Wednesday 12/14/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Free NBA Picks: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, Opening Line Report and Handicapping
by Alan Matthews

Big men who can't shoot from range have lost a ton of value in the NBA in the past few years with 3-pointers skyrocketing. Back when the Houston Rockets signed 7-footer Omer Asik as a restricted free agent following his breakout 2011-12 season with Chicago, it looked like a smart deal. But guys like Asik are almost dinosaurs nowadays. Asik is now with New Orleans and isn't even playing an average of 18 minutes a night. He'll give you good defense and rebounding, but the Pelicans have officially put him on trading block because they want to play up tempo and Asik can't do that. The problem with finding a taker is that Asik is due more than $33 million over the next three seasons, which is too high even in the cash-flush league. But if the Pelicans take a similar contract back, they probably will find a club willing to deal.

Raptors at 76ers (+8.5, 208)

Toronto won a third straight Monday, 122-100 over visiting Milwaukee. DeMar DeRozan had 30 points and the Raptors improved to 7-1 this year when shooting at least 50 percent from the field. Toronto scored at least 100 points for the 11th straight game, the longest active streak in the NBA. Philadelphia won a second straight Sunday, 97-79 over the visiting Pistons despite playing without Joel Embiid, who should be back here. Nerlens Noel made his season debut off knee surgery and played 10 minutes before spraining his ankle and is thus questionable for this one. Toronto beat visiting Philadelphia 122-95 on Nov. 28 and has won the past 13 meetings, including six straight at the 76ers.

Key trends: The Raptors are 6-0 against the spread in the past six meetings. The "over/under" is 5-1 in those.

Early lean: 76ers as long as Embiid plays and over.

Hornets at Wizards (pick'em, 210)

Charlotte dropped a second in a row Monday, 110-94 at Indiana. Kemba Walker was held to just 12 points and his team shot only 33.3 percent from the field. Washington lost 112-101 in Miami on Saturday. John Wall scored 30 points and Bradley Beal added 29 for Washington. Beal is four 3-pointers made from becoming the third Wizards player with 500 career. These teams split last year, each sweeping at home. Washington has won the past three vs. Charlotte in its gym. The Wizards are wearing some interesting military appreciation jerseys for this one.

Key trends: The underdog is 8-1 ATS in the past nine meetings. The over is 4-1 in the past five.

Early lean: Wizards and over.

Clippers at Magic (TBA)

Orlando was in Atlanta on Tuesday with two of its big guys questionable. Los Angeles beat Portland 121-120 on Monday to complete a four-game homestand. Blake Griffin had 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Chris Paul had 21 points and 14 assists to already sweep the season series. DeAndre Jordan was ejected in the final minutes but it was nothing suspension worthy. Reserve guard Austin Rivers was out as he's in the concussion protocol. Los Angeles swept last year and has won the past five vs. Orlando.

Key trends: The Clippers are 4-0-1 ATS in the past five meetings. The under is 6-1 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Wait on the Orlando guys after Tuesday.

Pacers at Heat (pick'em, 207.5)

First of an ESPN doubleheader. Indiana won a second straight Monday, 110-94 over Charlotte. Paul George and Myles Turner each had 22 points, and Jeff Teague had 16 points, 11 assists and five rebounds. This starts a three-game trip. Miami ended a five-game skid with a 112-101 win over Washington on Monday to start a six-game homestand. Goran Dragic had a season-high 32 points. The Heat outscored Washington by 26 points when he was on the floor. Dion Waits and Justise Winslow both sat out again with injuries. The Pacers and Heat split their four meetings last season as each team earned a pair of home victories. Indiana has lost its last three regular-season road games at Miami, with both going to OT last year.

Key trends: The Pacers are 6-2 ATS in the past eight meetings. The over is 9-1 in their past 10 on the road and Heat's last four at home.

Early lean: Pacers and over.

Lakers at Nets (+1.5, 225)

Los Angeles has dropped seven straight following a 116-92 defeat in Sacramento on Monday. Coach Luke Walton clearly tried to get his team's attention by getting tossed. The Lakers played the second game of a back-to-back while kicking off a seven-game, 13-day road trip. Brooklyn lost 122-118 in Houston on Monday. Jeremy Lin played for the first time since Nov. 2 due to a hamstring and had 10 points off the bench. Center Justin Hamilton missed his second straight game with migraines. Brooklyn lost in Los Angeles 125-118 on Nov. 15 and has dropped three straight vs. the Lakers.

