Saturday 8/8/20 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Al Cimaglia: Meadowlands Hambo Day Analysis

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August 8, 2020 | By Al Cimaglia
The Meadowlands has a big star-studded 16-race card for Hambletonian Day starting with the first post at 12 noon EST. This will be the first time the Hambletonian will be a one race final and the $1 million trot is carded as Race 11. The Hambletonian Oaks goes in Race 9 and has a $600,000 purse. There will be a total of 10 stake races with combined purses of over $3.5 million.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7-Sam McKee Memorial FFA Pace-Purse $229,660

8-Bettor's Wish (7/2)-All 3 of my top selections could win this race but will lean towards the Ryder trainee who tries Lasix for the 2nd time. This should be a great race and if the fractions for the opening half are sizzling Dunn could leave and duck and come on again. This 4-year-old gets the edge on versatility and the fact Dunn can get the most out of him.
2-Dancin Lou (3-1)-Lou qualified well on 7/31 but hasn't raced since 7/18, when he won the Haughton. There is nothing to criticize, Sears will likely go for the lead and it remains to be seen how many will challenge. Could snag 4th win in 6 starts this year as long as the trip isn't too taxing. Lou is a monster and should be a threat for top honors once again.
3-Hurrikane Emperor (6-1)-McDermott trainee should be in position at the top of the lane and it will be interesting to see how MacDonald works the trip. Has the gate speed to leave but may look to follow the same script as in the Graduate. Could duck, then fly by down the lane at a square price and should be used in gimmicks as well.

$10 Exacta key 8/2,3
$2 Exacta Box 3-8, 2-3
Total Bet=$28

Race 9-Hambletonian Oaks-Purse $600,000

12-Hypnotic AM (5/2)-Has been burdened with outside posts in last 3 starts, but in my view this filly is the best trotter in the field. Sears won with Gimpanzee from the 2nd tier in the Hambo Maturity a few weeks ago. Maybe he can work his magic again and #2 could be leaving so that may help. Either way some luck will be needed but will respect chances as winner of 3 of 4 starts at the Big M could be posing again.
7-Sorella (7/2)-Nancy Takter's pupil has been tough to beat, winning 3 of 4 this season and 3 of 5 lifetime at the Big M. She gets a significant post advantage over contenders starting in the 2nd tier. Gingras will likely leave and get on the engine but will probably need to outgun a couple of leavers from the inside to take control. If Gingras and can steal a quarter this gal will be tough to catch.
11-Panem (6-1)-Another top trotting filly from the Takter barn. Hasn't had the success of Sorella but she does seem to be getting better. Consistent filly has been 1st or 2nd in last 5 races and is a threat for top honors if Dunn can somehow work a decent trip.

$10 Exacta Key 12/7,11
Total Bet=$20

Race 10-John Cashman Memorial FFA Trot-Purse $291,350

2-Atlanta (3-1)-This mare loves the Big M with 7 wins in 11 starts and has never been worse than 2nd. Gingras has a post edge over Gimpanzee the morning line chalk and has some options. The only 2 loses this year were to Manchego and will look for a mild upset here.
3-Marion Marauder (6-1)-Captured 1st win in 2 years on 8/24 and did it in style. Set a personal best winning in 150.2 and was 1st over but like a champion found a way to get his noise on the wire 1st. Comes in off a big effort and might be better today.
7-Gimpanzee (2-1)-Melander's prize pupil is a winner of 4 straight this year and has been great. It would be no surprise to see him take another picture and add to earnings of over $2.1 million. But takes on older for the 1st time so I will look to others who should offer more value.

$10 Exacta Key 2/3,7
$5 Eaxcta Key 3/2,7
Total Bet=$30

Race 11-Hambletonian Final-Purse $1,000,000

5-Ramona Hill (5/2)-Comes into the big race off 2 wins, both were great and came from the 10 and 7 holes. Looks the best on paper and McCarthy should be able to get a good trip from this post. But could be bet down.
6-Threefiftytwo (6-1)-Was used early and late in last week's Hambo Elim and finished an impressive 2nd. Dube could be in position to work a really good trip and the Blais barn has been red hot in the last 30-days. Should offer a square price. Could be an upset possibility if chalks falter and should be used in gimmicks.
1-Ready For Moni (3-1)-Nancy Takter looks to win the Hambo after winning the Meadowlands Pace, which seldom happens. Moni has never started from the rail and versus this field it may not be an advantage. There is no denying this colt is in fine form and should be right there at the wire if Gingras works the right trip.

$10 Exacta Key 5/1,6
$5 Exacta Key 6/1,5
Total Bet=$30

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jeff Siegel's Saratoga/Del Mar Wagering Strategies - 8/8/20

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August 8, 2020
Jeff Siegel’s Daily Analysis & Wagering Strategies
Saratoga
Saturday, August 8, 2020
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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.
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It is recommended that Jeff’s selections be used to augment the reader’s own personal handicapping, though excellent results can be achieved by applying the rolling exotic strategy specified by Jeff’s analysis. Jeff’s recommended plays are intended for players with a moderate budget; however, readers are encouraged to adjust Jeff’s wagering strategy to fit their preferred investment level.
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Grade A=Highest degree of confidence.
Grade B=Solid Play.
Grade C=Least preferred, or pass.
Grade X=probable winner but odds are not likely to offer wagering value.
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Today’s Del Mar Best Plays:

Del Mar – Fifth Race – Post Time: 4:10 PT
1 – Beguiled (15-1)

In her first start since March, this P. D’Amato-trained filly was badly victimized by an extreme outside post position, and after losing considerable ground every step of the way paid the price in the final furlong, weakening to finish eighth, beaten five lengths. The daughter of Orb will leave from the coveted rail today against the same type of competition and this time, with better racing luck, she figures to improve a ton. It’s worth noting that she recently outworked Carpe Vinum (the filly that beat her last time out) (view workout), so we have no doubt she’s much better than her last race shows, so at 15-1 on the morning line, she’s a major play both in the win pool and in the rolling exotics and can be used in exactas and trifectas with 4-Mind Out and 7-Merneith.

