the season as backcourt newcomers Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews try to settle in.

Both returned after missing the loss to the Clippers, and the Mavericks also got Chandler Parsons back for the first time since he was shut down after one playoff game and undergoing right knee surgery May 1.

"It felt good. To be out there, it's been a long time coming and a lot of countless hours of rehab," said Parsons, who went 1 of 6 in 12 minutes.

"But I missed some bunnies, and that's going to come. You're going to be a little rusty and you're going to be tired. You can do all the conditioning that you can in the pool and on the treadmill and everything, but you can't ever simulate a game. It's going to take some time, but the good thing is my knee felt fine."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Grizzlies (2-2) at Kings (1-2)

Date: November 03, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies endured their most lopsided defeat in franchise history in the opener to a season-high five-game road trip, but that miserable performance also gave their starters time to rest for the second of a back-to-back.

The Grizzlies seek a much improved showing Tuesday night against a less imposing opponent, a Sacramento Kings team that's without DeMarcus Cousins.

Memphis (2-2) was outscored 72-27 in the middle two quarters in a 119-69 loss to Golden State on Monday. Marc Gasol (13 points) and Mike Conley (10) were the only players in double figures for the Grizzlies, who shot a franchise-worst 27.1 percent against the team that eliminated them from last season's playoffs.

Tony Allen played just 12 minutes and none of the starters appeared in the fourth quarter. David Joerger's team could use the rest with their trip taking place in a span of one week.

"Golden State, Sacramento, who has four days between games waiting for us, Portland, Utah, Clippers, then we go home to play Golden State, Houston, then Minnesota, Oklahoma City, Dallas and San Antonio," Joerger said. "At this point, we know our first 25 games are very difficult."

After taking on the reigning NBA champions, Memphis will get to face a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs or finished with a winning record since 2005-06.

Sacramento (1-2) struggled to slow down opponents last season, allowing 105.0 points per game, and the Kings looked so far like they might have those same difficulties in this campaign.

They've given up 113.0 points on 49.8 percent shooting in the first three games and allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to connect at 51.3 percent in a 114-109 road loss Saturday.

Cousins left in the final minute of the first half and an MRI on Sunday showed he strained his right Achilles. The Kings' perennial scoring and rebounding leader will reportedly miss at least the next two games.

Cousins' absence will likely hinder Sacramento's attempt to slow down Memphis' star duo of Gasol and Zach Randolph in the paint. The Kings do have 7-footer Willie Cauley-Stein, the No. 6 overall pick who has started the past two games.

"Their post-up game is going to be a problem," coach George Karl said. "We're going to figure out how to cover them both individually and as a team. ... It's going to be a fun challenge. It's exciting for the team."

At the other end of the court, Sacramento will likely rely on Rajon Rondo to make up some of Cousins' scoring production. Cousins was averaging 22.0 of the Kings' 115.0 points.

Rondo has 21 points and eight assists in each of the past two games.

The Kings also have Rudy Gay, who has averaged 24.0 points on 55.3 percent shooting in his last five matchups with his former team. Gay had 28 points in a 102-90 win Feb. 25 that snapped his team's five-game home losing streak in the series.

Memphis has won 17 of 20 overall matchups, outscoring the Kings by an average of 10.2 points. Randolph, who had four points on 2-of-9 shooting Monday, is averaging 20.5 points on 59.3 percent shooting in his last four games in Sacramento.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (1-2) at Lakers (0-3)

Date: November 03, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

Kobe Bryant stinks.

That's the self-evaluation from a 37-year-old who's hit 21 fewer field goals than his age and has nearly as many turnovers as assists during the Los Angeles Lakers' 0-3 start.

The once dominant guard will try to bust out of his slump Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets, whom the Lakers haven't beaten at home in nearly three years.

Bryant is shooting 31.4 percent from the floor and has made just 6 of 29 attempts from 3-point range. His seven personal fouls are one fewer than his amount of made baskets over his last two games after shooting 3 of 15 in Sunday's 103-93 loss to Dallas.

"I just can't make a shot," said Bryant, who scored seven of his 15 points at the free-throw line. "I'm getting the shots I want. I'm just not making them. The guys are giving me the ball and making great passes. It's their job to facilitate and my job to finish. I gotta do the responsible thing and make them for them."

