Thursday 5-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Members post your personal plays in the various sports forums @ IWS and our betting trackers!

NFL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...3-NFL-Football

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors Preview and Predictions 05-03-2018

2nd May 2018 by Gracenote
it was more of the same in game 1 of the eastern conference semifinals with lebron james - even on an off night - and his cleveland cavaliers once again getting the better of the toronto raptors. james and the cavaliers will attempt to maintain their postseason dominance of the raptors and take a commanding 2-0 series lead back home when the teams meet thursday night in toronto.

james recorded his 21st career playoff triple-double as cleveland erased a 13-point deficit in the second half and survived multiple chances for the raptors to win late in regulation and again in the closing seconds of overtime for a 113-112 win tuesday night. "my teammates were unbelievable tonight," james told reporters afterward. "they stepped up when i wasn't at my best." toronto, which has dropped nine of 11 playoff meetings with cleveland over the last three seasons, must quickly move on from a game it probably should've won. "a lot of things, we did to ourselves," coach dwane casey told the media. "i think we're a better team. we just didn't make the shots down the stretch. i know it sounds simplistic, but we had our open looks, had our opportunities, that we didn't cash in on, and some other things we could clean up defensively."
tv: 6 p.m. et, espn
about the cavaliers: james was 12-of-30 from the field and 1-of-6 from the line in his 26-point, 13-assist, 11-rebound performance. "shots weren't going in for me," james - who was 3-for-15 in the fourth quarter and overtime - told reporters. "it was probably one of my worst games of the season." kyle korver is among those teammates james credited with helping him out, and the sharpshooter tied his 2018 playoff high with 19 points while making 5-of-12 3-pointers.
about the raptors: toronto has certainly heard all the talk of being owned by cleveland and it seemed to lose its mental edge when the cavaliers made things tight down the stretch tuesday, including a final possession in regulation when the hosts had four misses. "we are better than some of the situations we put ourselves in," casey added. "i can do a better job. i didn't like some of the possessions we had down the stretch even though we got open looks. we all can be better. some of the turnovers we had. ..." the raptors had 14 turnovers while forcing just six and they've coughed it up 17 more times than their opponents during the postseason.
buzzer beaters

1. cavaliers c kevin love had 13 rebounds in game 1 but shot 3-of-13 and is hitting 31.9 percent of his shots in the playoffs.
2. raptors c jonas valanciunas recorded 21 points and 21 rebounds in game 1.

3. cleveland has hit at least 13 3-pointers in all five playoff games against toronto over the last two seasons.

prediction: raptors 108, cavaliers 105

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics Preview and Predictions 05-03-2018

2nd May 2018 by Gracenote
the boston celtics delivered the opening salvo and now the visiting philadelphia 76ers look to even the eastern conference semifinal series on thursday. boston received another stunning postseason showing from guard terry rozier and knocked down 17 3-pointers in monday's 117-101 victory in the series opener.

the unsung rozier emerged as a surprise standout in the first-round series against the milwaukee bucks and he continued his solid play by making 7-of-9 3-pointers and scoring 29 points in the opener. rozier, who also had eight rebounds and six assists, received quality help from forwards jayson tatum (28 points) and al horford (26 points on 10-of-12 shooting) as boston scored 30 or more in each of the final three quarters. philadelphia star big man joel embiid recorded 31 points and 13 rebounds in game 1 but the squad was an abysmal 5-of-26 from 3-point range. "i thought this was one of our poorer defensive games," 76ers coach brett brown told reporters. "i think, to look at this game, defensively, offensively, this isn't who we are. this is a very poor game from us."
tv: 8:30 p.m. et, tnt
about the 76ers: rookie point guard ben simmons had 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists in game 1 but also committed seven turnovers and is well aware the team didn't give its best effort. "game 1, we were comfortable, we knew what they were going to throw at us, but we obviously just didn't execute, and didn't stick with it," simmons told reporters on wednesday. "i think that's where we lost most of the game at. we know exactly what we're going to get into once we hit the floor." forwards robert covington (three points on 0-of-6 shooting) and ersan ilyasova (six points on 2-of-9 shooting) were among the 76ers who experienced subpart efforts.
about the celtics: shooting guard jaylen brown (hamstring) is listed as doubtful and coach brad stevens didn't sound like someone who wants to push the situation when he met with reporters on wednesday. "the bottom line is, with this hamstring injury, it's not terrible," stevens said. "it's not a long-term thing, it shouldn't linger if he comes back at the right time. but you could make it worse if you don't come back at the right time, if you have to guard jj redick and marco belinelli." brown suffered the injury during game 7 of the series with the bucks and was hoping to play in the opening game before the plan was nixed by team trainers.
buzzer beaters

1. rozier is 12-of-17 from 3-point range over the past two games and is averaging 19 points in eight postseason games.
2. redick scored 20 points in the opener to mark his third straight game of 20 or more points.