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Del Mar – Tenth Race – Post Time: 6:40 PT
4 – Superman Shaq (7/2)

Half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Distaff S.-G1 winner Monomoy Girl doesn’t show any fancy workout times in his past performance chart, but make no mistake about it, this colt is a smoker. Breezed a furlong in 20 3/5 seconds at the OBS April Sale and then brought $550,000 at auction before being sent West to trainer P. Miller. Powerful colt by Shackleford is fit, fast, and ready to roll (view workout) for this six furlong maiden special weight sprint for 2-year-olds, and at 7/2 on the morning line offers considerable wagering value at that price if you can get it.

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Del Mar – Eleventh Race – Post Time: 7:10 PT
11 – Ya Beauty (7/2)

Irish invader arrives ready to win right off the plane after finishing a strong second in a maiden race at Naas to Soul Search (subsequently Group-3 placed) while almost four lengths clear of the others at the finish. Her 84 Timeform rating makes her a strong fit in this nine furlong maiden turf event for fillies and mares, and with F. Prat taking the call this Irish-bred filly seems set to graduate in her U. S. debut. At 7/2 on the morning line she’s worth consideration in the win pool and as a rolling exotic key.

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Saratoga Analysis and Wagering Strategies:

RACE 1: Post 12:00 ET. Grade: B
Use: 1-Glynn County; 3-Doswell; 4-Bay Street Money

Forecast: A fairly competitive maiden special weight middle distance turf affair kicks off proceedings on Travers day. Bay Street Money (6-1) is a progressive son of Street Sense making his third career start, but his first with Lasix. The J. Jerkens-trained colt closed against the grain when second in a similar affair at Belmont Park last month while earning a strong speed figure, and with another forward move today might be able to tag the speed. Doswell, away for 11 months and now in the B. Tagg barn, has back form that is good enough to win and has worked like he should be plenty fit. Based on speed figures he’s the one to beat and projects to enjoy a comfortable ground-saving, pace-stalking trip. Glynn County, a $40,000 claim by M. Maker earlier this meeting, was a solid runner-up with a career top number in his first since December, moves into straight maiden company in a sign of confidence, and has every right to improve with that tightener behind him. The Kitten’s Joy colt is worth some consideration at 8-1 on the morning line.
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RACE 2: Post 12:38 ET. Grade: X
Use: 1a-Musical Heart; 3-Shalako

Forecast: Musical Heart, a first off the claim play for R. Atras (powerful 24% with this angle) steps up a notch after missing in a photo over this track and distance last month. With any kind of forward move, he may be able to turn the tables on Shalako, who edged Musical Heart in that race to record his ninth career victory and should be competitive right back. In a race that doesn’t really offer any wagering value, we’ll pass other than to include the two major players in rolling exotic play.
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RACE 3: Post 1:15 ET. Grade: B
Use: 3-Risky Mischief; 9-Light in the Sky

Forecast: Light in the Sky had a legitimate excuse when settling for second as the favorite in a similar state-bred first-level allowance grass sprint for fillies and mares last time out and gets a chance to make amends, but at what should be another short price (she’s 6/5 on the morning line). The Tale of the Cat filly lacks tactical speed and always is susceptible to traffic trouble and/or wide trips, but with a clear path today she could be along in time. Risky Mischief is a “must use” on your ticket. In her second start off a layoff for J. Englehart (superior stats with this angle), the daughter of Into Mischief certainly can improve after flashing speed before fading to fourth in a state-bred dirt sprint at Belmont Park in late June. With this return to the allowance ranks and the switch to grass, she’s a strong threat to take this field a long way. In a recent easy breeze around dogs over the turf training track (view workout), she got over the ground very well while giving indication that she’ll handle the switch in surface just fine.
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RACE 4: Post 1:49 ET. Grade: B-
Use: 2-Sliding Spring; 3-Field of Courage; 5-Hieroglyphyics

Forecast: Hieroglyphics drops again in class after vanning up from Gulfstream Park and is good enough to beat this field over a course he’s been known to like. The M. Maker-trained gelding has been sparingly raced in 2020 (just four starts) and his last pair were far below his standard, but with a return to the Spa against this level of competition the late-running veteran should have every chance to produce the last run. Sliding Spring, also dropping in class, lands the good rail and seems certain to employ front-running tactics. He’s always been suspect under pressure in the final furlong but if not respected early he could lead this field on a merry chase. Field of Courage is unproven around two turns and is winless in two years but this is his fourth start off of a layoff and he’s not being dropped in class by Rudy, so we’ll take this as a sign of confidence. His speed figures are steadily rising and he appeared to finish with interest in a hot grass sprint earlier this month, so at 8-1 on the morning he’s worth tossing in somewhere.
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RACE 5: Post 2:26 ET. Grade: B
Use: 1-Shackleford Strong; 6-Bottle Rocket Man; 7-Mutasaabeq

Forecast: Here’s a hot maiden 2-year-old sprint featuring a pair of Into Mischief colts making their debuts breaking right alongside each other and another intriguing first-timer shipping up from Ellis Park. Bottle Rocket Man acts like a colt with plenty of speed – he really hasn’t been allowed to show any of it in the morning (view workout) and looks extremely dangerous first crack out of the box for C. Brown (22% with debut runners). Produce by a half-sister to Munnings, this impressive colt brought $350,000 as a yearling and gives every indication of being a win-early type. Mutasaabeq is listed at even money on the morning for T. Pletcher after doing everything asked of him in the morning while easily handling his workmates without ever being set down. Drawn comfortably outside and in a position to pop and go or stalk and pounce, the $425,000 weanling purchase by Shadwell has enough of a foundation to be plenty fit for a top effort right now. Shackleford Strong is a first-timer from the S. Asmussen barn with a few noteworthy drills at Ellis Park. We have to believe his connections think he can run at this level; otherwise, why not run him where he’s been training? It’s a guess, but at 8-1 on the morning he’s worth tossing in on a ticket or two.
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RACE 6: Post 3:02 ET. Grade: B
Use: 1-Secret Potion; 4-Hidden Enemy; 6-Mystical Man