Key trends: The Lakers have covered just three of their past 17 overall. The over is 4-1 in the Nets' past five at home.

Early lean: Nets and over.

Cavaliers at Grizzlies (+8, 203.5)

Home-and-home back-to-backs aren't new in the NBA, but I can't remember seeing teams from opposite conferences playing one as these two are. They met in Cleveland on Tuesday. I have a funny feeling that Cavs coach Tryonn Lue might rest LeBron James or Kyrie Irving here. He has basically said he won't sit both just for rest at the same time. Memphis looks to end a two-game home losing streak in the series.

Key trends: The Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their past five at home. The over is 5-0 in the Cavs' past five on the road.

Early lean: Grizzlies and over.

Kings at Rockets (TBA)

Sacramento ended a two-game slide with a 24-point home win over the Lakers on Monday. DeMarcus Cousins had 31 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. The Kings outscored L.A. 39-13 in the third quarter. But guard Ben McLemore left with a bruised quad and Rudy Gay did with a hip flexor. McLemore wouldn't be much of a loss but Gay would. Houston won a seventh straight Monday, 122-118 over Brooklyn. James Harden had 36 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds. Houston shot 17 for 43 on 3s, making at least 10 for an NBA-record 24th straight game. Sacramento lost at home to Houston 117-104 on Nov. 25 -- the Rockets had an NBA-record 50 3-point attempts, making 21 -- and has dropped the past five on the road in the series.

Key trends: The Kings are 2-8 ATS in the past 10 meetings. The over is 5-2 in the previous seven.

Early lean: Wait on Gay.

Pistons at Mavericks (+3, 194)

Detroit was embarrassed by 18 at home by Philadelphia on Sunday. Marcus Morris scored 28 points and Andre Drummond finished with 14 points and 14 rebounds for Detroit, which fell behind 32-12 in the first quarter. Starting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (bruised right knee) was a late scratch. Still no excuse. Short-handed Dallas beat Denver 112-92 on Monday behind 25 from Wesley Matthews. Detroit has lost six of the last eight games on the road to Dallas, but has won the last two games there.

Key trends: The road team is 5-0 ATS in the past five meetings. The over is 4-0-1 ATS in the Mavs' past five at home.

Early lean: Pistons and over.

Thunder at Jazz (TBA)

Oklahoma City was in Portland on Tuesday. At some sites now, you can find a daily prop on whether Russell Westbrook has a triple-double. He's that good. Utah beat visiting Sacramento 104-84 on Saturday and has failed to cover just one of its past 10 games overall. Rudy Gobert has been playing stellar over that stretch and had had 17 points, 14 rebounds and a season-high six blocks vs. the Kings. Gordon Hayward had 26 after missing the previous game with a finger issue. The Jazz remain without starters George Hill, Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors, but it's possible Favors could finally return Wednesday. Utah was 0-4 vs. Oklahoma City last year and didn't score in triple digits in any of them.

Key trends: The home team is 13-5 ATS in the past 18. The under is 7-1 in the previous eight.

Early lean: Wait on the Jazz guys.

Celtics at Spurs (TBA)

Boston lost 99-96 in Oklahoma City on Sunday again without leading scorer Isaiah Thomas. He has missed the past three with a strained groin and is questionable here. Marcus Smart has been starting for him and had 11 points, nine assists and six rebounds vs. the Thunder. San Antonio bounced back from its first road loss of the season Thursday in Chicago with a 130-101 home blowout of Brooklyn on Saturday. Kawhi Leonard had 30 and the Spurs set several offensive season highs. San Antonio won in Boston 109-103 on Nov. 25. Leonard had 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Spurs have won the past 10 meetings and last four at home.

Key trends: The favorite is 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings. The under is 5-2 in the Spurs' previous seven.

