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03/05/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With last week's cancellation of the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita, there will be two graded three-year-old prep races this Saturday as that event joins the Gotham Stakes over in New York.
Eight of the 10 earlier Sham combatants will fight it out as Straightomidnight and Viva Macho have been replaced by Marcello and Boulder Creek. Unfortunately, the weather might not cooperate once again, as more rain is in the forecast. In the event Saturday's card gets washed away, the race will be run on Sunday.
Coinciding with the two stakes races, the second batch of 23 three-year-olds were announced earlier in the week for Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.
Ten horses that were not on the original list now have found themselves as single-betting interests, including a pair entered in Saturday's Sham Stakes - Nextdoorneighbor and Setsuko.
Nextdoorneighbor scored by four lengths in his third career start - his first around two turns - giving trainer Michael Machowsky, who also has Caracortado in his barn, a possible second Kentucky Derby contender.
The son of Lido Palace, who has Beyered in the 80's in all three starts, is coming into the race in top form with four splendid workouts since his maiden victory. On the negative side, his jockey in all three races, Rafael Bejarano, will ride Setsuko so Mike Smith has the mount.
Setsuko also has just one win on his resume (in six lifetime starts) and that was at Hollywood Park, so he is winless in two career attempts on Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface. In addition, Setsuko's maiden victory came as the heavy 1-2 favorite. It's obvious the field he beat that day leaves a lot to be desired, especially since Broken Tango, the second-place finisher, ran seventh in Nextdoorneighbor's lone triumph.
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if both colts failed to hit the board as there are three other top contenders that should finish in front of the two Pool 2 contestants.
Leading the way is Kettle River, winner of two straight, including a game victory over Hawaiian Springs and The Program on January 6 at 1 1/16-miles.
Trainer Eoin Harty, who has been high on this colt for a long time, might have lucked out with last week's postponement as Kettle River was behind in his training due to illness. With an extra week of preparation, look for the son of Congaree to be in top form in his first stakes appearance.
The Program bounced back after losing to Kettle River to win his next start, an entry level allowance event over 1 1/16-miles at Santa Anita. It was a struggle getting past Indian Firewater but he was able to wear him down by a nose at the wire.
His pedigree suggests he'll like the added distance as his second dam, Far Flying, is a half-sister to both the 1987 champion filly Sacahuista and John's Treasure, who finished right behind Danzig Connection in the 1986 Belmont Stakes. More importantly, he looks to be the lone speed after Straightomidnight's connections opted to run that colt on the turf in the Pasadena Stakes, also on Saturday.
Alphie's Bet, like Setsuko, raced on the turf in his last start, breaking his maiden by almost two lengths. It was an extraordinary performance as the Alexis Barba-trained colt was about 10 wide into the stretch while ripping home a final quarter mile in 22 3/5 seconds - the last eighth in an unbelievable 10 4/5. All that under a hand ride!
His lone stakes appearance was also impressive as he finished second to Caracortado in the California Breeders' Challenge in late December. On the negative side, the removal of Straightomidnight could hinder his ability to close as the early pace will most likely be on the slow side.
Selections: 1) Kettle River; 2) The Program; 3) Alphie's Bet.
HEADING EAST TO THE BIG APPLE
The Gotham Stakes could have been a tremendous race if all the horses that were pointed for the $150,000 event actually ventured into New York. Regrettably, both Tiz Chrome and Sidney's Candy decided to pass.
The 1 1/16-mile Grade 2 race still drew a field of 10 with Peppi Knows and Afleet Again, the top two finishers in the Whirlaway Stakes, surprisingly listed at 10-1 and 20-1 on the morning line.
Peppi Knows has four wins in six starts, including that one-length victory over Afleet Again last month. His two losses were also strong efforts, finishing second to Buddy's Saint and third to Noble's Promise.
Purchased for just $6,500, the gelding has been underrated his entire career and should hit the board for the sixth time in nine starts.
Afleet Again also must be respected with two wins, a second and a third in his last five, including a victory over Count Fleet winner Laus Deo and Sam F. Davis runner-up Schoolyard Dreams back on Halloween.
