Saturday 2/20/21 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 (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?53-NFL-Football)

College Football
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...-NCAA-Football (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?54-NCAA-Football)

Baseball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...57-ML-Baseball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?57-ML-Baseball)

College Basketball
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...CAA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?55-NCAA-Basketball)

NBA
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...NBA-Basketball (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?56-NBA-Basketball)

NHL
http://www.investwithsports.com/newf...?58-NHL-Hockey (http://www.investwithsports.com/newforum/forumdisplay.php?58-NHL-Hockey)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Carmine Bianco Event: (201289) Sampdoria at (201290) Lazio
Sport/League: SOC
Date/Time: February 20, 2021 9AM EST
Play: Total Over 2.75 (-119)
Italy Serie A - Sampdoria at Lazio
Quick Synopsis: This is a totals play and the over. Our totals are system plays based on our metric expectancy and this this number came back at 4.28 making it a play. This total should likely move to 3.0 overnight at most books.
The play is Over 2.75 (Split line of 2.5 and 3.0) Good to 3.0 flat.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kevin Dolan Event: (200017) West Bromwich at (200018) Burnley FC
Sport/League: SOC
Date/Time: February 20, 2021 10AM EST
Play: Burnley FC -0.25 (-134)
We like Burnley at the quarter goal line at home on Saturday to get the win and cover against West Brom.
PLAY: BURNLEY -0.25

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tokyo Brandon Event: (671) Pacific at (672) Portland
Sport/League: CBB
Date/Time: February 20, 2021 4PM EST
Play: Total Over 139.0 (-110)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tokyo Brandon Event: (701) Kansas State at (702) TCU
Sport/League: CBB
Date/Time: February 20, 2021 5PM EST
Play: Total Over 135.0 (-110)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tokyo Brandon Event: (775) California at (776) Washington
Sport/League: CBB
Date/Time: February 20, 2021 10PM EST
Play: Total Over 140.0 (-110)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kyle Anthony Event: (24413) Aleksei Oleinik at (24414) Chris Daukaus
Sport/League: MMA
Date/Time: February 21, 2021 1AM EST
Play: Chris Daukaus -170

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bobby Conn Feb 20 '21, 10:15 AM in 2h
Soccer | Levante vs Atletico Madrid
Play on: Atletico Madrid -169 at linepros

1* Free Play on Atletico Madrid -169

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Red Dog Sports Feb 20 '21, 12:30 PM in 4h
Soccer | Celta de Vigo vs Valencia
Play on: Draw +234 at pinnacle

draw +234
Celta 1
Valencia 1
The free soccer play takes place in Spain on Saturday. I think we see a draw.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Black Widow Feb 20 '21, 1:00 PM in 5h
NCAA-B | Kentucky vs Tennessee
Play on: Kentucky +7½ -110 at Mirage

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Kentucky +7½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Free Winners for Saturday, February 20th 2021 from THE LEGEND!
FREE NBA PICKS
Wizards @ Blazers
TIME: 10:05 PM EST
PICK: OVER 242

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saturday, February 20th, 2021 from VEGAS BLACK CARD CLUB!FREE NHL PICKS
Islanders @ Penguins
TIME: 7:08 PM EST
PICKS: Penguins -125

[Can'tPickAWinner]

VEGAS SPORTS INSIDERS
SATURDAY 2/20/2021
FREE NBA PICKS
Heat @ Lakers
TIME: 8:35 PM EST
PICK: UNDER 212.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trace Adams

Saturday comp play from the City of Brotherly Love as I head to Hawk Hill and lay the points with La Salle as they play at St. Joseph's. Let's face it, both programs have seen better days, but at least the Explorers have won 8 games this season while the Hawks only win in their 15 games played to date comes against Division 2 Albany and even that was a sweat as the Hawks only won by 3 points as the -8 point favorites!

La Salle has handled St. Joe's in the first meeting back on January 18th in a 90-83 home court win as the -2 point favorites. While the margin was just 7, the final is a bit deceptive as La Salle did lead by double-digits throughout most of the second half. That victory for the Explorers puts them on a 3-game series winning streak over their conference-rivals and in-city brothers. The Explorers in fact have taken 6 of the last 8 overall series meetings while going 4-3-1 against the spread over the last 8 meetings.

The Explorers are a bit of an enigma, as they own conference wins over the likes of St. Louis, Dayton and Richmond this season. With city pride on the line, I will lay the road wood with La Salle to push the series winning streak to 4 straight over the downtrodden Hawks.

Take La Salle.

1* LA SALLE

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bob Valentino

All set for Bradley Beal and Damian Lilliard to go face off again for the second time in this second month of the new year?

Back on February 2nd in D.C. the Blazers and Lilliard took on the Wizards and Beal with the final score 132-121 in favor of visiting Portland in a game that landed Over the total by a dozen points. That night Dame scored 32 points while Beal poured in 37.

Change of venue for this second meeting, but the results should still be the same as I expect the Wizards and the Trail Blazers to top the posted total by the oddsmakers here on Saturday night.

The Wizards have played their last pair of games and 3 of their last 5 games overall Over the posted price. Washington is averaging 113.9 points per game while they allow 119.5 points per contest.

Portland plays this home game having landed Over the total in 4 of their last 5 and the Over is 12-4 for their last 16 overall this season - which includes that early February game I just mentioned above.

The Blazers average 115.8 while giving up 115.1 points per game thus far this season.

With Beal named as a starting All-Star in the East and Lilliard getting passed over for Luka Doncic as a starter for the West All-Stars I have a feeling it will indeed be "Rip City" tonight in Rip City.

Wizards-Blazers Over the total.

2* WASHINGTON-PORTLAND OVER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mitchell Newman

Hockey freebie for Saturday as the Golden Knights and the Avalanche play each other for the third time this week only this time the game will be contested outdoors in Lake Tahoe!

Both Sunday and Tuesday's games played in Sin City landed Under the total as Vegas took the Valentine's Day meeting, 1-0 and Colorado evened things up with the 3-2 win on Tuesday night.

I expect we see another Under in this afternoon's contest which will see the puck drop a little past noon local time. The forecast is calling for a high of about 36 and partly sunny skies. That tells me the puck could be moving a little slower in the colder conditions which I feel gives the netminders the advantage.

Vegas comes into this outdoor skate having landed Under the total in each of their last 4, while Colorado has played each of their last 3 games and 6 of their last 9 games overall in the Under column.

If you get the chance, tune into this game for a spell as the rink is set up in a gorgeous-looking locale. Watch as the goalies put on a display and the Knights and Avalanche make it 3 Unders in as many games this week.

2* VEGAS-COLORADO UNDER

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Wayne Root (https://www.bigal.com/handicappers/wayne-root) - NCAAB - Sat, Feb 20 at 12:00 PM
The play is on Georgia Tech Georgia Tech vs Miami Florida
Georgia Tech -3 (-103) (BetAnySports (https://affiliates.betanysports.eu/tracking/Affiliate.aspx?idBook=3&mediaTypeID=220&des=4&AffUrlID=1314&LandingPageID=1))

I feel great about Georgia Tech covering here and picking up its first conference road win. Where Georgia Tech struggles is on the glass and Miami is just as bad in this area. The Yellow Jackets also force turnovers at the highest rate in the conference while Miami is turning it over at a 19% rate. Miami is dead last in field goal percentage in the ACC and Georgia Tech is shooting 37% from deep which has been the achilles heel for the Hurricanes defense. Additionally, as for Miami, their issue has been the health of their players, as just three players have appeared in all 19 games. There is not one category that Miami has a true advantage over Georgia Tech in, and I am confident in the Yellow Jackets covering the spread. Well maybe one, Miami seems to live on their past reputation and the oddsmakers are aware and use that to trap players.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jack Banks (https://www.bigal.com/handicappers/jack-banks) - NCAAB - Sat, Feb 20 at 3:30 PM
Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Gophers Illinois vs Minnesota
Minnesota +6 (-105) (BetAnySports (https://affiliates.betanysports.eu/tracking/Affiliate.aspx?idBook=3&mediaTypeID=220&des=4&AffUrlID=1314&LandingPageID=1))

The Gophers might not put fear into opponents on the road but they're a tough nut to crack at Williams Arena. They've won 13 of 14 at The Barn and will face an Illini squad that's been escaping opponents of late. In fact, four of its last five games have been nail-biters. I expect it to catch up to Illinois on Saturday. I'm backing Minnesota plus the points. Thanks and best of luck to us! Jack Banks.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gus Augustine

My free play for Saturday is going to be the surging Southern Utah Thunderdbirds, laying the low number to the Sacramento State Hornets.

I say low, considering the T-Birds just trounced Sacto State by 19 two nights back.

Southern Utah won its 12 straight at home with an 88-69 victory, displaying no signs of rust after a lengthy layoff from league action.

The Thunderbirds, who rank 13th in the latest collegeinsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll, are now 14-3 overall and 7-2 in Big Sky play. They continue to distance themselves in the standings, as they close in on a conference title.

Southern Utah ranks sixth in the nation in scoring with 85.8 points per game. But as offensive as this team can be, the T-Birds hurt you and start everything on the defensive end.

This team likes clean the glass, likes to cut off passing lanes and steal the ball, likes to move in transition quickly, and will go on fatal runs that will have you trailing by six one minute, and behind by 12 the next.

And it's not as if it's an overwhelming defensive effort on the stat sheet, but it's more about consistency with relentless pressure that creates turnovers. The T-Birds rank fourth in league play (6.1) and 100th nationally (7.2) in steals per game.

Eight of Southern Utah's team's 14 wins have been by double digits. Four players average double digits in scoring, with a fifth chipping in 9.6. The T-Birds improved to 41-14 on its home floor over the past four seasons 12-0 inside the America First Event Center this season after Thursday's blowout of Sacto State.

The Hornets have now allowed 78 or more in five of its last seven, and won't stand a chance against Southern Utah.

Lay the chalk.

4* SOUTHERN UTAH

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chris Jordan

My free winner for Saturday night is in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, where Monmouth and Iona meet for a second straight night.

Monmouth (10-6 overall, 10-5 MAAC) is still hoping to find its way to first place after losing to Iona (6-5, 4-4) last night.

The Hawks scored a season-high 52 second-half points, but it wasn't enough against an Iona squad that put up a season-best 91 points in the game.

I'm believe more of what we saw from Monmouth last night, than we saw from Iona, which won't be able to duplicate that type of offensive prowess. The Hawks have the No. 1 rebounding team in the MAAC, and when Iona's shot fail to drop tonight, the Hawks will be a dangerous in transition with also the No. 1 sharing team.

It's no wonder the Hawks average a league-best 75.6 possessions per 40 minutes and push the tempo. Monmouth - which is snatching 39.6 rebounds per game and registering 14.6 assists per MAAC contests - averages a league-high 77.7 points per conference game.

Now that Iona has snapped its two-game skid with a once-in-a-season performance, it will let its guard down and Monmouth will be ready to pounce.

Play the underdog here.

1* MONMOUTH

[Can'tPickAWinner]

PITBULL BARKING SOCCER

Sat Feb 20, 2021 8:25 am

ENGLAND - LEAGUE ONE- BRISTOL ROVERS vs. GILLINGHAM OVER 2.5 -112 (8:00 AM)
GERMANY- BUNDESLIGA- FSV MAINZ 05 vs. MONCHENGLADBACH OVER 3 +102 (9:30 AM)
ENGLAND - LEAGUE ONE- NORTHAMPTON TOWN vs. MILTON KEYNES DONS OVER 2.5 +105 (10:00 AM)
ENGLAND - CHAMPIONSHIP- ROTHERHAM vs. NORWICH CITY OVER 2.5 -125 (10:00 AM)
SCOTLAND- PREMIERSHIP- KILMARNOCK vs. ABERDEEN OVER 2.5 +115 (10:00 AM)
SPAIN- PRIMERA DIVISION- REAL MADRID vs. VALLADOLID OVER 2.5 -123 (3:00 PM)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Paul Leiner

NBA & CBB Picks 2/20

Sat Feb 20, 2021 8:28 am

We are rolling with CBB top plays. Over Utah State/Boise hits last night. Here's some Saturday picks.

100* Warriors -2
100* Florida State -6.5
100* Over 128 UCF/Tulane

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Black Widow Feb 20 '21, 1:00 PM in 29m
NCAA-B | Kentucky vs Tennessee
Play on: Kentucky +7½ -110 at Mirage

1* Free Wiseguy Play on Kentucky +7½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sal Michaels Feb 20 '21, 1:00 PM in 29m
NCAA-B | Connecticut vs Villanova
Play on: Villanova -6½ -110 at Mirage

Free Play on Villanova -6½ -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals Guru Feb 20 '21, 2:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | NC State vs Wake Forest
Play on: UNDER 141 -112

Free Total Annihilator On NC State vs Wake Forest under 141 -112

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rocky Atkinson Feb 20 '21, 2:00 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | Southern Miss vs Florida International
Play on: Florida International -2 -110 at linepros

Rocketman Sports FREE CBB play Saturday 2-20-21
Southern Miss @ Florida International (2:00 PM EST)
Play On: Florida International -2
The Southern Miss Golden Eagles travel to Florida International to take on the Golden Panthers on Saturday afternoon. Southern Miss is 8-14 SU overall this year while Florida International comes in with a 9-15 SU overall record on the season. Southern Miss is 2-9 SU on the road this year scoring only 62.4 points per game. Southern Miss is 3-7 ATS last 10 road games against a team with a losing home record. Southern Miss is 1-4 ATS last 5 games as an underdog. Florida International is 20-8 ATS last 28 games after a double digit SU loss at home. REVENGE TODAY! We'll recommend a small play on Florida International today! Thanks and good luck, Rocky

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Steve Janus Feb 20 '21, 3:00 PM in 2h
Soccer | Den Haag vs Fortuna Sittard
Play on: Fortuna Sittard -169 at linepros

1* Free Sharp Play on Fortuna Sittard -169

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dustin Hawkins Feb 20 '21, 3:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | West Virginia vs Texas
Play on: West Virginia +3½ -108 at Draft Kings

1 Dimer on West Virginia +3½ -108

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Lee Feb 20 '21, 3:30 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Georgia vs Florida
Play on: Florida -8 -110 at linepros

PICK - Florida Gators -8
RATING: 30*
ROT#: 660
I like Florida's chances of winning here by at least double-digits at home against Georgia. The Gators have lost their last two games, but note there was a long 13-day layoff between defeats due to covid. They just didn't have it in their first game back on Tuesday at Arkansas. Florida managed just 64 points on 38% shooting.
Look for that offense to look like a completely different team on Saturday, especially on the offensive end. That's because they will be up against the worst defensive team in the SEC in Georgia, who is giving up a staggering 91.4 ppg on 50.3% shooting in road games this year.
I also think we get a big effort here from Florida defensively, as they will be extremely motivated to put this 2-game skid to rest. The Gators only give up 64.3 ppg at home this season. As good as Georgia is offensively, I just don't see them being able to keep this one close. Give me Florida -8!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

ASA Feb 20 '21, 3:30 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | Illinois vs Minnesota
Play on: Minnesota +5½ -102 at linepros