His teammates are shooting 42.1 percent despite rookie D'Angelo Russell going 4 of 13 in the latest defeat. Julius Randle, who broke his right leg in last year's season opener in his first NBA game, is coming off his best performance as a pro with 22 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and four steals against the Mavericks.

"His attitude, his competitiveness - it's great," Bryant said of Randle. "The sky's the limit for him. He's a gem."

Bryant has averaged 29.6 points while shooting 48.1 percent in his last five against the Nuggets, but he's missed five of the last seven meetings. Denver has won four straight matchups at Staples Center since losing there Nov. 30, 2012.

The Nuggets have won nine of the last 10 overall meetings after Kenneth Faried scored 29 points and Danilo Gallinari added 27 in a 119-101 victory April 8.

Denver (1-2) could be shorthanded for this meeting, though, as big men Joffrey Lauvergne and Nikola Jokic are dealing with back pain.

Jokic suffered a strain and had to leave early in Sunday's 117-93 loss to Oklahoma City, while Lauvergne scored 11 points in nearly 19 minutes playing through spasms. Both will be evaluated to determine their status for Tuesday.

Wilson Chandler (right hip strain) and Jusuf Nurkic (left patellar tendon injury) have yet to play this season.

"That's all we need is more banged-up bodies," coach Michael Malone said. "That's the nature of the NBA."

The Nuggets drained 13 3-pointers and shot over 50 percent in a 20-point rout of Houston to open the season, but they've shot just 34.2 percent from the floor and 14 of 51 from long range in back-to-back defeats.

Will Barton came off the bench to score 15 points against the Thunder, and Gallinari also had 15 but shot just 3 of 13. Oklahoma City shot 52.3 percent and scored 37 points in the third quarter.

"For whatever reason, we came out in that third and got our butts kicked," Malone said. "Thirty-seven points (allowed) in one quarter - that's hard to do."

Lakers forward Brandon Bass did not practice Monday, and it's unclear if he'll be able to play. Bass was poked in the eye Sunday and suffered a corneal abrasion.

Rookie Larry Nance had his nose broken during practice and is questionable.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Tough Road Ahead'

Toronto Raptors head into Dallas feeling pretty good having won its first three games by an average 12.0 points/game. However, those were against Pacers (0-3), Celtics (1-2) and Bucks (1-3).

Mavericks netting 100.7 per/game while allowing 97.3 per/contest is a big step up in class. This is one matchup that should give Toronto backers pause. The Texas Triangle just doesn't agree with Raptors. The players change, the coaches change but Raptors keep coming up empty in Texas. Since 2000, Purple-Dinos have won just six of forty-five games in Texas including 2-13 (6-9 ATS) in Dallas. Additionally, Toronto coming in off a 19 point victory has not worked out well for Dinos' as they're 4-10 ATS following a 15 or more point victory the pervious effort.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CL Best Bets - Tuesday
By Toby Maxtone-Smith

Matchday 4

Even though we are now four rounds into the Champions League, it is still very hard to tell who will be winning this year’s trophy. There have been no major slip-ups for any of the usual favourites, and Barcelona and Bayern Munich cannot be split at the top of the betting at 3/1. Real Madrid are 5/1, while PSG, who are in a group with Real, may be an appealing bet at 12/1.

Manchester City are the shortest price of all the English teams at 14/1, with Manchester United and Chelsea at 20/1. Atletico Madrid are 18 /1, Juventus are 25/1 with Arsenal at 33/1. That price would shorten a lot if Arsenal were to make it through their group, which is still far from certain.

The Banker: Atletico Madrid to win to nil away to FC Astana at evens (1/1)

Atletico Madrid fielded a relatively weak team in their home game with Kazakh champions FC Astana, and still came away with a comfortable 4-0 win. They restricted their opponents ot just three shots on target and 40% of possession. Astana have managed one point - a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray, but both of their goals were own-goals.

Atletico have to travel an enormous 3,500 miles to Kazakhstan, which will have an effect. It is unlikely that Diego Simeone’s side will have the energy to thrash their opponents, but their defensive record in Europe is exemplary. They have conceded just four times in their last 12 games in the competition. Astana will be dogged at the back, but do not have the firepower to hurt Atletico.

The Solid Bet: Juventus to win at Borussia Mönchengladbach at 11/8

Juventus were held to a 0-0 draw by Borussia Mönchengladbach in Turin, but the game was something of a freak: the Old Lady had 18 shots to Borussia’s two, and just could not break their opponents down thanks to a brilliant performance from Yann Sommer in the visitors’ goal. But despite that good result, qualification is unlikely for Mönchengladbach, while Juventus know that a win would get them a long way to making the last 16.

