Saturday 9-23-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[New York Knight]

Raphael Esparza

South Carolina -8.5

South Carolina is coming off a horrible home loss to the Kentucky Wildcats last Saturday 23-13, and we should see a very mad Gamecocks team Saturday afternoon. Both teams come to Williams-Brice Stadium 2-1, and with the Gamecocks getting back-to-back home games I don't see them losing 2-straight home games. LA Tech beat Western Kentucky on the road last weekend 23-22, but the Bulldogs will struggle with the Gamecocks on Saturday. South Carolina scored only 13 points against the Wildcats defense last weekend but scored an average of 33 ppg before that Kentucky game, and Saturday I see a big offensive numbers coming out of the Gamecocks. Louisiana Tech is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 nonconference games, and the Gamecocks are 5-2 ATS following a ATS loss.

[New York Knight]

Jeff Allen

Colorado +11

Washington has dominated the series of late but Colorado played the Huskies tough in last year's Pac-12 championship game. In fact, it was 14-7 at the half with the Buffs getting the kickoffs before two second-half picks opened the floodgates. Both 3-0s are meaningless as each team opened the year with cupcakes but the Buffalo run defense is especially tough and new QB Montez does not make mistakes or turn the ball over like his predecessor Lifau. Colorado is 6-3 L9 as a home dog and the program as a whole is still on the upswing.

[New York Knight]

Dennis Macklin

Wake Forest -5

Wake has been almost perfect in its first three wins that came but an aggregate score of 141-27. They've dominated their three opponents by better than 188 ypg. Going into last week, App State had been on a 28-6 straight up run with three of the losses coming to Georgia, Miami, and Tennessee. Last week we saw the big reason for concern as the Mounties (-22.5) were outgained by the lowly Texas State and had to stop the Bobcats on the final play of the game to preserve a 23-13 win. Wake is 7-1 ATS with suitcase last eight while App State is just 1-9 ATS in its L10. These schools are separated by just 92 miles so there should be a pretty good contingent of Deac fans on hand to support these white hot Deacons.

[New York Knight]

Harry Bondi

WYOMING -7

The Cowboys and QB Josh Allen came into the season with high aspirations, but have struggled to a 1-2 record, with the losses coming in blowout fashion to Iowa and Oregon. So, with the season on the line, expect a huge effort here today from Wyoming in a major step down game. Hawaii is just 20-41 the last 10 years when playing away from home and just 4-12 ATS in their last 16 conference games, while Wyoming has gone 10-6 ATS in conference play during that same time period. The island boys will also struggle mightily here as they play a game way out of their element at more than 3,000 feet above sea level in Laramie.

[New York Knight]

Jesse Schule

Mississippi St +7

The Georgia Bulldogs are asked to cover seven points at home versus the Mississippi State Bulldogs this week. It could be hard for Georgia to cover here with a backup quarterback and only one of their top two running backs healthy. Sony Michel didn't play last week, and his status for this game is unclear. What is clear is that Mississippi State shut down the high powered rushing attack of LSU last week, and if they can slow Georgia's running game, this should be close.

[New York Knight]

Doc's Sports

UCLA +7½

Jim Mora is a very overrated coach but taking him aside UCLA may have better talent than that of the Cardinal. Stanford is coming off back-to-back losses including last Saturday night at San Diego State, a team from a Group of Five conference. I just do not believe they will be able to run a desperate Bruin team out of the building. Stanford is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games. 68% of the money is coming in on the Bruins as the spread in this game continues to drop. Doc’s Sports nailed both of their top plays in football last week including a BLOWOUT Nonconference Game of the Year winner behind Wisconsin destroying BYU.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Albuquerque

Albuquerque - Race 2

Second Half Daily Double / Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / 10 Cent Superfecta