Forecast: This middle distance turf affair for juveniles has several possibilities; those that have raced don’t impress so let’s go with three newcomers and hope that at least one runs to his potential. Mystical Man lands J. Rosario and has worked well since arriving at Saratoga while strictly on his own, typical for the A. Stall, Jr., barn. A $155,000 purchase at the OBS March sale where he was very impressive previewing in :21 2/5 over the all-weather surface, the son of Mucho Macho Man is a leggy colt with plenty of scope and a long stride, and acts like he’ll very much enjoy grass and a distance of ground. He’s at 8-1 on the morning line at that price may be the gamble in the race. Secret Potion is a first-timer by Into Mischief that brought $475,000 as a yearling; he’s out of half-sister to Point of Entry so it’s not surprising that he debuts going long on the lawn. His dirt track drills were just okay but a recent breeze around dogs on grass over the Saratoga training track caught the eye. The C. Brown barn is strong with first-timers (22%) and from the rail under I. Ortiz, Jr. he looks very much like a live item. Hidden Enemy is a son of the world class stallion Galileo from Spinster S.-G1 winner Acoma but went for “only” $150,000 at Keeneland. The work tab is just so-so but he did display ability in a recent breeze over the local lawn and could perk up in the afternoon for the always-productive S. Asmussen/R. Santana, Jr. combo.
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RACE 7: Post 3:42 ET. Grade: B
Use: 1-Serengeti Empress; 5-Letruska; 6-Pink Sands

Forecast: Morning line favorite Bellafina (9/5) certainly can win but she’s been a beaten choice six times during her career and simply isn’t one to trust. Let’s try to get by without her. Letruska has won nine of 11 career starts though never against this level of competition; still, the daughter of Super Saver has a legitimate chance at a price after winning a listed stakes with a career top speed figure at Gulfstream Park in her most recent outing. She’s undefeated around one turn and may actually be most effective at this shorter trip. Drawn outside the other speed types and therefore with the option to stalk the pace if the race shape dictates, she had a nice recent :47 flat breeze over the track (view workout) to have her right on edge. Serengeti Empress is another that should enjoy the turn back in trip. She hasn’t sprinted in more than a year but in 2019 over this track and distance she finished narrow second to Eclipse Award winner Covfefe in the Test S.-G1 and repeat of that performance today will make her very hard to catch. However, as a need-the-lead type she has no options from her rail draw other than to bust and go and take heat every step of the way. Pink Sands, a prototype late-running sprinter, has a prior win over this track and will get the patient ride she needs from I. Ortiz, Jr. The faster the early pace, then better shot she has, and at 10-1 on the morning line the veteran daughter of Tapit is a “must use” in rolling exotic play.
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RACE 8: Post 4:22 ET. Grade: B-
Use: 1-Imprimis; 6-Pulsate; 7-Chewing Gum

Forecast: This is a race in which the speed types look vulnerable, so we’ll concentrate on the closers and hope they receive sufficient help up front. Imprimis has a chance to regain his best form in his first start since splitting the field in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint-G1 last November at Santa Anita. He has a history of firing fresh, but now as a six-year-old it’s hard to be sure which version we’ll see in this Grade-3 grass dash that looks fairly wide open. The son of Broken Vow is listed at 8/5 on the morning line – that seems a bit short – but if he can negotiate a clear run from his rail post the late-running specialist could get up in time. Chewing Gum is another deep closer with a chance to make some noise with good racing luck. The son of Candy Ride is solid in the speed figure department and regular jockey J. Rosario knows him well. If a contested early pace materializes the W. Mott-trained horse will be heard from late. Pulsate probably is too big of a number at 15-1 on the morning line and is yet another that could make an impression if the race shape sets up as we expect. This will be his second start off a layoff and the son of Speightstown can be expected to move forward and at least outrun his odds.
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RACE 9: Post 5:02 ET. Grade: B
Use: 1-Mrs. Sippy; 4-My Sister Nat

Forecast: My Sister Nat has yet to register a victory since arriving from France but after a solid prep when finishing second in the New York S.-G2 in her comeback she should be primed for her best effort. A Group-3 stakes winner in France last year and beaten a neck in the 11-furlong Long Island S.-G3 the Big A last November, the C. Brown-trained 5-year-old is quite comfortable at this marathon trip and may be able to produce the last run and tag the other main player, Mrs. Sippy. The G. Motion-trained daughter of Blame, away since the Breeder’s Cup Filly & Mare Turf (she finished ninth) last November, has proven she can fire fresh, having won the Glen Falls S.-G2 over this course and distance in her U.S. debut last year. She’s the 6/5 morning line favorite and probably deserves to be. Both should be included in rolling exotic play; we’ll go with the better price – My Sister Nat – slightly on top.
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RACE 10: Post 5:39 ET. Grade: X
Single: 5-Gamine

Forecast: Gamine made a mockery of the Acorn S.-G1 with a Ruffianesque performance and if she comes anywhere close that type of effort today she’s home free. Both of her one-turn races resulted in easy, dominating victories, and at this seven furlong trip the B. Baffert-trained daughter of Into Mischief should be able to shrug off whatever pressure Venetian Harbor may apply and then go on with it. At 3/5 on the morning line there’s no value to be found, but you can use her as a short price rolling exotic single or simply pass the race.
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RACE 11: Post 6:15 ET. Grade: X
Use: 3-Uncle Chuck; 6-Tiz the Law