#658 ASA CBB FREE PLAY ON Minnesota +5.5 over Illinois, Saturday at 3:30 PM ET - The Gophers have quite possibly the largest home/road dichotomy in the entire country. At home they are a 13-1 while they remain winless on the road. Good thing for them this game is at the Old Barn in Minneapolis. The Gophs should be ready for this rematch after getting embarrassed at Illinois earlier this season 65-92 as a 9-point dog. The Gophers shot just 28% overall, 25% from 3-point which isn’t a surprise as their offense has struggled all season on the road. Illinois has won 6 straight games but 4 of those wins have come right down to the final minute of play including 2 wins in OT @ Indiana and @ Nebraska, two lower half Big 10 teams. Meanwhile, Minnesota has beaten many of the top rated teams in the Big 10 at home including Ohio State by 17, Michigan by 18, and Iowa by 7. Host has covered 5 straight in this series and Minnesota is now 8-1 ATS their last 9 home games. We think the Gophers have a great shot at the upset here but even if not, it should be close and getting 5.5 points gives us a cushion in this one.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bryan Leonard Feb 20 '21, 4:00 PM in 3h
NCAA-B | South Alabama vs Appalachian State
Play on: Appalachian State -1 -109 at Draft Kings

668 South Alabama at Appalachian State
We rode with the Jaguars last night and they came away with an outright win in this building. Now we expect the host to get its revenge in the quick turnaround. The Mountaineers had a terrible shooting game, with 11 of 38 from two point range and 6 of 26 from deep. Despite the wayward shooting this game was decided by just two points. In a battle of even teams the host gets the money on Saturday.
PLAY APPALACHIAN STATE

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jimmy Boyd Feb 20 '21, 7:00 PM in 6h
NCAA-B | Cal Poly vs Long Beach State
Play on: Cal Poly +8½ -109 at Draft Kings

1* Free Pick on Cal Poly +8½ -109

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teddy Davis Feb 20 '21, 7:30 PM in 6h
NCAA-B | DePaul vs St. John's
Play on: DePaul +11 -105 at BetCris

So just 3 weeks ago when these teams met St Johns was favored by 1 or it was a PK @ Depaul and now they are laying double digits? This is a huge overreaction regarding that type of line move especially for two teams who aren't great to begin with. Depaul played tough their last game covering @ Seton Hall. This St Johns squad isn't a team that should be laying double digits period.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jesse Schule Feb 20 '21, 8:00 PM in 7h
NCAA-B | Virginia vs Duke
Play on: Virginia -1 -115 at BetCris

This is a Free play on UVA.
It's been a difficult year for Duke, with Coach K continually suggesting he would prefer not to play during a pandemic, and one of their starters opting out in the middle of the season. They have won back to back games on the road against bottom feeders, but their last two home games were losses to Notre Dame and North Carolina. The Cavs are coming off a blowout loss to #4 ranked FSU, but they have previously won on the road at Georgia Tech and #12 ranked Clemson. The Cavaliers are 8-0-1 ATS in their last nine games following a loss, and the road team is 21-6-1 ATS in the last 28 meetings. Duke has only covered in two of their last 10 home games.
GL,
Jesse Schule

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Info Plays Feb 20 '21, 8:05 PM in 7h
Fighting | Danny Chavez vs Jared Gordon
Play on: Danny Chavez -125 at Bodog

1* FREE INFO PLAY on Danny Chavez -125

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Will Rogers Feb 20 '21, 8:35 PM in 8h
NBA | Heat vs Lakers
Play on: Lakers -3 -104 at pinnacle

The set-up: After losing two of three, I like the Lakers to take care of business here in a re-match of last year's Finals. LA has won 9 of 14 games at home though. The Heat come in off a 118-110 win at Sacramento, but note that they're still just 5-10 on the road.
The pick: The Lakers are also 7-2 ATS in their last nine as well after scoring 100 or less points in a SU/ATS home loss in their last outing (fell 109-98 to Brooklyn at home.) I like LA to finally come in focussed and to pull away in the second half.
This is a 1* FREE PLAY on the Lakers.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Dave Price Feb 20 '21, 8:35 PM in 8h
NBA | Heat vs Lakers
Play on: Heat +3½ -105 at linepros

Dave's Saturday Free Play:
1* on Miami Heat +3.5
The Key: The Miami Heat will be hungry to avenge their loss to the Lakers in the NBA Finals last season. Now they are getting healthy and have won 5 of their last 8 games overall. The Heat face a Lakers team that is battling through injury right now and not playing well because of it. Anthony Davis will be out for about a month, and now Dennis Schroder is out with COVID. There's just too much on Lebron James' plate right now. It's a big reason they lost outright 98-109 to the Nets last time out and the Lakers are now just 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games overall. The Heat are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 matchups. Take Miami.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Ray Monohan Feb 20 '21, 8:35 PM in 8h
NBA | Heat vs Lakers
Play on: Lakers -3 -108 at pinnacle

Lakers -3
Los Angeles is worth a flyer here. This team hasn't looked themselves lately and they come in off a loss to the Nets at home.
Lebron and company don't take lightly to losses and tend to come back in a big way. Lay the low number here.
Good Luck, Razor Ray.
Saturday 5* Free NBA ATS Play

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Williams Feb 20 '21, 8:35 PM in 8h
NBA | Heat vs Lakers
Play on: Lakers -3 -110 at Mirage

1* on Lakers -3 -110

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Martin Feb 20 '21, 9:05 PM in 8h
NBA | Kings vs Bulls
Play on: Kings -2½ -100 at pinnacle

1 Unit FREE PLAY on Sacramento Kings -2.5
This looks like a good spot for the Sacramento Kings to put an end to their five-game losing streak. They had won seven of their previous eight games prior to this skid. But now the Kings will be playing just their 2nd game in 5 days so they should be fresh. The Bulls will be playing the second of a back-to-back after a hard-fought 105-112 loss in Philadelphia last night. It will also be the 4th game in 6 days for the Bulls, who are missing Lauri Markkanen and Otto Porter Jr. right now, two fo their best players. That hurts their depth, which will be tested here against a team that likes to push the tempo like the Kings do. The Bulls are 6-21 ATS in their last 27 home games with a line of +3 to -3. The Kings are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games. Chicago is 15-33 ATS in its last 48 games as a home underdog. Sacramento is 16-4-1 ATS in its last 21 trips to Chicago. Give me the Kings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Walker Feb 20 '21, 10:08 PM in 9h
NHL | Flames vs Oilers
Play on: Flames +116 at Draft Kings

Free Pick on Flames

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hunter Price Feb 20 '21, 10:55 PM in 10h
Fighting | Miguel Berchelt vs Oscar Valdez
Play on: UNDER 9½ -125

1* Free Pick on Miguel Berchelt vs Oscar Valdez under 9½ -125

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NCAAB

Saturday, February 20

Michigan State @ Indiana
Michigan State (10-9, 4-9)
— ranked #69 by KenPom
— Tempo: #151
— Experience: #196
— Continuity: #85
— Spartans lost six of their last eight games.
— Michigan State lost last six road games, five by 10+ points.
— Spartans have #254 eFG% in country (#261 inside arc).

Indiana (12-9, 7-7)
— ranked #28 by KenPom
— Tempo: #297
— Experience: #287
— Continuity: #81
— Indiana won three of their last four games.
— Hoosiers are getting 22% of their points on foul line (#31)
— You’re reading ***************.com
— Indiana has played five overtime games (2-3) this season.

— Indiana won last three series games.
— Spartans lost three of last four visits to Bloomington.

UConn @ Villanova
UConn (10-5, 7-5)
— ranked #35 by KenPom
— Tempo: #320
— Experience: #132
— Continuity: #163
— Huskies split four games since their 11-day COVID pause.
— UConn won four of its six Big East road games.
— Huskies are grabbing 36.9% of their missed shots (#6).

Villanova (13-3, 8-2)
— ranked #11 by KenPom
— Tempo: #332
— Experience: #124
— Continuity: #6
— Villanova split its last four games, after an 11-1 start.
— Wildcats are 5-0 at home in Big East (four wins by 10+)
— Villanova has #31 eFG% in country.

Kentucky @ Tennessee
Kentucky (7-13, 6-7)
— ranked #62 by KenPom
— Tempo: #196
— Experience: #341
— Continuity: #343
— Kentucky won its last two games, after a 1-7 skid.
— Wildcats lost four of their last five road games.
— Kentucky’s last three games were decided by total of 7 points.

Tennessee (15-5, 8-5)
— ranked #16 by KenPom
— Tempo: #245
— Experience: #247
— Continuity: #100
— Tennessee won five of its last seven games.
— Vols won their last four home games.
— Tennessee is forcing turnovers 23.1% of time (#17)

— Vols won 82-71 at Kentucky February 6, after trailing by 10 with 12:00 left.
— Tennessee won four of last five series games.
— Wildcats lost four of last five visits to Knoxville.

Texas Tech @ Kansas
Texas Tech (14-6, 6-5)
— ranked #20 by KenPom
— Tempo: #281
— Experience: #275
— Continuity: #244
— Texas Tech hasn’t played in 11 days.
— Red Raiders won three of their last four games.
— Tech is forcing turnovers 24.7% of time (#5).

Kansas (11-7, 7-6)
— ranked #24 by KenPom
— Tempo: #164
— Experience: #262
— Continuity: #113
— Kansas won its last four games, after a 2-5 skid.
— Jayhawks won their last five home games.
— Opponents are shooting only 46.0% inside arc (#51)

— Kansas won 58-57 in Lubbock December 17.
— Jayhawks won 21 of last 23 series games.
— Tech lost last two visits to Lawrence, 79-63/78-75.

West Virginia @ Texas
West Virginia (14-6, 7-4)
— ranked #18 by KenPom
— Tempo: #134
— Experience: #157
— Continuity: #34
— Mountaineers won five of their last seven games.
— WVU won its last four road games, scoring 78.5 ppg.
— West Virginia is grabbing 36.2% of its missed shots (#10)

Texas (13-5, 7-4)
— ranked #19 by KenPom
— Tempo: #160
— Experience: #121
— Continuity: #3
— Texas is 3-4 in its last seven games, after a 10-1 start.
— Opponents are shooting 44.7% inside arc (#25)
— Lot of disruptions in Austin this week, with the terrible weather; not sure how it affects the Texas team.

— Texas won 72-70 in Morgantown January 9.
— Longhorns won five of last six series games.
— West Virginia lost last three visits here, by 8-7-10 points.

Illinois @ Minnesota
Illinois (15-5, 11-3)
— ranked #6 by KenPom
— Tempo: #94
— Experience: #220
— Continuity: #46
— Illinois won its last six games, two of them in OT.
— Illini has #10 eFG%; #14 on arc, #19 inside arc.
— Illinois won its last four road games.

Minnesota (13-9, 6-9)
— ranked #41 by KenPom
— Tempo: #112
— Experience: #144
— Continuity: #188
— Minnesota is 6-1 at home, 0-8 on road in league games.
— Minnesota is getting 23.5% of their points on foul line (#11)
— Gophers are shooting 29.1% on arc (#321)

— Gophers lost 92-65 at Illinois December 15.
— Home side won last five series games.
— Illini lost last two visits here, 77-67/86-75.

Auburn @ LSU
Auburn (11-11, 5-8)
— ranked #59 by KenPom
— Tempo: #34
— Experience: #346
— Continuity: #315
— Auburn lost four of its last five games, giving up 82 ppg.
— Auburn split its last road games.
— Auburn has #76 eFG%, despite turning ball over 22% of time (#305)

LSU (13-6, 8-4)
— ranked #29 by KenPom
— Tempo: #82
— Experience: #328
— Continuity: #134
— LSU won its last two games, scoring 94-78 points.
— LSU lost two of its last three home games.
— LSU is shooting 55.0% inside arc (#30).

— Auburn won four of last five series games.
— Teams split last six series games played here.

Louisville @ North Carolina
Louisville (11-4, 6-3)
— ranked #32 by KenPom
— Tempo: #295
— Experience: #338
— Continuity: #326
— Louisville hasn’t played in 19 days.
— Cardinals lost three of last five games, after a 9-1 start.
— Louisville has #42 eFG% defense in country.

North Carolina (13-7, 7-5)
— ranked #42 by KenPom
— Tempo: #64
— Experience: #324
— Continuity: #149
— Carolina is 7-0 at home this season.
— Tar Heels have #271 eFG%, turn ball over 20.3% of time (#241)
— Carolina is grabbing 39.5% of its missed shots (#2).

— North Carolina is 6-4 vs Louisville in ACC meetings.
— Cardinals lost two of last three visits to Chapel Hill.

Arizona @ USC
Arizona (14-8, 8-8)
— ranked #45 by KenPom
— Tempo: #201
— Experience: #307
— Continuity: #329
— Arizona lost five of their last seven games.
— Wildcats lost last three road games, by 15-3-14 points.
— Arizona is shooting 37.5% on the arc (#34)

USC (18-3, 12-2)
— ranked #11 by KenPom
— Tempo: #193
— Experience: #193
— Continuity: #322
— USC won seven in row, 12 of last 13 games.
— Trojans won their six Pac-12 home games, five by 13+ points.
— USC has #5 eFG% defense in country.

— USC won 87-73 in Tucson January 7
— Trojans won four of last five series games.
— Arizona lost last two visits here, 80-57/57-48.

Colorado @ Oregon State
Colorado (16-7, 10-6)
— ranked #17 by KenPom
— Tempo: #265
— Experience: #31
— Continuity: #90
— Colorado lost last two games, scoring 62-56 points.
— Buffaloes lost three of their last five road games.
— Colorado is #1 in country on foul line (82.5%).

Oregon State (11-10, 7-8)
— ranked #107 by KenPom
— Tempo: #305
— Experience: #81
— Continuity: #61
— Home side won Beavers’ last nine games.
— Oregon State is shooting 44.7% inside arc (#316)
— Beavers are getting 22% of their points on foul line (#32)

— Beavers got whacked 78-49 in Boulder February 8.
— Teams split last six series games.
— Teams also split last six meetings played here.

Virginia @ Duke
Virginia (15-4, 11-2)
— ranked #10 by KenPom
— Tempo: #357
— Experience: #123
— Continuity: #162
— Cavaliers won four of their last five games.
— Virginia split its last four road games.
— Virginia is shooting 39.8% on the arc (#9)

Duke (9-8, 7-6)
— ranked #30 by KenPom
— Tempo: #159
— Experience: #344
— Continuity: #250
— Duke won its last two games, giving up 53-60 points.
— Blue Devils lost last two home games, at UNC/Notre Dame.
— Duke has #54 eFG% in country (35.7% on arc, #83)

— Teams split last four series games.
— Virginia lost nine of its last ten visits to Durham.

Arizona State @ UCLA
Arizona State (7-10, 4-7)
— ranked #99 by KenPom
— Tempo: #19
— Experience: #147
— Continuity: #141
— ASU lost last three road games, 1-13-18 points.
— Sun Devils’ last four wins were all by 4 or fewer points.
— ASU is forcing turnovers 21.6% of the time (#52)

UCLA (15-5, 11-3)
— ranked #40 by KenPom
— Tempo: #335
— Experience: #266
— Continuity: #17
— UCLA won all ten of its home games this season.
— Bruins split their last six games overall.
— Four of their last five wins were by 5 or fewer points.

— UCLA beat Arizona State 81-75 in OT in Tempe January 7.
— ASU won four of last six series games.
— Sun Devils lost eight of last nine visits to Westwood.

Monmouth @ Iona
Monmouth (10-6, 10-5)
— ranked #183 by KenPom
— Tempo: #3
— Experience: #66
— Continuity: #41
— Hawks won seven of their last nine games.
— Monmouth is shooting 37.9% on arc (#30).
— Monmouth lost four of its last six road games.