3. boston pg marcus smart (thumb) is just 9-of-35 shooting in four games since returning to action.

prediction: 76ers 109, celtics 106

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Preview and Predictions 05-03-2018

2nd May 2018 by Gracenote
the washington capitals bid to keep their perfect postseason road record intact and push the two-time reigning stanley cup champion pittsburgh penguins to the brink of elimination on thursday when they play game 4 of their eastern conference semifinal series. the capitals will look to accomplish the feat without tom wilson, however, as the first-line forward was suspended three games by the nhl on wednesday.

wilson escaped punishment from the league after his hit to the head of pittsburgh defenseman brian dumoulin (concussion) in game 2, but wasn't as fortunate after his illegal check broke the jaw of zach aston-reese midway into the second period of tuesday's 4-3 win in game 3. "we'll prepare like we always do. the focus is on the next game, and any adjustments or any changes we make, we'll react however we need to," washington coach barry trotz said wednesday before the suspension was announced. pittsburgh's jake guentzel extended his point streak to seven games (seven goals, eight assists) by scoring and setting up a goal on tuesday while superstar captain sidney crosby also had a goal and an assist for his sixth multi-point performance of the postseason. "i don't think anything (specifically in our game) concerns us," crosby said. "there are always things that you have to clean up and get better (at) as the series goes on. so there are things we definitely want to improve on, but i think that's pretty typical for any series."
tv: 7 p.m. et, nbc sports network, sportsnet, tvas
about the capitals: captain alex ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the postseason and fifth in four contests by swatting his own rebound out of the air and past matt murray to snap a tie with 1:07 remaining on tuesday. the three-time hart trophy recipient's tally capped the second career three-assist postseason performance for nicklas backstrom and effectively sent washington to its fourth straight road win in the playoffs and ninth consecutive dating to the regular season. "i mean, if you want to be successful in the playoffs you have got to win on the road, and especially because they won the first game," the 30-year-old swede told the washington post. "it's nicer to be up 2-1 than being down 2-1. we're just excited for the next game."
about the penguins: coach mike sullivan placed the game-time decision tag on carl hagelin, who has been sidelined since game 6 of the first-round series versus philadelphia after he sustained an upper-body injury at the hands of flyers captain claude giroux. "i'm definitely feeling better, so that's a good sign. any time you're out there with the guys, it gives you energy and confidence," hagelin said after wednesday's optional skate. fellow forward evgeni malkin returned from his three-game absence due to a lower-body injury to set up patric hornqvist for a power-play goal as part of pittsburgh's three-goal second period.
overtime
1. washington has scored 10 goals in the series, with seven coming to the glove side of murray.
2. penguins d justin schultz has notched an assist in all three games of the series.
3. the capitals have scored a power-play goal in back-to-back contests to increase their total to 11 in nine postseason contests.

prediction: penguins 4, capitals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nashville Predators vs. Winnipeg Jets Preview and Predictions 05-03-2018

2nd May 2018 by Gracenote
the winnipeg jets did not panic when they fell behind by three goals at home, and the resulting offensive breakthrough has put them in position to take control of the western conference semifinals entering thursday's game 4 at home against the nashville predators. the jets scored three times in a 2:51 span of the second period en route to a 7-4 victory in game 3, riding two goals each from dustin byfuglien and blake wheeler to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

"nobody panicked," jets defenseman jacob trouba told reporters in referencing a 3-0 nashville lead after the first period, adding that winnipeg coach paul maurice simply told his players during intermission to, "just go play hockey." winnipeg is one goal in double-overtime away from holding a 3-0 series lead while the more experienced predators have not only lost home ice advantage for now, but also lost their composure by taking three minors in the final nine minutes tuesday. "we stopped playing, clear as day," nashville defenseman ryan ellis told the media afterward. "you could see that, and you can't win hockey games when you stop playing midway through the second." goals from mike fisher, p.k. subban and austin watson staked the predators to the early advantage, but nashville only put 18 shots on goal in the final two periods and were outshot 45-30 on the night.
tv: 9:30 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, tva
about the predators: forward filip forsberg tied the game in the third period at 4-4 with his fifth goal of the playoffs and added an assist tuesday. watson was the only nashville player to finish with a plus rating (plus-1) and also scored his fifth goal of the postseason, while subban scored for the second consecutive game and added an assist. the predators were penalized five times in the final 20 minutes and goaltender pekka rinne, who drew a slashing penalty out of frustration with 4:29 left, made 38 saves but gave up four goals on 16 shots in the second period.
about the jets: center mark scheifele continues to shine, picking up two assists to give him 11 points (seven goals) in his past five games. byfuglien finished with a three-point night and has five in the series, while wheeler and center paul stastny (one goal, two assists) also collected three points as winnipeg pounded nashville with 35 shots in the final 40 minutes. goaltender connor hellebuyck gave up three goals in the opening period tuesday and has surrendered nine in the past two games, but settled down in stopping 18 of nashville's final 19 shots.
overtime
1. rinne, who was seventh in the nhl in save percentage (.927) in the regular season, is at .890 for the series and has surrendered 12 goals on 109 shots.