Forecast: We know how good Tiz the Law is but we don’t know how good Uncle Chuck is, and that’s pretty much why we expect ‘Law will be odds-on and ‘Chuck to be leave around 2-1 or 5/2 in this year’s edition of the Travers S.-G1. Tiz the Law has the home court advantage and has looked terrific breezing over the Saratoga main track while staying on edge since his dominating Belmont S.-G1 win, while ‘Chuck has been turning heads in the a.m. at Del Mar while acting every bit like B. Baffert’s best 3-year-old since Justify. Is this a two-horse race? It sure looks that way. Since Uncle Chuck will be three-times the price (as he should be) we’ll go with him on top but include both in our rolling exotics in a race that may decide who goes favored in next month’s Kentucky Derby-G1. For more: In Depth Video Analysis with Jeff and Eddie

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RACE 12: Post 6:52 ET. Grade: B
Single: 9-Bankers Beast

Forecast: Bankers Beast exits a fairly strong maiden special weight turf sprint and didn’t run badly while splitting the field with an even effort. Bred better for dirt, the daughter of Central Bankers switches to the main track, picks up L. Saez, and goes for a barn that has excellent stats with second time starters (24%). The Monmouth Park shipper lands the cozy outside draw and can pick her spot move when she wants to. At 9/2 on the morning line she’s a win play and rolling exotic single.
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[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian Nadeau's Daily Picks

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Saratoga - Race #4

#10 Bootlegger	Tactical runner has a pair of wins over the course, lures Saez, which will ensure a good spot from this outside draw, and should offer a hint of value as well; look out.
#5 Heiroglyphics	Stiff ML favorite drops in class and clearly figures, but he's no faster than a few others here, hasn't been in the best form lately, and will be overbet too; trying to beat.
Golden Spear	Dangerous sort got the comeback out of the way last time, and note he's 1-for-1 over the course, so with an expected move forward, he figures right there; big chance.
Race Summary	That 9-2 ML seems plenty fair on the 10, and you might just get it too, especially if they bet the 5 hard, so play him in all the slots, and especially in the early Pk5/Pk4, and to kick off the middle Pk4 as well, since he's as good as anyone here, gets a major jock upgrade, and tipped his hand with that big 3rd on the return to the turf last time.

Saratoga - Race #8

#7 Chewing Gum	Price player didn't see out the 7Fs behind a good one last time, but the shorter win two-back was a sight to behold, and while he steps way up here, the major players here are real question marks, and you know this dude will be rolling late; mows them all down in the lane.
#1 Imprimis	Strong ML favorite is one of the best turf sprinters in the country on his day but hasn't been seen since the BC in November, so he could need this, not to mention the rail is no great shakes and is last three haven't been much, so at false odds he's tough to trust; second-best.
#6 Pulsate	Stretch runner was a nose behind the pick at Belmont last time and is another who will be closing late, and while he doesn't have the credentials of most here, an aggressive pace should flatter his style, and you know he'll be completely ignored on the tote; bomber exotics appeal.
Race Summary	The fact the favorites entered with some red flags helps the pick, and the cutback should too, plus the risk-reward should be there as well, so play him in all the slots, and especially in the all-stakes Pk5, as well as to kick off the late Pk5, since he has a lot in his corner, is in proven form, and still has plenty of upside, which is more than some of the others can say here.

Saratoga - Race #9

#2 Beau Belle	Longshot looks like a Lone F on paper, ran well stretching to this trip last time, and, while this is a big step up in class, her race flow and recency edge on the top gals says she's in with a chance; bombs away on the engine.
#! Mrs. Sippy	The obvious chalk wins this with her best, but Motion is cold to star the meet and this gal hasn't been out since a no-show 9th in the BC in Nov., so she could need this, and getting 1 1/2 miles off the bench isn't easy; backwheel time.
#4 My Sister Nat	Heavy hitter will be bet hard for Brown and certainly figures on her best, but her comeback 2nd at Belmont was underwhelming and she has no early speed whatsoever, which will leave her with a lot to do late; runs out of room.
Race Summary	The price will be right and then some on the 2, and while she's not a very likely winner, stranger things have happened in these turf marathons, and she does own a huge tctical edge on the rest of the field, so give her a look in all the slots, and in the all-stakes Pk5, late Pk5, and to kick off the late Pk4 as well, as she's not without hope against a few gals who aren't eactly trustworthy, and if she does pull it off, it will completely blow up all three sequences.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Laurel Park - Race #3

#12 Bondurant	Seems like this guy might get a pretty good run in a spot where he can be the bridge between the pace players and the finishers. He could get first jump and hold late at a nice number.
#9 Jag	Tactical type tends to make his own trips, and he's almost always in the hunt late in the lane. The 5/2 ML price is probably close to fair.
#2 National Honor	ML chalk has a huge finishing kick and is clearly the one to fear late, but she might not get the greatest setup today and will be giving the early jump to a couple of very capable horses.
Race Summary	Bondurant could get a bit forgotten from the high draw, and though I would have liked to have seen a touch better from those last two, the race flow is advantageous enough to give him a chance.

Laurel Park - Race #7

#4 Giggling	She has shown very little in two turf sprint tries, but she is also the only serious and consistent sprint pace in here. The other two listed can chase, but this one finds the front if they want it at a square price.
#8 Fashion Faux Pas	She's the most likely of the forward players to be able to relax and press or spy the pace, and she draws beautifully to do just that from the outside.
#7 Bye Bye Bertie	Owns some early pace that should keep her in the mix with these, but she's probably going to have to settle for tracking the top choice in the early going.
Race Summary	Giggling is worth another look on the lawn, as that sophomore debut suggested she might just be a significantly better horse now than she was last year, and she's fast enough to find the front today. ML second choice #6 Lemon Zip is classy, but none of the 12 North American horses who have cut back from 12f to 5.5f in the last seven years have won.

