Wednesday 12/21/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Rocket Picks ��: Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs for December 21, 2022
By: Aaron Halterman

Let’s get another week of racing started off for the Rockets! For the free pick 4, we will head to Tampa Bay Downs for the Late Pick 4 on the card. We will also have full card selections for Gulfstream Park for the paid Rockets, so be sure to check those out. Let’s GO!

Below is our free late Pick 4 for Gulfstream Park:

Tampa Bay Downs December 21, 2022

Race 6: Maiden Special Weight

#6 Practically was a solid second on debut over this track and should be tough in this spot if she can move forward off of that race. #2 Alexas Dream was third behind our top choice in her last start. She has a bit more experience than our top choice, which gives her a bit of an advantage in this spot.

Race 7: Starter Optional Claiming
freestar

#6 Flawless Cat moves over to the turf today after running fourth at this level over the dirt in his last start. He has a pedigree that suggests the turf could be a good thing for him. #4 Adios Buccaneer goes for two in a row today to start his career after a solid win on debut over this track.

Race 8: Claiming

#3 Isle of Skye was a close second at this class level and distance last time out Monmouth Park. He fits in well once again today. #1 Classic Bet gets major class relief in this spot after back to back poor efforts against allowance runners.

Race 9: Maiden Claiming

#8 Kazachan was close last time out when dropping down to this class level and running over this track. #10 Blue Kentucky Girl runs first off of the claim for a decent barn, while also taking a nice drop down in class for this race today.

THE TICKET

$.50 Pick 4 (Races 6-9) 2,6 / 4,6,9 / 1,2,3,5 / 8,10 – $24

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Declan Schuster's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, December 21, 2022

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS
(Wednesday, December 21, 2022)

Race 1: #7 Encore, #1 Strive For Glory, #2 Sunshine Legendary, #8 Day Day Rich
Race 2: #9 Natural Storm, #4 Hit The Shot, #3 Five G Patch, #8 Lucky Diamond
Race 3: #7 Smiling City, #6 Mr Fun, #2 Brave Star, #1 Sight Hero
Race 4: #10 Heavenly Thought, #3 Flying On The Turf, #2 Take What You Need, #8 Handsome Guys
Race 5: #9 Faribault, #4 Juneau Flash, #2 Circuit Seven, #11 One For All
Race 6: #12 Glorious Lover, #7 Turin Warrior, #3 Lucky Gold, #5 Fearless Fire
Race 7: #11 Sixth Generation, #1 H Z Tourbillon, #5 Howdeepisyourlove, #2 Hercules
Race 8: #7 Sky Forever, #1 Star Brite, #2 Nicconi County, #9 Leslie
Race 9: #11 Nordic Dragon, #1 Excellent Peers, #10 Hyper Dragon Ball, #2 Super Fortune

Race 1: Mercury Handicap (2nd Section)

#7 Encore looks like he can make the most of a hot tempo. Expecting they run along here and he’s shown in the past that his best form has come over this course and distance. #1 Strive For Glory is one of those who is likely to lead. He’s back in Class 5 here which is a big plus, especially with Zac Purton hopping up. #2 Sunshine Legendary caught the eye closing off late last start. He’s mixed his form so far but it does look like he’s taking the right steps forward now. #8 Day Day Rich has class and speed. Don’t discount.

Race 2: Venus Handicap

#9 Natural Storm does his best racing over this course and distance. He narrowly missed two runs back and he only needs to replicate that effort to be a leading contender here. #4 Hit The Shot has the class. He won well two starts ago and will benefit getting out over this journey once again. #3 Five G Patch is expected to improve sharply third-up this term. Big watch on him here, especially with Hugh Bowman hopping up. #8 Lucky Diamond can find the front and run this group along. Keep safe.

Race 3: Mars Handicap (2nd Section)

#7 Smiling City is a much improved horse at Happy Valley. His last run was poor but he was set a huge task from the tail of the field at Sha Tin. The inside gate should allow him to roll forward and Hugh Bowman’s booking is a good push. #6 Mr Fun caught the eye with a slashing third on debut. Zac Purton hops up now and he looks to have his fair share of ability. #2 Brave Star can turn his form around. He’s better than his last-start seventh suggests. #1 Sight Hero loves the course and distance. Next best.

