Wednesday 10/28/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Nuggets (0-0) at Rockets (0-0)

Date: October 28, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

For a team that reached the Western Conference finals and won more regular-season games than it had since 1996-97, Houston wasn't exactly sending out its preferred starting five all that often last season.

The Rockets, however, were always able to find an agreeable lineup against Denver.

With hopes of taking things a step further this season, the Rockets welcome the Michael Malone-led Nuggets for Wednesday's season opener with plenty of lineup options, including a former Denver regular.

Houston fell three wins short of the NBA Finals, yet the entire playoff run and the end of the regular season came without point guard Patrick Beverley. Dwight Howard played half of the season and Terrence Jones was limited to 33 games. It amounted to 18 different starting fives on its way to 56 wins.

"If we stay healthy, I think we have a pretty good shot to win it all," said James Harden.

The injuries, though, might have helped cement Harden's worth while he finished second in the NBA with 27.4 points a game and was MVP runner-up to Golden State's Stephen Curry.

Backcourt mate Beverley signed a four-year, $25 million contract to stay with the Rockets in July, but they also brought in former Denver point guard Ty Lawson via trade, giving them a potential surplus of ball-handling a season after often relying on Harden.

The Lawson-Beverley duo could at times share minutes, though it's Lawson who figures to start after Harden lobbied for the club to pursue him. He also might provide Harden with a shot at increased offense even after a career year.

The Nuggets with Lawson typically pushed the tempo, and the guard posted a Golden State-like 99.8 pace (possessions per 48 minutes) last season. Houston's team mark was second at 99.2, so it fits Lawson's style, but no one who started more than a game for Houston had an individual mark on his level.

There are of course Lawson's personal issues to contend with considering the Rockets acquired him while he was in a 30-day residential treatment program following his second DUI arrest, but he's trying to move past that.

"I don't want to let my teammates down," Lawson said.

Howard is ready to go after suffering through knee problems last season, but the center turns 30 in December. He and the Rockets know they'll have to manage his minutes to keep him fresh throughout the season.

"The main thing is that when I'm out there on the floor I can give the best effort for my team," Howard said.

That might not apply quite as much in Game 1. Howard played in two games against Denver last season and averaged 25.0 points and 14.5 rebounds, but the results were about the same without him.

The Rockets swept all four meetings last season by an average of 10.0 points. Harden scored 50 in the last meeting March 19 in Houston and averaged 35.8.

Malone, who was fired by Sacramento in December, takes over in Denver after the Nuggets spent two-plus seasons under Brian Shaw and 23 games behind interim coach Melvin Hunt to conclude last season.

The Nuggets parted with Lawson after drafting Emmanuel Mudiay, who at 19 takes over a team that returns veterans Kenneth Faried, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler.

"I love challenges," said Mudiay, who bypassed college to spend last year playing pro ball in China. "My team gives me a lot of confidence and has a lot of trust in me."

The challenge of turning a 30-win team into a playoff contender in the West might be a tall task, but Faried sees promise.

"I believe we have a chance to make the playoffs this year," Faried said. "I 100 percent believe that - 110 percent. I don't care what anybody has to say about it."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cavaliers (0-1) at Grizzlies (0-0)

Date: October 28, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

The Memphis Grizzlies know they need to improve on offense if they are to contend, though they aren't too sure they want to up the tempo against some of the NBA's higher-scoring teams.

They'll be tested right off the bat in Wednesday night's season opener at home against a LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers team that swept them in 2014-15.

Memphis went 55-27 and knocked out Portland in the first round before falling in six games to eventual champion Golden State. The Grizzlies have made five straight playoff appearances and have yet to advance to the NBA Finals.

The club features seven players in their 30s. Point guard Mike Conley (28) is not in that group though top returning scorers Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are.

'It's time to win,' Randolph said. 'I think the mature ... guys are better. Mike got so much better. Of course Marc, and our team's so mature I think this is the time for us.'

The Grizzlies allowed 95.1 points per game a season ago to rank second in the NBA, but only averaged 98.3 on offense to rank 20th. That's because Memphis played at the league's fifth-slowest tempo, averaging 94.2 possessions per 48 minutes.

Coach Dave Joerger doesn't expect that to change too much.

"I can't go out and spend two hours a day on offense, and think that we're going to stay an elite defensive team," he said.

Still, the Grizzlies feel they are more athletic with the additions of first-round pick Jarell Martin and free agent forward Brandan Wright as well as some expected improvement from second-year forward Jarnell Stokes.

"We're going to play teams that have high-powered offenses; it's very difficult to shut them out," Joerger admitted. "We're going to have to score the basketball."

The club's calling card will still be a defense anchored by 2012-13 defensive player of the year Gasol and Tony Allen, who was third in the NBA with 2.1 steals per game last season.

That defense was shredded last season by Cleveland, which shot 55.6 percent in two victories by an average of 18.0 points. James totaled 45 points and 16 assists in those games.

He and the rest of the Cavaliers' starters all scored in double figures in a 111-89 rout at Memphis on March 25. That ended his personal four-game slide at the FedEx Forum - where James averages 32.6 points in 10 games.

His 30.9 scoring average at Memphis is his third-best in an NBA city.

Cleveland dropped its opener for the second straight season after falling 97-95 at Chicago on Tuesday. James scored 25 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and handed out five assists, but his tying layup attempt with four seconds left was blocked by Pau Gasol.

James played after sitting out nearly two weeks since receiving an anti-inflammatory injection for his back. He practiced twice before Tuesday.

"I felt good tonight, I played 36 (minutes), I felt great, I had that bounce in my step until that last one Pau slapped out of bounds," James said. "But other than that, I had no restrictions."