Laurel Park - Race #8

#6 Can He Shine	Speed meets a little bit of other pace, but he's likely to want the front anyway, and all the other forward players are typically content to track the splits. If he gets a breather, he's a threat.
#1 Artistic Reason	Didn't wow anyone in the maiden win, but the added ground seems to help, and there may still be more here for Motion than we've seen.
#6 Tap the Mark	No arguing with this guy's reliable form, but maybe the one knock is that he seems to be a bit better at Parx than he does over the local footing. Still, he has won twice here, so he's in the mix.
Race Summary	Can He Shine should find himself on the front, and if the pressing types relax off him too much, he has a high enough ceiling to kick on and win this.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Meadowlands - Race #10

#7 GIMPANZEE	Took dominance to a new level with off-the-pace romp from second tier starting spot.
#5 SOUL STRONG	Gets ideal set-up at another big price, can’t help but use him in gimmicks.
#2 ATLANTA	Beat the boys in 2018 Hambletonian, always seems in winning mix.
Race Summary	Gimpanzee, one of three multi-millionaires in deep and crowded Cashman Memorial field, couldn’t have been more impressive than his win in the 1-1/4-mile Hambletonian Maturity. He was forced to take back off the pace that he usually controls from a crowded second-tier, but blew past the field for his 21st win in 27 starts. Let’s make him today’s Best Bet.

Meadowlands - Race #11

#6 THREEFIFTYTWO	Out from third on turn, good late burst for second, trainer seeks Hambo repeat.
#5 RAMONA HILL	Filly was held up behind outer flow, rallied furiously to win, merits favoritism.
#1 READY FOR MONI	Powerful backside brush to command, well-handled in elimination win.
Race Summary	Taking a price shot with Threefiftytwo in the $1 million Hambletonian. He lost pocket position near the half-mile marker when Ready For Moni blasted to the lead, but he angled 3-wide on the turn and closed with a rush to finish second. His trainer, Luc Blais, won with longshot Forbidden Trade last year.

Woodbine-Mohawk Park - Race #3

#2 ROCKIN N TALKIN	Escaped trap in win, left too much work to do in follow-up, price attached.
#3 TORRIN HANOVER	Rallied for third from post 10 in 1:49.2 against better rivals.
#1 CAPTAIN TREVOR	Can make good use of his speed from the rail but is unproven at this level lately.
Race Summary	Not giving up on Rockin N Talkin, who was better than the winning margin indicates two starts ago, then made up 16-1/2 lengths to finish fourth at this level. He switches pilots again but offers good betting value. Play a 1-2-3 exacta box.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Jerry Shottenkirk's Daily Picks

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Gulfstream Park - Race #7

#10 R Mercedes Boy	Was a clear winner on the main track last time and has the pedigree to be able to adapt to the turf; he's also the one to beat if it comes off the grass.
#2 Allurstra	Held on well for second and was claimed last time; is a main-track-only entrant for Walder and will be tough if they come off the turf.
#5 Rhythmia	Closed with interest for second vs. similar last out and is in good form on the turf; has the late move to watch here.
Race Summary	R Mercedes Boy has the speed to overcome his post and despite not having been on turf should be able to handle; can win this on either surface.

Gulfstream Park - Race #9

#7 Tournesol	Is impossible to dislike after she rallied off a slow pace for a win in a minor stakes race; has the late move to be successful.
#8 Sound Machine	Is a main-track-only entrant and a stand out if this comes off the turf; won a stakes race two back and was second in one last time out.
#3 Yesterdayoncemore	Just missed against Tournesol last time and can fill out the bottom end of the exacta if it stays on turf; capable lass.
Race Summary	Tournesol is in top form and has the current form that will make her difficult to beat; solid on the turf.

Gulfstream Park - Race #11

#5 Monforte	Has been a dream claim by the Gracida barn; won four straight -- three after being claimed by $35,000, and he beat good foes in all of those. Capable of another victory here.
#2 Graceful Kitten	Gave way early in last of 2019 but had some a couple stakes earlier and has trained well for his return.
#3 Kokokomo	Was in time in his last two turf attempts and has been climbing the ladder; late threat.
Race Summary	Monforte is on a tear and has the closing move to get it done here; it will be difficult to deny him his fifth straight win.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB public betting, line movement for August 8
Patrick Everson

The Marlins are 5-0 since returning to action Tuesday, following a COVID-imposed shutdown. Miami beat the host Mets 4-3 Friday night, and Game 2 in that series is at 7:10 p.m. ET Saturday.

MLB betting odds are on the board for Saturday’s games, and this crazy season is at a point where the Miami Marlins cannot be ignored. Since returning Tuesday from their COVID-imposed shutdown, the Marlins are 5-0 fielding a platoon squad and lead the NL East heading into a Saturday night game against the Mets.

Caesars sportsbooks provided insights on MLB opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Saturday’s contests.

MLB line movement

After sweeping four games at Baltimore, the Marlins posted a 4-3 Friday win over the Mets to improve to 7-1. However, with a starter not yet named by late Friday night for Saturday’s 7:10 p.m. ET contest, Caesars books haven’t yet posted the opening line.

Clayton Kershaw takes the ball for his second start of the season when the Dodgers host the Giants at 9:10 p.m. ET. Not surprisingly, Kershaw and Co. are hefty favorites, opening -300 at Caesars, with San Francisco +250. There was no movement by late Friday night.

The Braves are among the hotter teams at the moment, on a 7-2 run entering Saturday’s 6:05 p.m. ET matchup at the Phillies. That game was also waiting on an opening line late Friday night.

MLB public betting

The Dodgers are among the most popular picks, even laying -300. Late Friday night, Los Angeles was landing 72 percent of picks against Johnny Cueto and the Giants.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

901CLEVELAND -902 CHI WHITE SOX
CLEVELAND is 64-41 SU (20.6 Units) vs. poor baserunning teams - averaging 0.5 or less SB's/game over the last 2 seasons.

903DETROIT -904 PITTSBURGH
DETROIT is 42-72 SU (-37.1 Units) vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons.

905HOUSTON -906 OAKLAND
OAKLAND is 12-2 SU (11.6 Units) in home games vs. AL teams scoring 5.4 or more runs/game on the season over the last 2 seasons.

907ATLANTA -908 PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA is 259-242 SU (20.6 Units) in home games vs. teams outscoring opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season since 1996.