Race 4: Mercury Handicap (1st Section)

#10 Heavenly Thought is better than his record suggests. He’s tumbled down to Class 5 and his first-up run this term was sound. His work at Conghua has looked very good and his best form is good enough to win here. #3 Flying On The Turf is taking the right steps forward. He’s third-up this week and his race-fitness should be nearing its peak. #2 Take What You Need is favoured from gate one. He’s in sound form and should be able to capitalise from the good gate. #8 Handsome Guys has claims. Huge effort last start.

Race 5: The American Club Challenge Cup Handicap

#9 Faribault is in the right vein of form and he deserves another win here. Strong booking of Zac Purton enhances his claims as he steps away favourably from gate three. He can win this one. #4 Juneau Flash is making the right progress each start. He put in a solid effort last outing and any improvement from that performance will hold him in good stead. #2 Circuit Seven can find the front and lead. He’s a two-time winner in this grade previously. #11 One For All is on the improve. He has claims.

Race 6: Jupiter Handicap

#12 Glorious Lover is still chasing a first win in Hong Kong. He had excuses first-up before an inconclusive effort last start. He can turn it around here as he is much better than his past two runs indicate. The light weight suits also. #7 Turin Warrior is doing everything right except win. He gets his chance again with Zac Purton sticking aboard. #3 Lucky Gold is racing well without winning. He’s in sound condition and his consistency will be rewarded soon enough. #5 Fearless Fire is next best.

Race 7: Mars Handicap (1st Section)

#11 Sixth Generation was without luck late last start. He can atone for that effort here, especially as he appeared to still be full of running that day. He’s in superb form and he can win. #1 H Z Tourbillon is better than his past few runs suggest. Karis Teetan hops back aboard which is a plus and the inside draw gives him his chance. #5 Howdeepisyourlove continues to improve with each outing. He didn’t have much luck last start and he’s shown he has plenty more to offer. #2 Hercules commands respect.

Race 8: Saturn Handicap (1st Section)

#7 Sky Forever was far too back with too much work to do last start. He can bounce back here, especially if he manages to take up closer order from the better draw. He’s worth taking a chance on here at a price. #1 Star Brite is the form horse of the race. He’s favoured in gate three to continue his strong run of form. #2 Nicconi County draws well once again. He’s been beaten by wide draws in his past two starts and the booking of Hugh Bowman is a big plus. #9 Leslie is on the up. He won well and will figure strongly.

Race 9: Saturn Handicap (2nd Section)

#11 Nordic Dragon shapes as an above average talent who is capable of winning again. He’s up to Class 3 now but this step looks well within his current capabilities. Expect he takes catching. #1 Excellent Peers is racing well and chases a hat-trick of wins. He doesn’t know how to run poorly. #10 Hyper Dragon Ball has trialled well and should get an opportunity from the draw. The light weight suits and he gets his chance. #2 Super Fortune is consistent and he just needs to offset the wide draw to be a factor.

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Stephen Nover

Dec 21 '22, 7:07 PM in 10m
NHL | Lightning vs Red Wings

Play on: Lightning -145 at SC Consensus

I'm going to lay the price with the superior Lightning in a revenge spot. The Red Wings upset the Lightning, 4-2, in Tampa 15 days ago. The Red Wings scored three third-period goals to win that game.
Detroit hasn't won since, though. The Red Wings are 0-6 in their last six games. They also have dropped their last five home games.
Tampa Bay should be highly motivated not just for the revenge spot, but also coming off a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Prior to that defeat, though, the Lightning had won five in a row outscoring those five opponents by 17 goals.

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Dave Price

Dec 21 '22, 7:10 PM in 13m
NBA | Bucks vs Cavs

Play on: [B]UNDER 217

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Sean Murphy

Dec 21 '22, 7:10 PM in 13m
NBA | Pistons vs 76ers

Play on: Pistons +12 -115 at linepros

Wednesday NBA Free play. My selection is on Detroit plus the points over Philadelphia at 7:10 pm et on Wednesday.
This is just too many points to be giving a desperate Pistons squad that checks in off three consecutive home losses, noting that they've gone an impressive 9-1 ATS after losing three games in a row this season, outscored by just 1.4 points on average in that spot. The 76ers have won five games in a row but I believe they'll be hard-pressed to win by margin here, noting that they've gotten off 85 or fewer field goal attempts in each of those five contests and face a bit of a lull in their schedule here off an overtime win over the Raptors and before hosting Doc Rivers' former team, the L.A. Clippers on Friday. Look for Detroit to say competitive, noting that it kept each of last season's four meetings within 12 points, including one outright victory. Take Detroit.