Kevin Love had 18 points and eight rebounds in his first game since suffering a dislocated left shoulder in the first round of the playoffs. The Cavs remain without Kyrie Irving, who is recovering from surgery on a broken kneecap.

Mo Williams scored 19 points as he began his second stint with Cleveland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Pelicans (0-1) at Trail Blazers (0-0)

Date: October 28, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

When the Portland Trail Blazers begin a new season Wednesday night, it truly can be classified as a fresh start.

With four-fifths of their starting core having departed, the Trail Blazers tip off a transitional 2015-16 campaign against a New Orleans Pelicans team whose most significant offseason change was made behind the bench.

LaMarcus Aldridge's decision to sign with San Antonio set off a chain reaction of moves that left one of the Western Conference's prime contenders over the past two seasons virtually unrecognizable save for All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. Sharpshooter Wesley Matthews (Dallas) and center Robin Lopez (New York Knicks) followed Aldridge out of town in free agency and versatile forward Nicolas Batum was traded to Charlotte, removing nearly half of the Blazers' scoring and rebounding total from last year's 51-31 season from the roster.

Portland will now forge ahead behind Lillard (21.0 ppg, 6.2 apg), coming off perhaps the best of his three NBA seasons, and a slew of new faces that will comprise the league's third-youngest team.

"Coming into this season, we're going to be underdogs and people may disrespect us, people may look at us like we can't compete with them," Lillard told the team's official website. "We've got to take that to heart. We've got to be offended by that and we've got to play like it."

While general manager Neil Olshey did bring in a few established veterans in Gerald Henderson, Al-Farouq Aminu and big men Mason Plumlee and Ed Davis, more will be expected of emerging players such as guard C.J. McCollum and power forwards Meyers Leonard and Noah Vonleh, a 2014 first-round pick of Charlotte brought over with Henderson in the Batum deal.

Henderson won't make his Blazers debut Wednesday, however, while still recovering from offseason hip surgery.

In contrast, New Orleans retained mostly the same group that ended the franchise's three-year playoff drought by edging Oklahoma City for the West's eighth seed. A 45-37 record and 11-game improvement still wasn't enough to save coach Monty Williams' job, with Golden State associate head coach Alvin Gentry taking over after helping the Warriors to a title run that began with a quarterfinal sweep of the Pelicans.

Gentry received his championship ring as New Orleans opened its season at his former employers on Tuesday, then watched Stephen Curry ring up 40 points through three quarters and lead the Warriors to a 111-95 win.

'Some of those shots that Steph made, it doesn't matter who's out there, that's just who he is,' Gentry said.

The Warriors also did a superb defensive job on Anthony Davis, holding the Pelicans' star to 4 for 20 shooting and six rebounds while allowing 10 of his 18 points on free throws.

Gentry's debut did come with his team down to nine players, with Tyreke Evans (knee surgery), Jrue Holiday, Omer Asik (calf) and Quincy Pondexter (knee) among those held out.

Holiday, limited to 40 games last season by a stress reaction in his leg, is slated to play Wednesday but hasn't yet been cleared to participate in back-to-back contests.

The point guard will attempt to help New Orleans to its first win in Portland since Nov. 26, 2010. The Pelicans have lost eight consecutive games there and five straight overall in the series, including all three 2014-15 meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mavericks (0-0) at Suns (0-0)

Date: October 28, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

DALLAS (AP) Dirk Nowitzki will take the floor in Phoenix for the opener of his 18th season with Dallas and say hello to beloved former teammate Tyson Chandler.

The Mavericks superstar has done this before, after winning the franchise's only championship with Chandler in 2011 and watching him move on to the New York Knicks.

The circumstances are just about as difficult this time, since Chandler came back to Dallas for a season in a trade but quickly signed with the Suns in free agency before the Mavericks' ill-fated pursuit of DeAndre Jordan ended with him reneging on a promise to sign and staying with the Los Angeles Clippers.

'He's going to be fired up. That's Tyson,' Nowitzki said of Wednesday's opener. 'But so is everybody else. This is the season opener. For them it's the home opener. Everybody's going to be juiced up.'

Dallas finally gets to put a disheartening summer to rest after the Jordan reversal, but faces the difficult task of competing in the Western Conference with another retooled roster that is only now getting everybody on the court together while still missing Chandler Parsons.

Deron Williams is playing for his hometown team three years after spurning the Mavericks in free agency to stay with the Nets for the move from New Jersey to Brooklyn. The point guard didn't make his Dallas debut until doing so alongside new shooting guard Wesley Matthews in the final preseason game Friday against Chicago in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Williams battled calf issues in camp, a chronic problem for him. And Matthews is returning sooner than expected after tearing an Achilles tendon against the Mavericks when he was with Portland last March.

'It's difficult, but we're veteran guys who had a lot of years in this league,' Williams said. 'Hopefully it will take less of an adjustment period. I feel like we have a great chemistry already in just the couple of practices we've had together as a whole.'

Point guard Brandon Knight starts his first full season in Phoenix after he was part of a busy trade deadline last season that sent Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas elsewhere. Those deals came during a disappointing year after the Suns were one of the surprises in 2013-14 and almost ended what is now a five-year playoff drought.

In addition to rebounding and defense, Chandler was brought in for leadership with a mostly young roster.

'Having a young team can have some benefits as far as athleticism, endurance, being able to get up and down the court,' Chandler said. 'With our depth, I feel like we've got to come at teams in waves.'

As training camp wrapped up, the Mavericks faced the possibility of three starters being sidelined in Williams, Matthews and Parsons. But now Parsons is the only one missing, and there is no timetable for his debut coming off surgery on a right knee issue that sidelined him for all but one game in a five-game, first-round playoff loss to Houston last season.

