Posts Tagged ‘betting’
World Series Game 1 A great pitching matchup begins the World Series on Wednesday night as the New York Yankees host the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1. It will be Cliff Lee going for the Phillies while CC Sabathia takes the mound for the Yankees. These former teammates have pitched extremely well during the postseason and each could get three starts in this series if it goes seven games. The Yankees are a -163 favorite with a total of 7.5 at bookmaker sportsbook Unlike past World Series matchups this one has everything. Each team has a premier ace pitcher, both teams have MVP sluggers and both teams can hit home runs. The teams met earlier this season for a series at Yankee Stadium and the Phillies took two of three. The Phillies are trying to become the first team to repeat as World Series champs since the 1998-2000 Yankees, and the first team to do it in the National League since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees are well aware that it won’t be easy against the defending champs. “They’re the defending champs. They’re playing extremely well,” manager Joe Girardi said. “We know they’re an extremely tough opponent.” The Yankees had the most wins in baseball betting this season and had little trouble getting past Minnesota and the Angels in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Wednesday’s game should be a great duel as Lee is 2-0 in three starts this postseason with a 0.74 ERA. Sabathia is 3-0 this postseason with a 1.19 ERA. The only thing that might prevent a pitcher’s duel is their career numbers. Sabathia is 1-2 with a 5.55 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies while Lee is 4-4 with a 5.02 ERA in nine career starts against New York. The Phillies are 8-3 in their last 11 games as a road underdog. The Phillies are 6-2 in Lee’s last 8 road starts. The Yankees are 41-10 in their last 51 home games. The Yankees are 10-1 in Sabathia’s last 11 starts as a home favorite. Tonights Pick: Phillies
Philadelphia at N.Y. Yankees
Wednesday, 7:57 pm Eastern – Fox
Alex Rodriguez has been superb in the postseason and Sabathia has been almost unhittable. On the other side, the Phillies got amazing pitching from Cliff Lee while Ryan Howard had 14 RBIs in nine games against Colorado and the Dodgers this postseason.
Tags: baseball, betting, mlb, phillies, sports, World Series, yankees
Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won four times, ran second three times and finished third four times since July 1. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting strategy. ARLINGTON PARK Crater Maker: Raced six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, swung widest on far turn, lost ground in stretch, closed with a rush to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a neck at a mile on a good turf course July 24. Bacetto: Raced eighth and last more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, closed with a rush in the stretch to make up 6 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a head and a length at seven furlongs on July 9. (Broke slowly, raced eight lengths behind in eight and last after a half-mile, advanced five wide into stretch, closed fast late from third and drew off to win by 2 ¾ lengths at a mile on July 23.) Link to My Heart: Raced 10 lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, dropped to seventh after six furlongs, split horses in stretch, rallied late to make up more than seven lengths and gained second by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course July 9. (Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground to fourth entering stretch and ran third by a nose at a mile on the turf Aug. 1) Jilly From Philly: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half mile, lost ground turning for home and rallied from fifth in stretch to gain third beaten less than three-quarters of a length at a mile June 7. (Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile and finished in that position at 1 1/16 miles on July 5.) Pure Clan: Raced four lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, dropped to fifth after six furlongs, steadily advanced to take lead by a head in stretch and drew off to win by 2 ½ lengths at 1 3/16 miles on the turf July 11. (Broke eighth and last, trailed by more than 6 ½ lengths after a half-mile, came five wide into stretch, rallied to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten 1 ¼ lengths and a neck at 1 ¼ miles on a good turf course Aug. 8.) CALDER Midnight Scrimmage: Broke slowly, raced five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, came three wide into stretch, closed well to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at a mile on July 18. DELAWARE PARK Burrowing Owl: Raced 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost ground going four wide in stretch, rallied to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on June 16. (Raced four lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile and gained second by a head at 5 ½ furlongs on July 25.) DEL MAR Seminole Native: Raced 10th and last more than 13 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, spilt rivals in stretch from sixth to make up more than 5 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf; ran final quarter in 23 1/5. Tallahsocean: Broke a bit slowly, raced 11th early, advanced to ninth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up outside on turn, rallied from sixth in stretch to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on July 23; ran final quarter in 23 4/5. Itsnotjustagame: Stalked pace two lengths back in third after a half-mile, lost ground swinging wide on far turn, closed willingly from fifth to make up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 3/8 miles on the turf July 23. ELLIS PARK My Rocket Man: Raced more than four lengths behind in sixth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground moving five wide on turn, closed well late from fifth to make up nearly five lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on soft turf July 24. Ponticiello: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, launched six wide bid into stretch, closed fast from sixth to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a neck at a mile on soft turf July 24; ran final quarter in 24 ¾. EVANGELINE DOWNS Feelthelightening: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, rallied wide from sixth in stretch to make up more than three lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at five furlongs on July 4. Fiber Core: Broke 14th and last, moved to 12th early, advanced to seventh more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in stretch and gained second by a neck at seven furlongs on June 19. LOUISIANA