While Juventus have had a bad start to the season, their form has improved recently. And away from home in the Champions League they have the wise heads to get good results. Their four most recent away games in the competition have been wins at Man City and Borussia Dortmund and draws at Real Madrid and Monaco. At 11/8 they look a good bet.

The Outsider: CSKA Moscow to win at Manchester United at 6/1

Manchester United were unconvincing in a satisfactory 1-1 draw away to CSKA Moscow in their last Champions League game, but since then a mood of nervous gloom has settled around Old Trafford after three dreadful 0-0 draws. The first was not too bad - away to Everton. But the second (at home to Middlesbrough in the League Cup - followed by a defeat on penalties) and third - turgid draw at Crystal Palace - have combined to put the pressure on Louis van Gaal’s team.

CSKA Moscow, meanwhile, are red-hot at the top of the Russian League. In their 14 league games, they have won 11 and drawn three. They warmed up for the trip to Manchester with a 2-0 win over Ufa. Leonid Slutskiy’s side never had to exert themselves and could make early substitutions, meaning they should be fresh for the match. At 6/1 they are worth a bet.

The First Goalscorer: Alex Teixeira for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Malmo FF at 7/2

No player is on better form in front of goal this season than Alex Teixeira of Shakhtar Donetsk. Incredibly, the Brazilian has scored 18 in 12 league games, including two in his side’s 7-1 demolition of Zorya Luhansk last time out. In his last four games, he has scored eight goals. Several big European clubs, particularly Chelsea, have been linked with Alex for a fee of around $40m. And at 7/2 he looks a good bet to give Shakhtar the lead against Malmo.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Huskies (5-3) at Rockets (7-0)

Date: November 03, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

(AP) - Every one of Toledo's season goals is still there for the taking.

The No. 20 Rockets begin a high-profile stretch of games starting Tuesday night with an opponent that has continually shattered their aspirations for a conference title.

Northern Illinois (5-3, 3-1) has represented the Mid-American Conference's West Division in the league championship game the past five seasons, beating Toledo (7-0, 4-0) on the way each year. Toledo has lost just eight MAC games in the past six years, five of them to Northern Illinois.

"I've said when we started our journey here at Toledo, our goal is to year-in and year-out have the opportunity to play for a MAC championship," coach Matt Campbell said. "Obviously, playing a team of (Northern Illinois') caliber, you know that you have to win that if you ultimately want to have a chance to win a conference championship. It's our next step in our process and obviously a huge challenge for us."

Since losing three straight games for the first time since 2009 - including a near-upset of No. 1 Ohio State - Northern Illinois has averaged nearly 51 points while winning its last three. It will bring the MAC's best rushing offense to the Glass Bowl, led by junior tailback Joel Bouagnon, who averages a league-best 107.8 yards and is tied for third in the country with 14 rushing touchdowns.

If the Huskies beat Toledo for the sixth straight season, Northern Illinois coach Rod Carey doesn't believe the series history will play any role.

"In college football, every year is so different," Carey said. "All that stuff is good for the record books and really good media stuff, but when you're inside these walls, it doesn't really make a difference because rosters change so much."

Campbell and Carey cite the same keys to the game: ball security, third-down conversions and success in the red zone.

"All those really critical details are huge in football games where teams are really evenly matched," Campbell said.

Here are some other things to watch for in the game:

TUESDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

This is the first of three straight Tuesday night games for Toledo, while Northern Illinois will play four of the midweek contests designed to get conference teams some national television exposure. A total of 16 mid-week MAC games will be televised by the ESPN family of networks and the CBS Sports Network.

TOLEDO'S GAUNTLET STRETCH

Following Northern Illinois, the Rockets play Central Michigan (4-4), Bowling Green (6-2) and Western Michigan (5-3) - teams that are a combined 11-1 in MAC play.

"These next four games are kind of going to be a gauntlet for us," Toledo quarterback Phillip Ely said.

TURNOVERS

Ely was intercepted three times in the first half at UMass on Oct. 24, when the Rockets trailed by 18 at halftime. He then led five straight scoring drives in the second half, finishing with a career-high 355 passing yards and five touchdowns in a 51-35 win.

