The home teams continue to dominate this series, just like we anticipated, and now the battle brings us back to the Phoenix Suns Arena for a crucial game five. We’re 7-5 overall in this series and overdue for a big night– let’s get it here Saturday (P.S.– DM me or comment on one of my posts on Twitter to get my FREE Premium Picks today)!!
Suns Win 1H (-160), 2.5 units and Suns -4 (-110), 2 units and Middleton over 24.5 points (-122), 2 units:
This closely and hard-fought series between the Suns and the Bucks is showing why these two franchises are deserving of their spots in the championship round. Both teams are thriving at home behind their crazed fans and we’ve seen tremendous all-around performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, excellent shooting nights from Devin Booker, point-guard and leadership clinics from Chris Paul, and clutch mid-range offense from Khris Middleton. The Milwaukee and Phoenix supporting casts’ are always down for the battle too, with names like Ayton, Holiday, Connaughton, Bridges, Portis and others stepping up in key moments to lift their teams. There’s plenty of chatter out there about the drop in NBA ratings and in the popularity of the product overall. I get why we complain– the flops, the mid-season “resting,” the injuries, the inconsistent scheduling– but these two blue-collar units are bringing heart and drama to the NBA Finals and to that I say: what more could we ask for? I think the series will go all 7 games.
As well as some of the stars have played in moments, many of the Suns and Bucks’ players have seemed overcome by the bright lights on more than one occasion. Giannis always starts slow and uninspired. Booker had an awful game three. Chris Paul has turned the ball over in big game moments. Middleton had subpar games 2 and 3, scoring only 29 combined points in those contests. It’s an indication of two teams lacking big-game experience. We’re all adapted to watching players like Lebron and Brady, seasoned GOATS, who seem to have this uncanny ability to tap into another level of skill in the most nerve-racking situations. That’s rarely happening in this series. Instead, you can actively see players like Giannis and CP3 wrestling with their adrenaline and anxiety. They’re wide-eyed, out of breath, and at times really frustrated. Who will step up and show poise in the biggest spots in these final 2-3 games remains to be seen. At least for game 5, I think the Bucks will need Khris Middleton more than usual.
The Milwaukee offense has always ran the same way– high pick and rolls, isolation to Giannis, pitch to the outside to a perimeter shooter here and there, and hopefully Middleton bails them out when that all doesn’t work. Make no mistake about it, Middleton is absolutely the best pure shooter on the Bucks. It ain’t Giannis. Antetokounmpo is the most dominant– perhaps the most dominant player in the NBA when he’s locked in– but the Greek-Freak can’t produce clutch offense if the other team is double/triple-teaming him in the front court. It’s obvious that when the Bucks are performing at their best, it’s Khris Middleton who’s nailing those mid-range shots over and over again and sustaining their production. Giannis has looked gassed in a few of these contests, which is concerning, and it scares me away from taking him on any props today. Instead, I’ll count on Middleton to score at least well into the 20s. Milwaukee will need him to have an exceptional game, along with Antetokounmpo, if they’re going to have a chance at winning tonight.
That being said, this is the Suns’ game to lose. Phoenix plays fantastic at their home floor and after two volatile showings at Fiserv Forum, with Chris Paul succumbing to unusual turnovers and Devin Booker fouling too much and scoring too inconsistently, I expect all-systems-go in front of their fans. While I love them to win the first half, I also expect them to cover the full game. The Suns run at a lightning pace when they’re in rhythm (especially when their crowd is buzzin’), which usually amounts to tremendous spurts of offense. While I lean the full game over 218, I can’t take it. I’m afraid Phoenix could win by some margin today, especially if Giannis and Middleton have a bad game, and that might spell an unusually low total if the game slows down in the fourth.
I’d be pretty shocked if Milwaukee won tonight but stranger things have happened. Like I said, I see the Suns winning this one, followed by another Bucks win at Fiserv Forum, and then we’ll dissect game seven and go from there. Either way it should be plenty entertaining and yield us plenty more wins.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 07: Starting pitcher Zachary Thompson #74 of the Miami Marlins pitches in the bottom of the first inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on June 07, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Rangers vs Blue Jays -226 O/U 9.5
This game has a pretty big favorite and a pretty high total. Toronto has their ace Hyun Jin Ryu pitching who isn’t having the greatest year but still a decent 4.07 FIP and 1.17 WHIP. Kolby Allard is pitching for the Rangers and he is looking pretty average himself at 4.16 FIP but a real nice 1.07 WHIP. Both of these pitchers are lefties and although Toronto is number 3 in wRC+, they are only 9th against lefties. Texas is just a bad hitting team in general and they are a below average 22nd in wRC+. Both bullpen’s are slightly above average but what I am seeing in this game is some precipitation and some wind. I know Toronto is a ballpark known for hitters but I think the swirling wind will give the advantage to the pitcher today. Gonna take a crack at the under 9.5
Under 9.5 – 2 stars
Marlins vs Phillys -115 O/U 9.5
The weather should be nice this game and I think that we might see some runs. The question is who will be getting these runs. Well the first 5 or so innings, the Marlins have Zach Thompson pitching who has a wonderful 2.25 FIP over 24 innings against the Phillies Vince Velazquez who has a 5.48 FIP over 72 innings. Now the Marlins aren’t the best hitting team only ranking 25th in FIP but the Phillies are only average this year at best and I think that the Marlins have a good shot for at least the 1st 5 innings to be winning this game. Gonna grab the fish first 5.