DOWNS Walkinpicture: Raced more than four lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, came six wide out of turn, finished willingly to make up nearly 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a head at six furlongs on July 2. (Raced more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, challenged three wide into stretch to grab lead and increased winning margin to six lengths under steady urging at six furlongs on July 24.) MONMOUTH PARK Brotherly Love: Stalked pace three wide two lengths back in third after a half-mile, lost ground in stretch angling inward, made up nearly three lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on July 19. (Bumped at break, tracked pace in second a length behind after a half-mile, angled inside for drive and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on July 31.) Whats Up Cuge: Chased pace more than four lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, angled out in upper stretch, made up 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by a head at five furlongs on July 5. (Broke alertly, went right to the front, led by two lengths after three-eighths of a mile, increased margin in stretch and drew off ridden out to win by 7 ¼ lengths at five furlongs on July 26.) PENN NATIONAL PHILADELPHIA PARK Prime Delivery: Raced ninth and last more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room on far turn, and eight wide into stretch and closed steadily from seventh to finish second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 18; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 2/5. Minor Issues: Broke slowly, raced two lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, came very wide into stretch and rallied from second to win by a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on July 21. (Raced 3 ½ lengths in fourth after a half-mile, lost ground near quarter pole and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Aug. 1) PLEASANTON SARATOGA A. P. Light: Raced more than seventh lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, circled rivals entering stretch and rallied from fourth to finish second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 7; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 29 seconds. Diamond Song: Pinched back after breaking 11th and last, raced 5 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, caught in traffic between rivals on turn, circled five wide entering stretch, made up two lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a sloppy surface July 31. Try Your Best: Raced more than 5 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, saved ground on turn, rallied inside into stretch, took an awkward step in upper stretch, steadied sharply at eighth pole awaiting room in fifth, angled outward and rallied late to gain second by three-quarters of length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf July 16 at Belmont. Mustang Fever: Broke slowly 12th and last, steadied in traffic early, raced ninth more than 13 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside while awaiting room nearing quarter pole and finished well to gain second by a nose at six furlongs on the turf July 8; ran final quarter in 23 1/5 at Belmont Park. Kutais: Steadied soon after start, raced six lengths back in seventh after a half-mile, waited behind wall of horses on far turn, altered course to outside in upper stretch, made up 2 ¾ lengths and finished second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/8 miles on the turf July 8 at Belmont. Hurricane Heat: Gained lead soon after break, was two lengths in front after a half-mile, discouraged pair of pursuers increasing margin to six lengths in stretch and won by 8 ½ lengths ridden out at 7 ½ furlongs on June 19 at Belmont. (Dueled for lead shortly after break, pressed pace in second a head back after a half-mile, took lead on turn, kept to task in stretch and won by a half-length at a mile on July 1; returned $10.20 on front end at Belmont.) WOODBINE Lucky Lulu: Broke 11th, dropped to 12th and last 13 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch, closed fast from 10th to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a half-length at seven furlongs on the turf July 15; ran final three quarters in 33 2/5.
Last Wompas: Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied through traffic in stretch and gained second by 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Aug. 8
Chavelisa: Broke slowly, race 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, lost a bit of ground entering stretch, angled out, rallied to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by three-quarters of a length at five furlongs on Aug. 7.
Theda’s Smile: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, worked way between rivals leaving far turn and closed gamely from fourth in stretch to finish second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 5.
Stunningly: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, came three deep into stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Aug. 8.
Zipper Zapper: Raced more than two lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, lost ground going four wide out of turn, made up 1 ¾ lengths in stretch and gained second by a nose at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Aug. 8.
Money Haven: Broke 11th and last, advanced to seventh more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied wide from fifth in stretch, made up fourth lengths and finished second beaten a length at a mile on Aug. 5.
Go Morgan Go: Raced two lengths back in fifth after a half-mile, bumped with rival, steadied late on the turn, lost ground, recovered, slipped through along rail in upper stretch, angled out late to make up 2 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Aug. 2.
Polished Princess: Pressed pace early, dropped from second to third 2 ½ lengths behind while losing ground after a half-mile, rallied outside in stretch, made up two lengths and closed well to finish second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Aug. 5.
Cuvee Rouge: Bumped, bobbled soon after break in brutal trip, steadied again in tight quarters during opening quarter-mile, raced sixth more than two behind after a half-mile, blocked between rivals trying to find opening in upper stretch, steered out wider and closed well late to gain second by a neck at 6 ½ furlongs on July 18 at Philadelphia Park; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 3/5.
Pinfree: Off slow, raced seventh and last more than eight lengths behind after three-eights of a mile, launched rally on turn going widest into stretch, closed fast from fourth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and finished second by 2 ¾ lengths at five furlongs on Aug. 1.