'It's not going to be something where we say, one day, we're healthy and we don't have to work with it anymore,' said Rick Carlisle, who needs two wins to surpass Don Nelson as the winningest coach in franchise history. 'It's going to be a daily ritual. Guys that are in the process of coming back, are back, you name it, it's all going to be live all year long.'

It won't be easy in a conference that might require 50 wins to make the playoffs.

'The West is tough,' said Williams, who spent his first five-plus seasons with Utah. 'But I feel like my game is suited for the West. This is where I learned to play was in the West, that up-tempo style.'

And now Chandler is a West rival for Dallas.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Clippers (0-0) at Kings (0-0)

Date: October 28, 2015 10:00 PM EDT

Last season's playoff collapse has the Los Angeles Clippers eager to get going, and playing two of their first three games against a team they've recently owned might help subdue some of that sour taste.

A bolstered Los Angeles roster looks to turn the page starting on the road Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings.

The Clippers were ousted in the Western Conference semifinals for the second straight season with three straight losses against Houston to close the seven-game series.

Los Angeles, which hosts Dallas and Sacramento later this week, now has a few more pieces to build on, raising expectations for the franchise's first ever berth in the conference finals. Chris Paul, though, insists the locker room remains level-headed.

"I don't even know what everybody else's expectations are," the All-Star point guard said. "I think for me, and our team now, I think it's just about singular focus. It's about us guys and our locker room, never getting too high or getting too low or worrying about any of that because we've got to take it one day at a time."

The Clippers' chances on Day 1 appear good after going 16-3 against the Kings since Nov. 25, 2010, including an 8-2 mark and five straight wins on the road. Los Angeles won three of four in the series last season, averaging 119.7 points in three straight victories after the calendar turned to 2015.

J.J. Redick averaged 20.3 points against Sacramento, going 17 of 37 from long range for his most 3-pointers against any opponent. Paul added 17.0 points and 10.0 assists against the Pacific Division foe.

Los Angeles hopes the additions of Paul Pierce - who reunites with former Boston coach Doc Rivers - Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson can help in its push, but the biggest offseason move surrounded a player who has been with the Clippers his entire career.

Keeping DeAndre Jordan might feel like an extra boost after he backed out of a verbal agreement with Dallas in July. Jordan played in all 82 games last season and averaged career highs in points (11.5) and rebounds (15.0) while adding 2.2 blocks per game.

Helping Jordan and the big men on defense will be a change in philosophy on the pick and roll, dropping the bigs closer to the basket to keep their defense out of help situations. Rivers issued the change after opposing offenses attempted 1,959 3-pointers last season, sixth most in the NBA. The Clippers, however, haven't used the defense in game action yet, which may lead to early-season adjustments.

"If you can learn lessons in wins, I think that's always better than learning them in losses," sixth man Jamaal Crawford said.

Sacramento jumped out to a 5-1 start a year ago but failed to reach 30 wins for the seventh consecutive season and missed the playoffs for the ninth straight year.

DeMarcus Cousins, who averaged a career-high 24.1 points last season, is still the man in the middle, but the Kings added Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli, Quincy Acy, James Anderson and Kosta Koufos. Willie Cauley-Stein, their first-round draft pick out of Kentucky, is expected to start next to Cousins at power forward.

Once one of the NBA's top point guards with the Celtics, Rondo will play for his third team in the last two seasons. He said he is trying to take a more vocal approach with what he calls a "quiet" Sacramento team.

"I think we've got a positive vibe," he said. "I talk the most on the team by far. But I try to make it contagious, I'm trying to talk positive."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Timberwolves (0-0) at Lakers (0-0)

Date: October 28, 2015 10:30 PM EDT

The Minnesota Timberwolves finished last season with the NBA's worst record. They start this one with heavy hearts.

Three days after Flip Saunders' death, his latest rebuilding project continues as the Timberwolves open the 2015-16 season against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Wednesday night.

Minnesota went 16-66 last season in Saunders' first back on the bench. He's perhaps the most influential figure in franchise history, leading the club to eight playoff appearances in a row while nurturing Kevin Garnett into a superstar straight out of high school.

The duo guided the Timberwolves to the 2004 Western Conference finals, and the team hasn't been back to the playoffs since.

Saunders was tasked with changing that. However, he developed Hodgkin lymphoma in June and left the team in September following complications. While doctors called it "treatable and curable," the 60-year-old Saunders died Sunday.

"Flip was a symbol of strength, compassion, and dignity for our organization," owner Glen Taylor said in a statement. "He was a shining example of what a true leader should be, defined by his integrity and kindness to all he encountered."

Sam Mitchell has been named interim coach. He went 156-189 with Toronto from 2004-08, reaching the playoffs twice.

Mitchell and general manager Milt Newton will try to carry out Saunders' plan, which includes using veterans to mentor Minnesota's promising young prospects.

One of those veterans is Garnett. The 39-year-old forward returned to the Timberwolves in a trade with Brooklyn in February and signed a two-year deal to be part of the project.

Joining Garnett as elder statesmen are Andre Miller (39) and Tayshaun Prince (35), who have a combined 29 seasons of experience.

The trio is expected to be a major influence on Minnesota's youngsters, including 20-year-old Andrew Wiggins, the reigning rookie of the year, 19-year-old Karl-Anthony Towns, the No. 1 overall pick, and 20-year-old Zach LaVine, the slam dunk champion.

Saunders hatched the idea after watching Mitchell mentor Garnett during their first stint in Minnesota.

"A lot of teaching," 19-year-old point guard Tyus Jones said. "They've been here and done that. They're winners in this league. To have them on the same team as us every day is a new opportunity to learn something."