The Odds in this fight are telling you that Rodrigo should win fairly easily. I can’t disagree with that being that he looks the part and has the better ground game but I do not want to lay this kind of a price on inexperience. What I do like is that these fighters seem to finish pretty quickly. Alan is 8-2 with 7 KO/TKOs and 7 out of his 10 fights were over before the second round. Rodrigo is 8-1 with 2 KO/TKOs and 6 submissions. Out of his 9 fights, 7 haven’t made it out of the first round and he has never went to a decision. I am not going to over think this one and I’ll grab the under 1.5 rounds.
Under 1.5 rounds -150
Islam Makhachev vs Thiago Moises +475
Well the main event doesn’t look like much of a fight at all when the favorite is laying -700 type chalk. Islam is one of the best 155 fighters in my opinion and Thiago isn’t exactly a pushover. Islam is a fantastic fighter especially on the ground. I have always called him a poor man’s Khabib but maybe he is more of a middle class Khabib as of late. His record is 18-1 with 3 KOs, 8 submissions and 8 decisions. He has beaten good fighters such as Drew Dober and Nick Lentz. Moises is 15-4 with 3 KOs, 6 decisions and 6 submissions. Now the price on Islam is a bit too high in my opinion but I have to think that he wins this fight. Thiago has only lost by decision making the obvious play Islam by decision. Now while I do agree that this is most likely to happen, I also think there is a decent price on Islam winning by submission being that he has such a fantastic ground game. There are 2 ways of profiting off of this fight. There is also miss-price in this market. Islam by unanimous decision is +160 which is 75 cents better than the -115 by normal decision. A favorite of this caliber should be unanimous and this is a great price. I also think that Islam could win by submission so put half your bet size on that to profit both ways.
Makhachev By Submission +350 – 1 star premium shared
Fighter Wins by Unanimous Decision – Islam Makhachev +160 – 2 star premium shared
Saturday card has a Rare 6* Game 5 NBA Power System Play, MLS Soccer Game Of The Month, MLB 2nd Game Back from the Break Systems, The Haskell Invitational from Monmouth. MLB Totals Play below.
The MLB Comp play at 7:15 eastern is under 7.5 runs in the SF at St.Louis game. Solid pitching Match here with Desclafani for the Giants and Kim for the Cards. Kim was superb on the 5th going 7 scoreless in SF and he has a stellar 3.11 Er while allowing 2 or less runs in 5 of his last 6 starts. Desclafani has an Era under 3 and has allowed 2 or less runs in 8 of his last 9 start while pitching Under in his last 4 on the road. The Giants are 10 of 13 under on the road of late and the Cardinals are 5-0 under at home with a total from 7 to 8.5 and 4 of 5 in game 2 of a series. Look for this game to stay under 7.5 runs tonight. On Saturday a Huge Card is up with a Rare 6* NBA Game 5 Finals System, Our Exclusive 2nd game Back from the Break MLB Systems, the MLS Soccer Game Of The Month and the Haskell Invitational from Monmouth Park. See us on facebook to Jump on and cash out all day and night. For the MLB Comp Total. Play under 7.5 runs SF vs St.Louis. Rob V- Golden Contender Sports.
We have a great weekend of racing at Saratoga, per usual. The weekend slate features three stakes races, headlined by the Grade I Diana Stakes on Saturday. The Grade III Sanford Stakes will also take place on Saturday, with the Coronation Cup Stakes on Sunday. There’s some great racing today, with most of the purses being $100,000 or higher. The forecast is showing scattered thunderstorms which could pull a few races off the turf. If that’s the case, then the Grade I Diana Stakes analysis should be void. I have included both my picks for the turf and the dirt, so I wouldn’t bet that race until 10-20 MTP unless you’re playing fixed odds and looking for CLV.