Welken: Tracked pace in fourth more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up in tight quarters behind a wall of horses, gained command in stretch and won by a length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 14 at Golden Gate Fields. (Broke on top, led by a head after a half-mile, increased margin to 1 ½ lengths after six furlongs, weakened in stretch and finished third at 1 1/16 miles on July 12.)
Bella Attrice: Raced 17 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, closed game to 11 ½ lengths between rivals on far turn, steadied inside at three-sixteenths pole, angled out in mid-stretch, made up nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Aug. 7; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 28 3/5.
Social Worker: Raced five lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, hustled between rivals on turn, rallied from fifth to make up more than 2 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on Aug. 6.
Tags: betting, handicapping, Horse Racing
Home Run Derby Preview The 2009 Home Run Derby on Monday will feature a number of top home run hitters including local favorite Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals. Pujols leads the league in home runs while San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez is second. Gonzalez is also in the contest along with Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard, Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder, Texas’ Nelson Cruz, Minnesota’s Joe Mauer, Tampa Bay’s Carlos Pena and Detroit’s Brandon Inge. While the list may not seem imposing other than Pujols it is very representative of the league leaders. Pujols leads the National League and is the favorite in Home Run Derby odds while Gonzalez is second and Howard and Fielder are tied for fifth. Pena leads the American League with Cruz second and Inge tied for fourth. Howard won the Home Run Derby in 2006 while Pujols was the runner-up to Garret Anderson in the 2003 event. Current HR Derby Homerun Odds from Bookmaker Sportsbook ALBERT PUJOLS +180 Many of the players around baseball didn’t want to compete in the Home Run Derby because they fear it will mess up their swing but not Minnesota’s Joe Mauer. “I just think it’s a great event,” Mauer said. “Home Run Derby — I always told my buddies when we were younger — we always played it in the back yard and stuff like that. I always told them, if I ever had the opportunity to do it, I would jump at it, and it happened this year.” Mauer is one of the few people not worried that his swing will be affected. “I don’t think one night will affect your swing for the rest of the season,” Mauer said. “It might be a little tiring, but as far as mechanically, I don’t think so.” Texas outfielder Nelson Cruz is not worried about messing up his swing either. “I hear people say that,” Cruz said. “It’s just like taking BP for me. I always do better the second half [of the season]. I don’t know why. I work a lot harder, trying to keep myself strong until the end of the season. I don’t worry about it.” Cruz’s teammate Josh Hamilton finished second last year and Cruz thinks he has a shot this year. “I think I have a chance,” Cruz said, “I don’t expect to hit 20 homers like Josh.” Pena was added to the All-Star roster as a late replacement for Dustin Pedroia and was the final person added to the MLB Betting Home Run Derby. He is excited to be a part of it. “It’s just a cool thing,” Pena aid. “That’s the best way to describe it. It would be so cool.” Our Pick to win the HR derby is: Adrian Gonzalez!
Monday, 8:00 pm Eastern – ESPN
RYAN HOWARD +275
ADRIAN GONZALEZ +500
JOE MAUER +850
PRINCE FIELDER +350
NELSON CRUZ +800
BRANDON INGE +1000
CARLOS PENA +600 .
Tags: adrian gonzalez, albert pujols, All-Star game, allstar, baseball, betting, mlb, ryan howard
MLB Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Dodgers - 150 , Total 8.5 Over – 120 Two of the top teams in the National League begin a weekend series in Milwaukee as the Brewers host the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers send their ace, Chad Billingsley on Friday while the Brewers counter with Braden Looper. Billingsley will be going for his 10th win of the season on Friday. He is 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA this season while Looper is 7-4 with a 4.78 ERA. SBG Global reports that early MLB Betting has the public taking Dodgers on the Road. Billingsley hasn’t gotten a win since June 14th but not all of that is his fault. He had a sure win get away in his last start when Jonathan Broxton blew the save. He is 2-0 in his career against the Brewers. Looper is coming off a solid outing against the Cubs where he allowed just two run on six hits in six innings. He is 4-1 at home this season with a 4.03 ERA in ten starts. The Brewers expect to get Corey Hart back on Friday. He injured his foot on Tuesday but hopes to be back in the lineup on Friday. He is hitting .256 this season with nine home runs and 35 RBIs. “We have two guys who have basically carried us,” Hart said about All-Stars Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, “and now Casey [McGehee] is coming on strong. We’re right in the hunt, [even though] a bunch of guys aren’t doing what they want to do. It could be a lot worse. We’re all going to get better offensively. You figure it’s got to turn around. We’ll put up numbers when we get that consistency going.” Here are the MLB Betting stats for Friday’s game. The Dodgers are 5-0 in their last five series openers. The Dodgers are 4-1 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Dodgers are 35-17 in the last 52 meetings against Milwaukee. The Brewers are 16-7 in their last 23 series openers. The Brewers are 6-13 in their last 19 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Brewers are 7-3 in Looper’s last 10 home starts. SBG Global Current Line: Dodgers - 133 , Total 8.5 Over – 120 The Over is 6-1 in the Dodgers last 7 road games. The Under is 5-1 in the Brewers last 6 home games vs. a right-handed starter. The Under is 8-2 in the Brewers last 10 vs. the National League West. The Over is 4-1 in Looper’s last 5 starts overall. The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings between the two teams. Pick: Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers at Milwaukee Brewers