The Lakers, who finished 21-61 a year ago, are in a similar situation with Kobe Bryant leading a team with nine players having three seasons or fewer of NBA experience.

Bryant is trying to bounce back from a pair of injury-plagued seasons that limited him to 41 total games with Los Angeles missing the playoffs both times. The 17-time All-Star, however, is already hurt after suffering a lower-leg contusion in a preseason game.

"The injury's been slowly getting better," Bryant told the team's official website. "The past couple of days I've been able to move a lot more (and) do some of the things I feel comfortable doing."

Coach Byron Scott is expected to ease the load on Bryant by using rookie D'Angelo Russell and second-year guard Jordan Clarkson at the point.

"It's good to be around them and get that youthful energy," the 37-year-old Bryant said. "I'm excited for them. This is the beginning of their careers and their journey."

It could also be the end of Bryant's storied career with his future beyond this season in doubt and his claim that he won't play for another team.

That's not lost on Russell - the second overall pick behind Towns.

"Just to be around a guy that's done what he's done, you can't help becoming a better player and a better person," Russell said.

Julius Randle, the seventh overall draft pick in 2014, is back after breaking his right leg in Los Angeles' opener last year after playing just 14 minutes.

The Lakers have won 29 of the past 34 matchups with the Timberwolves, and 15 of the last 17 at Staples Center.

Los Angeles overcame Wiggins' 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists to win 106-98 in the most recent matchup April 10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'Raptors host Pacers'

Reigning Atlantic Division Champion Toronto Raptors tip-off regular season hosting Indiana Pacers at the Air Canada Center. Raptors are under a lot of pressure after being swept out of the first round of the playoffs last spring. The addition DeMarre Carroll a strong defender and outside shooting threat along with the trio of Demar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Jonas Valanciunas returning should help the team propel to the next level.

Raptors should get off to a winning start in one of NBA's most raucous home courts where they won 62.8% of games last season. However, you do bet Purple Dinos at some risk. Raptors struggled cashing tickets as home chalk (15-22 ATS) and were just 6-12 ATS as home faves of 6.5 or less points. Raptors are also a cash draining 1-4 ATS in season home openers including 0-2 ATS with Pacers paying a visit.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

Defending Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) champion Untapable will not be defending her title this year, spiking a fever on Tuesday morning and she will scratch from the race. She was the 5-1 co-third choice on the morning line

She won six of her seven starts last year capped off by her Distaff win but was not the same filly this year, winning just one of her six starts, a victory in the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn Park back in April.

I was happy to bet against her in her next three starts and she lost all them although she ran pretty well. Her final prep for the Distaff came over the Keeneland main track in the Spinster (G1) and she was a game second, beaten just a neck by Got Lucky.

I really liked the effort although she only got the place spot over 30-1 Yahilwa by a head. It looked to me like she might have been heading back in the right direction and could have been ready to fire a good one in the Distaff.

Having a race over the surface helps and she may have been a decent price. However, I think the race may be easier to handicap without her, and we still will have a full field.

She will be replaced by also-eligible Peace and War (30-1), who was third in the Cotillion (G1) at Parx in her last outing behind I’m a Chatterbox and Calamity Jane.

Without Untapable, the price on the morning line favorite Wedding Toast may end up shorter. She was installed at 4-1 on the morning line and comes into the race having won her last three starts.

She looks solid but the Distaff is deep, even with Beholder opting to take on the boys in the Classic. A case could be made for I’m a Chatterbox, Stopchargingmaria, My Sweet Addiction, Curalina, Stellar Wind, Got Lucky and Sheer Drama, all Grade 1 winners.


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

BEL Race 1 Md $25,000 (12:55 ET)
#2 Quibbler 2-1
#5 She's Gifted 5-1
#10 Mohawk Lily 5-2
#4 Mamie Reilly 15-1

Analysis: Quibbler will be trying dirt for the first time here as she cuts back from a turf route and drops a notch in class to the $25,000 level as she makes her second start off the claim by the Levine barn. This gal will be benefit if the rains come, she is by Bellamy Road out of a Silver Deputy mare that has dropped seven winners including a stakes winner, top earner Skeleton Crew ($476,275).

She's Gifted dueled for the early lead and weakened to finish sixth last out for this tag at 5-2 in a field of 11. She makes her third start off the layoff for the Kenneally barn and Castellano is sticking around for another go. She was beaten double digit lengths in her first two starts, both over wet tracks, but she does have a solid off track pedigree.

Wagering
WIN: #2 to win at 9-5 or better.
EX: 2,5 / 2,4,5,10
TRI: 2,5 / 2,4,5,10 / 2,3,4,5,10

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

BEL Race 8 OClm $100,000C (4:46 ET)
#6 Vyjack 7-2
#4 Mexikoma 5-2
#5 North Slope 8-1
#1 Kid Cruz 4-1

Analysis: Vyjack is back on dirt here after three tries on turf and he was in the mix versus tougher in each of those starts including a good second in the Poker (G3) in his turf debut. He has two tries over wet tracks including winning the Traskwood at the Big A in his second career start. He has lost eight in a row but looks well posted here. His last win came in the 2014 Kelso Handicap (G2) over the main track here.

Mexikoma rolled to an eight length win last out in the mud over the main track here and beat Alw-1 foes impressively here three back in the slop off a 13-month layoff. He steps up into a tougher spot here but looks as if he is going to catch a wet track again today.