In addition to Saratoga, we have the Grade I Haskell Stakes on the final day of the Monmouth Park meet. This race is absolutely loaded with some of the best horses in the world and should be very entertaining. The Haskell Stakes offers the largest purse of the day at $1,000,000.
Below is the order of all the three races, as well as the track and race, so you’re better able manage all three races. The schedule is as follows:
GIII Sanford Stakes (Saratoga, Race 9) – 5:40 PM EDT Post Time
GI Haskell Stakes (Monmouth, Race 12) – 5:47 PM EDT Post Time
GI Diana Stakes (Saratoga, Race 10) – 6:16 PM EDT Post Time
Sanford Stakes
The Sanford Stakes is a Grade III six furlong sprint for two year old horses. This race was inaugurated in 1913 and originally called the Sanford Memorial Stakes. The event changed to it’s present name in 1927. This race is named after Stephen Sanford who was a business man from New York and one of Saratoga’s original horse racing families. The Sanford Stakes was downgraded to a Grade III Stakes in 2014. John Velazquez holds the record for most wins by a jockey with 7 (1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2015). Todd Pletcher holds the record for most wins by a trainer with 7 as well (1999, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2018).
Race Information:
Track: Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
WIT, son of PRACTICAL JOKE, won his maiden race on June 5th in a 5 1/2 F Sprint at Belmont. In his sole race, WIT has run the best Equibase Speed Figure with a 91, out of all other entrants.
CANDY LANDING, son of TWIRLING CANDY, is also fresh off his maiden win. He dominated the competition winning by 4 1/2 lengths in a 5 1/2 F Sprint at Churchill Downs on June 11th.
CATCH THAT SMOKE, fresh off his maiden win in a 4 1/2 F Sprint at Monmouth Park on June 11th. This two year old colt is the son of MOHAYMEN.
TRUST OUR JOURNEY, son of Triple Crown winner AMERICAN PHAROAH, finished third in his last race a 5 1/2 F Sprint at Belmont on June 4th. He was his maiden race a month prior in a 4 1/2 F Sprint at Gulfstream Park.
DANCE CODE, won his maiden a less than a month ago in a 4 1/2 F Sprint at Parx. He is the son of HONOR CODE who captured the Grade I Whitney at Saratoga back in 2015.
MARYLAND BRANDO, won his maiden last time out at Delaware Park capturing a 5F Sprint. One of his siblings is A.P. INDY, who won the G1 Breeders Cup and Belmont Stakes.
OTTOMAN EMPIRE, who will be ridden by Jose Ortiz is fresh off a maiden victory at Churchill Downs. He’s the son of CLASSIC EMIRE, a colt who has three Grade I victories to his name.
DUE VINI, won his maiden last time out on June 20th in a 5F Sprint at Monmouth. He is the son of TREASURE BEACH who captured two Grade I Stakes.
HEADLINE REPORT, enters this race coming off a bit of a lay off with his last race in April of this year. In that race he won his maiden in a 4 1/2 F Sprint at Keeneland. He’s the son of GORMLEY a two time Grade I Stakes winner and a sibling of A.P. Indy. HEADLINE REPORT has run the second fastest Equibase Speed Figure with a 90, out of all of the other entries.
KAVOD, enters this race with the most experience having three starts under his belt. In his last outing he finished second in a 5 1/2 F Sprint at Tremont on June 4th. He broke his maiden the start prior in a 5 F Sprint at Belmont. He’s the son of LEA, who captured his first two victories back at the Spa in 2012 and would go on to have an excellent career.
SEIZE THE NIGHT, son of CARPE DIEM, a two time Grade I Stakes winner, won his maiden last time out. He bested the competition in a 5 F Sprint at Churchill Downs back in May.
LUCAGO, captured his first win last time out in a 5 F Sprint at Gulfstream. The race prior he finished second in a similar race. He’s the son of KANTHAROS, a horse who never lost a race in his three starts. In those three races, he captured a Grade II and Grade III win. The Grade II win coming at Saratoga in the Saratoga Special.
Picks:
WIN: (9) HEADLINE REPORT, (7) OTTOMAN EMPIRE
EXACTA BOX: 1, 9, 7
Diana Stakes
The Diana Stakes was inaugurated in 1939 and is a Grade I Stakes race open to fillies and mares four years older and up. This race was named after the mythological goddess of the hunt, Diana. In 2013 this race was upgraded to a Grade I Stakes. John Velazquez holds the record for most wins by a jockey with 6 (1995, 2001, 2005, 2015, 2018, 2019). Chad Brown holds the record for most wins by a trainer with 6 as well (2011, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020).