Claiming $6,250 • 7 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 81 • Purse: $9,600 • Post: 6:30P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE JANUARY 1, 2017 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $5,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY)(MAIDEN RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * NORTHERN IOWA: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse ranks in the top thre e in TrackMaster Power Rating. LUCKY DOES IT: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. AUSSIE ROCKS (GB): Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMast er Power Rating.
1
NORTHERN IOWA
8/1

7/2
8
LUCKY DOES IT
4/1

6/1
12
AUSSIE ROCKS (GB)
3/1

6/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #9 - BELMONT PARK - 5:45 PM EASTERN POST
The Kelso Handicap
8.0 FURLONGS DIRT GRADE II THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $300,000.00 PURSE

#5 SHARP AZTECA
#4 DIVINING ROD
#2 TOMMY MACHO
#1 TOM'S READY

This race honors the career of Kelso, who is considered to be among the best racehorses in history. In the list of the top 100 U.S. thoroughbred champions of the 20th Century by The Blood-Horse magazine, Kelso ranks 4th, behind only Man o' War (1st), Secretariat (2nd) and Citation (3rd). In his long career, Kelso defeated many leading Thorougbred racehorses including Carry Back, Gun Bow, Bald Eagle, Tompion, Never Bend, Beau Purple, Quadrangle, Roman Brother, Crimson Satan, Jaipur, Ridan and Pia Star, as well as other top thoroughbreds, often conceding weight under handicap conditions. In doing so, Kelso beat more champions and Hall of Fame horses than any other thoroughbred racehorse in the 20th Century. Here in the 36th running of this Grade Stakes Test, #5 SHARP AZTECA is the overall speed leader in this field racing at today's distance of a mile on the dirt, and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in five straight, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both his last, as well as in his 4th race back. Jockey Paco Lopez and Trainer Jorge Navarro send him "postward" for the 'Saturday Feature' ... they've hit the board with 77% of their entries saddled as a team to date. #4 DIVINING ROD takes a slight class drop (-1), is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in four of his last five outings, winning twice, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 2nd race back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Century Downs

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

Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 3.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $11400 Class Rating: 0

FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 118 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 BEST IN SPIRIT 6/1

# 4 MAIDEN VOYAGE 15/1

# 5 SASSY CANDY 10/1

BEST IN SPIRIT is the best bet in this race. Likely to see a much stronger attempt with the drop. Earnings per start in dirt sprint races is sound for this animal. MAIDEN VOYAGE - Will almost certainly go to the front end and should never look back. Expect a much stronger outing with the drop. SASSY CANDY - Look for this horse to be right there at the finish versus these horses.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delaware Park

Delaware Park - Race 2

Daily Double (Races 2-3) / Exacta / Trifecta (50-cent min.) Superfecta (10-cent min.) / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4, 50-cent min.)


Claiming $10,000 • 1 1/16 Miles • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 94 • Purse: $16,000 • Post: 1:45P
(PLUS UP TO 50% OTHER SOURCES) FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON A RACE SINCE JUNE 23, 2017 OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON FOUR RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 23, 2017 ALLOWED 3 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 23, 2017 ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000, IF FOR $8,500, ALLOWED 3 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR $8,000 OR WAIVER CLAIMING $8,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ELIGIBILITY AND ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * BATTERY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. COLONY STRIKE: Horse has run a Good Race within the l ast 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. WORLD CHANGER: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. BAYCHIMO: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days.
4
BATTERY
7/2

9/2
6
COLONY STRIKE
5/2

5/1
5
WORLD CHANGER
6/1

8/1
3
BAYCHIMO
9/5

10/1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Laurel - Race #9 - Post: 5:10pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 76

Rating: 4

#4 XTRA WISEMANN (ML=8/1)
#9 CIRCLE R (ML=9/5)
#1A BRAHMS BREEZE (ML=7/2)