2. the jets captured the faceoff battle for the first time in the series, winning 57 percent of their draws in game 3.

3. winnipeg f brandon tanev, who scored eight goals in 61 games in the regular season, has scored in four consecutive playoff games.

prediction: winnipeg 4, nashville 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #3 - BELMONT PARK - 2:32 PM EASTERN POST
8.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEAR OLDS $80,000.00 OPTIONAL CLAIMING $77,000.00 PURSE

#5 ALMITHMAAR
#6 EARNED SUCCESS
#2 SHOW ME THE BUCKS
#4 THE MONEY DANCE

#5 ALMITHMAAR qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," takes a class drop (-8), and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in both of his 2 career starts to date, including a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN" facing better company in his last start, 26 days ago at Keeneland. Jockey Jose Ortiz was in his irons for that win 26 days ago, and is here in Ozone Park this afternoon for his 2nd ride, gunning for back-to-back "Circle Trips." #6 EARNED SUCCESS comes off a maiden-breaking, "POWER RUN WIN" in his "first asking," 26 days ago at Aqueduct.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $9200 Class Rating: 44

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $27,000, IF FOR $25,000, ALLOWED 3 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 LITTLE LAWYER 3/1

# 1 CABALLERO NEGRO 2/1

# 2 TONY TOMATO 10/1

I think LITTLE LAWYER is a solid choice. This group is much easier than the last one he ran against. Looks to have a very good class edge based on the most recent company kept. CABALLERO NEGRO - This gelding has to be given consideration just off the earnings per start in dirt sprint races alone. Can't overlook the connections here, a 25 winning percentage, one of the strongest at getting into the winner's circle. TONY TOMATO - This horse must be bet on at the expected high odds.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #3 - Post: 7:57pm - Claiming - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 64

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 HAINES CITY (ML=5/1)


HAINES CITY - Batista and Capellini perform well when they join forces. It's hard to beat a +23 ROI for a jockey and trainer. Ranked at the top in earnings per start. Another notice that this animal is the class of the race. This mare has been trying different distances, but from the looks of things, she ran a nice speed rating last try at this distance. This tight track favors early pace setters breaking from the inside. Seeing as this is what we have with this horse, I'm going to take a good look at this one.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 COLOR ME SEXY (ML=2/1), #5 ONEMORESWEETKISS (ML=7/2), #6 WHAT'S UP KIDDO (ML=4/1),

COLOR ME SEXY - Tough to put any dough on this mare on the top end. Likes to finish in the money though. In any race of 4 1/2 furlongs, I like to bet on a contender that has been on the board in sprint events recently. Won't be easy for this animal to beat this bunch off of that last speed fig. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close to today's class rating, so put her on the possibly overvalued equines list. ONEMORESWEETKISS - Hard to play a steed that can't even triumph one time in her last ten races. WHAT'S UP KIDDO - The speed figures continue to sink, 67/60/40. Not a good omen. A bit of a lackluster performance when this mare finished sixth.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - HAINES CITY - I'm betting on this one today. Easier company is going to make a big difference. Will be strong today.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #4 HAINES CITY on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Golden Gate Fields - Race #6 - Post: 3:30pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 88

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 RUN SOPHIA RUN (ML=6/1)


RUN SOPHIA RUN - Have to give this mare a good chance. Ran a solid effort last out within the last month.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 AMANDANA (ML=8/5), #4 JAZZ LADY (ML=2/1), #5 MAZ KANATA (ML=3/1),

AMANDANA - I don't normally play a morning-line choice that hasn't been to the track in the last three weeks. JAZZ LADY - Hasn't finished in the money in any sprint races lately. Doubtful to see her doing it this time out either. Difficult to take this horse at the price after the result (fifth) in the last affair. MAZ KANATA - The speed figure last time out doesn't fit very well in this clash when I look at the Equibase class figure of today's contest. Mark this racer as a likely underpriced contender.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - RUN SOPHIA RUN - This mare has the best last speed figure at Golden Gate Fields. Must be considered in your betting.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #6 RUN SOPHIA RUN to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
None

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 8.5f on the Turf. Purse: $30000 Class Rating: 81

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $35,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 DUDACITY 3/1