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

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: #4 Mamie Reilly 15-1
R4: #6 Mo for the Money 8-1
R4: #2 Gold Shark 12-1
R5: #9 Most Happy Fella 30-1
R8: #5 North Slope 8-1
R9: #10 The Ghost Bride 8-1
R9: #11 Laura’s Patriot 12-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

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


Race 6 - Post: 7:25 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$6000 - **THE MS POLAR VORTEX** FILLIES & MARES THAT HAVE STARTED FOR BASE CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN ONE OF THEIR LAST 3 STARTS UP TO & INC 10/22/15 AE: CLAIMING $5,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 7 WINDOW WIPER 9/2


# 3 SUN DREAM 4/1


# 5 LIL MISS KNUCKLES 15/1


WINDOW WIPER is the clear stand out wager in the eyes of the handicapping group. This contender may have some hidden form, a win would be a pleasant surprise. This mare has been going to post against some of the most competitive horses in this field of starters these days. Had one of the most compelling speed ratings of the group of animals in her last outing. I'd recommend using in your wagers. SUN DREAM - Take a look at this harness racer's avg speed number of 75 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a formidable wager. Looks like a strong choice in this field of horses and her above average winning percentage says she has the ability to win in this one. LIL MISS KNUCKLES - Not many knocks against this horse, let's give her a shot.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 12 - Post: 9:48 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$14000 - 2, 3 & 4 YEAR OLDS FILLIES & MARES NW 3 EXT. PM RACES OR $30,000 LIFETIME 2 YEAR OLDS DRAW FOR INSIDE POST POSITIONS PA PREFERENCE MOHEGAN SUN POCONO NO.5 SINGLE ME - 1ST TIME LASIX


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 5 SINGLE ME 5/2


# 3 KG ROCKS 4/1


# 6 WINDSONG LINDSEY 7/2


Hey, listen up! SINGLE ME is the educated play if you like to win. Could be the most compelling in the group here, showing very good figures of late. Avg speed is a solid 87. This filly has room to improve, especially with first time Lasix. It's a bit chancy to consider solely based on class, but this filly has among the most competitive class markings of the field. KG ROCKS - Could be considered in here if only for the nice speed fig achieved in the most recent race. This filly getting the win wouldn't be impossible, a chance. WINDSONG LINDSEY - Positive thought - doing work well enough to contend in this competition. She has been performing sharply and the speed ratings are among the most solid in the grouping.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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


Race 8 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $15428 Class Rating: 69

FOR ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BRED FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 10 EXPRESS DELIVERY 7/2


# 1 LUCKY TIMESAKE 3/1


# 7 AM I DREAMIN 15/1


I give the nod to EXPRESS DELIVERY here. Vazquez has one of the best jockey ROI's on the grounds, returning to bettors +26 percent. Has been running soundly lately and should be up near the lead early on. The speed figure of 65 from her latest contest looks very good in here. LUCKY TIMESAKE - May best this group here, showing very strong figures of late. Can't overlook the connections here, a 24 winning percentage, one of the strongest at getting into the winner's circle. AM I DREAMIN - Is a very solid contender based on figures recorded recently under today's conditions. If you examine closely, this one has some longshot possibilities.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Woodbine

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


Race 3 - Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16500 Class Rating: 79

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE SEPTEMBER 28 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, IF FOR $7,500, ALLOWED 2 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 SPLENDID GLORY 6/1


# 6 I'M JUST SAYIN 2/1


# 3 MARQUEE'S HONOR 5/2


SPLENDID GLORY is the most competitive bet in this race. Will likely be one of the front-runners of the bunch going into the midpoint of the contest. Has very strong Equibase Class Figures relative to this group - worth a look. Ladouceur has this filly moving well and is a respectable pick based on the solid speed figures garnered in sprint races recently. I'M JUST SAYIN - Has performed soundly lately in sprint races, posting a nifty 73 avg speed figure. Alderson should be able to get this filly to break out early for this event. MARQUEE'S HONOR - Looks like a formidable player for the exotics. Has to be given consideration based on the very strong Equibase Speed Fig put up in the last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Hawthorne - Race #4 - Post: 3:40pm - SO - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,500 Class Rating: 86

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 A SHOT AWAY (ML=4/1)
#3 RHODIUM (ML=5/1)


A SHOT AWAY - Just missed hitting the board on September 24th at Arlington. With decent morning odds right here, she has my interest. Sub-par try last race out at Arlington was due to the off-going (she ended up fourth). Have to give a better effort in today's race under better track conditions. RHODIUM - That last work tells me this mare is set for a top effort. Earnings per race entered is something that I feel can be a crucial factor. This entrant is ranked numero uno in this group. Manley adds Lasix to this one today. I'd look for a marked improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 GAMBLER FIVE (ML=5/2), #4 RUM THERAPY (ML=3/1), #5 SUNNY SUPRISE (ML=6/1),

GAMBLER FIVE - Difficult to put your cash on the win end of any thoroughbred that finishes second and third as often as this entrant does. RUM THERAPY - Doesn't look to have enough good qualities to justify the value. SUNNY SUPRISE - You believe this horse is going to be victorious just because she's always close. Just doesn't finish first frequently.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Put your money on #6 A SHOT AWAY on the nose if you can get odds of 9/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Penn National - Race #2 - Post: 6:27pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $16,200 Class Rating: 40

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#11 DEBUTANT GIRL (ML=3/1)
#5 ALBERTA CLIPPER (ML=4/1)


DEBUTANT GIRL - Nice return on investment for this rider and trainer twosome. Looking at today's class rating, this racer is encountering an easier group than last out at Monmouth Park. This speedball should profit from this contest's shorter distance. ALBERTA CLIPPER - Simoff brings her back again. I advise you stay with this strong filly. The Oct 10th event at Delaware Park was at a class level of (46). Dropping to a lower level significantly, so she should be in a good spot. This filly earned a strong speed rating of 28 in her last event. That speed fig should be strong enough to prove victorious this time around.