"We're really going to have to hone down on some of the mistakes we made in earlier games, but it's kind of good we made those mistakes then because we can correct them and go into this game fully prepared," Ely said. "I can't throw three picks these next few games, or we're going to lose."

The Rockets know what a loss to Northern Illinois is likely to mean.

"Every game is a big deal, but this one is a really big deal. We've got to beat them if we want to go to the MAC championship," senior defensive tackle Orion Jones said.

"We're in a great position and have to keep winning. I realize we haven't beat them since I've been here, so it's definitely something important to me."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

NCAAF

Tuesday's game

Northern Illinois won its last five games with Toledo; underdogs are 4-2 vs spread in last six series games- average total in last five is 75.2. Toledo is 7-0 this season, winning MAC home games 38-7/63-20- they ran ball for 269 ypg the last four games, all wins by 14+ points. Huskies scored 51 ppg in winning their last three games; they scored 38+ points in all five wins, 19 or less in losses by 7-3-10 points.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Dover Downs

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


Race 12 - Post: 8:10 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$6000 - FILLIES/MARES CLAIMING $10,000 WITH ALLOWANCES DELAWARE OWNED OR BRED


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 TEXAS CAVIAR 5/1


# 4 STEALIN THE SHOW 6/1


# 7 DEVIL MAY CARE 1/1


Look no further than TEXAS CAVIAR as the play in this event. Good for a win wager just off the terrific prior class markings. Have to like this horse. Excellent win percent combined with recent good performances. We think she can handle this group. STEALIN THE SHOW - Certainly did like this mare's last race. Ran a big 73 TrackMaster SR. Major contender. A nice win percentage has been recorded by contenders starting from the 4 position. DEVIL MAY CARE - Could provide us a win based on really good recent speed figs - earning an avg of 81. A good class horse can't be forgotten. With an average class statistic of 81 all signs say this is the one to beat.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at The Meadows

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


Race 4 - Post: 1:55 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 79 - Purse:$11600 - CD 2-6YO F& M NW 5 EXT PM RACES OR $25,000 LIFE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 4 NORTHERN SOUL 8/1


# 2 TSM PICASSA 6/1


# 5 FIRST CLASS G 9/2


Hey, listen up! NORTHERN SOUL is the knowledgeable bet if you like to win looking ever better at 8/1 on the morning line. Overall numbers appear competitive. Can't throw out at this point. Could very well be the most respectable in the race here, showing very good figures of late. Avg speed is a solid 81. The 80 avg class rating may give this mare a distinct edge in the field. TSM PICASSA - This contest may be controlled by this mare. One look at the avgerage TrackMaster Speed Rating will prove that. A respectable class horse should not be be forgotten. With an avg class number of 78 all signs point to yes. FIRST CLASS G - Recent figures for the driver - 31 percent win - make this mare a clear choice in the field of horses. Extremely profitable driver/handler tandem, with a 10 ROI when working their magic together.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 8 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $14100 Class Rating: 71

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE OCTOBER 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 3 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 6 BORN TO BE MILD 2/1


# 7 STEEL BAY 15/1


# 3 SINGLE MALT FEMALE 4/1


BORN TO BE MILD is my choice. Will probably be one of the leaders of the pack going into the midpoint of the contest. Must be given a chance - I like the figures from the last outing. Seems to have a formidable class edge based on the recent company kept. STEEL BAY - This horse has some longshot handicapping angles going for her. The average class fig alone makes this one a solid contender. SINGLE MALT FEMALE - Alvarado has one of the best rider ROI's on the grounds, returning to bettors +205 percent. Had one of the most respectable speed figs of this group of horses in this race in her last contest.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Portland Meadows

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


Race 1 - Stakes - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $15400 Class Rating: 79

WILLAMETTE RIVER S. - FOR 2YR OLDS BY SUBSCRIPTION OF $50.00 TO ACCOMPANY THE NOMINATION. $100.00 TO PASS THE ENTRY BOX. TOTAL EARNINGS 2014-15 WILL BE USED TO DETERMINE THE PREFERENCE OF HORSES. STARTERS WILL BE NAMED THROUGH THE ENTRY BOX AT TIME OF CLOSING. WEIGHT 121 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 2 MR. SHOBIZ 5/2