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Rob Vinciletti

Dec 21 '22, 7:30 PM in 33m
NCAA-B | Clemson vs Georgia Tech

Play on: [B]Georgia Tech +1

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Jack Jones

Dec 21 '22, 7:40 PM in 43m
NBA | Raptors vs Knicks

Play on: Knicks -1 -110 at circa

Jack's Free Pick Wednesday: New York Knicks -1
I cashed in the Knicks -5.5 in a 134-92 blowout home win over the Golden State Warriors last night. I'll get back on the Knicks tonight with the 2nd of a back-to-back here being a non-factor because they made such easy work of the Warriors and will be at home again tonight, so there is no travel involved.
The Knicks are now 8-0 SU & 8-0 ATS in their last eight games overall with six of those wins by double-digits. They will be highly motivated to keep this winning streak alive tonight. They will still be very fresh as nobody played more than 32 minutes last night, and it will only be their 5th game in 10 days as well.
The Toronto Raptors are really struggling right now in going 0-6 SU & 1-5 ATS in their last six games overall. Home-court advantage has been huge in this series as the home team is 6-1 SU & 6-1 ATS in the last seven meetings. The home team is also 8-1 ATS in the last nine meetings.
The Raptors are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games. New York is 17-3 ATS in its last 20 games following four or more consecutive ATS wins. If it ain't broke don't fix it. Bet the Knicks Wednesday.

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John Martin

Dec 21 '22, 7:40 PM in 43m
NBA | Warriors vs Nets

Play on: [B]Nets -12

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Totals Guru

Dec 21 '22, 8:07 PM in 1h
NHL | Canadiens vs Avalanche

Play on: [B]OVER 5

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Brandon Lee

Dec 21 '22, 8:10 PM in 1h
NBA | Mavs vs Wolves

Play on: Mavs -3 -110 at BetVegas

Wednesday's Free NBA Pick: Dallas Mavericks -3
I'll take my chances with the Mavericks as a 3-point road favorite against the Timberwolves. These two teams just played in Minnesota against each other on Monday. A game the Timberwolves won 116-106 and it really wasn't that close, as Minnesota had a 20-point lead going into the 4th quarter.
It's always tough beating a team in consecutive games, even harder when you are the underdog in both fights. Dallas didn't feel that game on Monday was a fair fight. They were extremely upset with how it was officiated. So much that both head coach Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic got ejected in the 3rd quarter. Minnesota has won 3 in a row, but I just don't feel they can sustain this type of play while KAT is sidelined. I like Doncic and the Mavs to get their revenge. Give me Dallas -3!

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Cole Faxon

Dec 21 '22, 8:30 PM in 1h
NCAA-B | Notre Dame vs Florida State

Play on: Notre Dame -1 -110 at Ace

FREE PLAY on Notre Dame -1 -110

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Bobby Conn

Dec 21 '22, 8:37 PM in 1h
NHL | Predators vs Blackhawks

Play on: Blackhawks +170 at circa

1* Free Play on Blackhawks +170

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Dustin Hawkins

Dec 21 '22, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | CS Sacramento vs CS-Fullerton

Play on: [B]CS Sacramento +3

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Hunter Price

Dec 21 '22, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-B | CS Sacramento vs CS-Fullerton

Play on: [B]CS-Fullerton -2

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Jim Feist

Dec 21 '22, 9:00 PM in 2h
NCAA-F | South Alabama vs Western Kentucky

Play on: UNDER 58 -110

Lone game on the Bowl slate tonight has the New Orleans Bowl between South Alabama and Western Kentucky. The Sun Belt rep in this game has won five straight New Orleans Bowls and the South Alabama Jaguars look to make that six in a row here tonight. Western Kentucky had a lot of replacing to do on offense this year as OC Zach Kittley, QB Bailey Zappe and their top two receivers all departed. However, they did a good job replacing them as they are back in the Bowl game again this year with a 8-5 record. South Alabama is under 2nd year coach Kane Wommack and he had them at 5-7 last year but stepped up this year to a 10-2 mark as both sides of the ball saw great improvements. One of their losses came by just one point to UCLA. One area that could be a problem for Western tonight is their rush defense, that allowed 155.9 yards per game and their 2nd leading tackler will be out as he declared for the NFL Draft. This game will be the South Alabama outstanding defense against the Western Ky offense. Look for South Alabama to control the ball on the ground and their defense to stifle the Hilltoppers. Your free play is on the UNDER.