Race Information:
Track: Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
Event Grade: I
Race: 10
Post Time: 6:16 PM ET
Length: 1 1/8 Miles
Purse: $500,000
Division: Open| 4 Year Olds & Up
Surface: Inner Turf
Wagers: Exacta, Trifecta (.50), Super (.10), Double Wagers
Field:
La Signare (Ricardo Santana Jr.), 15-1
Pocket Square (John Velazquez), 8-1
Magic Attitude (Javier Castellano), 12-1
Vigilantes Way (Jose Ortiz), 20-1
Harvey’s Lil Goil (Junior Alvarado), 3-1
Summer Romance (Luis Saez), 4-1
Lemistra (Irad Ortiz Jr.), 5-2
Althiqa (Manuel Franco), 3-1
Preview:
HARVEY’S LIL GOIL, sired by AMERICAN PHAROAH will be one of the favorites in the Grade I Diana Stakes. The 4 year old filly trained by William Mott, has an impressive resume. In her last outing she finished fifth in the Grade II New York Stakes at Belmont Park on June 4th. However, earlier in the year she won the Grade III Beaugay Stakes besting LEMISTRA. She also has a Grade I win under her belt as she won the QE II Challenge Cup back in 2020.
MAGIC ATTITUDE also raced in the Grade II New York Stakes back in June where she finished seventh. Prior to that race she won the Grade II Sheepshead Bay Stakes at Belmont earlier in the meet. This filly has some pedigree as she’s the daughter of GALILEO, who had a successful career winning several Grade I Stakes.
VIGILANTES WAY is fresh off a win in the Grade III Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park. She switched from dirt to turf back in 2020, and hasn’t moved back. This filly will have a step up in class here in the Diana as she’s never been in a Grade I Stakes Race before. However, she does have the pedigree to do so as the the daughter of MEDAGLIA D’ORO.
SUMMER ROMANCE, daughter of KINGMAN, enters the Diana off a second place finish to ALTHIQA in the Grade I Just A Game Stakes. This is the second time she’s lost to ALTHIQA with the time prior coming back on January 28th in the Grade II Cape Verdi Stakes where she finished fifth. She does have a Grade II win on her resume winning the Balanchine Stakes. This horse has had some success in Grade II/III races but has yet to breakthrough and find the winners circle in a Grade I. On Sunday, stablemates SUMMER ROMANCE and ALTHIQA put in workouts where SUMMER ROMANCE started two lengths behind ALTHIQA and finished on even terms. From everything I’m reading, it looks as though SUMMER ROMANCE is in better form going into this race.
As with most of these fillies in this race, LEMISTRA also has some pedigree. She’s a four year old filly and the daughter of RAVEN’S PASS who won the Breeders Cup in his last outing before retirement. LEMISTRA has struggled to find the winner’s circle in her last two races, after winning three consecutive before that. In those three races, she won two Stakes Races which includes the Grade II Kilboy Estate Stakes and the Grade III Park Express Stakes. She’s was shipped state side for her only race in 2021, where she lost to fellow entrant HARVEY’S LIL GOIL in the Grade III Beaugay Stakes.
ALTHIQA doesn’t have the pedigree these other fillies have but she is coming off a Grade I win in the Just A Game Stakes. In that race, she bested fellow entrant SUMMER ROMANCE as mentioned before. This four year old filly is the only horse in this race to have won a Grade I Stakes race. In her last eight races, she has hit the board every time. The only concern is she’s had some difficulties with this distance. She has normally runs 7F to 1M races. The only time prior she ran a 1 1/8 M, she finished third in the Grade II Balanchine Stakes to none other than SUMMER ROMANCE. It’ll be interesting to see if she feels more comfortable at this distance now that she’s experienced it before.
To round out the entrants are POCKET SQUARE and LA SIGNARE. POCKET SQAURE ran fifth in the Grade I Just A Game Stakes and looked to be a class behind ALTHIQA and SUMMER ROMANCE. Even with Chad Browns success in this race, I don’t see him getting his eighth win in this race with POCKET SQAURE. LA SIGNARE has raced the most out of her fellow competitors with her most recent race coming back on May 31th at Santa Anita. She finished second in the Grade I Gamely Stakes that day. Some encouraging news for this horse is she seems to be getting better with age, having her best performances in Grade I Stakes her last two times out. We’ll see if she can continue that trend here and win her first Stakes Race since 2018.
Picks – TURF:
WIN: (6) SUMMER ROMANCE
This horse is a turf specialist and I think she can beat stablemate Althiqa here.
Picks – DIRT:
WIN: (5) HARVEY’S LIL GOIL
EXACTA BOX: 4, 5
HARVEY’S LIL GOIL & VIGILANTES WAY are the only two horses in this race with dirt experience. It’s hard to imagine that most of the other horses won’t be scratched if this race does get moved off the inner turf. However, if they’re still able to field enough horses for this race HARVEY’S LIL GOIL is the play. She’s has two wins and a third place finish in the Grade I Alabama on the dirt. Since the odds will adjust accordingly, this race may be a stay away for me.