XTRA WISEMANN - Gomez was aboard this gelding last time out and was impressed enough to take the animal right back. Gomez should have him moving solid on the turn. Ran a lackluster race at Timonium last out. Racing without the slop puts this gelding at the top of my contenders list. CIRCLE R - Ran a lackluster race at Laurel last out. Racing under normal track conditions puts this gelding at the top of my list of contenders. BRAHMS BREEZE - Gonzalez comes to ride after getting to know the colt in the last race. I like to see fast drills. This colt's last one was very good. Second fastest of the day. Ness brings him back again. I suggest you stick with this live colt.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 HE'S OUT OF QUEENS (ML=7/2), #3 FREEDOM STORM (ML=6/1), #8 PETION NIGHT (ML=6/1),

HE'S OUT OF QUEENS - In all probability won't make much of an impact this time. FREEDOM STORM - This gelding recorded a speed fig in his last affair which likely isn't good enough in today's race. PETION NIGHT - Don't believe this pony will make a winning move today. That last speed fig was quite unimpressive when compared with today's Equibase class figure.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - XTRA WISEMANN - After a layoff, has had a few races and today he enters a sprint race. Should be back in form, so I expect this one to perform well in this field.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #4 XTRA WISEMANN on the win end if we get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [4,9] Box [1,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,9] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:
Skip

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Meadowlands - Race #3 - Post: 8:00pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 68

Rating: 4

#11 AMETRINE (ML=5/2)


AMETRINE - It looks like Reyes had to come to know this filly on September 2nd when riding her for the first time. Back aboard again today. I like this filly. Has the highest EPS (earnings per start) in today's event. This horse has a lot of class. A good sign in a turf race like we have today. A horse coming back this rapidly after a solid effort is a good omen.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 FLASHY VAL (ML=4/1), #6 EASY CRIS (ML=9/2), #14 MARKET MONEY (ML=5/1),

FLASHY VAL - This horse doesn't have a winning state of mind. Quite often finishes near the winner. EASY CRIS - This mare finished out of the money on Aug 31st and wasn't even close last time out either. Speed ratings tell a narrative of decreasing form. MARKET MONEY - No accomplishments for this less than sharp equine in a sprint race over the last two months tells me that this filly is in a very difficult spot

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - AMETRINE - I'm wagering on this one today. A softer field is going to make a big difference. Will be competitive today.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #11 AMETRINE to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
11 with 2

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park

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

Race 1 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $10450 Class Rating: 76

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 23 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000. OKLAHOMA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $6,250.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 5 COTTON CLUB CUTIE 7/2

# 4 CHEYENNE BLUES 4/1

# 6 LOLO 3/1

My selection in this event is COTTON CLUB CUTIE. Wade has a win percent of 16 over the last 30 days. Could best this group based on the Equibase Speed Figure - 60 - of her last contest. She has very strong class ratings, averaging 82, and has to be given a shot for this event. CHEYENNE BLUES - Is hard not to consider based on Equibase Speed Figs which have been very good - 70 avg - of late. Trainer boasts strong win numbers at this distance and surface. LOLO - Profitable jockey and trainer team, with a +7 return on investment. The speed figure of 67 from her latest affair looks respectable in here.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (76-77) at Houston Astros (94-59)
DATE/TIME: Saturday, September 23 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A
Preview: Angels at Astros

Gracenote
Sep 23, 2017

The Los Angeles Angels are falling out of the competition for the American League's second wild-card spot and they attempt to snap their five-game losing streak when they visit the AL West champion Houston Astros on Saturday afternoon. The Angels recorded just two hits on Friday in a 3-0 loss in the opener of the three-game series to fall 3 1/2 games behind Minnesota with nine to play.