Iona (7-5, 5-3)
— ranked #217 by KenPom
— Tempo: #156
— Experience: #198
— Continuity: #282
— Iona is turning ball over 22.6% of time (#321)
— Gaels won three of their five home games this season.
— Iona is grabbing 32.0% of its missed shots (#57)

— Iona was up 20 at half, hung on for 91-86 win here last night.
— Monmouth won six of last ten series games.
— Hawks won four of last six visits to New Rochelle.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

603MICHIGAN ST -604 INDIANA
INDIANA is 55-28 ATS (24.2 Units) in home games versus good passing teams, averaging >=16 assists/game since 1997.

605GEORGIA TECH -606 MIAMI
MIAMI is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in home games versus teams who are called for 17 or less fouls/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.

605GEORGIA TECH -606 MIAMI
MIAMI is 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in home games off 2 straight losses against conference rivals over the last 2 seasons.

607SIENA -608 NIAGARA
Greg Paulus is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) in home games after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread (Coach of NIAGARA)

607SIENA -608 NIAGARA
NIAGARA is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) in home games after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread over the last 2 seasons.

607SIENA -608 NIAGARA
NIAGARA is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game over the last 2 seasons.

609UCF -610 TULANE
TULANE is 8-24 ATS (-18.4 Units) in home games versus poor passing teams, averaging <=12 assists/game after 15+ games since 1997.

611LASALLE -612 ST JOSEPHS
ST JOSEPHS are 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) after playing a game as an underdog in the last 3 seasons.

613CONNECTICUT -614 VILLANOVA
CONNECTICUT is 11-1 ATS (9.9 Units) versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=18 free throws/game over the last 2 seasons.

615WOFFORD -616 W CAROLINA
W CAROLINA is 3-10 ATS (-8 Units) versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=18 free throws/game in the current season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

523GOLDEN STATE -524 CHARLOTTE
GOLDEN STATE is 27-44 ATS (-21.4 Units) after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games in the last 3 seasons.

525PHOENIX -526 MEMPHIS
PHOENIX is 14-3 ATS (10.7 Units) in road games revenging a same season loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.

529SACRAMENTO -530 CHICAGO
CHICAGO is 10-28 ATS (-20.8 Units) in home games versus poor pressure defensive teams - forcing <=14 turnovers/game in the last 3 seasons.

531MIAMI -532 LA LAKERS
LA LAKERS are 23-46 ATS (-27.6 Units) in non-conference games in the last 3 seasons.

533WASHINGTON -534 PORTLAND
WASHINGTON is 18-39 ATS (-24.9 Units) in road games versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting <=24 free throws/game in the last 3 seasons.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Saturday, February 20

Golden State @ Charlotte
Warriors (16-14)
— Golden State won four of its last six games.
— Warriors are 3-2 ATS in last five road games.
— Three of their last four games went over.

Hornets (13-15)
— Charlotte hasn’t played since Sunday.
— Charlotte lost four of its last seven games.
— Hornets are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight home games.
— Under is 3-2 in Charlotte’s last five games.

— Teams split last six series games.
— Warriors covered four of last five visits to Charlotte.
— Eight of last nine series games stayed under.

Miami @ LA Lakers
Heat (12-17)
— Miami lost three of its last four games, giving up 117.2 ppg.
— Heat is 6-9 ATS on the road this season.
— Over is 3-0 in their last three games.

Lakers (22-8)
— Lakers are 8-2 SU in last ten games, 2-5 ATS in last seven.
— Lakers are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 home games.
— Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

— Lakers won eight of last ten series games.
— Miami is 3-2 ATS in last five series games played here.
— Under is 7-3 in last ten series games.

Sacramento @ Chicago
Kings (12-16)
— Sacramento lost its last five games, by 8-11-14-11-8 points.
— Kings covered their last five road games.
— Over is 13-3 in their last 16 home games.

Bulls (12-16)
— Chicago is 5-5 in its last ten games SU.
— Bulls are 2-6-1 ATS in last nine home games.
— Over is 7-3 in their last ten games overall.

— Sacramento won six of last seven series games.
— Kings are 4-0-1 ATS in last five visits to Chicago.
— Three of last four series games went over.

Phoenix @ Memphis
Suns (18-10)
— Phoenix won/covered 10 of its last 12 games.
— Suns are 8-4 ATS on the road this season.
— Over is 5-1 in their last six games.

Grizzlies (13-12)
— Memphis won four of its last six games.
— Grizzlies are 6-7-1 ATS at home this season.
— Over is 9-2-1 in their last 12 games.

— Memphis won seven of last eight series games.
— Suns are 2-4 ATS in last six visits to Tennessee.
— Last five series games stayed under the total.

Washington @ Portland
Wizards (9-17)
— Wizards won their last three games overall.
— Washington is 2-5 ATS in last seven road games.
— Under is 6-1 in Wizards’ last seven road games.

Trailblazers (18-10)
— Portland won nine of last 11 games, covered 10 of last 12.
— Blazers won/covered their last three home games.
— Over is 11-4 in Portland’s last 15 games.
— Starting G McCollum/C Nurkic are both out

— Blazers won/covered last four games.
— Washington is 3-2 ATS in last five visits to Portland.
— Over is 7-3 in last ten series games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA

Saturday, February 20

Trend Report

Golden State @ Charlotte
Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 5 games when playing Charlotte
Golden State is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Charlotte
Charlotte
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing Golden State
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Charlotte's last 5 games when playing at home against Golden State

Miami @ LA Lakers
Miami
Miami is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing LA Lakers
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Miami's last 13 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers
LA Lakers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
LA Lakers is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing Miami

Sacramento @ Chicago
Sacramento
Sacramento is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Sacramento's last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing at home against Sacramento
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Sacramento

Phoenix @ Memphis
Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 5 games when playing Memphis
Phoenix is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Memphis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Memphis's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Memphis's last 7 games

Washington @ Portland
Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Washington's last 14 games when playing Portland
Portland
Portland is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
Portland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GOLDEN STATE (16 - 14) at CHARLOTTE (13 - 15) - 2/20/2021, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHARLOTTE is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
CHARLOTTE is 204-255 ATS (-76.5 Units) in non-conference games since 1996.
CHARLOTTE is 68-96 ATS (-37.6 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHARLOTTE is 2-2 against the spread versus GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
CHARLOTTE is 2-2 straight up against GOLDEN STATE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHOENIX (18 - 10) at MEMPHIS (13 - 12) - 2/20/2021, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MEMPHIS is 70-47 ATS (+18.3 Units) in home games when playing on back-to-back days since 1996.
MEMPHIS is 185-141 ATS (+29.9 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1996.
PHOENIX is 22-9 ATS (+12.1 Units) in road games revenging a loss vs opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-0 ATS (+10.0 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 28-16 ATS (+10.4 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MEMPHIS is 6-2 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
MEMPHIS is 6-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SACRAMENTO (12 - 16) at CHICAGO (12 - 16) - 2/20/2021, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SACRAMENTO is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
SACRAMENTO is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 34-53 ATS (-24.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 50-76 ATS (-33.6 Units) in home games against Pacific division opponents since 1996.
CHICAGO is 146-195 ATS (-68.5 Units) in home games in non-conference games since 1996.
CHICAGO is 23-43 ATS (-24.3 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SACRAMENTO is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SACRAMENTO is 4-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAMI (12 - 17) at LA LAKERS (22 - 8) - 2/20/2021, 8:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MIAMI is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) in all games this season.
MIAMI is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) after scoring 115 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 7-16 ATS (-10.6 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game this season.
LA LAKERS are 23-46 ATS (-27.6 Units) in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
LA LAKERS are 182-228 ATS (-68.8 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 5-4 against the spread versus LA LAKERS over the last 3 seasons
LA LAKERS is 8-2 straight up against MIAMI over the last 3 seasons
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (9 - 17) at PORTLAND (18 - 10) - 2/20/2021, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in road games after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 146-190 ATS (-63.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1996.
WASHINGTON is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) in road games after allowing 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) in road games after scoring 115 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 24-47 ATS (-27.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 106+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in road games versus good offensive teams - scoring 106+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PORTLAND is 4-1 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
PORTLAND is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[Can'tPickAWinner]

1BUFFALO -2 NEW JERSEY
NEW JERSEY is 0-10 ATS (-11 Units) in home games when playing 5 or less games in 14 days in the last 3 seasons.

3VEGAS -4 COLORADO
COLORADO is 17-11 ATS (12.2 Units) in road games against good teams - outscoring their opponents by 0.3+ goals/game in the last 3 seasons.

5NY ISLANDERS -6 PITTSBURGH
NY ISLANDERS are 32-19 ATS (11.1 Units) in road games vs. division opponents in the last 3 seasons.

7TORONTO -8 MONTREAL
MONTREAL is 15-27 ATS (-25.1 Units) in home games against mistake free teams - opponents average <=4 power plays/game over the last 2 seasons.

9NY RANGERS -10 WASHINGTON
NY RANGERS are 17-8 ATS (16 Units) in road games against poor defensive teams - >=29 shots on goal, convert >=17% pp over the last 2 seasons.

11NASHVILLE -12 COLUMBUS
NASHVILLE is 1-9 ATS (-12.4 Units) when playing against a marginal losing team (Win Pct. 40% to 49%) in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

13CHICAGO -14 CAROLINA
CHICAGO is 212-201 ATS (37.2 Units) when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 75%) since 1996.

15LOS ANGELES -16 ARIZONA
LOS ANGELES are 13-40 ATS (-31 Units) in road games after playing a road game in the last 3 seasons.

17SAN JOSE -18 ST LOUIS
SAN JOSE is 130-100 ATS (20 Units) in road games after failing to cover 4 or 5 of their last 6 against the spread since 1996.

21MINNESOTA -22 ANAHEIM
ANAHEIM is 6-20 ATS (-16 Units) in home games after 2 or more consecutive unders in the last 3 seasons.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, February 20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BUFFALO (4-7-0-2, 10 pts.) at NEW JERSEY (6-3-0-2, 14 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
BUFFALO is 0-11 ATS (+16.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is 5.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BUFFALO is 8-20 ATS (+31.1 Units) after a loss by 2 goals or more in their previous game over the last 2 seasons.
NEW JERSEY is 18-12 ATS (+35.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
BUFFALO is 4-3 (+0.6 Units) against the spread versus NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
BUFFALO is 4-3-0 straight up against NEW JERSEY over the last 3 seasons
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+2.7 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VEGAS (10-3-0-1, 21 pts.) vs. COLORADO (8-4-0-1, 17 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 3:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VEGAS is 2-8 ATS (-11.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 206-179 ATS (+26.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-3 (+2.4 Units) against the spread versus VEGAS over the last 3 seasons
COLORADO is 5-3-0 straight up against VEGAS over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.6 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY ISLANDERS (8-5-0-3, 19 pts.) at PITTSBURGH (8-6-0-1, 17 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY ISLANDERS are 32-19 ATS (+51.9 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
NY ISLANDERS are 104-114 ATS (+255.1 Units) in road games after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.
NY ISLANDERS are 54-53 ATS (+125.0 Units) in road games after playing 3 consecutive road games since 1996.
PITTSBURGH is 27-29 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY ISLANDERS is 9-5 (+6.4 Units) against the spread versus PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
NY ISLANDERS is 9-5-0 straight up against PITTSBURGH over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (13-3-0-2, 28 pts.) at MONTREAL (9-4-0-2, 20 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 27-16 ATS (+10.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
MONTREAL is 15-23 ATS (-10.9 Units) in a home game where the total is 6 or more over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 34-46 ATS (-29.8 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1996.
MONTREAL is 8-14 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
MONTREAL is 8-15 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MONTREAL is 5-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
MONTREAL is 5-5-0 straight up against TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.6 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NY RANGERS (5-7-0-3, 13 pts.) at WASHINGTON (8-4-0-3, 19 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NY RANGERS are 12-26 ATS (+43.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 20-26 ATS (-23.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 5-3 (+1.1 Units) against the spread versus NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 5-3-0 straight up against NY RANGERS over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.5 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NASHVILLE (6-10-0-0, 12 pts.) at COLUMBUS (8-6-0-4, 20 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NASHVILLE is 42-47 ATS (-26.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 19-22 ATS (-19.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 10-15 ATS (-16.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record in the first half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NASHVILLE is 224-192 ATS (+27.8 Units) after scoring 1 goal or less in their previous game since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLUMBUS is 3-3-0 straight up against NASHVILLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+1.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO (9-5-0-4, 22 pts.) at CAROLINA (10-3-0-1, 21 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CAROLINA is 5-1 (+3.3 Units) against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CAROLINA is 5-1-0 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOS ANGELES (6-6-0-3, 15 pts.) at ARIZONA (7-6-0-3, 17 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ARIZONA is 12-26 ATS (+38.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 4-4 (+1.7 Units) against the spread versus ARIZONA over the last 3 seasons
ARIZONA is 4-4-0 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+6.1 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN JOSE (6-7-0-2, 14 pts.) at ST LOUIS (10-5-0-2, 22 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN JOSE is 106-95 ATS (+214.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the first half of the season since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 9-5 (+2.8 Units) against the spread versus SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
ST LOUIS is 9-5-0 straight up against SAN JOSE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+0.9 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (7-6-0-0, 14 pts.) at ANAHEIM (6-8-0-3, 15 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ANAHEIM is 314-254 ATS (+57.5 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 472-490 ATS (-20.6 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record since 1996.
ANAHEIM is 6-21 ATS (+30.0 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ANAHEIM is 4-5 (+0.3 Units) against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 5-4-0 straight up against ANAHEIM over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.1 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CALGARY (8-7-0-1, 17 pts.) at EDMONTON (10-8-0-0, 20 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 10:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CALGARY is 6-3 (+1.5 Units) against the spread versus EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
CALGARY is 6-3-0 straight up against EDMONTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+3.8 Units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLORIDA (10-2-0-2, 22 pts.) at DETROIT (4-11-0-3, 11 pts.) - 2/20/2021, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 21-68 ATS (-81.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 330-322 ATS (-303.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1996.
DETROIT is 14-50 ATS (+101.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
FLORIDA is 9-2 (+4.5 Units) against the spread versus DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
FLORIDA is 9-2-0 straight up against DETROIT over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Under=+2.5 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Saturday, February 20

Trend Report

Buffalo @ New Jersey
Buffalo
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Buffalo's last 5 games when playing New Jersey
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Buffalo's last 7 games when playing on the road against New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games at home

NY Rangers @ Washington
NY Rangers
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of NY Rangers's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Rangers's last 7 games
Washington
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Rangers
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games at home

Vegas @ Colorado
Vegas
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Vegas's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Vegas's last 5 games
Colorado
Colorado is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Colorado is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Vegas

Florida @ Detroit
Florida
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Florida's last 5 games
Florida is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games when playing Florida

Nashville @ Columbus
Nashville
Nashville is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games when playing Columbus
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Nashville's last 11 games when playing Columbus
Columbus
Columbus is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games
Columbus is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home

NY Islanders @ Pittsburgh
NY Islanders
NY Islanders is 8-1 ATS in its last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of NY Islanders's last 13 games on the road
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing NY Islanders

Los Angeles @ Arizona
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Arizona
Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Arizona's last 5 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

Toronto @ Montreal
Toronto
Toronto is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games
Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 5 games
Montreal is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Toronto

San Jose @ St. Louis
San Jose
San Jose is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
San Jose is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis
St. Louis
St. Louis is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing San Jose
St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against San Jose

Tampa Bay @ Carolina
Tampa Bay
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
Tampa Bay is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Carolina
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Carolina's last 5 games
Carolina is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home

Minnesota @ Anaheim
Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Anaheim
Anaheim
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Anaheim's last 10 games at home
Anaheim is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota

Calgary @ Edmonton
Calgary
Calgary is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Edmonton
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Calgary's last 5 games on the road
Edmonton
Edmonton is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Edmonton's last 6 games

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Tampa Bay Downs



Tampa Bay Downs - Race 6

Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 minimum) / Superfecta ($.10 minimum) Pick 3 ($.50 minimum) (Races 6-7-8) / Pick 4 ($.50 minimum) (Races 6-7-8-9) Super High 5



Claiming $8,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 4 and up • CR: 82 • Purse: $17,100 • Post: 2:43P


FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE DECEMBER 20 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000, FOR EACH $500 TO $7,000 1 LB. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $6,250 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED) (REGISTERED FLORIDA BREDS PREFERRED).