Haskell Stakes
The Haskell Stakes is the highlight of the Monmouth Park season and closes out the meet. This race was inaugurated in 1968 but was known as the Monmouth Individual Handicap. It has changed names many of times over the years ranging from the Haskell Invitational Handicap to the Haskell Invitational Stakes, before finally settling on the present name. This event is named after Amory Haskell who was the former president and chairman of Monmouth Park. Craig Perret, Martin Garcia, and Mike E Smith are all tied for the record for most wins by a jockey with 3. Bob Baffert holds the record for most wins by a trainer with 9 (2001, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020).
MADALOUN enters this race as one the morning line favorites at 2-1. He’s is fresh off a win in the Pegasus where he edged out WEYBURN at the wire. He had shaky start in that race but was able to hold on and gained some experience at Monmouth, where he had not raced prior. Before that, he finished second to MEDINA SPIRIT in a very contentious Grade I Kentucky Derby, that still does not have resolution. In the coming months he may be declared the winner if MEDINA SPIRIT is disqualified due to a medical condition by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. HOT ROD CHARLIE will push the pace in this race along with MIDNIGHT BOURBON which could set up perfectly for MANDALOUN’s off the pace running style.
HOT ROD CHARLIE is the actual morning line favorite with 6-5 odds. He’ll go with blinkers off for this race which …. He’s the due favorite after running second in the Grade I Belmont in his previous race. In the Grade I Kentucky Derby he finished third behind fellow entrant MANDALOUN who took second. He’s registered to run in the Grade I Travers Stakes at Saratoga later this year along with, as you guessed MANDALOUN. HOT ROD CHARLIE has entered three Grade I Stakes races in his career and has yet to find the winner’s circle. However, since trainer Doug O’Neill switched him to dirt he has yet to finish less than third in any race. Good news for HOT ROD CHARLIE fans is that he has a hot jockey on him in Flavien Prat who is having his best season of his career. He comes into the Grade I Haskell as the favorite with his best chance to put an end to that trend.
MIDNIGHT BOURBON is running his first race since the Grade I Preakness where he ran second to ROMBAUER. Paco Lopez will get the ride in the Haskell which is a change from Irad Ortiz Jr., who is at the Spa. She faced fellow entrant HOT ROD CHARLIE before in the Grade I Kentucky Derby. HOT ROD CHARLIE finished second in that race while MIDNIGHT BORBOUN finished sixth. MIDNIGHT BOURBON will also press the pace in the Haskell, especially with Paco Lopez aboard and his finishing ability in question after the Grade I Kentucky Derby. He had a great race in the Grade I Preakness but, will need to improve on that here in order to have a chance.
FOLLOWING SEA, has the least experience out of any horse in this race but has had a promising career so far. He is a former Bob Baffert trainee, who is now under Todd Pletcher. In his last race he won by 6 1/4 lengths in a 6 1/2 F Sprint at Belmont. In his three races, he has finished first twice and third once. However, he steps up in class here to see if he belongs with this pedigree of horses. He comes off of Lasix for this race as it is not allowed in the Haskell. Even though he has not raced in a stakes race before, he registered triple figure Equibase speed figures in his last two races which proves he belongs here. He also has the pedigree as the son of RUNHAPPY a three time Grade I Stakes winner. He has the inside post in the Haskell and should press the pace with Joel Rosario aboard. If nothing else, he’ll make this race interesting and could possibly make a name for himself with a win.
ANTIGRAVITY is coming off back to back wins at Monmouth and looks to make the leap against this stacked field. PICKIN’ TIME has won a Grade III Stakes before, but failed to capture a win in his two starts in a Grade II Stakes. BASSO won his first career start but has failed to capture a win since then. All three of these horses are a toss for this race.
Picks:
WIN: (1) FOLLOWING SEA
Flat out, FOLLOWING SEA may be very special. Researching this horse, most of the people involved with him on a day to day basis believe so. Based off that, I think this race is his coming out race and he takes down the big boys. Now under HOF Trainer Todd Pletcher, I think he takes the next step here. He’s lived up to expectations so far, so who’s to say he wont do it again here.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
After a nice little break from writing and betting on MLB, I’m more than happy to be back on the proverbial mound as we partake in the second half of the season. Here are my best bets and predictions for your Friday lineup!