Early lean: Wait on Thomas.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

In the Paint - Week 6
By Joe Williams

You See No Ls, Eh?
OK, that headline was a bit of a stretch...but you see no losses for UCLA so far, and you won't see any this week, either. They are going to murder UCSB Wednesday night. The Gauchos have dropped six of their seven games overall, and they're 0-5 ATS so far this season. That includes a 96-72 beating from UCLA's crosstown rival USC back on Nov. 27. Imagine what super freshman Lonzo Ball and company can do. After that, UCLA will host Ohio State, a team fresh off an overtime loss to Florida Atlantic of Conference USA. UCLA has covered seven in a row, including wins at Kentucky Dec. 3, and at home against Michigan Dec. 10. The Bruins not only appear poised for an unbeaten week, but perhaps an unbeaten regular season.

Blue Jays Flying High
Creighton flew into the Top 10 with another strong week. They covered at rival Nebraska Dec. 7, something they have been routinely doing over the years, and then they hammered visiting Longwood College of the Big South. The tests are about to get much tougher for Creighton when they get into Big East play. For this week, they have only Oral Roberts on tap for next Saturday, as the holiday schedule lessens for most teams. ORU has been tough in the past, but they're just 2-8 SU/3-5 ATS, so you can expect another blood bath in Omaha this weekend. Creighton has covered four of their past five, and seven of nine, winning five straight by double digits. In fact, their average margin of victory over the past nine outings is 21.78 points.

Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
That's what the license plates in West Virginia read, and the Mountaineers have been wild and wonderful, too. They're out to a 8-1 SU start with their only setback an 81-77 decision against Temple on a neutral-site court back on Nov. 25. West Virginia's defense has been the story, and if you like totals you'll want to pay attention. The Mountaineers have allowed 57 or fewer points in three straight, all 'under' results, and that includes a 66-57 win at Virginia Dec. 3. West Virginia has covered three of their past four, too. This weekend they host Missouri-Kansas City, which is actually the only team to come within single digits of Creighton (see above).

Wisky and Boilermakers
From the Big Ten, Wisconsin and Purdue each find themselves in the Top 15, and right next to each other, too. Each team has already absorbed two losses, but the Badgers fell to North Carolina on a neutral-site court and at Creighton Nov. 15, nothing to be ashamed about. The Boilers slipped up at Louisville Nov. 30 and against defending national champ Villanova Nov. 14 in an early-season test, so don't just look at the record and assume the worst. These two teams are very, very good. Purdue has covered three in a row, and five of their past six, while Wisconsin has covered four in a row since that UNC loss. These two sides will meet in the second game of conference play Jan. 9 in West Lafayette.

Three (Non-Covers) Musketeers
Xavier has been in a bit of a tailspin by their standards, falling at Baylor Dec. 3 and at Colorado Dec. 7, while edging out Utah at home by eight points. They have failed to cover in three in a row heading into a dangerous game against Wake Forest Saturday, Dec. 17. The Demon Deacons are 8-2 SU, and their only losses are to defending champ Villanova and on the road at a good Northwestern team. If Xavier ends up being favored in this game by double digits, and they probably will be, it's hard to trust them right now the way they've been playing. After Wake the Musketeers have one tune-up game against a good Eastern Washington side before getting into conference play. Xavier better 'wake' up in a hurry.

Other Teams to Watch
CS Northridge of the Big West Conference might give UCSB a run for the basement in that respective league. The Matadors have dropped five of their past six outings, and they are a dismal 1-7 ATS over their past eight games. Their won't be a line on their next game against Bethesda University, but remember the Mats when they travel to Boise State Wed. Dec. 21.

George Mason might not be 'Final Four' good this season, but the Patriots are playing pretty well lately. They just ran through Penn State and Pennsylvania in the past week, winning each game by 19 points, and the Pats have covered four in a row, and six of the past seven.

Georgetown slapped the brakes on a four-game non-cover slide with a 15-point win and cover against La Salle on a neutral court this past weekend. Next up is a trip to face old friend Syracuse under the dome, as former Big East rivals collide. 'Cuse enters Saturday's meeting 0-3 ATS in their past three outings.
You want points? Hofstra's got your points right here! The Pride has hit the 'over' in four in a row, and six of the past seven, thanks mostly to the fact they have scored 73 or more points in seven of the past eight while allowing 80 or more points in eight of the past 10.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Top 25 roundup: No. 1 Villanova captures Big 5 title
By The Sports Xchange

VILLANOVA, Pa. -- Josh Hart scored 26 points while Jalen Brunson added 13 as No. 1 Villanova captured its fourth consecutive Big 5 title with a 78-57 victory over Temple on Tuesday night at The Pavilion.
Kris Jenkins and Eric Paschall added 12 apiece for the Wildcats (11-0), who won their 18th straight Big 5 game and their 17th in a row overall. Villanova won handily despite standout guard Phil Booth missing his eighth straight game with tendinitis in his left knee.
The Wildcats remain one of six undefeated teams in Division I along with UCLA, Baylor, Gonzaga, Creighton and USC.
Shizz Alston, Jr. led the Owls (7-4) with 12 points while Daniel Dingle contributed 11 as Temple finished 3-1 in the Big 5 this season.