Contenders


Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Lone Front-runner. U KNOW I B LION is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * BUSTIN HEARTS: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. NOBLE INTENTIONS: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" design ation. PASSION'S IMAGE: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. OPPENHEIMER: Horse racing off a layoff of 90+ days and horse has run well in the past in its first and/or second starts after a long layo ff. U KNOW I B LION: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.



5

BUSTIN HEARTS

2/1


6/1




3

NOBLE INTENTIONS

10/1


6/1




2

PASSION'S IMAGE

6/1


8/1




7

OPPENHEIMER

8/1


8/1




1

U KNOW I B LION

4/1


8/1
























P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




1

U KNOW I B LION

1


4/1

Front-runner

78


74


68.4


64.8


54.8




5

BUSTIN HEARTS

5


2/1

Stalker

85


78


73.4


74.4


70.9




6

LIGHTS DOWN LOW

6


3/1

Stalker

80


69


65.8


72.6


65.1




3

NOBLE INTENTIONS

3


10/1

Alternator/Stalker

82


79


88.4


73.0


68.0




7

OPPENHEIMER

7


8/1

Alternator/Stalker

85


79


70.8


71.8


64.8




2

PASSION'S IMAGE

2


6/1

Alternator/Stalker

82


79


49.6


71.6


64.6




4

TALE OF V K

4


8/1

Alternator/Non-contender

71


64


68.8


58.6


45.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Saudi Cup



Saudi Cup - Race 8

Win / Place / Show / Omni / Exacta / Trifecta ($.50 min) / Superfecta ($.10 min)



Stakes • 1 1/8 Miles • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 118 • Purse: 20,000,000 • Post: 12:40


SAUDI CUP S. - FOR NORTHERN HEMISPHERE BRED, FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS, AND SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE BRED, THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARDS.





Contenders


Race Analysis




P#

Horse

Morn
Line


Accept
Odds





Race Type: Lone Trailer. MAX PLAYER is the Lone Trailer of the race, but has been deemed a non-contender due to a low Platinum Figure or other overall low ratings. * KEY ANGLES * KNICKS GO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. MILIT ARY LAW (GB): Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. CHUWA WIZARD (JPN): Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. CHARLATAN: Horse 's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. SLEEPY EYES TODD: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.



8

KNICKS GO

5/2


5/1




10

MILITARY LAW (GB)

12/1


6/1




4

CHUWA WIZARD (JPN)

15/1


6/1




3

CHARLATAN

7/5


9/1




13

SLEEPY EYES TODD

20/1


10/1
























P#


Horse (In Running Style Order)


Post


Morn
Line


Running Style


Good
Class


Good
Speed


Early Figure


Finish Figure


Platinum
Figure




8

KNICKS GO

5


5/2

Front-runner

115


115


108.6


107.2


98.2




3

CHARLATAN

9


7/5

Front-runner

106


111


99.9


101.9


90.9




14

TACITUS

7


15/1

Stalker

111


108


98.4


108.4


100.4




13

SLEEPY EYES TODD

8


20/1

Stalker

111


109


95.2


106.4


96.4




9

MAX PLAYER

4


20/1

Trailer

108


102


91.0


100.6


80.1























Unknown Running Style: CHUWA WIZARD (JPN) (15/1) [Jockey: Tosaki Keita - Trainer: Okubo Ryuji], BANGKOK (IRE) (30/1) [Jockey: Moore Ryan L - Trainer: Balding Andrew], GREAT SCOT (GB) (50/1) [Jockey: Alfouraidi Adel - Trainer: Mushrif Abdullah], GLOBA

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Aqueduct

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

Race 7 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $72000 Class Rating: 83

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $13,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING OR STARTER ALLOWED 3 LBS.




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



https://www.trackmaster.com/images/wg.gif


# 8 ELOQUENT SPEAKER 2/1




# 3 MORE GLITTER 4/1




# 6 SHESASUPERFREAK 8/1




ELOQUENT SPEAKER looks strong to best this field. Looks strong to be on or close to the front end at the first call. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this animal look very strong in this race. Should be carefully examined based on the quite good speed figure recorded in the last contest. MORE GLITTER - Will more than likely be one of the front-runners of the bunch going into the halfway point of the affair. Win percentage with this jock and trainer combo - 39 percent - sound.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Aqueduct

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

Race 7 - Allowance - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $72000 Class Rating: 83

FOR FILLIES AND MARES FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $13,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE OTHER THAN CLAIMING OR STARTER ALLOWED 3 LBS.




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



https://www.trackmaster.com/images/wg.gif


# 8 ELOQUENT SPEAKER 2/1




# 3 MORE GLITTER 4/1




# 6 SHESASUPERFREAK 8/1




ELOQUENT SPEAKER looks strong to best this field. Looks strong to be on or close to the front end at the first call. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this animal look very strong in this race. Should be carefully examined based on the quite good speed figure recorded in the last contest. MORE GLITTER - Will more than likely be one of the front-runners of the bunch going into the halfway point of the affair. Win percentage with this jock and trainer combo - 39 percent - sound.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Los Alamitos (Quarter Horse)

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

Race 7 - Maiden - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $8100 Class Rating: 77

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.




RECOMMENDED CHOICES



https://www.trackmaster.com/images/wg.gif


# 7 RELENTLESS TIMES 3/1




# 3 CLEAN UP MAN 2/1




# 4 BODHI 3/1




I think RELENTLESS TIMES is a strong choice. Boasts solid speed figures on average overall when compared with the rest of this group. Put up a very good speed fig last time out. Has to be considered versus this group of horses in this race displaying very good figures recently and an average speed fig of 78 under similar conditions. CLEAN UP MAN - Looks quite good against this field and ought to be one of the early speedsters. The Equibase Speed Figure of 74 from his latest race looks solid in here. BODHI - Robbins has one of the most respectable winning percentages in this group of horses with entries running at this distance and surface. Will probably go to the lead and may never look back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts




https://www.trackmaster.com/images/bar.gif

Golden Hour Wagers - Race #3 - Post: 4:52pm - Allowance - 6.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $63,000 Class Rating: 104

Rating: https://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpg

#2 COAST OF ROAN (ML=4/1)
#1 CRUEL INTENTION (ML=5/2)
#11 JETOVATOR (ML=8/1)
#6 SOUTHERN HORSE (ARG) (ML=6/1)


COAST OF ROAN - This gelding is very reliable, frequently finishing in the money. Garnered a nice turf figure on January 24th at Santa Anita. A repeat today, and this one has a great shot to win. O'Neill brings him right back. I propose you stick with this hot gelding. CRUEL INTENTION - Solid average class rating on this horse. Should have the ability to run well on the turf. Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a sharp contest in the last race within the last month. JETOVATOR - Don't often see a lucrative return on investment like +28. This jockey/conditioner duo has done well together over the last 12 months. Look for this one to go straight to the winner's circle at some decent odds today. Ran sixth in last race, but not more than five from the lead at the wire. SOUTHERN HORSE (ARG) - This horse gets shipped over here after showing signs of class at a major foreign track. A good sign in my opinion. Entered the TRM Waterford Testimonial at CUR last out and raced on the soft turf finishing eighth. Have to give a better effort in today's race. Sadler adds Lasix to this one today. I'd look for a significant improvement. Should do well in today's race. Weight shift of -10 from October 15th race at CUR.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 BEST CHANCE (ML=6/1), #10 PSYCHO DAR (ML=6/1), #8 SYMPHONIC (ML=8/1),

BEST CHANCE - Unlikely that the speed rating he recorded on Jan 17th will be good enough in this race. PSYCHO DAR - Should have at least hit the board in the last 60 days in a sprint event to be worth a shot at minimal odds in a sprint. The tenth place result in the last race was not that great. Finished tenth in his most recent race with a somewhat easily forgotten speed figure. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to score after that in this group. SYMPHONIC - This vulnerable equine ran a mediocre speed rating last time out. He shouldn't run much better and will probably lose in today's race running that fig.






STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #11 JETOVATOR to win if you can get at least 7/1 odds

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts




https://www.trackmaster.com/images/bar.gif

Laurel - Race #1 - Post: 12:25pm - Claiming - 9.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 66

Rating: https://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttps://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpghttps://www.trackmaster.com/images/golden.jpg

#7 MANICOMIO (ML=5/2)
#3 IMAGINE WINNING (ML=9/2)


MANICOMIO - The last time he tried this distance he got a fig good enough to win this contest. This jockey and handler's horses have been producing a favorable ROI. Taking a class drop in class rating points from his January 2nd race at Laurel. Based on that valuable data, I will give this horse the edge. This gelding is uppermost in earnings per start (EPS). Check out this animal before the race. IMAGINE WINNING - Stretching a racer out to a route after two sprints is a classic conditioning maneuver.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 WATCHTHEBOURBON (ML=3/1), #6 GOTTAWAY (ML=5/1), #5 ROOF TOP BAR (ML=6/1),

WATCHTHEBOURBON - Really had to show me more than that last race out. Never made much of an impact. GOTTAWAY - Equibase speed figures tell a tale of deteriorating form. ROOF TOP BAR - This gelding raced well on January 18th finishing first, but hasn't even visited the track since then. Not really a good sign. When checking today's class figure, he will have to earn a much better speed rating than last out to compete in this dirt route.

https://www.trackmaster.com/images/tophat.jpgGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - MANICOMIO - My data says you can ignore the last race at Laurel. Contested in the mud, this gelding obviously didn't take to the going.







STRAIGHT WAGERS:

Bet on #7 MANICOMIO to win if you can get at least 8/5 odds



EXACTA WAGERS:

Box [3,7]



TRIFECTA WAGERS:

7 with 3 with [1,5,6] Total Cost: $3



SUPERFECTA WAGERS:

Pass



SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:

[3,7] with [3,7] with [1,5,6,8] with [1,5,6,8] with [1,5,6,8] Total Cost: $48

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Fair Grounds



02/20/21, FG, Race 2, 1.29 CT
02/20/21,FG,2,1M 70Y [Dirt] 1:41:00 CLAIMING. Purse $20,000 (includes up to $4,000 Other Sources) (plus up to $3,000 ALBSS-Accredited LA Bred Slot Supplement). FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE AUGUST 20, 2020. Weight, 123 lbs. Non-winners of a race at a mile or over since January 20 Allowed 3 lbs. Claiming Price $5,000 (Accredited Louisiana BredRaces For $5,000 Or Less Not Considered In Eligibility).
. . . .
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the Occurs, WPC, and ROI to be valid.


Rating
P#
Horse Name
M/L
Jockey
Trainer
Flags
Occurs
WPC
ROI


100.0000
8
Wrath
5/1
Hernandez C J
Gonzalez Isai V.
FL
347
36.89
1.22/$1


097.0556
7
Run Tappy
7/2
Graham J
Klanfer Alan
JSC
347
36.89
1.22/$1


096.1242
2
Laddie Boy
9/5
Saez G
Sharp Joe
E
202
43.07
1.40/$1


095.9400
6
Lead Star
8/1
Sanjur S
Rodriguez Eduardo
W
347
36.89
1.22/$1


095.2059
9
Thetrashmanscoming
8/1
Murrill M
Gonzalez Isai V.


347
36.89
1.22/$1


095.2043
3
Good Intent
8/1
Beschizza A
Cowan Jon M.


347
36.89
1.22/$1


093.5517
4
Pops Legacy
8/1
Kellenberger K
Charles Keith


347
36.89
1.22/$1


092.8337
1
Over Funded
20/1
Chavez O
Pennino Frank


347
36.89
1.22/$1


091.3959
5
Go for Moonshine
15/1
Saez S
Richards Corale A.


347
36.89
1.22/$1


Top rated horse with "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - WPC 24.56, ROI 0.76/$1
Rating gap to 2nd horse -2.9444
[Category]Condition
[AllCategories]RaceDistanceRoute

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Eddie Olczyk's Saturday Best Bets for Feb. 20

February 19, 2021 | By Eddie Olczyk

NBC Sports handicapper Eddie Olczyk has been heating up in February and provides a pair of key plays Saturday at Gulfstream and Santa Anita. Follow Edzo’s plays each week –

//

Gulfstream Park

Race 9 // 4:12 pm ET // claiming // 1 mile (turf)

#9 Auburn Hills (12-1 ML)

I am thinking he needed his last after a 3-month layoff, making a middle move and tiring. Palace Malice gelding drops in class while making key second start off of the layoff. Distance is no problem and value is there at anywhere near the morning line. Win-place bet.

Santa Anita

Race 7 // 6:46 pm ET // Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes // 1 mile (turf)

#6 Sedamar (8-1 ML)

Big-time pace play could trip out in the stakes feature. She gets plenty of speed to chase and seems to be on the improve. In the Megahertz Stakes last time out, she closed into a slow pace and still managed second. She’ll get more pace to help her today. Big win bet.

//

Last Saturday’s 2 spot plays netted a pair of winners, including Howbeit ($15) at Santa Anita. Let’s hope to keep a bit of a roll going with 3 scores in the last 4 spot plays. Good luck this weekend!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Saudi Cup Picks + Quigley Hits Prices in Beat the Host

February 18, 2021 | By Johnny D

Santa Anita’s Tom Quigley hit on 2 of 10 Beat the Host picks Saturday but posted a strong $75.50 total based on payoffs for $5 Win wagers. In Santa Anita’s third race, Quigley correctly tabbed Capper ($9.80) and later added Merneith ($20.40) in the eighth race. It’s the fourth time in six weeks a host has posted a flat-bet profit.

The top three players from this week’s action are David Bernat ($177.50), Peter Grau ($175.50) and Kyle Newcomb ($156). They collect $1,000, $750 and $250, respectively.

Pacesetters in the race for seasonal cumulative earner honors shifted this week as Adam Haskins assumes command over Randy Bird $448.50 to $440. Maria Cimino is next with $434.50. Peter Grau ($426.50), Craig Yoshino ($425) and Andrew Ma ($400) round out the top six that are separated by a mere $48.50.

By comparison, hosts this season have compiled a respectable $349.50 in cumulative earnings. If eligible, that total would rank 16th overall in the race for seasonal cumulative earnings. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Gulfstream’s Ron Nicoletti leads all hosts with $82.50 in weekly earnings, just $2 better than the total produced by Santa Anita’s Millie Ball in week 2. Quigley’s Saturday total is third best, so far, at $75.50.

Two hosts remain in weekly Beat the Host play, with Gulfstream’s Acacia Courtney at the plate Saturday. NBC Sports analyst Eddie Olcyzk handles the anchor lap.

If you haven’t already played Beat the Host this season, what the heck are you waiting for? All it takes to play is a ‘live’ $5 Win wager on one horse in each of 10 competition races. If your earnings exceed the hosts, you qualify for the Beat the Host Championship Round. If your earnings are in the top 3 of all players that week, you earn a share of $2,000. And, here’s the best part, since Beat the Host competition wagers are ‘live,’ you get to keep what you win. Pick a few winners and you’re ahead for the day without winning a prize!