Vulnerable Contenders: #12 REGAL TREASURE (ML=6/1), #1 HARDRAINSGONNAFALL (ML=8/1), #3 EGIFTFROMDUBAI (ML=8/1),

REGAL TREASURE - This filly recorded a speed figure in her last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's race. HARDRAINSGONNAFALL - This filly hasn't had any in the money efforts in sprint affairs in the last couple of months. EGIFTFROMDUBAI - I just don't possess a good feeling about this questionable contender in this contest.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #11 DEBUTANT GIRL to win. Have to have odds of at least 7/5 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [5,11]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
11 with 5 with [1,3,10] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
11 with 5 with [1,3,4,10,12] with [1,3,4,10,12] Total Cost: $20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 10/28 Analysis + Pick Four ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF HARNESS

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

5,6 / 1,3,4,6,9 / 2,3,9 / 1 = $30


Best Bet: STERLING BAUDICA (3rd)

Spot Play: ARTIES MAGIC (15th)


Race 1

(4) LOFTY CHIP is very consistent and is one of few contenders in the race. (1) TALISSA three-year-old filly trotter will be tough to beat if she minds her manners. (3) EL CERRITO PLACE has yet to win in 32 career starts; use underneath.

Race 2

(5) HANGIN JUDGE lightly raced 5-year-old will look to make it two straight wins; short price. (1) BLACK DENIM N LACE four-year-old mare gets the best post and will offer a big price. (7) DREAMS N GLORY mare can build off her recent qualifier and looks to have some ability.

Race 3

(2) STIRLING BOUDICA has been facing better and looks to be the fastest. (1) NORTHMEDO DELILAH was a game winner last week from this same spot. (4) DOUGS HOBBY HORSE filly is a threat to hit the ticket if she stays trotting.

Race 4

(8) CHARLOTTES STAR mare is 0 for 20 on the year and gets the worst post but just missed last out racing showing a nice late burst. (7) LOCK UP'S GALLEY mare went way too fast last early last week but keeps the top driver. (3) ZOE NIGHT SHADE drops in class against softer; threat.

Race 5

(1) FORT COMMANDER will look to drop and pop with the best post. (2) DIXIE REBEL comes off a nice qualifier and could have some of the kinks worked out. (3) CHARITY KID looks terrible on paper but will offer value underneath.

Race 6

(5) CAMMILICIOUS filly pacer is one of few in the race with some upside but is coming off a layoff and could need a start. (7) BOOTYSHAKERBAKER beat a better field a few starts ago; threat. (9) SOUTHWIND SID looks to be in line for a ground saving trip; use underneath.

Race 7

(5) TAXISDUE five-year-old stallion owns a decent burst of speed and finds a field full of question marks. (6) DREAMING OF LORI finds a much softer spot to do some damage. (1) WILD NORDIC burned cash last out against similar; use caution.

Race 8

(5) CHANGE YOUR LUCK veteran pacer takes a big drop in class and will likely be used aggressively. (6) DJ LANCE also drops down and could try and steal it with an easy early lead. (2) EVERY PLAY COUNTS has room to improve second start off the layoff.

Race 9

In a wide open race, (3) GREEN ACRES will offer a monster price third start back off a long layoff. The trotter owns a decent burst of speed but will need some racing luck. (1) CALLIT AS U SEEIT picks up a huge driver change with the best post. (9) JAXTELLER well bred trotter makes his first start in a new barn; threat.

Race 10

(3) AWESTREOS gets an upgrade in the bike down in class against a weak bunch. (2) WINDSONG DESTROYER owns only one win on the year but looks in line for a ground saving trip up close. (9) HEMINGWAY is 0 for the year but gets sent out third start for the top barn.

Race 11

(1) MANDO FUN two-year-old looks to have a ton of ability off a huge win; short price. (9) BUCKSHOT EXPRESS will be going for three straight but the driver opted to the top choice. (5) BROTHER DAN adds lasix first start for capable connections.

Race 12

(9) SOUTHERN CAROL will look to make it five straight bumping up in class. (2) MS JETTA is fast enough to pull the upset in the right scenario. (6) STURDY'S BABY gelding has flashed a decent burst of speed but has trouble finishing his miles; use underneath.

Race 13

In a tough race to gauge, (4) BONNERS CREEK can get a piece at a price with a smooth trip. (1) TERROR OF THE TRACK is very inconsistent from week to week but a good effort puts him in the mix. (3) MR BAILEY has been competitive at this level but is probably best used underneath.

Race 14

(4) STEP QUIKLY is winless on the year but finds a really weak bunch. (1) DANCING HEART gets the best post and should be primed for a better effort third start back off a layoff. (5) J K DELIGHT if the mare stays pacing she wins for fun.

Race 15

(9) ARTIES MAGIC gets sent out for a low percentage pilot but that should boost the price; threat. (6) WINTER CRUISE rarely wins and looks to offer low value; use caution. (3) SHAM'S BIG GUY picks up the top driver and owns wins at this level.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Wednesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Belmont Park (5th) Forty Nine Watts, 6-1
(6th) Bankers Holiday, 7-2


Charles Town (1st) Ocala Rush, 9-2
(2nd) Rockin' Rockstar, 10-1


Delta Downs (3rd) Fleeting Image, 9-2
(7th) Time to Orbit, 4-1


Gulfstream Park West (6th) Going Bold, 4-1
(8th) Full Moon's Mass, 3-1


Hawthorne (4th) Rum Therapy, 3-1
(6th) Eben Zabeel, 6-1


Remington Park (4th) Lenapah, 10-1
(5th) Super Romance, 3-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (90-72) at Royals (95-67)

Game: 2
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: October 28, 2015 8:07 PM EDT

(AP) - Johnny Cueto is happy at home, and that's where he'll pitch in the World Series.