No. 25 Cincinnati 96, Texas Southern 58
CINCINNATI -- Jarron Cumberland scored a career-high 18 points off the bench, and Gary Clark added 13 points and tied a career high with six assists to lift the Bearcats over the Tigers.
Cincinnati (8-2) shot 69.7 percent in the second half to rebound from Saturday's loss at No. 18 Butler that snapped a five-game losing streak.
Kevin Washington, the Bearcats' leading scorer, did not start Tuesday, but finished with eight points. The junior forward was coming off a rough game at Butler, where he had seven points and no rebounds before fouling out after playing 19 minutes.
Freshman Demontrae Jefferson, who made his debut Saturday at Louisville and scored 27 points, recorded 13 on Tuesday for Texas Southern (4-6).

No. 22 Oregon 81, Montana 67
EUGENE, Ore. -- Senior center Chris Boucher amassed 23 points, 19 rebounds and five blocked shots while leading the Ducks past the Grizzlies at Matthew Knight Arena.
Senior guard Dylan Ennis scored 22 points, and freshman guard Payton Pritchard had 12 for the Ducks (9-2). Oregon won its seventh in a row.
Guard Ahmaad Rorie scored 19 points to lead the Grizzlies (3-8).
Oregon won its 32nd consecutive home game, a streak that ranks third behind South Dakota State and Kansas among active NCAA runs. The Ducks are ranked in the AP poll for the 14th week in a row, the third-longest streak in school history.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix (4-5) at Wisconsin Badgers (8-2)

Date: December 14, 2016 9:00 PM EDT

Wisconsin coach Greg Gard was filled with a mix of emotions nearly one year ago during his first game as interim head coach when the Badgers posted an 84-79 victory against Green Bay.

Gard assumed a new role eight days prior to that game when his mentor, Bo Ryan, retired Dec. 15. Gard, a long-time assistant to Ryan, remembered well wishes, the fans' welcome and the team's 26 turnovers. He also missed his father, Glen Gard, who died Oct. 30, 2015 from glioblastoma multiforme, a brain cancer.

The intrastate opponents are set for their 23rd meeting as No. 14 Wisconsin hosts Green Bay on Wednesday night at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

"I think overall everything is much more solidified, obviously, (and) we're much more entrenched in what we're doing," Gard said comparing the two seasons.

"It was a major transition that we were trying to undertake at that point in time. It was a bittersweet time, obviously, for me, too. With what we had gone through with my dad and to have that transpire, and not have him be there to see it."

The Badgers (9-2) ride a five-game winning streak and had six players register double-digit scoring in their 94-85 road victory Saturday at Marquette. Senior guard Bronson Koenig scored a team-high 18 points for Wisconsin, which shot 64.3 percent from the field in the second half against the Golden Eagles.

Koenig is the team's scoring leader at 16 points, while senior forward Nigel Hayes and sophomore forward Ethan Happ averaged 13.3 points apiece.

The Badgers averaged eight turnovers in its last three games. In the seven games prior to that, Wisconsin averaged 13.3.

Gard said players are making better decisions.

"We're not trying to force passes into places that they shouldn't be going," Gard said. "I think we've gotten better in terms of the angles that we're trying to use to feed post players or cutters. I think we've gotten better in terms of ball fakes and playing with two feet."

Green Bay (4-5) is led by senior guard Charles Cooper, who averages 13.6 points. Junior guard Khalil Small is the team's rebounding leader (5.8) and registers 11.0 points. Freshman guard Trevor Anderson averages 12.1 points and 2.7 assists per game.