Saturday’s Gr. 2 Risen Star Stakes really didn’t deliver much Kentucky Derby insight except for enhancing the budding Brad Cox legend. His charge Mandaloun turned the tables on Midnight Bourbon and Proxy, the duo in front of him in the Gr. 3 Lecomte in January. Mandaloun wore blinkers for the first time in the Risen Star and a :59 4/5 workout over a ‘good’ track had him tight. All angles considered, there doesn’t seem to be too much between the trio. Therefore, none of these appear to be Derby winner’s circle threats at this time.

Originally, in this space, the idea was to provide horse-by-horse, in-depth handicapping analysis of all major Kentucky Derby prep races. However, Mother Nature has forced the folks in Hot Springs, Arkansas to postpone the Southwest Stakes until next Saturday. That leaves this weekend without a US-based major 3-year-old stakes race.

No worries. If we can adapt to a worldwide pandemic, we certainly can handle a spell of freezing temperatures in the southern states.

Saturday, conveniently, they just happen to be running what’s billed as the ‘World’s Most Valuable Horse Race’ at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s the $20 million Saudi Cup--center jewel of a desert evening card that includes 31 Group and Grade 1 winners chasing a total of $30.5 million. There’s also a Friday card that includes eight races--four as part of an International Jockey Challenge.

Saturday’s action begins at 4 pm local time, which is 8 a.m. Eastern. The Saudi Cup is scheduled for 12:40 pm ET. As we’ve experienced over decades of Dubai racing for breakfast, money won in the morning spends just as well as money won in the afternoon.

Below is one man’s horse-by-horse opinion of the $20 million Saudi Cup field and recommended play:

First, some things you should know:


This is a one-turn, about one mile and one-eighth dirt race.

Most European runners are not used to racing on dirt. They could shy from kickback, not be comfortable with the quicker pace and be a bit long-fused for a one-turn dirt race.

In last year’s inaugural running of this race, US-based horses occupied four of the first five finishing positions. Godophin’s Dubai-based Benbatal was third.


Odds below are from William Hill as posted at oddschecker.com Thursday morning ET.

#1 CHUWA WIZARD (JPN) - Okubo/Tosaki - Japan - 10/1

This 6-year-old horse was the Japan Racing Association’s dirt champion of 2020 and won the 2020 Grade 1 Champions Cup last out. That’s a qualifying race for the Saudi Cup. To make an impression in this field he’ll need to run much better than he ever has. It is noteworthy that his price (10-1) at William Hill on Thursday morning (according to oddschecker.com) is way less than one would expect. Is this ‘smart’ money or just ‘fans’ of Japanese racing getting down on their favorite son? We’ll Pass.

#2 BANGKOK (IRE) - Balding/Moore - England - 33/1

This 5-year-old is fit—having just won the mile and one-quarter Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield Feb. 6. Fitness is a critical handicapping factor to yours truly and his recency may help but he’s not close to being of this quality. This will be his first start on dirt, but he has handled synthetics at Lingfield and Wolverhampton. Jockey Ryan Moore is world class, but he’ll need to be a Houdini-level magician to pull off an upset here. Pass.

#3 GREAT SCOT (GB) - Mushrif/Alfouraidi - Saudi Arabia - 50/1

This 5-year-old returns to the scene of the crime—he finished 12th of 14 in this race last year—and may be victimized again. The good news is that he doesn’t have to travel. He’s playing a ‘home’ game while the rest of the field is ‘away.’ That could be the only edge he has and that just isn’t enough. Pass.

#4 MAX PLAYER (USA) - Asmussen/Rispol - United States - 25/1

Winning the Saudi Cup would be a great way to snap a drought. 4-year-old Max Player hasn’t won a race since the 2020 Gr. 3 Withers, when trained by Linda Rice. He has two wins in 7 starts and was third in the Gr. 1 Belmont and Gr. 1 Travers, as well as fifth in the Gr. 1 Kentucky Derby and Gr. 1 Preakness. The Saudi Cup will be his first race since Old Hilltop. Trainer Asmussen just missed winning this race last year when mare Midnight Bisou’s late charge fell just short of a resilient Maximum Security. FYI…Asmussen actually may end up ‘winning’ the inaugural Saudi Cup because the first-place purse is still withheld pending the conclusion of a trial for Jason Servis Maximum Security’s former trainer. Strangely, Midnight Bisou’s odds of ‘winning’ the Saudi Cup actually may be better than Max Player’s. Bottom of Exotics Only.

#5 KNICKS GO (USA) - Cox/Rosario - United States - 3/1

Owned by Korea Racing Authority, this 5-year-old grey son of Paynter won the Gr. 1 Pegasus Cup last out in wire-to-wire fashion and is expected to go the lead again in here. He’s drawn inside #9 Charlatan, the other speed horse in the race. Jockey Rosario will want to have the lead and to save ground inside. At some point, #9 Charlatan will come calling and that will be when the 2021 Saudi Cup will be decided. Can Knicks Go turn back the challenge and register his fifth consecutive victory and seventh overall, or will he succumb to #9 Charlatan’s bid? Among other Knicks Go successes are two record-setting runs at Keeneland and the BC Dirt Mile. He’s won 6 of 18 races and over $3 million. Trainer Brad Cox currently is the hottest conditioner in the nation. Can he extend that domination to Saudi Arabia? Win Contender.

#6 GLOBAL GIANT (GB) - Gosden/Dettori - England - 25/1

If you like #11 Simsir, then you’ve got to give this 6-year-old a gander. He finished second to #11 Simsir in the Bahrain Trophy after breaking slowly and finishing well late. He’s got the world-famous combination of trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori on his side, but he might need a bit more than that. He’ll be switching from Bahrain turf to Saudi dirt and backing up from a mile and one-quarter to one mile and one-eighth. He’s won 4 of 17 overall with 6 more in the money finishes.

#7 TACITUS (USA) - Mott/Velazquez - United States - 12/1

Some call him a disappointment. We all should be so lucky as to own an equine ‘disappointment’ that earns more than $3.2 million. Winless at the Grade 1 level in 7 tries, he’s also never been worse than fourth in those races. At age 5 it would be a surprise to see him jump up and win one now, but it’s not impossible. Fourth (what else?) in the BC Classic in November, he was fifth in the Saudi Cup last year—his worst finish ever. The good news for those who haven’t given up on him winning a Grade 1 race is that he will get the kind of early pace he needs to be successful. The bad news is that one mile and one-eighth may be bit short for his best. Another piece of good news for Tacitus backers is that he will not be favored in here. Last year, he lost five consecutive times as the public choice. Exotics Only.

#8 SLEEPY EYES TODD (USA) - Silva/Moreno - United States - 25/1

Purchased for a mere $9k as a weanling, 5-year-old Sleepy Eyes Todd has banked nearly $900k! Now, that’s a success story. ‘Todd not only has money in the bank, he’s also collected an abundance of frequent flyer miles, too. This will be his 12th start out of 17 at a different racetrack. And, of course, it comes halfway around the world from his US base. He’s a multiple Gr. 3 winner and was fourth last out in the Gr. 1 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream. He’ll need to turn the tables on that race’s winner #5 Knicks Go to be successful here and that’s a tall order. He is a closer and ought to have enough pace to run at, but he’s never won a race of this magnitude. Exotics Only.

#9 CHARLATAN (USA) - Baffert/Smith - United States - 11/8

If 4-year-old Charlatan crosses the Saudi Cup finish behind another horse, it will be a new experience for the son of Speightstown. He’s finished first in all four starts, including the Gr. 1 Malibu last out at Santa Anita Dec. 26, but previously was disqualified from victory in the Gr. 1 Arkansas Derby because of a failed drug test. His last two works are solid—including one at seven panels in 1:24 3/5--both capped by strong Baffert-style gallop outs. He’s got enough speed to sit comfortably off whatever pace is determined by #5 Knicks Go. Does Charlatan have the quality and stamina to catch and dispose of that foe while holding off closing charges from other talented foes? We believe he does. The next time Bob Baffert sends a ‘short’ horse postward, it will be the first time. Charlatan will be ready and, we believe, good enough. The Pick to Win.

#10 MILITARY LAW (GB) - Al Mheriri/Fresu - United Arab Emirates - 10/1

This 6-year-old son of Dubawi ships in from his UAE base. Last out he won the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 at about one mile. He has a couple of in the money finishes against Group 1 and Group 2 competition. He comes from off the pace, so that style should be effective in here. He’s won 5 of 11 with 3 seconds and has done well on dirt since moving to Dubai from the barn of John Gosden in England where he raced on grass and all-weather surfaces. He may be the kind of ‘local’ runner with a chance to hit the board. Exotics Only.

#11 SIMSIR (IRE) - Nass/de Vries - Bahrain - 33/1

This 5-year-old gelding’s claim to fame came in November when he won the $673,000 Bahrain International Trophy. He bested a few Group 1 winners in that race. He’s earned over $509k in 4 wins and 3 seconds from 11 starts. He’s basically a front-runner, but he’ll find those positions spoken for in the Saudi Cup. He’s got a grinding style, so he probably won’t be able to make up a bunch of ground late. He finished fourth in a recent prep race at a mile and one-quarter. Pass.

#12 MISHRIFF (IRE) - Gosden/Egan - England - 7/1

He finished second last year in the Saudi Derby over this track, so you know he can handle dirt and, in particular, this dirt. He’s won 4 of 8 races, including the Group 1 French Derby. He’s probably better at 10 furlongs than at 9 and has tactical turf speed. However, he also has habit of breaking slowly…and that’s against fellow European runners. With 5 US-based runners in this field, if Mishriff breaks slowly Saturday, he’s going to find himself well back in the field and eating a lot of kickback. The distance, along with the pace picture are concerns for trainer John Gosden, one of the world’s best at his craft. Exotics Only.

#13 DEREVO (GB) - Al Katahni/Demuro - Saudi Arabia - 50/1

This 5-year-old gelding has a bit of a home field advantage. He won by a nose last Saturday in the King’s Cup over this track. That was at a mile and one-quarter and he used the entire distance to make his wide closing charge count. He has won 4 of 12 starts and has two wins over synthetic surfaces and one on turf. He will have hands full in this race. Pass.

#14 EXTRA ELUSIVE (GB) - Charlton/H. Doyle - England - 33/1

There are a few things to note about this Roger Charlton-trained, dual Group 3 winner. He’s usually a front runner but won’t be there in here. Too many others have early pace. He’s got to stay wide and out of the kickback. That’s the job of jockey Hollie Doyle, who’s ridden him in his last four starts. She’s a rising riding star and this wide draw in post 14 will help her and Extra Exclusive avoid getting hit with too much dirt. Like with most turf horses, racing on the dirt can be…excuse the pun…an ‘eye-closing’ experience. A piece of the pie would be this one’s major goal. Pass.

BOTTOM LINE

The Choice: #9 Charlatan - He’s unbeaten, fresh and is trained by Bob Baffert. What else would you like?

Second Best: #5 Knicks Go - Comes off victory in the Pegasus World Cup and this may be too much, too soon in an attempt to complete a challenging worldwide parlay.

Could Run Well:

#7 Tacitus - We know, we know, you’re tired of betting Tacitus to win. OK. How do you feel about using him in exotics? That seems his most likely fate.

#12 Mishriff - He’s handled the track before and is trained by one of our favorites of all time. Worth exotic consideration.

#10 Military Law - Has finished in the money with top competition and didn’t have to ship around the world for this. Maybe…in exotics at a price?

SUGGESTED PLAY

$0.50 Superfecta ($16.50)

First: #9 Charlatan
Second: #5 Knicks Go
Third: #7 Tacitus, #12 Mishriff, #10 Military Law
Fourth: All Runners

Race On!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jon White's Selections for $20 Million Saudi Cup
February 17, 2021 | By Jon White
It was 40 years ago that John Henry, a gelding who rose to stardom from relative obscurity, won the world’s first $1 million Thoroughbred race, the Arlington Million, by a scant nose.

John Henry won 39 times during his extraordinary career. Of those 39 victories, the 1981 Arlington Million quite possibly was his finest because of what he overcame in order to prevail.

Ron McAnally did nothing less than a fantastic job as John Henry’s trainer.

“He won that day despite the unfavorable conditions,” McAnally once told me with respect to the 1981 Arlington Million. “The surface was so soft and John adjusted to it to come from way back and win by a nose.”

Daily Racing Form’s esteemed Joe Hirsch wrote: “The bottom line is that John Henry won when his cause appeared completely lost.”

John Henry defeated such accomplished runners as Madam Gay, second to Shergar in Ascot’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes; Key to Content, winner of the United Nations Handicap at Atlantic City; and Argument, who had been victorious in the 1980 Washington, D.C., International.

But it was a 40-1 longshot by the name of The Bart who came within a whisker of beating John Henry in the inaugural Arlington Million.

As a huge John Henry fan (like so many others), I was tickled that he won Thoroughbred racing’s first seven-figure event. But I also could not help but feel sorry for The Bart and his connections, most especially trainer John Sullivan. To lose a $1 million race by such an excruciatingly small margin was about as brutal a defeat as it gets.

Speaking of The Bart, when I was a writer for the Daily Racing Form in the early 1980s, I broke the story of his retirement from racing. One afternoon while I was typing away in the Del Mar press box, I received a phone call out of the blue.

“This is John Sullivan,” he said.

“What’s up, John?” I asked.

“Unfortunately, I’ve got a scoop for ya. The Bart is retired. I wanted you to have it first.”

I told Sullivan I was sorry to hear that. I then told him how appreciative I was that he was giving me the scoop.

While the purse for the 1981 Arlington Million was a huge deal at the time, races worth $1 million are fairly commonplace nowadays. And four decades after John Henry nosed out The Bart in the first running of the Arlington Million, a race offering a $20 million purse, the Saudi Cup, will be held this Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

America’s Knicks Go and Charlatan head the field of 14 entered in this year’s Saudi Cup, which has the distinction of being the world’s richest horse race.

Knicks Go is No. 1 in this week’s first 2021 NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll. Charlatan is No. 2.

The other American shippers running in this year’s Saudi Cup are Max Player, Tacitus and Sleepy Eyes Todd.

Brad Cox trains Knicks Go. Cox was voted a 2020 Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer.

Knicks Go is taking a four-race winning streak into the Saudi Cup. His two most recent victories have come at the Grade I level. The Maryland-bred colt took the Grade I BC Dirt Mile by 3 1/2 lengths in his final start of 2020, then won Gulfstream Park’s Grade I Pegasus World Cup Invitational by 2 3/4 lengths in his first start of 2021.

The 1 1/8-mile Pegasus was Knicks Go’s first time going longer than 1 1/16 miles in his 18-race career. The Saudi Cup will be run at 1,800 meters (about 1 1/8 miles) around one turn.

Hall of Famer Bob Baffert trained Paynter, the sire of Knicks Go. Paynter at 3 finished a close second to Union Rags in the Grade I Belmont Stakes and won the Grade I Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

In this year’s Saudi Cup, Baffert will be trying to beat Paynter’s son Knicks Go with Charlatan, who has finished first in each of his four career starts. Charlatan won a division of last year’s 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby by six lengths, but then was disqualified from purse money due to a medication violation.

In his most recent start, Charlatan won Santa Anita’s Grade I Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs on Dec. 26. The Kentucky-bred Speightstown colt sat comfortably just off the fast early pace set by Nashville, then drew away in the lane to win with authority by 4 1/2 lengths.