909BALTIMORE -910 WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON is 30-12 SU (20.4 Units) in home games vs teams who strand 6.9 or less runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons.

911NY YANKEES -912 TAMPA BAY
NY YANKEES are 93-59 SU (34.5 Units) vs. an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game over the last 2 seasons.

913MINNESOTA -914 KANSAS CITY
KANSAS CITY is 45-34 SU (7.6 Units) in home games against division opponents in the last 3 seasons.

915LA ANGELS -916 TEXAS
LA ANGELS are 30-14 SU (15.5 Units) in road games vs. teams outscored by opp by 0.5 or more runs/game on the season in the last 3 seasons.

917CINCINNATI -918 MILWAUKEE
CINCINNATI is 13-23 SU (-12.3 Units) in road games in August games in the last 3 seasons.

919MIAMI -920 NY METS
MIAMI is 4-13 SU (-12.3 Units) vs. teams who strand 7.5 or more runners on base per game over the last 2 seasons.

921TORONTO -922 BOSTON
BOSTON is 11-33 SU (-24.6 Units) in home games vs. good fielding teams - averaging <=0.6 errors/game over the last 2 seasons.

923CHICAGO CUBS -924 ST LOUIS
ST LOUIS are 11-2 SU (8.8 Units) in home games in August games over the last 2 seasons.

925ARIZONA -926 SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO is 8-25 SU (-16.6 Units) with a team slugging percentage .390 or worse on the season (NL) over the last 2 seasons.

927COLORADO -928 SEATTLE
COLORADO is 55-67 SU (-34.9 Units) in road games vs. a team with a terrible bullpen whose ERA is 5.20 or worse since 1996.

929SAN FRANCISCO -930 LA DODGERS
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-25 SU (14.5 Units) in road games as an underdog of +200 or more since 1996.

931NY YANKEES -932 TAMPA BAY
NY YANKEES are 93-59 SU (34.5 Units) vs. an overused bullpen that pitches more than 3.2 innings per game over the last 2 seasons.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Saturday, August 8

National League
Atlanta @ Philadelphia
Braves (9-5):
Wright is 0-1, 7.50 in two starts this season.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-1 Team in first 5 innings: 1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: under 2-0

— Braves won seven of their last nine games.
— Under is 4-2 in their last six games.

Phillies (3-4):
Velasquez allowed four runs in three IP (60 PT) in his first ’20 start; he is 1-6, 5.20 in 11 starts vs Atlanta.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-1 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-1 Totals: over 1-0

— Philly lost four of its first seven games.
— Under is 4-2-1 in their games.

Miami @ New York
Marlins (7-1):
Miami hasn’t named a pitcher yet.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-0 Team in first 5 innings: 0-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-0 Totals: 0-0

— Miami won its last six games.
— Under is 6-2 in their games.

Mets (5-9)
Peterson is 1-1, 3.86 in two starts this season.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-1 Team in first 5 innings: 1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: under 2-0

— Mets lost seven of their last nine games.
— Under is 5-1 in their last six games.

Cincinnati @ Milwaukee
Reds (6-8):
DeSclafani blanked Detroit for five innings (64 PT) in his first ’20 start; he is 3-4, 5.23 in 10 games (9 starts) vs Milwaukee, 1-4, 5.83 in six games (5 starts) here.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-0 Team in first 5 innings: 1-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-1 Totals: 0-0-1

— Cincinnati lost three of its last four games.
— Four of Reds’ last six games stayed under the total.

Brewers (5-6):
Anderson allowed two runs in three IP (52 PT) in his first ’20 start; he is 2-1, 6.67 in four starts vs Cincinnati.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-1 Team in first 5 innings: 1-0
Allowed run in first inning: 1-1 Totals: over 1-0

— Milwaukee is 5-6 in its first 11 games; they’re 0-3 at home.
— Under is 6-5 in their games.

Arizona @ San Diego
Diamondbacks (5-9):
Kelly is 1-1, 1.98 in two starts this year; he is 3-1, 3.71 in five starts vs San Diego.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-1 Team in first 5 innings: 1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 1-2 Totals: under 2-0

— Arizona lost five of its last eight games. .
— Over is 3-2-1 in their last six games.

Padres (8-6)
Paddack is 2-0, 2.65 in three starts this year, 2-0, 0.79 in four starts vs Arizona.
Teams’ record in his starts: 2-1 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1-2
Allowed run in first inning: 1-3 Totals: over 3-0

— San Diego lost four of its last six games.
— Over is 6-3 in their last nine games.

San Francisco @ Los Angeles
Giants (6-9):
Cueto is 0-0, 5.68 in three starts this season, 7-9, 3.49 in 21 starts against the Dodgers, 4-5, 2.35 in 11 starts in Chavez Ravine.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-2 Team in first 5 innings: 1-1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 1-3 Totals: over 2-1

— Giants lost five of their last six games.
— Under is 5-2 in last seven road games.

Dodgers (10-4)
Kershaw blanked Arizona for 5.2 innings in his ’20 debut; he is 23-12, 1.74 in 47 starts against the Giants.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-0 Team in first 5 innings: 1-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: under 1-0

— Dodgers won five of their last six games.
— Under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games.

American League
New York @ Tampa Bay
Bronx (9-4):
Cole is 3-0, 2.55 in three starts this year, 0-2, 3.51 in four starts vs Tampa Bay.
Teams’ record in his starts: 3-0 Team in first 5 innings: 3-0
Allowed run in first inning: 2-3 Totals: 1-0-2

— Bronx lost three of its last four games.
— Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

Rays (6-7):
Glasnow is 0-0, 3.24 in two starts (8.1 IP) this year; he is 0-1, 3.60 in two starts vs Bronx.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-1 Team in first 5 innings: 1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: over 1-0-1

— Tampa Bay lost five of its last seven games.
— Rays are 6-2 at home.
— Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games .