Friday, 8:05 pm Eastern
Tags: baseball, baseball pick, betting, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, mlb, mlb pick, sports
The Summit of Speed will be in the sprinting spotlight on Saturday at Calder Race Course where it debuted 10 years ago. The 2000 event offered five stakes with purses totaling $950,000 and was an immediate hit. In ’02, purses were boosted to $1.35 million and attracted classy thoroughbreds like Orientate, who won the Smile Sprint Handicap en route to a Breeders’ Cup Sprint victory and an Eclipse Award. That afternoon Calder enjoyed a single-day total mutuel handle record exceeding $8.8 million. Two years later, the $1.75 million event featuring six stakes helped to establish the track’s one-day handle mark of more than $10.8 million. Then Mother Nature rained on the ’05 renewal that July 9, which featured eight races valued at $1.9 million. The effects of Hurricane Dennis forced the Saturday card to be rescheduled Sunday. Unfortunately, total wagering plummeted to just over $7 million. Lady Luck abandoned Calder last year when a contract dispute with the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association cost millions in simulcasting revenue. It wasn’t settled until days before the Summit of Speed, forcing reduction of purses by $300,000 for the four graded stakes and cancellation of two races. The ’09 contract was agreed upon in mid-April before the meeting got under way. However, the weather has been quite rainy this year and there’s a 30 percent chance of showers for the weekend. Saturday’s card includes seven stakes that attracted some topnotch sprinters despite value of the races dropping to the lowest in history – a total of $1.45 million. The Smile, worth $500,000 two years ago, is a Grade 2 with a $350,000 purse. The six-horse field of 3-year-olds and up is headed by defending champ Benny the Bull, who concedes from six to a dozen pounds. The ’08 sprinting Eclipse Award winner in his only start this year was runner-up to Fabulous Strike in the True North on Belmont Stakes Day. His chief challenger, last year’s runner-up How’s Your Halo gets in six pounds lighter than the son of Lucky Lionel who carries 124 pounds, the same weight he totted in ’08 when scoring by two lengths while covering the six furlongs in 1:11 2/5. How’s Your Halo is coming off a four-length triumph in the Ponce on June 13. Two months earlier, the son of Halo’s Image edged another starter Ikigai in the Richter Scale at Gulfstream after losing to the runner-up in the Mr. Prospect a month earlier. Two-time Eclipse champ Indian Blessing faces a field of nine fillies and mares 3-years-old and up going six furlongs in the Grade 1 Princess Rooney, also valued at $350,000 and $150,000 less than it was worth in ’07. The fourth-place finisher in the Desert Stormer at Hollywood Park on June 15 will tote high weight of 123 pounds. The daughter of Indian Charlie won the ’08 Eclipse Award for female sprinters and was top filly in ’07. Chief challengers are multi-stakes winner Game Face, who totes 120 pounds, and local sensation Marina Ballerina, 118 pounds, going for her third straight victory. Game Face finished third in last year’s Acorn behind runner-up Indian Blessing in that Belmont race. The daughter of Menifee, which also defeated starter Keep the Peach twice, triumphed in three stakes this year at Gulfstream. Marina Ballerina whipped two others in the field while winning the U Can Do It at Calder where’s she’s 3 for 3. The daughter of Outflanker on June 13 was 1 ¼ lengths better than Jessica Is Back while B R’s Girl was another 1 ¼ lengths back in third. Time for the six furlongs was 1:10 4/5.
Tags: betting, Calder Race Course, Horse Racing, Smile Sprint Handicap
It is only July but a big series in the National League Central gets underway on Tuesday as the Milwaukee Brewers host the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers are not playing well, having lost four of their last five and they believe this is a must-win series against the Cardinals. “It’s crucial,” Ryan Braun said, “We don’t want to dig ourselves too big of a hole. It’s always important to have some momentum going into the second half to show everybody that we’re for real and that we can make a move and improve our ballclub. We need to be headed in the right direction and not the wrong direction in order to do that.” SBG Global reports that early MLB Betting has the public taking Brewers at Home. Milwaukee has won four of the six games against St. Louis this season but they are facing a St. Louis Cardinals team that has won four of their last five and has superstar Albert Pujols who is red-hot. Pujols leads the league with 31 home runs and 82 RBIs. This is a key week before the All-Star break for both teams as after this series the Brewers host the Dodgers while the Cardinals visit the Cubs. Milwaukee sends Yovani Gallardo to the mound on Tuesday. He is 8-5 with a 2.75 ERA this season. He gave up just one run and five hits in seven innings in his last start against the Mets but got no run support in a 1-0 loss. Gallardo has had very little run support this season. He is pitching great though and has a 1.70 ERA in his last eight starts. St. Louis goes with Adam Wainwright on Tuesday. He is 8-5 with a 3.32 ERA. He allowed just one run and six hits in his last outing against San Francisco. He is 1-1 against Milwaukee this year but has allowed only two runs and seven hits in those 15 innings. Here are the MLB Betting stats for Tuesday’s game. The Cardinals are 4-1 in their last 5 overall. The Cardinals are 8-3 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter. The Cardinals are 7-1 in Wainwright’s last 8 road starts. The Cardinals are 3-11 in the last 14 meetings between the two teams. SBG Global Current Line: Brewers - 146 , Total 7.5 Over – 115 The Brewers are 5-12 in their last 17 games vs. a right-handed starter. The Brewers are 1-4 in their last 5 overall. The Brewers are 5-2 in Gallardo’s last 7 home starts. The Under is 6-2-1 in the Cardinals last 9 games as a road underdog. The Over is 11-1-1 in Wainwright’s last 13 road starts. The Over is 5-2 in the Brewers last 7 overall. The Under is 4-1 in Gallardo’s last 5 home starts.