My selections for the Saudi Cup are below:

1. Knicks Go
2. Charlatan
3. Mishriff
4. Chuwa Wizard

I’m going with Knicks Go over Charlatan in a very tough call. My main reason for giving the nod to Knicks Go is he recorded a 108 Beyer Speed Figure the one time he’s raced 1 1/8 miles. In Charlatan’s lone start at 1 1/8 miles, he received a career-low 96 Beyer. This is quite a disparity.

But I have considerable respect for Charlatan. He is an extremely talented colt who has yet to be anything but first at the end of a race. And I will not be the least bit surprised if he once again is in front at the end of Saturday’s Saudi Cup.

Watch out for Mishriff. He’s got class (winner of the Group I French Derby on turf last year), a great trainer (John Gosden) and has run well on dirt at King Abdulaziz Racecourse (second in last year’s Saudi Derby).

One also should never take horses from Japan lightly on the international stage these days. Chuwa Wizard won the Group I Champions Cup on dirt Dec. 6 in Japan.

SOUTHWEST STAKES POSTPONED YET AGAIN

Wintry weather certainly has wreaked havoc on the racing schedule at Oaklawn Park. It has caused the cancellation of eight racing days from Feb. 12 through this Sunday. The sport is slated to resume there on Feb. 25.

The Grade III Southwest Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile race on the road to the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby on May 1, was supposed to have been run at Oaklawn on Feb. 15. Then the race was moved to Feb. 20. Then it was moved to Feb. 21. And now it has been moved to Feb. 27.

The Southwest situation no doubt has been frustrating for the connections of Essential Quality, Keepmeinmind and Jackie’s Warrior, the three marquee 3-year-olds expected to run in the race.

Essential Quality, the undefeated Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male of 2020, sits atop my Kentucky Derby Top 10. Keepmeinmind, who is No. 9, won the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs on Nov. 28.

Jackie’s Warrior won a pair of Grade I races last year, the Hopeful Stakes at Saratoga and Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. He then finished fourth as the 9-10 favorite in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland on Nov. 6.

Essential Quality won the BC Juvenile at odds of 7-2. Hot Rod Charlie ran second at 94-1, while Keepmeinmind came in third at 30-1. Hot Rod Charlie currently is No. 8 on my Kentucky Derby Top 10.

My Kentucky Derby Top 10 for this week is below:

1. Essential Quality
2. Life Is Good
3. Caddo River
4. Greatest Honour
5. Mandaloun
6. Concert Tour
7. Medina Spirit
8. Hot Rod Charlie
9. Keepmeinmind
10. Roman Centurian

The plan still is for Essential Quality to run in the Southwest, according to 2020 Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox. The same goes for Jackie’s Warrior, according to Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. The two colts have been able to continue their training regimen at New Orleans’ Fair Grounds.

Because the Southwest is being run at a later date than originally scheduled, Fair Grounds’ Grade II Louisiana Derby on March 20 has been taken “out of play” for Essential Quality’s second start of the year, Cox told BloodHorse’s Bob Ehalt.

Cox said the two races “that are in play” after the Southwest for the Kentucky-bred Tapit colt are the Grade II Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 3 or Oaklawn’s Grade I Arkansas Derby on April 10.

As for Keepmeinmind, his Southwest status is up in the air. That’s because he is stabled at Oaklawn, the winter base of trainer Robertino Diodoro. In addition to the canceled race dates at Oaklawn, horses have not been able to train there due to the wintry conditions.

“For us to run [in the Southwest], we need to be on the track on the weekend and we’ll just play our cards from there,” Diodoro was quoted as saying in a Daily Racing Form story written by Mary Rampellini. “Our plan is still to run in it. But I really can’t see us running next weekend if we’re not on the track by Saturday.”

While Diodoro’s preference remains to run Keepmeinmind in the Southwest, the trainer stressed that “our number one goal is to do what’s right for the horse.”

If Keepmeinmind does not start in the Southwest, Diodoro said the alternate plan is for the Kentucky-bred Laoban colt to await the Grade II Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on March 13. Like the Southwest, the Rebel is a 1 1/16-mile race.

RISEN STAR WINNER RETURNS TO DERBY TOP 10

Mandaloun is back on my Kentucky Derby Top 10 this week following his victory as the 2-1 favorite in Fair Grounds’ Grade II Risen Star Stakes at 1 1/8 miles last Saturday.

A close-up third early in the field of 11, Mandaloun took the lead with slightly more than a furlong to go, then went on to get the job done by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:50.39. Proxy came in second at 4-1. Midnight Bourbon, 5-1 in the wagering, finished third, a half-length behind Proxy.

These were the same first three finishers in the 1 1/16-mile Lecomte Stakes on that same track Jan. 16, only on that occasion Midnight Bourbon won, Proxy was second and Mandaloun third.

Going into the Lecomte, Mandaloun had been No. 10 on my Kentucky Derby Top 10. He dropped off my Top 10 after he did not win the Lecomte.

Senor Buscador drops off my Top 10 this week after he finished fifth as the 5-2 second favorite in the Risen Star.

The plan for Mandaloun is for him to make his next start in the $1 million Louisiana Derby, which will be contested at 1 3/16 miles.

Cox trains three on this week’s Top 10. In addition to No. 1 Essential Quality, he conditions No. 3 Caddo River and No. 5 Mandaloun.

Caddo River lost his first two starts, both at seven furlongs. The Kentucky-bred Hard Spun colt subsequently won a one-mile maiden race by 9 1/2 lengths at Churchill on Nov. 15, then cruised to a 10 1/4-length triumph in Oaklawn’s one-mile Smarty Jones Stakes on Jan. 22. The next scheduled start for him is the $1 million Rebel.

Bob Baffert also trains three on my current Kentucky Derby Top 10. They are No. 2 Life Is Good, No. 6 Concert Tour and No. 7 Medina Spirit.

Baffert has won the Kentucky Derby a record-tying six times (Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, War Emblem in 2002, American Pharoah in 2015, Justify in 2018 and Authentic in 2020).

Ben Jones likewise has six Kentucky Derby victories to his credit (Lawrin in 1938, Whirlaway in 1941, Pensive in 1944, Citation in 1948, Ponder in 1949 and Hill Gail in 1952).

Mandaloun raced with blinkers for the first time in the Risen Star. He recorded a career-best 98 Beyer Speed Figure. He now has won three of four lifetime starts. He’s been the favorite in each of his races.

In terms of other recent Risen Star winners, Mandaloun’s 98 Beyer Speed Figure stacks up quite well. It’s the highest Beyer by a Risen Star winner since El Padrino likewise posted a 98 Beyer in the 2012 renewal.

Below are the Beyer Speed Figures for Risen Star winners going back to 1992 (the figures prior to 2020 are listed in the American Racing Manual, which is now digital only):

2021 Mandaloun (98)
2020 Wells Bayou (91)
2019 War of Will (90)
2018 Bravazo (93)
2017 Girvin (93)
2016 Gun Runner (89)
2015 International Star (92)
2014 Intense Holiday (97)
2013 Ive Struck a Nerve (96)
2012 El Padrino (98)
2011 Mucho Macho Man (94)
2010 Discreetly Mine (94)
2009 Friesan Fire (97)
2008 Pyro (90)
2007 Notional (92)
2006 Lawyer Ron (106)
2005 Scipion (89)
2004 Gradepoint (98)
2003 Badge of Silver (106)
2002 Repent (102)
2001 Dollar Bill (102)
2000 Exchange Rate (97)
1999 Ecton Park (95)
1998 Comic Strip (91)
1997 Open Forum (91)
1996 Zarb’s Magic (100)
1995 Beavers Nose (92)
1994 Fly Cry (100)
1993 Dixieland Heat (93)
1992 Line in the Sand (88)

LIFE IS GOOD AGAIN FAVORED IN FUTURE WAGER

In Pool 1 of the 2021 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), which closed on Nov. 29, Life Is Good was the 5-1 favorite among the 22 individual horses and the “All 3-Year-Old Fillies” option. Essential Quality was the second choice at 8-1.

In Pool 2 of the KDFW, which closed on Jan. 24, Life Is Good was the 7-1 favorite among the 23 individual horses. Essential Quality again was the 8-1 second choice.

In Pool 3 of the KDFW, which closed last Sunday, Life Is Good again was the 7-1 favorite and Essential Quality the 8-1 second choice among the 23 individual horses.

The actual 3-1 favorite in Pool 3 was the “All Others” option.

Life Is Good is two for two after winning Santa Anita’s Grade III Sham Stakes on Jan. 2 for Baffert. The Kentucky-bred Into Mischief colt recorded a 101 Beyer Speed Figure in the Sham. Life Is Good is scheduled to make his next start in Santa Anita’s Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 6.

Authentic last year won both the Sham and San Felipe. He would go on to capture the Kentucky Derby and BC Classic for Baffert en route to 2020 Eclipse Awards as champion 3-year-old male and Horse of the Year.

Below are the final odds for Pool 3 of the 2021 KDFW:

3-1 “All Other 3-Year-Old Males”
7-1 Life Is Good
8-1 Essential Quality
9-1 Greatest Honor
14-1 Prevalence
15-1 Caddo River
16-1 Mandaloun
17-1 Concert Tour
25-1 Keepmeinmind
25-1 Medina Spirit
25-1 Risk Taking
26-1 Jackie’s Warrior
28-1 Dream Shake
30-1 Fire At Will
35-1 Candy Man Rocket
35-1 Hot Rod Charlie
37-1 Highly Motivated
38-1 The Great One
39-1 Senor Buscador
41-1 Midnight Bourbon
41-1 Roman Centurian
52-1 Freedom Fighter
74-1 Swiftsure
91-1 Nova Rags

NTRA REVEALS ITS FIRST POLLS FOR 2021

The first editions of this year’s NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll and Top 3-Year-old Poll were announced Tuesday.

The Top Thoroughbred Poll is indicative of who might be crowned a divisional champion and, moreover, Horse of the Year. Eligible journalists and broadcasters each week submit their Top 10 horses, with points awarded on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 points basis.

The 2021 Top Thoroughbred Poll concludes after the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar on Nov. 5-6.

Voting in the final Top 3-Year-Old Poll of 2021 will be released following the Grade I Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5.

Depending on what happens this Saturday, Knicks Go’s reign at the top of the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll could be short-lived. If Knicks Go gets beat in the Saudi Cup, he no doubt will drop out of the No. 1 spot in next week’s poll. If Charlatan wins the Saudi Cup, look for him to move up a notch to No. 1 next week.

The Top 10 in the first NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll of 2021:

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 341 Knicks Go (27)
2. 250 Charlatan (4)
3. 232 Maxfield (1)
4. 223 Monomoy Girl (3)
5. 146 Colonel Liam
5. 124 Swiss Skydiver
7. 102 Jesus’ Team
8. 72 Gamine
9. 56 Channel Maker
9. 55 Whitmore

The Top 10 in the final NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll of 2020:

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 355 Authentic (34)
2. 311 Improbable (2)
3. 309 Monomoy Girl (1)
4. 132 Vekoma
5. 111 Swiss Yodeler
6. 107 Tiz the Law
7. 104 Gamine
8. 100 Rushing Fall
9. 97 Whitmore
10. 82 Maximum Security

FIRST 3-YEAR-OLD POLL TOPPED BY ESSENTIAL QUALITY

Essential Quality received by far the most first-place votes and is No. 1 in this year’s first NTRA Top Three-Year-Old Poll.

The Top 10 in the first NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll of 2021:

Rank Points Horse (First-Place Votes)

1. 325 Essential Quality (24)
2. 272 Life Is Good (5)
3. 212 Greatest Honour (1)
3. 212 Mandaloun (4)
5. 176 Medina Spirit
6. 137 Caddo River (1)
7. 85 Concert Tour
8. 84 Keepmeinmind
9. 66 Jackie’s Warrior
10 63 Risk Taking

The Top Three-Year-Old Poll that the NTRA released listed Mandaloun third with 212 points and Greatest Honour fourth with 204. However, a number of voters incorrectly spelled it Greatest Honor. Those eight points were not properly attributed to Greatest Honour. Thus, I have credited him with those eight points, which puts him in a tie for third with Mandaloun.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Race of the Week: General George Stakes at Laurel Park
February 17, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk
$250,000 GRADE 3 GENERAL GEORGE STAKES AT LAUREL PARK
Saturday, February 20, 2021

The Lead:
Winter Sprintfest was delayed a week by ... well... winter, so we'll re-rack and try again this Saturday. Winter Sprintfest features a pair of typical-President's Day Weekend fixtures for the track among 6 stakes on a loaded card. The Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie for the fillies/mares and the Grade 3 General George for the colts/geldings have warmed up winter for decades in greater DC. The Fritchie looks like a strong spot for favorite Hello Beautiful to run her local record to 8-for-8 lifetime. The General George provides quite a few more options for the discerning horseplayer.

​Field Depth:
Grade 3 winners in the field include LAKI, MAJESTIC DUNHILL and SHARE THE RIDE. Meanwhile, FUNNY GUY is Grade 2-placed. Several listed stakes winners will be looking to make the grade. MAJESTIC DUNHILL has consistently kept the strongest competition since last summer, along with SHARE THE RIDE.

Pace:
There's not as much front-end speed as you'd expect for a stakes sprint, but the 7-furlong distance can dissuade some of the fleet burners. ARTHUR'S HOPE might be best-equipped to make the front, and should have the likes of LAKI, LEBDA, SHARE THE RIDE and FORTUNATE FRIENDS in closest pursuit. This race can, and is projected to be, won near the front.

Our Eyes:
Aqueduct raiders are 2-for-20 in the General George over the past 8 editions, including 2015 winner Misconnect and last year's odds-on victor Firenze Fire. FUNNY GUY vans to Laurel from his New York base and will vie for favoritism. Trainer John Terranova shipped Killybegs Captain to Laurel to win the 2019 DeFrancis Dash, but there's no guarantee FUNNY GO will appreciate the barn's return trip. Since 2013, sire Big Brown is a modest 13% winners with Laurel runners (and 1-17 at 7 furlongs). His offspring are 0 for the last 23 since December 2018. While I respect FUNNY GUY, he's been favored in each of his last 5 starts and delivered just 1 victory in a photo at 4-5. I'll try to beat him.

The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th-place finishers from the Fire Plug Stakes at Laurel Jan. 16 all re-match, stretching out from 6 furlongs to 7. That race was won in last-to-first fashion by Wendell Fong, who will not return, but it does make you wonder if this quartet will be more susceptible over the additional ground. On the positive side, the last 4 General George winners all were adding distance off of 6-furlong sprints. And 8 straight winners of this race all came off of 4th-place or better finishes in their final prep: Good news for Fire Plug alumni SHARE THE RIDE, LEBDA and LAKI. Of those from the Fire Plug, LAKI interests me most as the beaten favorite. His price will rise, he'll be near what appears to be a soft-ish pace on Saturday and trainer Damon Dilodovico's runners hit a fantastic 30% over the last 3 years in 7-furlong sprints. LAKI was third in the 2019 General George, so he fits, and his rider Horacio Karamanos won this race in 2016. Add in a February 6 bullet workout and LAKI may be poised to deliver on his promise. He's been favored in 6 of his last 7 starts (only 1 win), but should be a more attractive price Saturday.

Note SHARE THE RIDE was able to get in a workout after the cancellation, a Sunday 3-furlong breeze at Parx to keep him on edge. That could be advantageous to sneak in the extra preparation, as did Parx-based Informative with a half-mile bullet workout Monday.