Toronto @ Boston
Blue Jays (4-7):
Shoemaker is 0-1, 5.91 in two starts this year,
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-2 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: 1-1

— Blue Jays lost five of their last six games.
— Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
— Toronto has been on the road this whole time; they don’t play in Buffalo until Tuesday.

Red Sox (5-8):
Godley allowed five runs in 3.1 IP (69 PT) in his first ’20 start.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-1 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1
Allowed run in first inning: 1-1 Totals: under 1-0

— Red Sox lost four of their last six games.
— Boston lost four of its six home games .
— Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Minnesota @ Kansas City
Twins (10-4):
Odorizzi is making his first ’20 start; he is 3-5, 4.88 in 11 games (10 starts) vs Kansas City.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-0 Team in first 5 innings: 0-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-0 Totals: 0-0

— Twins won six of their last eight games.
— Under is 9-2 in their last 11 games.

Royals (5-10):
Duffy is 0-2, 4.11 in three starts this year, 6-3, 3.13 in 23 games (19 starts) vs Minnesota. Royals scored total of four runs in his three starts this year.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-3 Team in first 5 innings: 0-2-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-3 Totals: under 3-0

— Royals lost six of their last eight games.
— Over is 3-2 their last five home games .

Cleveland @ Chicago
Indians (8-7):
Plesac is 0-1, 1.80 in two starts this year, 0-2, 3.15 in three starts vs Chicago.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-2 Team in first 5 innings: 1-0-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: under 2-0

— Cleveland won three of its last four games.
— Under is 13-2 in Indian games this season.

White Sox (8-6):
Looks like a bullpen game for the White Sox.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-0 Team in first 5 innings: 0-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-0 Totals: 0-0

— Chicago won seven of its last nine games.
— White Sox are 2-4 at home this season.
— Over is 4-2 in their home games .

Anaheim @ Texas
Angels (5-9):
Sandoval allowed two runs in four IP (62 PT) in his first ’20 start. He is 0-0, 4.32 in two starts vs Texas.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-0 Team in first 5 innings: 1-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-1 Totals: over 1-0

— Angels are 3-6 in their last nine games.
— Under is 5-2 in their last seven road games.

Rangers (4-8):
Allard allowed one run in four IP (75 PT) in his first ’20 start; he allowed seven runs in five IP in his one starts against the Angels.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-0 Team in first 5 innings: 1-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-1 Totals: over 1-0

— Texas lost five of its last seven games (over 5-2).
— Rangers are 3-3 in their new home stadium (under 5-1).

Houston @ Oakland
Astros (6-7):
Valdez allowed three runs in 4.1 IP (59 PT) in his one ’20 start.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-1 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1
Allowed run in first inning:0-1 Totals: under 1-0

— Astros lost their last three games.
— Over is 4-1-2 in their last seven games.
— Houston is 1-5 in games where winning run scores from 7th inning on.

A’s (10-4):
Montas is 1-1, 2.25 in three starts (16 IP) this year; he is 2-2, 4.74 in six games (4 starts) vs Houston.
Teams’ record in his starts: 2-1 Team in first 5 innings: 1-1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-3 Totals: over 2-1

— Oakland won its last seven games.
— Over is 3-2 in their last five games .

Interleague
Baltimore @ Washington
Orioles (6-7):
Eshelman is making his first ’20 start; he was 1-2, 6.50 in 10 MLB games (4 starts) last year.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-0 Team in first 5 innings: 0-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-0 Totals: 0-0

— Orioles lost four of their last five games.
— Under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

Nationals (4-6):
Voth allowed three runs in five IP (70 PT) in his first ’20 start.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-1 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1
Allowed run in first inning: 0-1 Totals: under 1-0

— Washington won three of its last five games.
— Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
— Nationals still haven’t played a road game.

Detroit @ Pittsburgh
Tigers (6-5):
Former Pirate Nova is 0-0, 4.22 in two starts this year,
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-1 Team in first 5 innings: 0-1-1
Allowed run in first inning: 1-2 Totals: 1-1

— Detroit lost three of its last five games.
— Under is 4-1-2 in their last seven games.

Pirates (3-11):
Holland is 0-0, 4.76 in two starts (11.1 IP) this year; he is 1-2, 4.26 in seven starts vs Detroit.
Teams’ record in his starts: 1-1 Team in first 5 innings: 2-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-2 Totals: 1-1

— Pirates lost eight of their last nine games.
— Under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.

Colorado @ Seattle
Rockies (9-3):
Castellani is making his first ’20 start; he was 2-5, 8.31 in 10 AAA starts LY.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-0 Team in first 5 innings: 0-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-0 Totals: 0-0

— Rockies won nine of their last 11 games.
— Colorado won four of five road games.
— Under is 4-1 in Colorado road games.

Mariners (5-9):
Margevicius is making his first ’20 start; he was 2-6, 6.79 in 17 games (12 starts) for San Diego LY. He was 0-2, 16.55 in three starts vs Colorado LY.
Teams’ record in his starts: 0-0 Team in first 5 innings: 0-0
Allowed run in first inning: 0-0 Totals: 0-0

— Seattle lost six of its last seven games.
— Under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

MLB

Saturday, August 8

Trend Report

Cleveland @ Chi White Sox
Cleveland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Cleveland's last 11 games
Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Chi White Sox is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cleveland

NY Yankees @ Tampa Bay
NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

Detroit @ Pittsburgh
Detroit
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Pittsburgh
Detroit is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 22 games when playing Detroit
Pittsburgh is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Detroit

Houston @ Oakland
Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Oakland
Houston is 16-8 ATS in its last 24 games on the road
Oakland
Oakland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Oakland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

NY Yankees @ Tampa Bay
NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

Baltimore @ Washington
Baltimore
Baltimore is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Baltimore's last 12 games when playing Washington
Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games

Atlanta @ Philadelphia
Atlanta
Atlanta is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Atlanta is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games on the road
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 7 games when playing at home against Atlanta

Minnesota @ Kansas City
Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Minnesota's last 11 games
Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Kansas City's last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Kansas City is 16-3 ATS in its last 19 games when playing at home against Minnesota