Tags: baseball, betting, gambling, Milwaukee Brewers, mlb, sports, St. Louis Cardinals
CFL Betting Preview SBG Global Opening Line: Stampeders - 5.5 , Total 52 The CFL regular season gets underway on Wednesday with a rematch of last year’s Grey Cup as the Calgary Stampeders host the Montreal Alouettes. The Alouettes may be looking for a bit of revenge but it won’t be easy to get it on the road against the defending champs. Bookmaker reports that early Canadien Football Betting has the public taking Stampeders at Home. Last year the Alouettes had no success at all against Calgary, losing both regular season meetings (23-19 in Montreal and 41-30 at Calgary) and the Grey Cup (22-14). Montreal returns Anthony Calvillo, Ben Cahoon, Scott Flory, Bryan Chiu, Kerry Watkins, Jamel Richardson and Avon Cobourne on offense and they have newcomers like Andrew Hawkins and Brandon Whitaker who should contribute this season. Calvillo was the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player last year throwing for 5,633 yards and a career-high 43 TDs. This is the fourth straight year that Calgary opens at home and they have won the last three years, beating B.C. 28-18 last year, Hamilton 37-9 in 2007 and Edmonton 24-14 in 2006. Calgary finished the 2008 season with a 7-2 home record. They are 20-6-1 record at McMahon over the last three seasons. Calgary’s offense scored 568 points and 58 touchdowns in 2008 and they return pretty much everyone including QB Henry Burris. He was the Outstanding Player in the Western Division and the Grey Cup MVP. Three-time CFL All-star rusher RB Joffrey Reynolds returns at running back. SB Nik Lewis set team records with his fifth straight 1,000-yard season and 88th straight game with at least one catch in 2008. Calgary’s defense led the CFL in points per game allowed (21.5) in 2008 but not everyone is back. The kicking game does return K Sandro DeAngelis and P Burke Dales. SBG Global Current Line: Stampeders - 7.5 , Total 52 Here are the Canadien Football Betting stats for Wednesday’s game. The Alouettes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 meetings. The Stampeders are 5-0-1 ATS in their last 6 home games. The Stampeders are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 1. The Stampeders are 16-5-1 ATS in their last 22 games overall. The Under is 5-0 in the Alouettes last 5 games in Week 1. The Under is 4-1 in the Stampeders last 5 home games. Pick: Stampeders
Montreal Alouettes at Calgary Stampeders
Wednesday, 10:00 pm Eastern – TSN
Tags: betting, Calgary Stampeders, CFL, football, Montreal Alouettes, sports
Rachel Alexander was among 24 nominations to Saturday’s 53rd Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Stakes. But it appears only four fillies will challenge the Preakness champ in the one-turn Grade 1 at 1 1/8 miles. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin nominated three fillies, but nary a one will run. On Monday, he announced multiple graded stakes winner Justwhistledixie would instead be pointed to another Grade 1 — the seven-furlong Test Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 8. He had hinted earlier Dream Play might be entered if the field was small, but apparently changed his mind. I’m a bit puzzled because with the race bumped up 20 percent to $300,000, sixth place is worth $6,000. Well, the small field does not surprise me since Music Note scored on a DQ in a four-horse field last year. I thought this was horse racing and the top dogs were supposed to race against each other going for the big bucks. Justwhistledixie, who scratched out of the Kentucky Oaks the afternoon of the race because of a bruised foot, had her five-race winning streak snapped when she finished second as the 4-5 favorite to Gabby’s Golden Gal wire-to-wire victory in the Acorn on June 7. “It’s a little quick back for her, and we’re trying to pick the ideal spot for her,” McLaughlin said. “(The) Test should set up perfect for a come-from-behind sprinter.” Prior to the Acorn, the daughter of Dixie Union won the one-mile Davona Dale and 1 1/8-mile Bonnie Miss, both Grade 2 stakes at Gulfstream Park. Gabby’s Golden Gal was also nominated, but is skipping the race, too. She and Rachel Alexandra, going for her sixth straight triumph, have one thing common: same sire Medaglia d’Oro. The three challengers are Don’t Forget Gill, two-time stakes winner that includes the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs; Flashing, victorious in the Nassau County going for her fourth consecutive win; Hopeful Image, who took her last at Belmont; and Malibu Prayer, who captured her last two races by a combined 20 ¼ lengths – the exact margin of Rachel Alexandra’s Kentucky Oaks score. On Monday before shipping to Belmont Park, Rachel Alexandra breezed a half-mile in 49 4/5, galloping out five furlongs in 1:03 2/5 at Churchill Downs. “The filly went beautiful this morning,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “She looked very happy.” There’s no reason to believe she won’t run beautifully and look happy Saturday afternoon winning her ninth in a dozen starts, failing to hit the board only once in her career debut. Meanwhile, the majority owner in a Wednesday teleconference announced the filly won’t race in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita in the fall, but there’s a good chance she’ll run as a 4-year-old. Jess Jackson said a BC appearance is out because he abhors synthetic tracks and saw too many dirt horses struggle over those surfaces. When asked about the 2010 BC at Churchill Downs, Jackson said he’d “love to be there (with her.).” In addition, he said he’d like to see Rachel Alexandra take on the boys again, maybe in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth on Aug. 2 or in the Travers at Saratoga on Aug. 29.