One highlight in the non-conference season for the Phoenix was a stretch in its game last week against Central Michigan when junior forward Karem Kanter scored 20 straight second-half points in 5 minutes, 6 seconds. Kanter, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, shot 5 for 5 from the field and drained 10 of 12 free throws. Despite Kanter's effort, Central Michigan posted a 107-97 victory.

Linc Darner is working his second season as coach at Green Bay. The Phoenix reached the NCAA Tournament last season and Darner said players are working hard to remain competitive, despite losing its two top players through graduation.

Green Bay won the Horizon League tournament last year to earn its first NCAA berth in 20 years.

"We don't want to tell our team we want to be mediocre and finish in the middle of the pack," Darner told the Green Bay Press Gazette. "We want them to strive for greatness, and we have the same goals as we had last year. We want to get to the Big Dance."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (3-5) at Saint Mary's Gaels (6-1)

Date: December 14, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

Saint Mary's and Western Kentucky are both feeling pretty good about themselves heading into their matchup on the Gaels' home court Wednesday night.

The 20th-ranked Gaels (7-1) bounced back from their first defeat of the season -- a 65-51 home loss to Texas-Arlington last Thursday -- with a strong performance in an 84-53 victory over UC-Irvine on Sunday.

"We played better tonight," Gaels coach Randy Bennett said after the game. "That was the best we've played in a while."

Saint Mary's hit 56 percent of its field-goal attempts, improving its season shooting percentage to 50.9 percent, ninth best in the country. The Gaels also made 10 of 17 3-point attempts, putting them at 40.2 percent for the season.

Immediately after that strong performance, Bennett had a quick assessment of Western Kentucky.

"They beat Indiana State today," he said, obviously impressed.

Indeed, the Hilltoppers (4-5) recorded an admirable 77-59 road win on Sunday over an Indiana State team that had defeated 15th-ranked Butler four days earlier on the same court.

"Tonight was our best game, by far -- a complete game, as a team," first-year Western Kentucky coach Rick Stansbury said.

The Hilltoppers hit 53.2 percent of their shots, a marked improvement for a team that was hitting just 40.1 percent coming into the game.

"This was the most efficient we've been offensively," Stansbury said. "Tonight was our best effort of offensive toughness. That's why we shot 53 percent."

Just as significant was Western Kentucky's defensive effort, limiting the Sycamores to 37.9 percent shooting.

"We took their best two players and basically took them out of the game," Stansbury said.

Brenton Scott, Indiana State's top scorer, managed 17 points but was just 6 of 19 from the field, including 0 of 7 from long range. Matt Van Scyoc, the Sycamores' No. 2 scorer, had just one point and missed all three of his field-goal attempts after scoring 23 points against Butler.

It was Western Kentucky's first road win since Feb. 26 against Middle Tennessee.

"I'm proud of our guys," said Stanbury, a former coach at Mississippi State. "We've been fighting. Several games we would get down in the second half and hit a wall."

Western Kentucky had an 11-point lead late in the first half that Indiana State whittled down to one point early in the second half. But, instead of hitting a wall, the Hilltoppers dominated the final eight minutes to win going away.

Pancake Thomas scored 22 points for the Hilltoppers while the team's leading scorer, Que Johnson, added 15 points, and Justin Johnson collected 14 points and 10 rebounds.

That ended the Hilltoppers' four-game losing streak, which included a 39-point loss to Washington and a 19-point loss to Eastern Kentucky. The question is whether the win over Indiana State was a fluke or an indication that Western Kentucky has improved significantly.

The competition only gets stiffer as Saint Mary's is the first Top 25 team the Hilltoppers will face this season.

The Gaels got back on track against Irvine after their misstep against Texas-Arlington.

"I wasn't that concerned," Bennett said of the loss. "I knew we had a stinker."

The Gaels dropped eight spots in the rankings as a result of the loss, but did not drop completely out of the Top 25.

Center Jock Landale still leads the Gaels at 18.4 points per game, although he has not exceeded 15 points in any of his last three games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (1-5) at UCLA Bruins (9-0)

Date: December 14, 2016 10:30 PM EDT

Second-ranked UCLA will try to build on its best start in a decade when the unbeaten Bruins play host to UC Santa Barbara in a nonconference game Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.

UCLA (10-0) hasn't won 11 in a row at any point in a season since March 2008. The Bruins are off to their best start since beginning the 2006-07 season with 14 consecutive wins. That team went on to reach the Final Four. This team has even higher aspirations.