# 8 MAURAS FOREVER 9/2

# 1 RATE OF RETURN 7/2

DUDACITY looks to be a very strong contender. She has been running very well and the Equibase Speed Figures are among the best in this group. She looks strong in this slot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point. With a decent 85 Equibase speed fig last time out, will unquestionably be a factor in this outing. MAURAS FOREVER - The duo of Jaramillo/Delgado has one of the best ROI percentages in this group. I would back this filly on the jockey and handler numbers alone. RATE OF RETURN - With a solid 80 average speed figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's competition. Going off blinkers can produce noticeable speed increases.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Laurel Park
Laurel Park - Race 1

EXACTA, TRIFECTA &DAILY DOUBLE (RACES 1-2) / 10 cent SUPERFECTA 50 cent PICK 3 (RACES 1-2-3) / 50 cent PICK 5 (RACES 1-2-3-4-5) $1.00 SUPER HIGH 5


Claiming $20,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 90 • Purse: $27,000 • Post: 1:10P
(RAIL AT 35 FEET). (PLUS UP TO 30% MBF) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF TWO RACES SINCE MARCH 3 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE THEN ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000, FOR EACH $2,000 TO $16,000 2LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $15,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). (IF DEEMED INADVISABLE BY MANAGEMENT TO RUN THIS RACE ON THE TURF COURSE, IT WILL BE RUN ON THE MAIN TRACK AT FIVE AND ONE HALF FURLONGS)
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * BANGLA DANCER: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten days. LAST MINUTE LUCY: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. EYE ON BERLIN: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. SHESMYHEARTANDSOUL: Jockey/Trainer combination win percentage is at least 30. LADY KESWICK: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff.
6
BANGLA DANCER
8/1

7/1
5
LAST MINUTE LUCY
5/2

7/1
4
EYE ON BERLIN
6/1

7/1
7
SHESMYHEARTANDSOUL
10/1

7/1
2
LADY KESWICK
5/2

8/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
LADY KESWICK
2

5/2
Front-runner
86

84

106.7

54.8

44.3
4
EYE ON BERLIN
4

6/1
Front-runner
81

77

101.2

77.8

66.8
7
SHESMYHEARTANDSOUL
7

10/1
Front-runner
85

82

85.4

79.6

69.6
3
ULTIMATE AVARY
3

10/1
Stalker
88

83

84.4

83.4

70.4
1
BURBANK ROAD
1

3/1
Stalker
89

82

68.2

78.0

65.5
6
BANGLA DANCER
6

8/1
Stalker
88

84

50.3

80.7

73.2
9
R BLING SHINES
9

4/1
Trailer
88

78

66.4

76.8

69.8
8
KISS THE PRINCESS
8

15/1
Trailer
91

89

66.1

77.0

68.0
5
LAST MINUTE LUCY
5

5/2
Trailer
86

90

42.7

74.9

68.9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Remington Park
Remington Park - Race 9

Exacta / Trifecta (.50 Cent Minimum) / Superfecta (.10 Cent Minimum) Pick 3 (Races 9-10-11) (.50 Cent Minimum)


Claiming $12,500 • 350 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $16,200 • Post: 9:28P
QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * TORBRECK: Horse has a TrackMaster "B" designation. Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. FAST N FURIOUS 1 23: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. SWEET YESS FLY: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position ne xt to it gets out of the gate fast. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. JETTIN JESS: Quarter horse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating.
6
TORBRECK
4/1

4/1
9
FAST N FURIOUS 123
3/1

6/1
2
SWEET YESS FLY
12/1

8/1
7
JETTIN JESS
5/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
1
THE LAST RED HERO
1

15/1
Average
69

64

5.3

0.0

0.0
2
SWEET YESS FLY
2

12/1
Fast
76

71

3.4

0.0

0.0
3
SUNSETS CORONA GIRL
3

15/1
Slow
71

67

8.9

0.0

0.0
4
EOS MARIE LEVEAU
4

10/1
Average
66

52

4.1

0.0

0.0
5
FEATURE MS KNOCKOUT
5

20/1
Average
64

51

5.9

0.0

0.0
6
TORBRECK
6

4/1
Fast
83

82

2.9

0.0

0.0
7
JETTIN JESS
7

5/1
Average
82

73

5.4

0.0

0.0
8
ONE CHORD SONG
8

8/1
Fast
67

67

2.5

0.0

0.0
9
FAST N FURIOUS 123
9

3/1
Average
80

78

4.0

0.0

0.0
10
PURE FAVORITE
10

6/1
Average
78

68

4.7

0.0

0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn

Free Play: Free Oakland/Seattle Under 8 Runs

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Selection from Jim Feist

Jim Feist's Comp Pick, Thursday, May 3, 2018

05/03 05:05 PM PT / 8:05 PM ET

MLB (961) BOSTON RED SOX VS (962) TEXAS RANGERS

Take: (961) BOSTON RED SOX

Reason: Your free play for Thursday, May 3, 2018 is in the MLB scheduled contest between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers. Your free play is on the Red Sox.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Allen Sports

Thursday's Free Selection is on the Pittsburgh Penguins