MAJESTIC DUNHILL closed 11 lengths to be runner-up in the 2019 General George under Feargal Lynch, and reunites with that pilot who recently returned from injury. Lynch had been out since last summer with neck and back fractures and just made his comeback last weekend. MAJESTIC DUNHILL is a past Laurel stakes winner who has some class edge off his recent races, albeit exits a pair of starts that were unraveled at the start. Trainer George Weaver has been on point with 4 Laurel wins from his last 9 starters, and brings this one north from Palm Beach Downs off a trio of January works. This quality colt was a past workmate with elite sprinter Vekoma.

TATTOOED cuts back in trip from the mile Jennings, where he pulled a 10-1 upset and got over the hump. He had won just 1 of his previous 17 starts, and notably TATTOOED is 0-5 in his career trying to win back-to-back.

Most Certain Exotics Contender: LAKI is 20-21 in the superfecta lifetime at Laurel.

​Best Longshot Exotics Contender: LEBDA does his best running at Laurel and his last race (at 11-1) was his best in some time, rounding back into form perhaps for leading trainer Claudio Gonzalez.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll): $60 win LAKI; $10 exacta key-box LAKI with MAJESTIC DUNHILL and SHARE THE RIDE ($40).

[Can'tPickAWinner]

$20 Million Saudi Cup Post Position Draw Reaction
February 17, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk
A capacity field of 14 starters entered today for Saturday’s second edition of the $20 million Saudi Cup, the headliner among 8 stakes worth at least $1 million each. Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup winner Knicks Go will start from post 5 over the 1-1/8 miles trip.

The 1-1/8 miles races at Riyadh begin on a backstretch chute that makes this a 1-turn race similar to what you see at Belmont Park. There’s about a 5-furlong run on the straight before the only left-hand turn. There’s more than ample time to get position, leaving the starting positions relatively insignificant. The lone turn is an expansive bend, so saving ground around it can be beneficial.

Front-running Knicks Go shares the marquee, and potentially the front end of the Saudi Cup, with Charlatan, who starts from post 9. Jockey intent will be important here, but being outside among this pair is likely some advantage. Charlatan from the outer draw likely applies the outside pressure to Knicks Go, drawn to his inside, at some point. Knicks Go certainly is the more committed front-runner of the pair and will be put on the track where his rider wants him into the far turn.

Knicks Go has won all 4 starts in 2020-’21, including the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup in back-to-back starts. Charlatan has crossed the wire comfortably first in all 4 career starts, but was disqualified from May’s Grade 1 Arkansas Derby for a post-race positive test.

The American contingent also includes Tacitus (post 7), Max Player (post 4) and Sleepy Eyes Todd (post 8). Tacitus returns to Riyadh after a fifth-place finish here a year ago and has earned more than $3.2 million as a multiple Grade 2 winner. Max Player, third in the Grade 1 Belmont before fifth in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, makes his first start since October. Sleepy Eyes Todd is a Grade 2 winner of nearly $900,000 and has started in 10 different US states prior to this international roadtrip.

American runners were 4 of the first 5 across the wire last year led by Maximum Security and Midnight Bisou. Godolphin’s Benbatal was the best non-American finisher, placing third. Top world challengers in 2021 include Mishriff (post 12), last year’s Saudi Derby runner-up on dirt and French Derby hero on turf for renowned trainer John Gosden.

The first of 8 races from Saudi Cup Day begins at 8 am ET with post time for the Saudi Cup at 12:40 pm ET. Race 6 will be the Saudi Derby (11:10 am ET) and includes Steve Asmussen-trained Cowan, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Springboard Mile and Smarty Jones Stakes.

Saudi Arabia // Race 8 // 12:40 pm ET // $20 million Saudi Cup // 1-1/8 miles

PP // name // jockey // trainer // country

1 Chuwa Wizard // Keita Tosaki // Ryuji Okubo // Japan
2 Bangkok // Ryan Moore // Andrew Balding // England
3 Great Scot // Adel Alfouraidi // Abdullah Mushrif // Saudi Arabia
4 Max Player // Umberto Rispoli // Steve Asmussen // United States
5 Knicks Go // Joel Rosario // Brad Cox // United States
6 Global Giant // Frankie Dettori // John Gosden // England
7 Tacitus // Bill Mott // United States
8 Sleepy Eyes Todd // Miguel Silva // United States
9 Charlatan // Mike Smith // Bob Baffert // United States
10 Military Law // Antonio Fresu // Musabbeh Al Mherir // United Arab Emirates
11 Simsir // Adrie de Vries // Fawzi Nass // Bahrain
12 Mishriff // David Egan // John Gosden // England
13 Derevo // Christian Demuro // A.M. Al Kahtani // Saudi Arabia
14 Extra Elusive // Hollie Doyle // Roger Charlton // England

[Can'tPickAWinner]

AI Picks for Laurel's Winter Sprintfest Stakes
February 18, 2021 | By Jeremy Plonk

Saturday’s rescheduled Winter Sprintfest at Laurel Park presents a 6-stakes bonanza, co-featuring the Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie and Grade 3 General George. The Miracle Wood opens the stakes spree in Race 3, matching potential Preakness hopefuls on Maryland’s road to the Triple Crown. Whether you’re new to following Maryland racing or a seasoned veteran, the app can help you make data-driven and informed decisions.

Selections provided by the app measure each contender against the 10 leading factors for each race. The app looks at 52 handicapping factors and more than 200,000 past races to determine its AI selections. You can use the automated handicapping factors, or create your own factor filters to incorporate angles you prefer.

//

Laurel Park // Race 3 // Miracle Wood Stakes // 1:32 pm ET

#4 Maythehorsebewithu // 30%W // 48%P // 61%S
#5 Kenny Had a Notion // 21%W // 37%P // 57%S
#1 Tiz Mandate // 15%W // 34%P // 54%S
#3 The King Cheek // 10%W // 20%P // 30%S
#7 Subsidize // 10%W // 32%P // 48%S
#2 Newyearsblockparty // 8%W // 19%P // 29%S
#6 Silent Service // 5%W // 11%P // 20%S

Laurel Park // Race 4 // John B. Campbell Stakes // 2:04 pm ET

#8 Bankit // 36%W // 45%P // 59%S
#6 Dixie Drawl // 16%W // 35%P // 51%S
#4 Forewarned // 14%W // 31%P // 45%S
#7 Galerio // 12%W // 28%P // 51%S
#1 Zabracadabra // 7%W // 24%P // 32%S
#3 Cordmaker // 5%W // 20%P // 32%S
#2 Deal Driven // 5%W // 9%P // 14%S
#5 Awesome DJ // 5%W // 9%P // 14%S

Laurel Park // Race 5 // Nellie Morse Stakes // 2:37 pm ET

#9 Lucky Stride // 29%W // 50%P // 64%S
#1 Landing Zone // 19%W // 31%P // 44%S
#5 Flashnydynamite // 11%W // 22%P // 34%S
#7 Wicked Awesome // 9%W // 24%P // 36%S
#4 Lucky Move // 8%W // 17%P // 28%S
#2 Daphne Moon // 6%W // 15%P // 24%S
#8 Artful Splatter // 5%W // 12%P // 21%S
#10 Dreamer’s Moon // 4%W // 14%P // 19%S
#3 Gracetown // 4%W // 10%P // 17%S
#6 Pat’s No Fool // 4%W // 7%P // 13%S

Laurel Park // Race 6 // Wide Country Stakes // 3:12 pm ET

#5 Street Lute // 32%W // 46%P // 62%S
#6 Buckey’s Charm // 18%W // 40%P // 47%S
#1 My My Girl // 14%W // 30%P // 49%S
#3 Fraudulent Charge // 10%W // 24%P // 39%S
#2 Salt Plage // 8%W // 22%P // 29%S
#4 Miss Leslie // 4%W // 10%P // 29%S
#7 Little Huntress // 4%W // 9%P // 15%S
#8 Whiskey and Rye // 4%W // 9%P // 15%S
#9 Lady Clau // 4%W // 9%P // 15%S

Laurel Park // Race 7 // Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie Stakes // 3:46 pm ET

#8 Hello Beautiful // 30%W // 53%P // 60%S
#1 Sharp Starr // 20%W // 41%P // 54%S
#6 Hibiscus Punch // 19%W // 34%P // 47%S
#4 Estilo Talentoso// 7%W // 16%P // 33%S
#2 Club Car // 7%W // 17%P // 35%S
#3 Dontletsweetfoolya // 6%W // 16%P // 30%S
#5 Suggestive Honor // 5%W // 11%P // 20%S
#7 Needs Supervision // 5%W // 11%P // 20%S

Laurel Park // Race 8 // Grade 3 General George Stakes // 4:19 pm ET

#4 Majestic Dunhill // 28%W // 44%P // 56%S
#2 Funny Guy // 12%W // 29%P // 36%S
#6 Share the Ride // 11%W // 18%P // 31%S
#8 Arthur’s Hope // 11%W // 27%P // 38%S
#3 Lebda // 7%W // 16%P // 23%S
#5 Fortunate Friends // 7%W // 13%P // 20%S
#7 Informative // 7%W // 12%P // 21%S
#9 Chilly in Charge // 7%W // 19%P // 31%S
#10 Tattooed // 6%W // 13%P // 18%S
#1 Laki // 5%W // 9%P // 24%S

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Al Cimaglia: Meadowlands Late Pick 4 Analysis

February 20, 2021 | By Al Cimaglia

The Meadowlands has a 13-race card set to go with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 10. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Last night, Dexter Dunn led the drivers with three wins. Kelvin Harrison led the conditioners with two trips to the winner's circle. Speed held with nine of 13 winners leading at the top of the lane.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 10

1-Scirocco Rob (7/2)-Just missed last week going off at 7-1 but won't be that price here. Should be forwardly placed and Dube shouldn't be far off the lead turning for the wire.
2-Buck Dancer (8/1)-Gets AMac back and he won with this 5-year-old on 1-23. Has been trying hard since moving up to this level. Could fire out and find a soft quarter and not look back.

Race 11

1-American Boy N (3-1)-Drops to the level of recent success and TMac sticks. Should be put in play early and looks like a major threat.
7-On Accident (5-1)-This is another dropper who should like the company. AMac might be sending and should land in an up-close seat. Looks like a player at a square price.
8-Warrawee Unique (7/2)-Knocked out at the start in last start at PcD and is right back at the Big M with Gingras taking a spin tonight. Not sure about blasting out to the top but might duck and move later. The pace should be brisk and that won't hurt chances for a picture.

Race 12

3-Cool Clifford (7/2)-Comes off a nice try and this is a more comfortable spot. AMac steers again, put in a flat line in last and could take a picture if minds manners.
4-Eplosive Ridge (3-1)-Callahan's choice drops to a spot to shine. Has won 3 of 6 at M1 this year and draws well enough to add to that total.

Race 13

1-Ohio Vintage (6-1)-Drops and has the speed to win at a square price. Needs the right steer and TMac was rolling down the lane with this 5-year-old on 2-6. Should be worth a swing but can't afford to be too far back at the top of lane and pilot knows the same.
4-Skyway Fireball (3-1)-Hasn't raced since 2-4 and this will be the 1st M1 start but has done good work at Hoosier on a larger oval. Dunn is between the pipes, lands in a soft spot and should be there at the wire.
6-TJ Blast (7/2)-Tried hard last week and this field isn't as tough. Needs a trip and an honest pace but off the last try it is best to respect.

0.50 Late Pick 4
1,2/1,7,8/3,4/1,4,6

Total Bet=$18

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Siegel's Santa Anita Analysis/Wagering Strategies - 2/20/21

February 20, 2021

Jeff Siegel’s Santa Anita Analysis & Wagering Strategies
*

Specifically designed for the rolling exotic player, Jeff Siegel’s “Daily Analysis and Wagering Strategies” isolates those horses that should be included in daily doubles, pick-3s, pick-4s, pick-5s, and the pick-6.
*
The selections are posted at 6:00 a.m. and updated later in the morning to reflect late scratches and changes (approximately 10:30 a.m.).
*
*
Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.


Click to view today’s Santa Anita Workout Report


RACE 1: Post: 12:30 PT Grade: B-
Use: 4-Arctic Roll; 6-Rocking Redhead;8-Applecross; 9-Bestrella

Forecast: The opener is a grass grab bag for first-level allowance fillies and mares and requires a considerable spread in rolling exotic play. Applecross, a non-threatening fifth (beaten two lengths) in a similar affair last time out while taking the worst of the race-shape, adds blinkers today with the hope that the hood will help produce improved tactical speed. Yet to visit the winner’s circle in the U.S. after six starts, the former English performer has run well in better company than she’s facing today, so at 6-1 on the morning line we’ll give her a slight edge on top based primarily on price. Bestrella is an interesting Irish invader making her U.S. debut with European form that makes her competitive at this level. She first arrived in California last summer and has taken a very long time to acclimate, but her recent workouts indicate she’s fairly fit, she’s run well off layoffs in the past, and lands the barn’s “go-to” rider D. Van Dyke. She’s another listed at 6-1 on the morning line, and as a first-time Lasix user she’s a “must use.” Rocking Redhead was a visually pleasing maiden winner in November at Del Mar and makes her first start since off a series of average-at-best recent workouts on the main track. She’s clearly a turf specialist, so it’s entirely possible that her morning activity doesn’t provide a true indication of her fitness. If ready, she’s more than good enough to score again. Arctic Roll, a two-time winner over the local lawn, has been away since June but has looked pretty good in recent workouts to indicate she’s fit to fire a good shot. The blinkers off angle catches the eye and so does her morning line of 15-1. She’s worth tossing in as a saver or a back-up.
*
*
RACE 2: Post: 1:03 PT Grade: B
Use: 1-Swift as I Am; 2-Sabuda

Forecast: You can include him if you like but we have a suspicion that the 8/5 morning line favorite Hockey Dad might be worth playing against in this allowance optional claiming sprint for state-bred 3-year-olds. The son of Nyquist was impressive breaking his maiden last month on grass, but his first outing (on dirt) was far less than that and his recent workouts indicate he’s a much better mover on turf than he is on dirt. So, let’s try to beat him. Swift as I Am flopped at even money in a similar event last month but has returned to work well for J. Sadler so we’ll give him a chance to bounce back with a top effort. From the rail the son of Danza has only one way to go, so if he leaves cleanly and makes the running inside he may never look back. Sabuda earned a huge, career-top speed figure when easily disposing of maiden $50,000 foes last time out and if he can reproduce that type of effort against this stronger group the Metaboss colt could be very dangerous right back. He gets a considerable break in the weights with the switch to bug girl J. Pyfer and figures to be pressing the pace every step of the way. In a five runner field, these are the two we’ll be using in our rolling exotics.
*
*
RACE 3: Post: 1:36 PT Grade: B
Use: 2-Tony Ann; 4-Just a Kiss Away; 7-Isn’t She Lovely

Forecast: This maiden special weight turf sprint for sophomore fillies came up a bit light, so we’ll use two first-timers along with the best of the known element. Isn’t She Lovely earned decent speed figures in a pair of fourth place efforts at Del Mar last summer when facing what turned out to be stakes-quality competition and could easily be a better type this time around for R. Mandella. She returns with Lasix and blinkers following a series of quick recent workouts that should have her fit and ready, and with the blazingly-hot F. Prat taking the call for a barn that has sensational stats with layoff runners, this daughter of Into Mischief is clearly the one to beat. Just a Kiss Away is a fast-working debut runner from the E. Kruljac barn with two recent bullet drills at Los Alamitos to indicate some talent. The daughter of Twirling Candy certainly is bred for speed and in a race that projects to have soft early splits she could wind up being the one to catch. Tony Ann has done some good work in the a.m. for P. D’Amato and although this stable doesn’t often win with newcomers this daughter of Cairo Prince may represent danger from off the pace.
*
*
RACE 4: Post: 2:08 PT Grade: C+
Use: 1-Theluteismine; 6-Evenerevenworse; 8-June Gloom