Marlins (Game 1, -115), 1.5 units: We’re back to the grind of summer baseball! It’s just as hot in Philly today as it is here in Baltimore and you got to think the bats will be swingin’ wild at Citizens Bank Park. Sandy Alcantara (3.09 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 116.2 innings) has a profile we like to get behind and next to Pablo Lopez, he’s easily the Marlins’ most consistent pitcher. In over 100 innings this year, he still has impressive homerun tallies (0.77/9 innings) and LOB rates (73%). It’ll be needed today. Two of his last three starts have been unsettling, allowing 5 runs in separate contests against the Dodgers and Nationals before the break. Maybe a short break from the burdens of being an ace is what he needs, and I damn sure trust him more than Matt Moore (5.40 ERA, 1.64 WHIP over 31.2 innings). Moore owns a 6.28 xERA and 5.93 xFIP, both on the decline, and that gives us plenty to be concerned about. In the last 14 innings this year against the Phillies, Alcantara has only given up 2 runs. I’m on the Marlins in the early game for 2 units.
Pirates First 5 +0.5 (-110), 1 unit: The Pirates and their starter haven’t had their best half-seasons but they certainly play better among their Steel City fans. While Pittsburgh pitcher Chad Kuhl owns a 4.73 ERA on the year, he has a healthy 2.91 ERA at PNC Park. And while his walk rate is a little high (4.91 BB/9 innings), he shows much more command at home, walking only 9 batters over 21 innings. He’s also had 14 strikeouts during that stretch– not bad. It’s easy to support the Mets’ second best pitcher in Marcus Stroman (2.75 ERA, 1.12 WHIP over 98.1 innings), a thrower who would easily be the premiere guy for plenty of major league ballclubs. Lately Stroman has struggled, allowing 16 hits and 12 runs over his last 3 starts (in only 13 innings). I’m not sure if that’s a sell-sign or it’s just some mid-season lull, but I like a play on the Pirates to keep New York honest here. Just 6 days ago, Stroman pitched at home against this same Pirates team and allowed 5 hits and 3 runs. Pittsburgh ended up winning that contest 6-2 and even though they could blow this game late (and I fear they might), I’ll take a first half play for 1 unit on a team that has enough talent to surprise mid-tier clubs like the Mets.
Dodgers/Rockies over 11 (-110), 2 units: This feels like a comfy little spot for the Dodgers to start imposing their will on lesser foes following the All-Star break, and we all know the Rockies are a different team–and definitely a different offense– at Coors Field. Walker Buehler was called off and now Julio Urias (3.64 ERA, 1.07 WHIP over 106.1 innings), the leftie who’s taken on a ton of innings for a short-staffed Dodgers rotation, faces a big challenge today. In 48 games at home this year, Colorado has 59 homeruns, 450 hits, and 269 runs. Just to compare, on the road over 43 games, Colorado has only 25 homeruns, 285 hits, and 121 runs. That’s quite a Jekyll/Hyde type scenario. Although the humidity will be low (does it really matter that much with the humidor?), Denver will be hot and steamy at 5:40 PST and a perfect environment for some big slugs. Antonio Senzatela (4.58 ERA, 1.40 WHIP over 94.1 innings) gets the nod for the Rockies’ today and although he’s slightly better at Coors (3.75 ERA, 30 runs over 60 innings), he’s still far from commanding. Everyone’s held a residency in Denver the past week and while the pitcher’s may feel reenergized, this is a game where the bats should be on full display. I like the Dodgers to whack themselves to a win today; I like the over more.