Tags: betting, horse racking, Mother Goose, racebook, Rachel Alexander, sports
Greg Melikov’s Horses to Watch Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer ARLINGTON PARK Iron Vow: Broke sixth and last, trailed by more than 3 ½ lengths after a Nan Ann Rocks: Broke slowly 10th and last, trailed by 10 ½ lengths after a The Foundry: Broke 12th and last, trailed by more than 11 lengths after a Jilly From Philly: Broke seventh and last, trailed by more than six lengths Opportune Moment: Raced nine lengths behind in fourth after a half-mile, BELMONT Hurricane Heat: Gained lead soon after break, was two lengths in front after Kitty Nip: Raced ninth in traffic early, advanced to eighth seven lengths Lisa B: Raced 10th and last more than seven lengths behind after a Half Metal Jacket: Raced 11 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, CALDER Rock a Tong: Broke slowly, raced more than four lengths behind in fourth Straight Thunder: Raced 8 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung Dancer by Night: Raced eighth and last more than 7 ½ furlongs after a Peruano Smoke: Raced 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, rallied CANTERBURY PARK Justa Streak: Tracked pace in second 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, CHURCHILL DOWNS Zone Buster: Raced four lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, waited Pure Clan: Raced sixth and last 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled DELAWARE PARK Burrowing Owl: Raced 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, lost Evonne: Broke eighth and last, trailed by more than 9 ½ lengths after a Gray Might: Chased pace in second 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, EVANGELINE DOWNS Fiber Core: Broke 14th and last, moved to 12th early, advanced to seventh Bust a Groove: Raced more than 7 ½ lengths behind in ninth after Nine Free: Raced four lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, GOLDEN GATE FIELDS Welken: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, came HOLLYWOOD PARK Trevor’s Clever: Broke slowly ninth and last, trailed by more than 13 ½ Scofield Barracks: Broke 12th and last, squeezed at start, raced ninth more Warren’s Tony R.: Raced more than three lengths behind in seventh after a Reba Is Tops: Pressed pace less than a length behind in third after LONE STAR PARK Dance Till Six: Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth 3 ½ lengths behind Dakota Gypsy: Raced seventh and last more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a Our Story: Raced more than six lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, LOUISIANA DOWNS Dance Till Six: Raced fourth early, dropped to sixth 3 ½ lengths behind Belfast: Broke slowly 10th and last, trailed by more than 13 ½ lengths after MONMOUTH Celestial Flight: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, Ridin Shotgun: Bumped leaving gate, rider lost left rein briefly, raced nine MOUNTAINEER Farleyshelonwheels: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a PENN NATIONAL Stay Safe: Raced 1 ½ lengths behind on third after a half-mile, grabbed lead PHILADELPHIA PARK Minor Issues: Hesitated at start before breaking eighth and last, raced 4 ½ Jaunty Gale: Raced more than 6 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, Mr. Congeniality: Grabbed lead early, led by a length after a half-mile,
Greg Melikov that should improve significantly or do well next time out, won
eight times, ran second four times and finished third five times since May
13. These thoroughbreds are worth considering when developing your betting
strategy.
half-mile, advanced along inside to fourth in stretch, rallied to make up
more than 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at 6 ½ furlongs June
19; ran final 2 ½ furlongs in 30 4/5.