"Sky's the limit," freshman point guard Lonzo Ball said. "As long as we defend, who knows what the limit is. We're going for a championship this year. That's the goal and we don't play to lose."

UC Santa Barbara (1-6) is struggling in its 19th season under coach Bob Williams. The Gauchos lost five in a row to start the season, including a 96-72 loss to USC, before beating Sonoma State to secure their first victory. They are coming off a 77-68 loss to San Diego.

"We've just got to be better," Williams said. "We weren't very good offensively or defensively after the first few minutes of the game. We got off to a good start, but then we couldn't make a shot, and, on the other end, we gave up too many open looks. That's got to change."

It will take an inspired effort for UC Santa Barbara to slow a UCLA squad that ranks second in the nation in scoring at 97.5 points per game. The Bruins lead the nation in assists (239), assists per game (23.9), field-goal percentage (.562) and 3-point shooting (.471). They are on pace to break their Pac-12 Conference record of 92.3 points per game in 1967-68.

UCLA vaulted from No. 11 to No. 2 after beating then-No. 1 Kentucky on Dec. 3. The Bruins followed that performance with a resounding 102-84 victory over Michigan in which they shot a sizzling 74 percent in the second half.

"I couldn't be more pleased after scoring 97 points against Kentucky and scoring 102 against what I think is a very sound defensive team in Michigan," UCLA coach Steve Alford said.

Isaac Hamilton is leading UCLA in scoring at 17.7 points per game. He is shooting 51.5 percent from the field and 45.6 percent from 3-point range.

Hamilton is one of six players who are scoring in double figures for the Bruins. T.J. Leaf is averaging 17.6 points and 9.3 rebounds. Bryce Alford averages 15.6 points. Ball is averaging 15 points, 8.8 assists and 5.2 rebounds. He is second in the nation in assists and the only player in the country who is averaging at least 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

Aaron Holiday averages 13.3 points for UCLA. Thomas Welsh is averaging 11.1 points and 9.6 rebounds.

UC Santa Barbara is led by Gabe Vincent, a guard who averages 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. Vincent had a season-high-tying 23 points in the loss to San Diego. Jalen Canty is averaging 11.3 points and a team-high 7.1 rebounds for the Gauchos.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Wednesday
By Mike Dempsey

It seemed like a crazy idea at the time of its inception, but the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational, where 12 owners each put up $1 million each is going to get at least the top two horses in the U.S.

The race will run for the first time at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) champion Arrogate put in an impressive work on Tuesday morning, going five furlongs in :58 2/5 and his trainer Bob Baffert said he is fit and ready to go and likely will have a prep for the Pegasus Cup.

Baffert said Arrogate will be pointed toward the San Pasqual (G2) at Santa Anita on Jan. 2.

The Classic runner up California Chrome worked on Saturday at Los Alamitos and will prep in the $100,000 Winter Challenge at Los Al on Dec. 17, a race designed specifically for California Chrome, who has been stabled at the track.

Others that could end up in the starting gate for the world’s richest race include Shaman Ghost, Gun Runner, Connect, Keen Ice, Sticksstatelydude, Divining Rod and Noble Bird.

I was skeptical at the time that this race would indeed succeed, and it looks as if it could be a rousing success.

Just keeping some of the stars in the game in training past the Breeders’ Cup Classic is great news for horseplayers and fans.


Here is the opening race from Gulfstream Park to get the day off to a good start:

GP Race 1 Md $25,000 (12:35 ET)
4 Kamelia Diamond 3-1
3 Assail 5-2
1 Sunny Sonata 6-1
6 Catch the Cat 8-1

Analysis: Kamelia Diamond makes her debut for the Nicks barn that is 21% winners with first time starters. The filly is by First Dude (9% winners with debut runners) out of the stakes winner Good Intentions ($110,850) who has dropped three foals to race, all winners. The filly debuts with lasix and decent looking works on the morning tab.

Assail tries dirt for the first time here after a fourth and a sixth on turf in her last two starts. She made her debut on poly at Woodbine last year and ran a good second. She is out of a stakes placed Cobra King mare that has dropped five winners, top earner stakes winner Greed and Fear ($182,526).