Friday card has all the MLB Back from the break extended rest systems one one is a Top Highest Rated Blowout system and one is a late night Perfect Total dating to 2004. MLB Comp Play below. The MLB Comp Play is on the Under 9.5 runs in the Texas at Toronto game at 7:10 eastern. This game has a nice totals system that has gone under the last 10 times since 2012 for home teams in this line range. Texas has gone under 10 of 13 vs A.L. East teams. Toronto is under in 5 of 7 overall and both Lyles for Texas and Ray for the Jays have allowed 2 or less in 4 of their last 5 starts and Ray has pitched under in 4 of 5. In the series 3 of the last 4 have stayed under and thats what we will call for here. On Friday we have our exclusive back from the Break MLB Extended rest Systems. the lead play is a highest rated Blowout system side. See us on facebook to Jump on a there will be damage from the database tonight. For the MLB Comp Play. Take Texas and Toronto under 9.5 runs. Rob V- Golden Contender Sports
OU: 0-10-0
Jul 13, 2012 box Fri home Dodgers Clayton Kershaw – L Padres Clayton Richard – L 2-1 1 W -3.5 U 6-7 0-0 1-1 -190 6.5 9 Jul 13, 2012 box Fri home Giants Madison Bumgarner – L Astros Wandy Rodriguez – L 5-1 4 W -0.5 U 9-3 0-0 4-0 -190 6.5 9 Jul 13, 2012 box Fri away Phillies Cliff Lee – L Rockies Christian Friedrich – L 2-6 -4 L -2.0 U 7-12 2-0 0-5 -150 10.0 9 Jul 19, 2013 box Fri home Red Sox Felix Doubront – L Yankees Andy Pettitte – L 4-2 2 W -3.5 U 8-5 1-0 3-0 -161 9.5 9 Jul 18, 2014 box Fri home Pirates Francisco Liriano – L Rockies Jorge De La Rosa – L 4-2 2 W -1.5 U 9-8 3-1 2-1 -155 7.5 9 Jul 18, 2014 box Fri home White Sox Jose Quintana – L Astros Scott Feldman – R 3-2 1 W -3.5 U 7-3 1-0 1-2 -162 8.5 9 Jul 15, 2016 box Fri away Giants Madison Bumgarner – L Padres Andrew Cashner – R 1-4 -3 L -2.5 U 5-7 1-0 0-3 -200 7.5 9 Jul 14, 2017 box Fri away Mariners James Paxton – L White Sox James Shields – R 4-2 2 W -3.5 U 10-5 1-0 2-1 -180 9.5 9 Jul 20, 2018 box Fri home Mariners Wade LeBlanc – L White Sox James Shields – R 3-1 2 W -4.5 U 9-5 0-1 2-1 -205 8.5 9 Jul 20, 2018 box Fri away Red Sox David Price – L Tigers Matthew Boyd – L 1-0 1 W -8.0 U 6-5 0-1 1-0 -195 9.0 9
Jul 16, 2021 box Fri home Blue Jays Robbie Ray – L Rangers Jordan Lyles – R -250 9.5
Las Vegas Cris and Kiev O'Neil discuss Strategy in the Las Vegas Football Contests
In this episode, Cris @LasVegasCris discusses the Las Vegas Football contests! What are some of his disciplines that he incorporates when it comes to his weekly approach? What are some of the strategies that can be incorporated for certain situations? #NFL#FOOTBALL#Contests#CircaSports#Westgate#SportsBetting#Sportsinvesting
We have a wonderful show for you today! Las Vegas Cris @LasVegasCris comes on the show for the first time to talk about the NFL Contests as well as some NFL thoughts and information. First, Kiev talks a little about the Home Run derby and how fun it was to watch. He has a similar suggestion for another sport. Next, Cris comes on to discuss the Westgate Super Contest, the Circa Sports Millions and many more! How has Cris been so successful? What are some of his disciplines that he incorporates when it comes to his weekly approach? What are some of the strategies that can be incorporated for certain situations? Then, Cris and Kiev talk a little NFL football and get into a rapid fire discussing some very quick thoughts on every NFL team including a future play that Cris found some value in. Finally, Kiev talks some UFC fight night Makhachev vs Moises with a few plays for the weekend.
0-5:01 – Intro
5:01-56:55 – Las Vegas NFL Contests with Cris
56:55-1.22:54 – NFL Rapid Fire – Quick thoughts from Cris and Kiev on each team
1.22:54-1.34:22 – UFC Fight Night Makhachev vs Moises
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It’s the summer place to be at The Spaaaaaa. The thoroughbred’s have returned to Saratoga Springs, along with fans. Saratoga Race Track will be full capacity this summer, which is a welcome change after last year. If you’re looking to head to the track for opening day, all fans who show proof of a vaccination via the New York State Excelsior Pass, will receive free Grandstand General admission.
The summer meet for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) starts on Thursday, July 15th and will run until Monday, September 6th. Saratoga will have at least one stakes race everyday which includes 43 graded stakes races. The Grade I Runhappy Travelers Stakes will headline these graded stakes races and takes place on August 28th. In terms of betting changes, Saratoga now has a new $1 minimum Pick 6.
Opening Day at Saratoga will covered by America’s Day at the Races and broadcast on Fox Sports 2 from 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Quick Call Stakes
The Quick Call Stakes was inaugurated in 2008 took place in September. However, since then, it has taken place in either July or August. The race was named after Quick Call, the multiple graded stakes winner who won more than half of his sixteen career victories at Saratoga Race Track. The Quick Call Stakes was upgraded to a Grade III Stakes Race in 2019.