The excitable right-hander with those signature dreadlocks is scheduled to start for the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 and potentially Game 6 - both at Kauffman Stadium.

'It doesn't matter to me whether I pitch at home or on the road. But I do feel more comfortable here at home,' Cueto said through a translator Tuesday.

Cueto appeared to get a bit rattled in Toronto during one of the worst starts of his career in the AL Championship Series, yet manager Ned Yost said that had no impact on the order of his rotation against the New York Mets.

'No, I feel like he's pitched great games here. He really draws on the energy of our fans. And again, I felt like you try to put everybody in a position where they can be successful,' Yost said before the Series opener. 'He more than anybody else really draws that energy from our fans. We just felt it was the best move.'

The Royals are counting on that after using six relievers over eight innings, including three from Game 4 scheduled starter Chris Young, in Tuesday's 5-4 win in 14 in Game 1. Eric Hosmer ended the 5 hour, 9 minute epic with a sacrifice fly that scored Alcides Escobar.

Kansas City trailed 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth before Alex Gordon homered off Mets closer Jeurys Familia, who had converted 21 consecutive save opportunities - including five in the playoffs - since coughing up a late lead against San Diego on July 30.

'Tonight was huge,' Young said. 'Home run by Alex Gordon and the character and fight, find a way to win late, great team effort.'

The Mets went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position and Escobar scored the winning run after reaching on David Wright's error.

'Their team, one of the things we know about them is they're never down and out,' manager Terry Collins. 'We've got to put them away. We've got to do a better job.'

Collins' team looks to even the series behind Jacob deGrom. He is 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three postseason outings - all away from home.

'I just like pitching,' deGrom said. 'On the road, it doesn't really matter. I've actually enjoyed pitching on the road in the postseason. You go out there and you're getting booed and it's fun to try to silence the crowd.'

New York has seen plenty of Cueto from his days in the National League with Cincinnati. He is 3-4 with a 4.02 ERA in 11 starts against the Mets.

'Seems like every time we played the Reds he was pitching,' Collins said. 'Now with his new delivery alterations he's made, you better get your feet on the ground. Because this guy can quick-pitch you. He can make you wait. So you better get ready to hit as soon as you get in the batter's box. That certainly is something unique to him.'

'He knows how to pitch. He knows how to get you out,' Collins added. 'When you don't have a fear to fail, you're dangerous. And he's dangerous.'

Cueto, acquired July 26 from Cincinnati, has not pitched since Game 3 of the ALCS on Oct. 19.

'The rest is good because I've been going since January, even though I do like my routine of five days,' he said. 'But that's the way it fell. That's the way the rotation fell for the series. And that's what I've got to adjust to.'

Before his meltdown against the Blue Jays, Cueto tossed a gem at Kauffman Stadium in the deciding Game 5 of the division series versus Houston.

He has made some recent adjustments to his motion, as Collins noted. In a sense, Cueto often changes speeds even before he delivers the ball.

'As far as the windup, I read swings, I read rhythms. And I come up with these different type of windups because of the rhythm that I feel is going to be effective on that particular pitch,' Cueto said.

Last season's NL Rookie of the Year, the shaggy-haired deGrom has a well-documented story by now: He was a college shortstop and third baseman at Stetson before moving to the mound his junior year and catching the eye of scouts when he pitched against Florida Gulf Coast and first-round draft pick Chris Sale, now an All-Star ace with the Chicago White Sox.

Not long after beginning his professional career, deGrom had Tommy John surgery that sidelined him in the low minors. When he was finally called up by the Mets last season, they planned to put him in the bullpen. But he was given a spot start in place of injured Dillon Gee before a big crowd in the Subway Series against the Yankees, and deGrom has been a stingy staple in the rotation ever since.

'Going through that rehab process, I think that's what really helped me become a better pitcher, because I was kind of new to it and I think it helped me learn how to repeat my delivery,' deGrom said. 'It was a crazy journey.'

New York's Daniel Murphy failed to homer for the first time in seven postseason games Tuesday. He went 2 for 7 with a pair of singles after going deep in a record six straight playoff contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

5 things we know entering World Series Game 2
By David Smale, The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Eric Hosmer's sacrifice fly in the 14th inning scored Alcides Escobar with the winning run, and the Kansas City Royals outlasted the New York Mets to take a 5-4 victory Tuesday in Game 1 of the World Series. The Royals forced extra innings on Alex Gordon's solo homer in the bottom of the ninth.