# 4 BEAUTY HAS POWER 2/1


# 3 COPY BEGONE 4/1


MR. SHOBIZ is my choice. Has been racing solidly and has among the most respectable speed in the race for today's distance. There is a competitive chance that this entry's late pace will improve with second time Lasix. Has respectable speed figures and has to be considered for a bet for this race. BEAUTY HAS POWER - He looks solid in this spot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the midpoint. Could beat this group given the 72 speed figure posted in his last outing. COPY BEGONE - In this field, this entrant is at the top in earnings per start in dirt sprint contests. With a decent 50 Equibase Speed Fig last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mahoning Valley Race Course - Race #1 - Post: 12:45pm - Maiden Special - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,500 Class Rating: 59

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 LAVA ROCKS (ML=9/2)


LAVA ROCKS - I believe that this contest's shorter trip should help this filly. This filly is rounding her way back into shape. Should run well today. I like horses that return to a similar class level after dropping at least 5 class pts like this one did in the last race. I believe she'll be competitive at this class.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 DARK DARLING (ML=4/5), #5 ROBERT'S UNBRIDLED (ML=6/1), #6 ETERNAL DREAM (ML=6/1),

DARK DARLING - Didn't come through as the favorite twice. Probably won't gain a victory today either. ROBERT'S UNBRIDLED - 6/1 is not offering enough value for any horse in a sprint of 6 furlongs that hasn't finished in the money in a sprint affair recently. ETERNAL DREAM - Difficult to wager on at 6/1 odds after the most recent outings.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #7 LAVA ROCKS to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Skip

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Zia Park - Race #8 - Post: 3:17pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 61

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 CLYDE A (ML=6/1)
#3 CLASSIC HIT (ML=12/1)


CLYDE A - Rodriguez and Aldavaz partnered together are a handicapper's friend. I like this gelding. Has the top (EPS) earnings per start in this one. CLASSIC HIT - This gelding is in first-rate condition right now. Ran second in the last race and comes back rapidly.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 HES A GEM (ML=3/1), #1 SOUL CHECK (ML=4/1), #6 PRINCE BOB (ML=5/1),

HES A GEM - You should normally bet against chalks that haven't raced or show no activity in the morning over the last three weeks. SOUL CHECK - I'm always particularly concerned about any horse that earns his biggest speed rating on an 'off' track. PRINCE BOB - Difficult to play at 5/1 odds after the last two outings.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #11 CLYDE A to win if we can get at least 7/5 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 11/3 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 220 - 1047 / $1,501.60 BEST BETS: 27 - 87 / $118.80

Best Bet: BIG BAD BOSSMAN (1st)

Spot Play: ELIAS JOY (3rd)


Race 1

(4) BIG BAD BOSSMAN Sharp pacer is on a roll with another down the road score last out; clearly the one to deny. (2) THUNDER NOISE did show speed in his Pocono finale; consider. (5) BACK BEYOND was second best against the top pick last time around; figures to be right in the mix.

Race 2

(4) ASHLAKE flashed early trot in her recent outing; with a favorable trip, she can get her picture taken. (2) AMALFI COAST put in a nice qualifier at Philly last out; could find these to his liking; maybe. (1) SING OUT was nailed for win honors in his last try; not out of this.

Race 3

(2) ELIAS JOY might have been used up in the early stages last time out at Saratoga; with a return to his Plainridge victory two trips ago, it could be game over for the rest of these. (1) TOBER takes a needed drop in class and draws the rail slot; big threat. (3) CANDY STASH has scored in her last two tries at Vernon; watch out.

Race 4

(4) TSWALU closed well to grab the place spot last time out. Gelding appears to be heading in the right direction; poised to get it done today. (2) MADHATTER BLUECHIP just got up for the victory in his last try; dangerous again. (1) BUNDLE ME UP is knocking at the door based on his last three starts; beware.

Race 5

(3) ROCKIN CASSINOVA Gelding seems to be ready of moving forward off his last two tries; can top these at his best. (2) VILLE VALO Two straight victories at his Canada headquarters; main danger with Brennan at the helm. (6) TRIPLE PLANS Sharp in victory at Pocono last out; post hurts but is capable.

Race 6

(7) A BETTOR HAT Even finish in his latest. Gelding has tactical speed and good to see Brennan with the call; pounce and score. (1) THE SPY retains the rail and did not race badly last out; contender. (3) ULTIMATE G could land a share against this group.

Race 7

(4) WESTERN CREDIT made a big move on the backstretch and rolled home to victory recently; figures to take these to task once again for all the cash. (6) FIRE IN THE CELL was sent by Brennan down the road last out for win honors; main danger. (2) BINGO QUEEN She gets post relief and that could help her cause.