Forecast: Maiden $50,000 claiming state-bred 3-year-olds sprint six and one-half furlongs to kick off the Rainbow Pick-6 in an anything-goes type of race that offers nothing to trust. We’ll use three and hope to get by. June Gloom is a first-timer that has attracted F. Prat and has the benefit of the cozy outside post, so the P. Miller-trained gelding, with a decent work tab at San Luis Rey Downs on his resume, rates top billing pretty much by default. A couple of recent six furlong drills should have him fit enough, so if he can run at all, this would be a good place to show it. Another debut runner, Evenereveworse, has shown a bit of ability in the a.m. for R. Ellis (quite capable with first-timers) so at 8-1 on the morning line we’ll include him on our ticket. Theluteismine has hit the board in two of his last three starts with speed figures that fit at this level and clearly is the best of the experienced group. Not sure he’s worth his 9/5 morning line price but if the fresh faces aren’t much, he’s the likely winner.
*
*
RACE 5: Post: 2:42 PT Grade: B
Use: 1-Maestro Dearte; 2-Ward ‘n Jerry

Forecast: We’ll double the fifth race, a 10-furlong starter’s allowance event with the two main players drawing the favorite inside post positions. Ward ‘n Jerry has been consistently racing against much tougher stakes (and in many case graded) company of late but sneaks into the field due to the unusual conditions of the race and on paper simply outclasses the field over a course that has produced four of his six career victories. The veteran son of Lucky Pulpit still appears sharp and eager in his morning trials and is a perfect two-for-two over this 10-furlong distance, so with “win rider” F. Prat staying aboard the 8-year-old gelding looks well-spotted to regain his winning form. Maestro Dearte, a sharp closing second in a $50,000 claimer almost two months ago, has trained steadily since and should appreciate today’s added distance. From the rail he’s guaranteed a ground-saving trip and having finished first or second in six of 12 starts over the local lawn the P. Eurton-trained gelding is worth including somewhere on hour ticket at 8-1 on the morning line.
*
*
RACE 6: Post: 3:14 PT Grade: B+
Single: 4-Motown Music

Forecast: Motown Music appears to have much in his favor in this allowance optional claimer over a mile on the main track. The lightly-raced and progressive son of Quality Road shows rising speed figures in each of his four races, most recently earning a strong number when second (beaten a neck) over this track and distance at this condition last month. He continues to train well, adds blinkers for the first time, switches to J. J. Hernandez, and could inherit the role as the controlling speed if his connections choose that option. In a five-runner affair and at 9/5 on the morning line, the M. Glatt-trained gelding is a win play and rolling exotic single.
*
*
RACE 7: Post: 3:46 PT Grade: B
Use: 2-Mucho Unusual; 5-Red Lark; 8-Charmaine’s Mia

Forecast: This year’s edition of the Buena Vista S.-G2 is a deep and contentious affair offering several possibilities, some at good prices. We’ll go three-deep and hope that’s enough. Charmaine’s Mia made her first start for new trainer P. D’Amato in the Las Cienegas S.-G3 earlier this meeting and left her previous form far behind with a fast, highly-rated and visually impressive win while earning a career top speed figure. Today she’ll try to prove she can handle two-turns (she finished last in her only prior route races a couple of years ago) but based on her recent workouts we’re convinced the daughter of The Factor can get the trip. While she won pressing the pace throughout in the Las Cienegas, it wouldn’t be shocking to see patient tactics employed today due to the presence of other committed speed types drawn inside of her. Mucho Unusual always gives her best, loves this turf course (five wins in nine starts) and is perfectly drawn in the two-hole that should enable her to use her excellent tactical speed to secure an ideal second flight, ground-saving journey. Red Lark is the most dangerous of the closers. Victimized by a crawling pace in the American Oaks-G1 in late December, the Irish-bred filly did well to finish as close as she did (fourth, beaten less than three lengths) and her excellent late turn of foot combined with today’s projected much quicker pace flow makes her extremely dangerous at 8-1 on the morning line.
*
*
RACE 8: Post: 4:20 PT Grade: C+
Use: 3-Varoma; 4-Made in Karoo

Forecast: A little will go a long way in this modest $30,000 maiden claiming main track miler for sophomore fillies. Made in Karoo has numbers that can win, adds blinkers, and switches to F. Prat. She certainly won’t have to improve much to beat this field. Varoma exits a series of tougher races while stretching out for the first time and seems likely to find herself as the controlling speed. She’s not particularly fast on figures and with Trippi on the bottom side of her pedigree she’s no sure thing to enjoy the distance, but if she’s ever going to stay a mile it’ll be in her first try against a group like this. These are the two we’ll be using in our rolling exotics, but if you have the budget to go deeper, feel free to do so.
*
*
RACE 9: Post: 4:52 PT Grade: B
Use: 1-Cruel Intention; 2-Coast of Roan; 6-Southern Horse

Forecast: The finale is a stronger-than-par first-level allowance grass dash. Cruel Intentionjust missed as the favorite in a similar affair over this turf course when making his first start since August. He’s worked well since, so we suspect he’ll run just as well if not better today, though his inside draw at this extended sprint trip dictates his front-running strategy over a course and distance that has promoted the closing types. He picks up F. Prat so at 5/2 on the morning line we’ll put him on top, but not single him. Coast of Roan returned off a layoff to win a starter’s allowance affair over this course and distance last month while earning a number that makes him a fit despite the class hike. He’s got the proper closing style for the trip and with some help up front should be quite dangerous in the final stages. Southern Hope is an Irish invader with good credentials – he was a stakes-placed twice in valuable handicaps overseas – and looks like a live item in his U.S. debut as a first-time Lasix user for J. Sadler. Based on his running style overseas, the one-time Argentine performer should be motoring home in the final stages.
*

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Siegel's National Prime Plays for 2/20/21

February 20, 2021

Jeff Siegel's National Prime Plays

Every Friday thru Sunday handicapper Jeff Siegel offers his best wagering opportunity from a selected North American racetrack. These “Best Plays” can take the form of a win wager, exacta, trifecta, or a daily double, pick-3, pick-4 or pick-6.

*

Aqueduct – 8th race – Post time: 4:50 ET
8 – Brattle House (3-1)

Won her debut last November over this track and distance by a value much greater than her 5 � length margin gives her credit for, and we suspect that this New York-bred filly will deliver a repeat victory despite the class hike to this year’s edition of the Maddie May Stakes. Very quick from the gate in her first start, the daughter of Malibu Moon opened up at will entering the lane was eased up to a virtual walk in the final stages of the race to win like a future star. She’ll probably have to put in a full day’s work this time, but the C. Clement-trained sophomore, a $775,000 yearling purchase, should be more than up to the task. At 3-1 on the morning line she’s a win play and rolling exotic single.

*

Gulfstream Park – 11th race – Post time: 5:16 ET
7 – Mrs. Danvers (2-1)

Earned a career top speed figure – one that is usually associated with Grade-1 company – when trying two turns for the first time and winning the Comely S.-G3 with complete authority in her most recent outing in late November in New York. Freshened and training like she’s fit and ready for her 4-year-old debut in this year's renewal of the Royal Delta S.-G3, the daughter of Tapit should settle just off the leaders outside and then have every chance to exert her superiority from the quarter pole home. She’s 2-1 on the morning line and she’ll offer good wagering value in the win pool at anywhere near that price.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Santa Anita - Race #1
Picks Notes
#8 Applecross Was held up at the back behind an impossible race shape last out, but she finished up well and might be a touch more tactical with blinkers on today.
#3 Hollywood Girl Fits on form, but she has been making a habit of landing underneath pieces and she's picking up seven pounds from her latest effort.
#5 Noble Hearted Steps up for hot Eurton operation off a really nice maiden win, and should be able to land a great trip tracking the pace.
Race Summary Applecross should offer a better number today than she did when last early behind a soft pace. She's capable of something better than that and should appreciate a bit more honest pace today.

Santa Anita - Race #7
Picks Notes
#8 Charmaine's Mia She has been working like a star since showing up here, and she transferred that to the track in the afternoon to impressively land a Grade III last out. Route trip is a question, but she's far too sharp to ignore.
#5 Red Lark Should get a bit more honest pace to chase this time around, and she's a reliable finisher that may just need a proper setup.
#2 Mucho Unusual She has always been in with some tough customers, but she has been putting things together in recent starts. Clear threat.
Race Summary Charmaine's Mia stretches out, but she looked excellent in her local debut and has been working well since that effort.

Santa Anita - Race #8
Picks Notes
#3 Varoma Barn does good work stretching horses out, and this one has pace to use from the inside in a pretty soft spot.
#4 Made in Karoo Drops off flat effort at even money last out, and she'll now add blinkers while trying to find something that works to get her home.
#10 Simmer Down She handled a couple of these last time out, but she's going to have to work out a trip from a wide draw today.
Race Summary Varoma should be in the mix early on the move around two turns, and this move has been utilized with success by this team.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Meadowlands - Race #6
Picks Notes
#1 BOILING OAR Rallied for second in last two starts, moves outside in.
#5 WESTERN FAME Controlled pace early, pulled away in back half at Pocono.
#2 DECISION DAY Packs late kick, finished third three times in last five starts.
Race Summary Boiling Oar followed the move of the 27-1 winner and duplicated a runner-up finish at this level. He gets a favorable post switch and can make amends as the beaten favorite. Play 1-2 and 1-5 exactas.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #3
Picks Notes
#1 MUSICAL RHYTHM Choice of two from top trot and layoff barn, draws rail.
#2 GRANDMA HEIDI Mare was 29/6-8-5 as a 4yo, paced evenly but ahead of top one.
#4 DANCER HALL Early move into fast pace to take lead, then went off stride.
Race Summary Musical Rhythm rallied for second behind his 7-to-5 stablemate two back at this level. The barn excels with layoff types, so play a 1-2-5-6 exacta box using stablemate Jumpshot on the ticket.

Miami Valley - Race #1
Picks Notes
#4 GENERAL SIMB A Discount latest, excellent form prior, tries to upstage series of seconds.
#1 HONEY I'M HOME Winless since 2020 but good try following odds-on winner at Northfield.
#6 PINE MASTER Steps up off 13-1 upset, Sutton suits him well.
Race Summary General Simba, no factor from the second tier last week, got the jump on the 2-to-5 winner in the race prior, led on the turn and finished a clear second. Play 4-1 and 4-6 exactas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks

Gulfstream Park - Race #7
Picks Notes
#2 Zippy Baby Was claimed by Breen for $50k last out when he was a closing second; can improve off his only local start.
#7 Richiesgotgame Faded late in his first local start and can improve; ended 2020 with two straight wins and has the speed to be dangerous.
#1 Mister Leonardo Had an eye-popping closing move for the move last time and takes a slight step up; should get a favorable pace to chase.
Race Summary Zippy Baby has been in tough races and needs his last one; in a prime spot to score.

Gulfstream Park - Race #10
Picks Notes
#8 Dreams of Tomorrow Ended 2020 with a maiden win at Aqueduct and looks like a good distance turf horse for top connections.
#1 Chocolate Bar Was a clear winner last out and has had a good closing move in his last two; moves up in class and will get a solid pace in front of him.
#4 Ronthelimodriver Was second under the wire but was awarded the win in his only start; Chad Brown trainee has been off since September 2019 and has worked steadily for his return.
Race Summary Dreams of Tomorrow took six starts to break his maiden, with just two on turf; has good tactical speed and can get a sharp run from the beginning.

Gulfstream Park - Race #11
Picks Notes
#4 Dream Marie Was a well-beaten second in the G3 Rampart two back and was fifth in the G2 Inside Info last out; gets a more relaxing setup going two turn and can make a good late run.
#3 Eres Tu Has taken three straight, most recently the G3 Du Pont at Laurel; has been competitive against solid fillies and mares and will be a factor from the start.
#7 Mrs. Danvers Easily won the G3 Comely at Aqueduct in November; only dull start came in the G1 Test.
Race Summary Dream Marie has run good races over the strip and should appreciate the extra ground; should be a decent price.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Battaglia FREE DAILY PICK :

AQUEDUCT
RACE 7

# 7-8-5 Rating 3 stars

#7 Wailin Josie-has run well in her last three and missed by just a neck last out against similar. She drops weight and will come running late.

#8 Eloquent Speaker-finished just a neck behind our top pick last out and is the one to beat.

#5 Flush-improved last out in her second start off a year layoff to finish 5 lengths behind our top two picks. She is making her third start back today and should be ready for her best.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike Wynn Free Pick: Richmond -9 over Duquesne

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jim Feist Jim Feist's Comp Pick, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2021
2/20 05:05 PM PT / 8:05 PM ET

NBA (523) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS (524) CHARLOTTE HORNETS

Take: over

Reason: Both of these teams are playing the 2nd of a back-to-back night. That doesn't seem to faze them though as the Charlotte Hornets are 11-4 O/U in their last 15 games with No Rest. Golden State is 10-4 O/U in their last 14 games with not rest. The Hornets are also 7-2 O/U in their last nine games and 5-2 in their last seven at home. I like the over here tonight. Your free play is on the OVER.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Razor Sharp YOUR RAZOR SHARP FREE PICK FOR SATURDAY: MIAMI-OH -4½ over Northern Illinois

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Totals4U Late Saturday's Free Selection: Utah/Oregon under 137

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Roz Wins ROZ's FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021
FREE PLAY

NBA
513. Suns -2.5 (5:05 PT / 8:05 ET)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Atlantic Sports
Late Saturday's Free Selection from Atlantic Sports: Montreal Canadiens even

[Can'tPickAWinner]

#1 Sports Late Saturday's Free Play: New Mexico State Aggies - 8 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Platinum Plays Your Free Pick: the Washington Wizards +3½ over Portland

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Sharp Bettor SharpBettor FREE Play SATURDAY, February 20, 2021
FREE CBK
736. St Johns -11 (4:30 PT / 7:30 ET)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Easy Money Sports

Lee's Free Late Saturday Selection Is
VIRGINIA -2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Nevada Sharpshooter
Your free winner for Saturday : Take SAN DIEGO ST -13½ over Fresno St

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Golden Dragon
FREE WINNER for Saturday
Seton Hall -4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hawkeye Sports Late Saturday's Free Pick: Minnesota Wild - 130

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Huddle Up Sports
Saturday Free Play:
Auburn -4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Arthur Ralph

SAT St Louis Blues NHL

[Can'tPickAWinner]

The Last Call Saturday's Late Free Play: Cal-Fullerton + 9

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Teyas Sports FREE PICK 2/20 CBB WOFFORD -4 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Vegas Steam Line
Your free winner for Saturday: FLORIDA ST -6 over Pittsburgh

[Can'tPickAWinner]

High Stakes Syndicate Free Selection for Late Saturday: North Dakota Sioux + 1 1/2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kenny Towers Your Free Pick for Saturday: Wash/Port UNDER 242

[Can'tPickAWinner]

John Anthony Sports Free Selection: SAT

POR TBLAZERS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Tony Sacco Tony Sacco's Free Play for SATURDAY is on the
SAC KINGS

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Hollywood Anthony Your SAT Free Play from Hollywood Anthony
MIA HEAT