half-mile, swung wide for the drive, rallied from sixth in stretch to make
up more than 2 ¼ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a
length and a nose at a mile on the turf June 6; ran final half in 47 1/5,
half-mile, saved ground advancing to eighth in stretch, closed fast to make
up more than six lengths and finished third beaten a neck and a nose at a
mile on May 22; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Raced seventh and last more
than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out widest for drive,
rallied from fifth in stretch and gain third by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles
on June 14.)
after a half-mile, angled out for the drive, closed with a rush from fifth
in stretch, made up 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a head at six
furlongs on May 3; ran final quarter in 24 seconds. (Raced fifth early,
dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half mile, lost ground
turning for home and rallied from fifth in stretch to gain third beaten less
than three-quarters of a length at a mile on June 7.)
rallied wide to second in stretch, but couldn’t catch winner while securing
place by 8 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on May 22. (Raced fifth more than 2 ½
lengths behind after a half-mile, slipped through on the turn to take lead
in stretch and won by a length at a mile on June 13.)
a half-mile, discouraged pair of pursuers increasing margin to six lengths
in stretch and won by 8 ½ lengths ridden out at 7 ½ furlongs on June 19.
behind after a half-mile, angled four wide for the drive, closed from sixth
in stretch to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a neck
and 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on the turf June 3; ran final quarter in 23
1/5.
half-mile, blocked behind a wall of rivals on far turn, angled out in
mid-stretch, rallied from seventh to make up more than 4 ½ lengths and
finished second beaten a head at 1 1/16 miles on May 21.
taken outside in stretch and closed fast to win by 2 ¾ lengths at seven
furlongs on April 18; returned $15.20 on front end. (Led by a half-length
after six furlongs, fought gamely through stretch and finished second beaten
a half-length at a mile on May 20.)
after a half-mile, angled outside leaders in stretch, steadied behind
winner, dropped to fifth, recovered and rallied to gain second by a neck at
5 ½ furlongs on June 18.
out for the drive, made up nearly 3 ¼ lengths in stretch and finished third
beaten a head and three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on a sealed
sloppy surface June 5.
half-mile, angled from three wide for drive, closed well in stretch to make
up more than 3 ¾ lengths and finished fourth beaten two necks and
three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on a sealed sloppy surface May
23. (Trailed in sixth more that 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile,
advanced to third in stretch and finished in that position by 3 ½ lengths a
mile on a sealed sloppy surface June 6.)
in stretch to make up 1 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a half-length
at a mile on May 8. (Chased pacesetter five lengths behind in second after a
half-mile, took command on far turn, led by seven lengths in stretch and won
easily by 14 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles taken of the turf June 12.)
angled three wide for the drive, couldn’t close gap, but held place by 1 ¾
lengths at six furlongs on May 29. (Raced third more than 5 ½ lengths after
a half-mile, shifted outside in stretch, closed gap and finished in same
position beaten a head and 1 ¼ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on June 13.)
behind rivals on turn and rallied from fifth in stretch to finish third
beaten a nose for second at seven furlongs on June 19; ran final three
furlongs in 36 2/5.
out four wide on far turn, rallied between horses in stretch from fourth to
make up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/16 miles
on the turf June 6.
ground going four wide in stretch, rallied to make up nearly three lengths
and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on June 16.
half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up more than 5 ¾ lengths and finished
second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on a wet fast
surface June 3.
failed to close gap in stretch and finished in that position at six furlongs
on a wet fast surface June 14. (Raced fourth more than six lengths behind
after a half-mile, advanced to second in stretch and drew off to win by 2 ¼
lengths at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface June 20.)
more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from sixth in
stretch and gained second by a neck at seven furlongs on June 19.
three-eighths of a mile, angled out in the lane, closed fast from fifth in
stretch to make up 4 ½ lengths and finished second by a neck at five
furlongs on the turf June 5.
steadied leaving the turn, recovered to rally from fourth making up nearly
four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at five furlongs on April 24.
(Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a
half-mile, rallied three wide to gain a half-length advantage in stretch and
finished second edged by a neck at six furlongs on May 20.)
out three deep in stretch and closed willingly to finish second beaten a
neck at a mile on the turf May 21 at Hollywood Park. (Tracked pace in fourth
more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up in tight quarters
behind a wall of horses, gained command in stretch and won by a length at 1
1/16 miles on the turf June 14.)
lengths after a half-mile, came out in stretch, closed fast to make up more
than five lengths and gained second by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on June 21.
than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came out in upper stretch,
rallied from fifth to make up more than five lengths and finished second by
1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs June 6; ran final quarter in 23 seconds.
half-mile, closed willingly from fourth in stretch to make up nearly 2 ½
lengths and finished second beaten a neck at seven furlongs on May 22.