Wagering
WIN: #4 to win at 5-2 or better
EX: 3,4 / 1,3,4,6,
TRI: 3,4 / 1,3,4,6 / 1,3,4,6,8

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

GP Race 7 Md Sp Wt (3:32 ET)
3 Egyptian Hero 2-1
5 Go Beeja 12-1
4 Hedge Fund 5-2
1 Grand Primpi 7-2

Analysis: Egyptian Hero is one of two in here making their debut for the Pletcher barn that is 18% winners with first time starters, hitting at a 23% clip here dating back two years. This colt was a $1 million purchase, by Pioneerof the Nile (13% winners with debut runners) out of a Mr. Greeley mare that has dropped one winner. Solid works and Zayas has ridden well for the barn, hitting at a 24% clip.

Go Beeja debuts for the Rivelli barn that is 29% winners (with a +ROI) with firsters, no first time starters here dating back two years. The colt was a $180,000 Ocala purchase by Tapizar out of a stakes placed Sharp Humor mare, her first foal to race. Solid looking works on the morning tab at Hawthorne. Race Rating: $$$

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 2-1 or better
EX: 3,5 / 1,3,4,5
TRI: 3,5 / 1,3,4,5 / 1,3,4,5,9


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.

Gulfstream Park
R1: #6 Catch That Cat 8-1
R5: #3 Annie’s Big Boy 8-1
R6: #2 Starship Mars 8-1
R7: #5 Go Beeja 12-1
R8: #4 Shea D Girl 15-1
R9: #7 Vees Boy 8-1
R10: #4 Fan Base 10-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Northfield: Wednesday 12/14 Analysis + Pick Four Ticket
By Jeremey Day

DRF

Race 8 - $10,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

Jeremey’s $1 Pick Four Play:

5,9 / 1,9 / 1,6,9 / 1,6 =$24


Best Bet: WESTERN DIAL (4th)

Spot Play: CARIBBEAN SHOOTER (11th)


Race 1

(4) TRENTS RINGER picks up a positive driver change and needed the start last week. (1) SKEETER P drops in class with the best post against a weak field. (2) SEDUCE A STRANGER has made miscues in two straight; use caution.

Race 2

(4) ANGRY SHELBY filly was much improved in the qualifier. (1) FIRST TO ARRIVE pacing mare could need a race but gets sent out first start in a new barn. (5) MEAN FEVER has room to improve second start back off a really long layoff.

Race 3

(3) DEFENDING CHAMP burned cash last week making a break at this level. If the 5-year-old minds his manners he will be tough to beat. (6) IMAGE OF BLITZ has yet to win in sixteen career starts; use underneath. (1) NEW KID IN TOWN gets the best post in a weak and inconsistent field.

Race 4

(7) WESTERN DIAL was sharp last out closing off slow fractions. (2) MORGANGETSHERWAY three-year-old filly had no excuse last week off those fractions even being off almost a month; command a price. (3) LIMA ILLUSION well bred 2-year-old looks to be in line for a ground saving trip up close. (NOTE: This race was modified by Northfield Park after its initial published version.)

Race 5

(9) BROWNER SHUTTLE has been off over a month but the veteran trotter faces a really weak field and will offer a huge price for capable connections. (1) ANASTASIA WHINNIE should be ready for a better effort drawing the best post. (3) BOUNTY picks up the top driver in a field full of question marks.

Race 6

(9) REAL IMAGE ten-year-old needs some racing luck starting from the second tier but does show some decent lines against similar. (4) MAJOR SPEED had no chance last week from a tough spot. The pacer will be much closer turning for home this week. (8) LIMA RITCH should offer a big price and can hit the board with a good setup.

Race 7

(4) MR APOLLO is fast enough to beat this bunch if the gelding can ration out his speed. (3) AWESOMELY AWESOME takes a significant drop in class with a huge driver change. (1) HELLO CHIPPER gets the best post in a weak field.

Race 8

(9) THISONEANDONEMORE has beaten better on the year. (5) POW CHICKA POW POW would have a big shot with a different driver. The pacer is one of the fastest horses in the race and will offer a big price. (2) JUST CROWNED owns some back class and is dangerous with an easy early lead.

Race 9

(9) CUDDLE PUNK was fired up early last out before quitting badly, however the trotter has been much improved for the new barn. (1) ONEEYEDMOMMA filly was very close last week and gets another great starting post. (7) KICK A LOT beat a softer bunch last start but the top driver opted elsewhere.