Race 8

(8) MASTERSON has hit the board 9 of 15 starts this year; does have good speed, so the 8-hole should not be a problem; threat at his best. (4) SECRET THREAT came close to getting the job done missing by only a neck; main danger. (7) SICILY took two straight victories at Philly and should be right square in the mix; watch out.

Race 9

(1) BATTLE MAGE put in a nice rally to grab the placing last time around. Trotting miss moves to the fence and has good early zip; ready to boss these. (5) CUP TOWN GIRL was second best in her last try and is knocking at the door; big player. (4) GABE THE BEAR DEAN Gelding showed speed and held on last out for the show spot; not out of this.

Race 10

(3) MASSIVE LIGHTNING returns to the mile distance, and he some trouble in the added-distance event at even money last time out. Trotting gelding can get back into the winning grove with a favorable trip. (5) DANISH DURANGO was a sharp second at Philly last week and appears to be a threat to take this. (2) MY FRIEND JIM Easy victory in his first appearance at the Hilltop; don't overlook.

Race 11

(2) CELEBRITY ARTEMIS moves to the 2-hole and Sears has the assignment; has tactical speed and with the right trip, she can top these at his best. (4) COIN COLLECTOR Very sharp to nail down two straight victories. She is clearly the one to beat. (6) NORTHERN OBSESSION was late on the scene to grab the show spot last time out. Trotting filly must be considered in the exotics.

Race 12

(1) RANGERS SURESHOT Gelding is very sharp and just missed the victory by only a length last out; moves to the rail and should be ready to make his return to the winner's circle. (2) IDEALBEACH HANOVER put in a good effort for third money last time around; could have a say in the outcome. (4) REGGIANO got the job done last out at Philly. Now he moves back to Yonkers where he was a game second four trips ago.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Finger Lakes (4th) Unbridled Band, 3-1
(5th) El Mono Verde, 7-2


Hawthorne (2nd) R K's Afleet, 7-2
(8th) Rock My Dreams, 6-1


Mahoning Valley (2nd) Unique Indygo, 6-1
(3rd) Makinville, 6-1


Parx Racing (4th) Julie's Indy, 6-1
(9th) Double Check, 9-2


Turf Paradise (3rd) Ten Purses, 3-1
(5th) Midnight City, 9-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Soccer: CL Matchday 4 Odds

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015

FC Astana +1050
Atletico Madrid -384
Draw +450
Over 2.5 (-144)
Under 2.5 (+115)

Monchengladbach +210
Juventus+130
Draw +230
Over 2.5 (+115)
Under 2.5 (-144)

Benfica -188
Galatasaray +475
Draw +325
Over 2.5 (-140)
Under 2.5 (+110)

Manchester United-196
CSKA Moscow +500
Draw +325
Over 2.5(-120)
Under 2.5 (-109)

PSV Eindhoven +180
Wolfsburg +140
Draw +250
Over 2.5 (-144)
Under 2.5 (+115)

Real Madrid -153
Paris St Germain +400
Draw +295
Over 2.5 (-144)
Under 2.5 (+115)

Sevilla +177
Manchester City +140
Draw +250
Over 2.5 (-144)
Under 2.5 (+115)

Shakhtar Donetsk -277
Malmo FF +700
Draw +400
Over 2.5 (-163)
Under 2.5 (+125)

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the Day: Hawks at Heat

Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat (-4, 196)

Safe to say the Miami Heat found their rhythm on both ends of the court after a dreadful first half on Sunday, and will look to put four solid quarters together Tuesday when they host the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat scored 65 points after halftime – Dwyane Wade, Hassan Whiteside and Chris Bosh combining to shoot 13-of-21 from the field – as Miami rallied from a 63-44 deficit at intermission to win 109-89.

Offense has not been a problem for Miami, which ranks among the top five teams in the NBA in field-goal percentage (47 percent) and free-throw shooting (87.5). Udonis Haslem blasted his teammates during a fiery halftime speech on Sunday, which Wade summarized to the media after the game as, “it was all bleep, bleep, bleep.” Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer had his own reasons to be upset after the Hawks were torched for 37 third-quarter points Sunday at Charlotte before tightening up defensively in a 94-92 victory to sweep a home-and-home from the Hornets. Atlanta also dodged an after-game scare as X-rays on the finger of point guard Jeff Teague, who averages a team-leading 18.3 points to pace five Hawks in double figures, came back negative.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Southeast (Atlanta), Sun Sports (Miami)

LINE HISTORY: The Heat opened as 3-point home favorites and were quickly bet to -4. The total is still at its opening number of 196.