Los Angeles is one game under .500 after losing 10 of its last 14 games in an untimely collapse. Mike Trout has been one of the main culprits in the slide as he is just 9-for-53 over his last 16 games and has recorded just two homers and five RBIs this month. Houston has won seven of its last eight contests and is six victories shy of the second 100-win campaign in franchise history. Yuli Gurriel belted a three-run homer and is a torrid 14-for-29 over his last nine games.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Bud Norris (2-5, 4.53 ERA) vs. Astros RH Charlie Morton (12-7, 3.75)

Norris, who has made 57 relief appearances, is making his second start of the season after tossing two scoreless innings versus Texas in the first on Sept. 15. The 32-year-old is coming off a rough relief outing against Cleveland on Tuesday in which he gave up three runs, three hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. Norris, who spent his first 4 1/2 seasons with the Astros, is making his second career start against his former team - the other being a victory in which he gave up two runs and four hits over six frames in 2013 while with Baltimore.

Morton defeated Seattle in his last turn as he gave up one run and five hits over six innings. The 33-year-old has limited opposing batters to a .220 average in 15 home starts while going 9-3 with a 3.50 ERA. Morton is 2-0 with a 3.74 ERA in four career starts against the Angels, including 1-0 with a 2.70 mark in two turns this year, but has struggled with Martin Maldonado (6-for-10).

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros RF Josh Reddick (lower back) departed the series opener and is expected to sit out Saturday's contest.

2. Los Angeles DH Albert Pujols is just 3-for-25 over his last seven contests.

3. Houston RF George Springer is hitless in 12 at-bats over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Angels 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - LA Angels at Houston

W/L Trends

LA Angels

Angels are 5-1 in their last 6 Saturday games. Angels are 13-3 in their last 16 during game 2 of a series. Angels are 6-2 in their last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter. Angels are 1-4 in their last 5 road games. Angels are 1-4 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Angels are 0-4 in their last 4 games following a loss. Angels are 0-5 in their last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Angels are 0-5 in their last 5 overall. Angels are 0-5 in their last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Angels are 0-5 in their last 5 games on grass.

Houston

Astros are 5-0 in their last 5 vs. American League West. Astros are 4-0 in their last 4 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game. Astros are 10-1 in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Astros are 10-1 in their last 11 home games. Astros are 7-1 in their last 8 overall. Astros are 7-1 in their last 8 games vs. a right-handed starter. Astros are 7-1 in their last 8 games on grass. Astros are 6-1 in their last 7 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Astros are 5-1 in their last 6 games following a win. Astros are 39-16 in their last 55 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Astros are 41-20 in their last 61 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Astros are 2-6 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30.

OU Trends

LA Angels

Over is 7-1-1 in Angels last 9 during game 2 of a series. Under is 4-1 in Angels last 5 road games. Under is 4-1 in Angels last 5 vs. American League West. Under is 4-1 in Angels last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 5-2-1 in Angels last 8 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

Houston

Under is 5-0 in Astros last 5 overall. Under is 5-0 in Astros last 5 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Under is 4-0 in Astros last 4 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-0 in Astros last 5 home games vs. a right-handed starter. Under is 5-0 in Astros last 5 on grass. Under is 4-0 in Astros last 4 games following a win. Under is 4-0 in Astros last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 5-0 in Astros last 5 home games. Under is 5-0 in Astros last 5 games vs. a right-handed starter. Over is 5-1 in Astros last 6 Saturday games. Under is 4-1 in Astros last 5 vs. American League West. Under is 5-2 in Astros last 7 when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Astros last 7 after allowing 2 runs or less in their previous game.

Head to Head

Under is 7-2 in the last 9 meetings in Houston. Angels are 9-21 in the last 30 meetings in Houston. Angels are 1-4 in the last 5 meetings.

Umpire Trends - Tripp Gibson III

• Road team is 7-0 in Gibson IIIs last 7 games behind home plate.
• Home team is 5-0 in Gibson IIIs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
• Home team is 5-1 in Gibson IIIs last 6 games behind home plate vs. Houston.
• Under is 6-2 in Gibson IIIs last 8 Saturday games behind home plate.
• Home team is 13-5 in Gibson IIIs last 18 Saturday games behind home plate.
• Astros are 5-2 in their last 7 games with Gibson III behind home plate.
• Under is 5-2 in Gibson IIIs last 7 games behind home plate vs. Houston.