LA Angels @ Texas
LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games when playing Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Angels's last 5 games on the road
Texas
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Texas's last 7 games at home
Texas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

Cincinnati @ Milwaukee
Cincinnati
Cincinnati is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Milwaukee's last 7 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
Milwaukee is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Cincinnati

Miami @ NY Mets
Miami
Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
NY Mets
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Mets's last 6 games
NY Mets is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Miami

Toronto @ Boston
Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing Boston
Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing Toronto

San Francisco @ LA Dodgers
San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 5 games
LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
LA Dodgers is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games when playing San Francisco

Arizona @ San Diego
Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing San Diego
San Diego
San Diego is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Arizona
San Diego is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Arizona

Colorado @ Seattle
Colorado
Colorado is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Colorado is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Seattle's last 14 games at home
Seattle is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Colorado

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL public betting, line movement for August 8
Patrick Everson

Marc-Andre Fleury and the Golden Knights face the Avalanche for the Western Conference's No. 1 seed. Caesars sportsbooks installed Colorado a -115 favorite, with Vegas at even money.

NHL betting odds are on the board for a slimmed-down Saturday slate of two games, as a chunk of the 24-team playoff field got whittled down Friday in qualifying-round games. There are two round-robin matchups Saturday, with the Western Conference and Eastern Conference No. 1 seeds on the line.

Caesars sportsbooks provided insights on NHL opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Saturday’s contests.

NHL line movement

The Golden Knights and Avalanche are both 2-0 in the round-robin seeding of the top four teams in the West, so the winner nabs the top seed in the Edmonton bubble. Caesars sportsbooks, which will surely see plenty of public money on the Knights at Las Vegas locations, still made Colorado a -115 favorite, with Vegas even money. There was no movement Friday night for this 3 p.m. ET faceoff.

Likewise, the Flyers and Lightning are 2-0 in the East round-robin, battling for the top seed in the Toronto bubble. Caesars books opened Tampa Bay -135 and Philadelphia +120, and this contest also saw no line movement by late Friday night for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop.

NHL public betting

Consensus often provides insight into where the public is on a game, and in the case of Knights-Avalanche, there’s two-way action with a lean to Colorado. The Avalanche are landing 57 percent of picks and Vegas 43 percent.

Consensus is a more clear cut on Flyers-Lightning, with Tampa Bay drawing 65 percent of early picks to Philadelphia’s 35 percent.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

1VEGAS -2 COLORADO
COLORADO is 23-9 ATS (14.1 Units) in road games against good offensive teams - averaging 29.5+ shots on goal per game in the current season.

11PHILADELPHIA -12 TAMPA BAY
TAMPA BAY is 16-2 ATS (13.8 Units) in road games after 1 or more consecutive unders in the current season.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 8

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

VEGAS (41-24-0-8, 90 pts.) vs. COLORADO (44-20-0-8, 96 pts.) - 8/8/2020, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
VEGAS is 87-75 ATS (-19.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
VEGAS is 6-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
VEGAS is 13-4 ATS (+7.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-3 (+2.7 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=-0.5 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)

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

PHILADELPHIA (43-21-0-7, 93 pts.) vs. TAMPA BAY (45-21-0-6, 96 pts.) - 8/8/2020, 1:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 277-290 ATS (-96.6 Units) after a win by 2 goals or more since 1996.
TAMPA BAY is 107-51 ATS (+169.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 265-255 ATS (+579.3 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1996.
PHILADELPHIA is 43-28 ATS (+11.0 Units) in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 21-16 ATS (+38.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 15-6 ATS (+21.4 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 7-1 (+4.9 Units) against the spread versus PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
TAMPA BAY is 7-1-0 straight up against PHILADELPHIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons . (Over=+6.0 Units)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NHL

Saturday, August 8

Trend Report

Vegas @ Colorado
Vegas
Vegas is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
Vegas is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
Colorado
Colorado is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Vegas
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Colorado's last 21 games

Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay
Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 5 games
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

[Can'tPickAWinner]

NBA line movement for August 8
Patrick Everson

LeBron James sat out Thursday in a loss to the Rockets, and the Lakers star is questionable for Saturday's game against the Pacers. Despite that, DraftKings opened the Lakers 8-point favorites.

NBA betting odds are posted and seeing money for Saturday’s five-game slate. The marquee matchup in the NBA Bubble is an East-West clash between the Pacers and the Lakers, though Los Angeles might again be without LeBron James as he rests a sore groin.

Multiple oddsmakers provided insights on NBA opening lines and early line movement, sharp money and public betting for Saturday’s matchups. Covers will update this action report with NBA sharp picks vs. public bets and line movement throughout the day.

NBA line movement

James sat out Thursday’s 113-97 loss to the Rockets, and he’s questionable for Saturday’s 6 p.m. ET tipoff. As such, and with Los Angeles having already wrapped up the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, Lakers-Pacers wasn’t on the board at most books Friday night. However, DraftKings had L.A. up at -8, with no early moves.

Oddsmakers face a challenge with LeBron and other stars resting ahead of the playoffs.

“It’s gonna be a wild bubble ride these last few regular-season games,” CG Technology risk analyst Dave Sharapan said. “With spots clinched and guys using ‘load management,’ the lines are going to be all over the place.”

The Bucks and Mavericks play the nightcap at 8:30 p.m. ET, but much like the Lakers, Milwaukee already has the top seed clinched in the Eastern Conference. That has many books waiting to post a number, seeking clarity on who will be in the Bucks’ lineup. DraftKings went ahead and posted Bucks -5.5 and saw no moves on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Suns are the only unbeaten bubble team, at 4-0 SU and ATS, as they try to navigate an unlikely path to the Western Conference playoffs. Phoenix, 2.5 games behind eighth-place Memphis but with three other teams in the way, has a 7:30 p.m. ET date with the Heat. DraftKings opened Miami -2.5, and there was no line movement Friday.