INJURY REPORT:

Hawks - SG K. Korver (probable Tuesday, ankle), PG J. Teague (probable Tuesday, hand), PF M. Muscala (questionable Tuesday, ankle), SG T. Sefolosha (out Tuesday, leg).

Heat - PF A. Stoudemire (probable Tuesday, knee).

POWER RANKINGS: Hawks (-8.9) - Heat (-7.5) + home court (-3) = Heat -1.6

ABOUT THE HAWKS (3-1, 1-2-1 ATS, 2-2 O/U): Kent Bazemore shined in both victories over Charlotte, scoring 39 points in the two games on 13-of-25 shooting. Atlanta clamped down on defense late in both contests but especially Sunday, when the Hawks held the Hornets to 4-of-24 shooting (all four baskets coming from 3-point range) in the fourth quarter. “They all know the third wasn’t our best,” Budenholzer said to reporters in describing Atlanta’s defensive effort in the third quarter, “but they found a way.”

ABOUT THE HEAT (2-1, 2-1 ATS, 1-2 O/U): The Heat were ripped for 63 first-half points against the Rockets but absolutely controlled the final 24 minutes, hitting nine 3-pointers after the break and finishing the half at 58.5 percent from the field while forcing 11 turnovers. Whiteside, who scored 15 points with 15 rebounds combined in his first two contests, gave Miami 25 points and 15 rebounds. Wade has scored 20 or more points in each of his first three games.

TRENDS:

* Hawks are 6-0-1 ATS in the last seven meetings.
* Home team is 4-1-1 ATS in the last six meetings.
* Under is 17-5 in the last 22 meetings in Miami.
* Under is 9-4 in the last 13 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is siding with the Hawks in this Southeast Division matchup, with 53.94 percent of wagers backing Atlanta.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Tuesday's six-pack

Six of the more interesting college football games this weekend.......

-- Florida State @ Clemson-- When was last time Seminoles were a 12-point dog?

-- TCU @ Oklahoma State-- Horned Frogs lost last two visits here.

-- Cincinnati @ Houston-- Unbeaten Cougars lost to Cincy last two years.

-- Michigan State @ Nebraska-- Tricky road game for the Spartans?

-- Arizona State @ Washington State- Average total in last four meetings: 79.0.

-- LSU @ Alabama-- Primetime battle of titans in SEC West.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dave Cokin

Bonus Play Tuesday

STARS at BRUINS 7:05 PM

Take: BRUINS -130

I’m not a big trend player as there often is no rhyme or reason why they work. That being the case, many of these variables can flip just like that, and in fact frequently do exactly that. But that doesn’t mean I ignore info that I might deem pertinent, and that’s the case tonight as the Stars head to Boston for a duel with the Bruins.

Dallas has been winning like crazy since the season started, with better than expected defense and some real explosiveness on offense. The Stars were Monday night losers at Toronto despite owning a substantial territorial edge, so it’s not like they suddenly are showing signs of a major regression. I like what this team is doing, and while the present pace is unlikely to be maintained, this appears to be a legit Western Conference playoff team.

The Bruins were pegged to have a down season by many observers, and it started off that way. But Boston has caught fire, and now it appears as though getting rid of some of the veterans was a good move. The Bruins were not the happiest team in the NHL last season, and there’s little doubt that contributed to what was a very disappointing season. It would at least seem that improved team chemistry is a key in the recent upgraded play by this team.

The Bruins have a scheduling advantage here, and it could be a big key to notching another win tonight. Boston is back home following back to back 3-1 wins in their trip through the state of Florida and they will be well rested with major momentum tonight.

As for the Stars, let’s see if one of the more defined trends in recent years holds up here. Dallas has been the absolute pits when forced to play the second of back to back games on successive nights. They’re a pathetic 21-50 in this scenario, and as well as the Stars have played thus far, this is the first time so far this season they’ll playing on a second straight night.

It looks like a favorable situation for the Bruins and with Tuukka Rask finally starting to tend goal like Tuukka Rask, I’m siding with the Boston side tonight as a mid-sized chalk piece.