Race 10

In a wide open and evenly matched race (9) CAN ART will offer a big price and just needs a smooth trip. (6) AMERICAN GRACE might have an excuse last week on the sloppy track. (1) MILANO GRANDE will be much closer turning for home.

Race 11

(6) CARIBBEAN SHOOTER might be the only threat to the favorite and will offer a great price. (1) DALLAS SEELSTER just missed last week against a better field up in class, however the pacer looks to be a very short price. (2) LOCK THREE beat up on a weak field last start; use underneath.

Race 12

(6) SEEBOOMOOK KATAHDIN has yet to win in fifteen starts on the year but does look to be faster than most of the field when right. (1) DANNYS MAN picks up a huge driver change with the best post. (9) RIVER VALLEY PEARL probably needed the start last week and has room to improve for a capable barn.

Race 13

(2) JAKARDEZ is the sharpest horse in the race and drops down a notch; big chance. (4) AUF WIEDERESEHEN comes off a scratch, however the pacer owns a big brush when ready. (9) ARTS-ROCKSTAR pacing mare is over her head; use underneath.

Race 14

(5) TIMESAWASTEING lightly raced pacer is one of few in the race with upside. (7) FEELIN BEACHY has flashed some ability and will offer a big price. (1) MR BULLY FROG gets the best post with the best driver.

Race 15

(3) BEANS AND WEENIES just finished second at this level and finds a softer field. (6) JOJO IN THE SKY has just been racing evenly but drops down in class and shows a win at this level. (7) ZEBS CAM BO has been competitive against better on the year but needs a good setup.

 

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Spot Plays

For Wednesday

TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE

Aqueduct (2nd) Draxhall Woods, 4-1
(7th) Riot Worthy, 3-1


Charles Town (3rd) Christmas Barn, 9-2
(6th) C.D. Jammin, 9-2


Delta Downs (9th) Gg’s Gracefulgabby, 7-2
(10th) Glorious Conqueror, 4-1


Gulfstream Park (5th) Thunder Buddies, 3-1
(6th) Monkey Money, 6-1


Mahoning Valley (2nd) Many Faces, 4-1
(6th) Mr. Elkhorn, 5-1


Penn National (5th) Headed for Heaven, 9-2
(7th) Code Name Raven, 4-1


Tampa Bay Downs (2nd) Our Sister Ania, 5-1
(4th) Irish Major, 7-2


Turf Paradise (5th) Carr Creek, 5-1
(8th) War Code, 6-1


Turfway Park (3rd) Rogue Ranger, 7-2
(6th) Miss Frank E, 4-1

 

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Wednesday’s six-pack

My six most interesting bowl games:

— South Florida-South Carolina— Want to see USF’s mobile QB against an SEC defense.

— Michigan-Florida State— Seminoles played better late in year; there are tensions between the coaches, regarding recruiting.

— West Virginia-Miami— Hurricanes lost their last six bowls.

— Eastern Michigan-Old Dominion— Monarchs’ first bowl, Eagles’ first since 1987.

— Miami OH-Mississippi State- Miami started season 0-6.

— Clemson-Ohio State— Woody Hayes’ last game was against the Tigers, when he slugged a Clemson LB late in game.

 

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#1 Sports

Wednesday's Free Selection: Nevada Wolfpack - 10 1/2

 

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Mike Wynn

Bonus Play: San Antonio -8 Over Boston

 

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Razor Sharp

YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR WEDNESDAY: Take MISSISSIPPI ST -2 over E. Tenn St

 

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Totals4U

Wednesday's Free Selection: Sacramento Kings/Houston Rockets over 216

 

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Platinum Plays

Free Pick: CBB the UC-Irvine Anteaters +11 Over Nevada

 

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Golden Dragon Sports

Free Pick Toronto -8' NBA

 

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Huddle Up Sports

Bonus Play Washington Pk NBA

 

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Hawkeye Sports

Wednesday's Free Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins - 165

 

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The Vegas Steam Line

Your free winner for Wednesday: Take WASHINGTON Pick'em over Charlotte

 

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High Stakes Syndicate

Free Selection for Wednesday: Nevada Wolfpack - 10 1/2