Race Information:
Track: Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
Event Grade: III
Race: 8
Post Time: 5:05 PM ET
Length: 5 1/2 Furlongs
Purse: $120,000
Division: Open| 3 Year Olds
Surface: Turf
Field:
Kentucky Pharoah (Tyler Gaffalione), 10-1
Second of July (Dylan Davis), 15-1
Golden Pal (Irad Ortiz Jr.), 1-2
Omaha City (Manuel Franco), 20-1
Fire Sword (John R. Velazquez), 2-1 (MTO)
Fauci (Nik Juarez), 10-1
Mr Sippi (TBA), 6-1 (MTO)
Rebel Posse (Reylu Gutierrez), 12-1
Jaxon Traveler (Jose Ortiz), 3-1
Preview:
GOLDEN PAL is the morning line favorite at 1-2 and rightfully so. He has some pedigree being the son of UNCLE MO and, has been in the money in every race of his career (2-2-0). His latest race was back on November 6th where he captured the Grade 2 Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. This horse is coming off a slight delay but, his workouts have been encouraging. JAXON TRAVELER, who is making his turf debut, has also been in money in everyone of his seven career starts (4-3-0). In his last two races (Woodstock Stakes & Grade 3 Chick Lang Stakes) he’s failed to find the winner circle, finishing second in both. FAUCI has a quick turn around with his last race coming on July 11 where he finished seventh in the My Frenchman Stakes. The notes for that race included he looked tired, which isn’t very encouraging at all. However, in the race before, he won an Allowance sprint race at Monmouth back in June. KENTUCKY PHAROAH also did not have a great race in his last start, losing his rider out of the gate. He’s an offspring of Triple Crown winning American Pharoah but has yet to live up to his pedigree. Gaffalione will get the ride in the Quick Call Stakes as they try to switch things up. In the race prior he finished fifth in the Grade 3 Kitten’s Joy Stakes.
Picks:
WIN : (3) GOLDEN PAL
This is the best horse in the race and I don’t really trust Jaxon Traveler who is making his turf debut. Fauci is coming off a quick turn around and will most likely be lacking some closing speed. If you’re looking to single a horse in a multi race exotic wager, this is the race to do it.
Schuylerville Stakes
The Schuylerville Stakes is a race for 2 year old fillies who could potentially run in the 2022 Kentucky Oaks. This race was named in honor of the near by town Schuylerville, New York. In 2006, the The Schuylerville Stakes was downgraded from a Grade II Stakes to a Grade III Stakes. The Schuylerville Stakes opens the Saratoga meet every year.
Race Information:
Track: Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, New York)
Event Grade: III
Race: 9
Post Time: 5:39 PM ET
Length: 6 Furlongs
Purse: $150,000
Division: Fillies | 2 Year Olds
Surface: Dirt
Field:
Pretty Birdie (Luis Saez), 7-2
Mainstay (Frankie Pennington), 7-2
Pipeline Girl (Jose Ortiz), 8-1
Velvet Sister (Joel Rosario), 8-1
Saucy Lady T (Manuel Franco), 30-1
Queen Camila (Junior Alvarado), 30-1
Happy Soul (John Velazquez), 8-5
Eagle Express (Ricardo Santana Jr.), 10-1
Cartel Queen (Irad Ortiz Jr.), 12-1
Preview:
HAPPY SOUL sired by RUNHAPPY, headlines this race and will go off as the odds on favorite. This filly has run three times in her career and has an impressive record of 2-1-0. She’s coming off back to back wins at Belmont Park, both of which were blowouts. In her last race, she won the Astoria Stakes running a 92 Equibase Speed Figure. John Velazquez has been aboard the her the first three rides and, will get the nod again here. PRETTY BIRDIE is another contender who has some pedigree. She’s the daughter of BIRD SONG and won her maiden back on June 18th in a MSW at Churchill Downs. MAINSTAY is also coming off a maiden victory at Monmouth Park where she torched her competition. EAGLE EXPRESS has been shipped in under Trainer Steve Asmussen from Lone Star Park. She’s coming off a win in the Texas Stallion Pan Zareta Division Stakes back on June 13th. The filly did not run an great speed figure in that race and will certainly need to step it up to compete with this field. VELVET SISTER who is also trained by Steve Asmussen, has a chance in this race after winning her maiden. She’s 1-1 in career starts, winning a MSW back on June 10th at Belmont Park. PIPELINE GIRL is also coming off her maiden win in a MSW at Churchill and is trained under Thomas Amoss. Amoss, also has another horse in this race in CARTEL QUEEN. She’s coming off a bit of a delay with her last race coming back in May where she won her second start in a MSW at Churchill. She finished second in her first start but, improved in her second race which is an encouraging sign.
Picks:
WIN : (2) MAINSTAY, (4) VELVET SISTER
Mainstay and Velvet Sister both showed some impressive speed in their maiden’s and I think one of them can take down the favorite here. Happy Soul has had a lack of competition in her first two races and this race should offer up some more quality. If you’re looking for an exotic wager here, I would throw the 2,4 over the 7.