(Stalked pace 2 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, came out in
upper stretch, gained narrow lead in mid-stretch and won by three-quarters
of a length at mile on June 18.)
three-eighths of a mile, gained advantage in stretch by a half-length and
won by a length at five furlongs on the turf May 15. (Duel for lead a head
in front after a half-mile, edged away in mid-stretch to lead by 1 ½
lengths, but was nipped at the wire by a nose to finish dead-heated for
second at six furlongs on the turf June 19.)
after a half-mile, lost much ground after six furlongs, roused on far turn,
rallied in stretch to make up four lengths and finished third beaten a
half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 19.
half-mile, rallied from third between rivals in upper stretch to make up
nearly 2 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at a mile on May 16;
ran final quarter in 24 2/5. (Raced seventh and last more than eight lengths
behind after a half-mile, rallied to second on far turn, grabbed lead in
stretch and drew off to win by six lengths under strong urging at 1 1/16
miles on the turf June 21.)
swung out in fourth at top of the stretch, closed fast to make up 4 ½
lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at seven furlongs on a
muddy surface May 3.
after a half-mile, lost much ground after six furlongs, roused on far turn,
rallied in stretch to make up four lengths and finished third beaten a
half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf June 19.
a half-mile, swung five wide into the stretch, rallied from fourth to make
up more than two lengths and finished second beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles
on the turf April 23 at Lone Star Park. (Broke slowly, steadied, raced more
than seven lengths behind in ninth after a half-mile, came five wide out of
far turn and rallied in stretch to gain third by 2 ¼ lengths at a mile on
the turf June 20.)
closed well outside in stretch from fifth to make up more than three lengths
and finished second beaten a length at a mile on June 19.
and last more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied from sixth
in stretch to make up more than 2 ¾ lengths and gained second by 1 ½ lengths
at six furlongs on June 3; ran final quarter in 24 4/5.
half-mile, advanced very wide to sixth in stretch and finished strongly to
gain third by three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs on April 5 at
Charles Town. (Raced more than five lengths behind in eighth after a
half-mile, rallied to third in stretch and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at
a mile on May 16.)
in mid-stretch and drew off to win by 2 ¼ lengths ridden out at a mile and
70 yards on March 16 at Philadelphia Park. (Stalked pace in second through
turn, grabbed lead by a head in upper stretch and drew clear to win by 5 ½
lengths at six furlongs on May 13.)
lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied in stretch to make up 2
½ lengths and gained second by three lengths at six furlongs on June 16.
closed strongly to make up nearly four lengths in stretch and finished
second beaten a neck at a mile on the turf June 2; ran final half in 47 1/5.
gradually edged clear in stretch and won by 1 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on
May 30. (Raced third more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied
to second in stretch and edged ahead to win by a half-length at seven
furlongs on June 7.)
Tags: betting, handicapping, horse, horse betting, racebook, Racing
NBA Finals Game Three Bookmaker Sportsbook Opening Line: Magic – 4 , Total 198.5 The Orlando Magic had a chance in the NBA Finals to make the Los Angeles Lakers sweat and it remains to be seen if they get another one. Courtney Lee missed a layup with less than a second remaining in Game 2 and the Magic ended up losing Game 2 in overtime. Now the series shifts to Orlando where the Magic face a must-win Game 3 on Tuesday. SBG Global reports that early NBA betting has the public taking Magic at Home. The Lakers realize they could have lost on Sunday and Kobe Bryant has promised they will play better on Tuesday. “We’re about to kick it up,” he said. “You’d better believe it. We’re close. You see what I’m saying? This is the finals. We’re going to be ready to go.” The Lakers have been an up and down team during the playoffs but Pau Gasol believes that is over. “We’re playing tougher,” Gasol said. “We understand what it takes to go get the championship.” The problem for Orlando is NBA history. Only three teams have won an NBA title after losing the first two games. “We’ve just got to go home and take care of business,” Magic center Dwight Howard said. “The Lakers did a good job of protecting their home, and now it’s our turn to do the same thing. We’ve been in some tough situations. We’ve just got to fight our way out.” Orlando has a number of issues they must correct if they are to make this into a series. The first problem is turnovers. They had 20 turnovers in Game 2 and their point guards were awful. Rafer Alston and Jameer Nelson have played very poorly and Orlando head coach Stan Van Gundy had to go to Hedo Turkoglu to run the point for a while. “We were just trying to see if we could get somebody out there who would make shots off of the double teams and off the pick-and-rolls and things like that,” Van Gundy said. “I thought our guys fought hard, but we couldn’t make enough plays. And the 20 turnovers crushed us.” Here are the NBA betting stats for Tuesday’s game. The Lakers are 22-8-2 ATS in their last 32 games as a road underdog. The Lakers are 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings. The Magic are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 playoff games as a favorite. Bookmaker.Com Current Line: Magic – 4 , Total 198 The Under is 10-1 in the Lakers last 11 vs. the Eastern Conference. The Under is 11-5 in the Lakers last 16 road games. The Under is 7-2 in Orlando’s last 9 playoff games as a favorite. The Over is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Orlando between the two teams. Pick: Magic roll easily
Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic (Lakers lead 2-0)
Tuesday, 9:05 pm Eastern – ABC
Tags: basketball, betting, final, Los Angeles lakers, nba, Orlando Magic, sports