Here are five things we know about the World Series heading into Game 2:
--Alcides Escobar likes the leadoff spot. The Kansas City shortstop, who set a major league postseason record by recording a leadoff hit in the first four games of the American League Championship Series, hit the first pitch he saw in the World Series for an inside-the-park home run. "If they throw me a fastball in the strike zone, I'm ready to swing the bat," Escobar said. He recorded the first World Series inside-the-park home run since 1929, when Mule Haas of the Philadelphia Athletics did it against the Chicago Cubs in Game 4. The only other player to lead off a World Series game with an inside-the-park home run was Patsy Dougherty of the Boston Americans in Game 2 of the very first World Series, in 1903 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
--Daniel Murphy is not perfect, but he is still really good. The only player in major league history to hit home runs in six consecutive postseason games, Murphy saw the streak end Tuesday. However, he singled leading off the third inning and scored the Mets' first run, and he finished the night 2-for-7. "We didn't win a ballgame," Murphy said. "We'll get ready. We'll sleep tonight. We've got Jake (deGrom) going tomorrow. We know how good he's been. Hopefully as an offense, starting with myself, we can have some better at-bats tomorrow. I didn't do a very good job in extra innings. There were a couple of pitches I'd like to have back, the ones in the middle that ended up in the stands (as foul balls)."
--The Mets are slow starters. They are 0-5 all-time in World Series Game 1s, losing to the Baltimore Orioles (1969), the Oakland A's (1973), the Boston Red Sox (1986) and the New York Yankees (2000) before Tuesday. They are 2-2 all-time in Game 2, having defeated the Orioles 2-1 in 1969 and the Athletics 10-7 in 12 innings in 1973. However, they are not going to give up. "I think we still have our normal confidence," Game 1 starter Matt Harvey said. "We realize it's a seven-game series. There's no panic whatsoever. We're in a good place. We have Jacob (deGrom) tomorrow. We've got to flush this one and start over tomorrow,"
--The Royals are not afraid of hard-throwers. As if Harvey and his mid-90s fastball weren't enough, the Mets' next two starters throw even harder, beginning with right-hander deGrom in Game 2. The Kansas City hitters aren't fazed, though. They struck out fewer times than any other team in baseball this year, by a significant margin. Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas was reluctant to claim an edge. "I don't know if you've ever tried to hit 99 miles per hour. It's not easy," he said. "It's not easy to hit 91 miles per hour when it's sinking off the table. It's not an easy game. It never has been and never will be. It makes it harder with guys throwing 99 with sinkers, sliders and cutters. We're going to have to find ways to score some runs, then do what we do, which is play good defense and pitch the ball well."
--The Mets hope to reverse a trend. Six of the seven teams that swept their way through a seven-game League Championship Series lost the World Series, including the Royals last year. The 1988 Oakland Athletics started the trend in 1988, and they repeated the feat in 1990. The Detroit Tigers (2006 and 2012) also fell victim twice, and they were joined by the 2007 Colorado Rockies. The only team that swept a seven-game LCS and won the World Series was the 1995 Atlanta Braves, who swept the Cincinnati Reds in four games before defeating the Cleveland Indians in a six-game World Series.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mets eye quick recovery after stinging Game 1 loss
By Alan Eskew, The Sports Xchange

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The New York Mets know the pressure is on heading into in Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium.
Closer Jeurys Familia blew a ninth-inning lead Tuesday, and New York fell 5-4 in 14 innings to the Kansas city Royals in the World Series opener that started Tuesday night but did not end until well after midnight Wednesday.
The winner of Game 1 went on to win the Fall Classic 67.7 percent of the time, including 11 of the past 12 and 16 of the past 18.
"We're frustrated," Mets manager Terry Collins said after the defeat. "We didn't have a lot of opportunities, but we had a few shots.
"But we got the lead (in the fifth inning) and we lost it. We came back and got the lead again."
Then Familia, who saved 43 games during the regular season, gave up a home run to Alex Gordon in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. It was the first time the right-hander blew a save chance since July 30.
"We've got to put them away," Collins said. "We've got to do a better job. Certainly (Wednesday) night in the same situation, he'll be back out there."
The Mets send Jacob deGrom to the mound in Game 2, looking to even the series.
"When you start on the road, you go in saying, 'Look, we've got to come out of here 1-1,'" Collins said. "Now we've got a chance with Jake going (Wednesday). We've got to come out, give him big hits and give him something to work with.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

deGrom is 4-0, 1.50 in his last five starts (under 4-0 last four).

Cueto is 1-1, 7.88 in his last three starts (over 3-0 last three).

Royals won five of last seven games with New York, teams haven't met since a three-game set in '13; four of last six series games stayed under. KC last won World Series in 1985; Mets last won World Series the next year.

Mets won five of their last six games (under 4-2-1 last seven).

Royals won seven of their last nine games (over 6-3).

Game 1 winner won 17 of last 20 World Series.

AL Wild Card game
Houston @ Bronx
Hst 3-0, even U7

NL Wild Card game
Chicago @ Pittsburgh
Chi 4-0, -$125, U5.5

NLDS
New York @ Los Angeles
NY 3-1, -$196, U5.5
LA 5-2, -$170, O6
NY 13-4, -$164, O7
LA 3-1, -$146, U6.5
NY 3-2, +$129, U6
Mets win series, 3-2

NLDS
Chicago @ St Louis
StL 4-0, -$107, U6
Chi 6-3, +$126, O6.5
Chi 8-6, -$202, O7
Chi 6-4, -$115, O8.5
Cubs win series, 3-1

ALDS
Texas @ Toronto
Tex 5-3, +$250, N8
Tex 6-4 (14), +$154, O7.5
Tor 5-1, +$126, U10
Tor 8-4, -$149, O10
Tor 6-3, -$170, O8
Blue Jays win series 3-2

ALDS
Houston @ Kansas City
Hst 5-2, +$122, U7.5
KC 5-4, -$178, O7.5
Hst 4-2, -$175, U7.5
KC 9-6, +$116, O7.5
KC 7-2, -$126, O7.5
Royals win series, 3-2

Blue Jays vs Royals
KC 5-0, +$107, U8
KC 6-3, +$136, O7
Tor 11-8, -$151, O8
KC 14-2, +$142, O9
Tor 7-1, -$136, U9
KC 4-3, +$135, U9
Royals win series, 4-2

Cubs vs Mets
NY 4-2, -$125, N6
NY 4-1, +$131, U5.5
NY 5-2, -$107, U7.5
NY 8-3, even, O9
Mets win series 4-0

World Series
NY Mets vs Kansas City
KC 5-4 (14), -$109, O7