I've Got the Fever, who finished behind Aikenite, Super Saver, Rule and Brake Lights in his first four races, finally found a field he could beat winning by 2 3/4-lengths just two weeks ago - wearing blinkers for the first time. He also received a 90 Beyer figure for his effort, a 20-point rise from his previous race. Nevertheless, it's doubtful he'll be able to duplicate that performance, especially on just 14 days rest.
Wow Wow Wow comes into the Gotham off a win at Oaklawn Park, his second in seven career starts. Prior to that victory, he finished eighth in the Smarty Jones Stakes, a race he was wide throughout. In his previous start (an allowance race at the Fair Grounds), he made a winning move around the turn only to falter through the stretch finishing fifth behind Stay Put.
He's royally bred as his second dam, Bird Cage, is a half-sister to Belmont Stakes and Travers winner, Birdstone. Unfortunately, he drew the far outside post position - number 10 - and will most likely have to race wide once again.
Shrimp Dancer is bred for the turf on both sides but has run on the dirt in three straight races after three over the weeds. The son of Kitten's Joy picked up place money in his last two, failing both times to win as the heavy favorite. This New York State-bred seems up against it in this race.
Two wild cards in the Gotham are Yawanna Twist and Awesome Act.
Trained by Richard Dutrow, Yawanna Twist is undefeated in two starts but stretches out off a pair of six furlong sprints to 1 1/16-miles. His damsire is Oliver's Twist, who ran second in the 1995 Preakness, so there is a chance he could win around two turns.
Awesome Act comes into the Gotham off a fourth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf but that was four months ago. He's also only raced one time on the dirt (Polytrack) finishing third (beaten four lengths) in a five-horse field. The fabulously bred son of Awesome Again (his dam is full sister to Machiavellian and Coupe de Genie) is actually favored on the morning line but with the recent inactivity, it's best to look elsewhere.
The second choice is Three Day Rush, the colt that took the worst of it when Eightyfiveinafifty bolted in the Whirlaway. Still, he failed to run down Peppi Knows and was passed by Afleet Again inside the final eighth of a mile. He'll have to show some speed breaking from the rail so don't expect much through the stretch.
Nacho Friend, who hasn't raced since last July, could have a hard time getting the distance after a pair of sprints last summer, while the final horse, Turf Melody, needs to step it up after a sixth-place finish in the LeComte.
Selections: 1) Wow Wow Wow; 2) Peppi Knows; 3) Afleet Again.
THIS WEEKEND'S SPOT PLAYS
Saturday's best bet is Tom Kitten in the second race at Aqueduct. The three- year-old gelding finished a game third in his last effort over the track on February 20 despite a terrible trip.
Tom Kitten broke slowly from the gate and jockey Fernando Jara didn't help matters any by taking him wide down the backstretch. He also forced the New York State-bred into the seven path at the top of the stretch but the gelding was good enough to battle Midnight Billy for the lead only to wind up third. He's 6-1 on the morning line so go in with both fists.
Also on Saturday, 10 colts and geldings square off in the Pasadena Stakes at Santa Anita. The choice here is the eight-horse Lucky Rave. His two career victories came over Polytrack but he's bred top and bottom for the turf. His lone grass race in North America was a solid third in the Generous Stakes and an even better performance is in the cards in this one as a quick early pace should suit his come-from-behind abilities.
The sixth race on Sunday at Santa Anita also bears watching. It's a maiden special weight event for three-year-old fillies at six furlongs. Eoin Harty trains two of the 11 entered and both could have extraordinary futures. The first, Kayce Ace, is a full brother to Colonel John, while the second, Empress Way, is a half-sister to the late Eight Belles. They may not win this race but their futures could be outstanding if they're anything like their siblings.
<< Czechs lead host Belgians 2-0 in Davis Cup action
Bree, Belgium (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek overpowered
a pair of Belgians on Friday, as the Czech Republic ran out to a 2-0 lead in a
Davis Cup best-of-five first-round affair in Bree.
Berdych blitzed Olivier Rochus
<< France takes 2-0 Davis Cup lead against Germany
Toulon, France (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - France got singles wins from Gael Monfils
and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday, as the host nation grabbed a commanding 2-0
lead against visiting Germany in a first-round Davis Cup World Group matchup.
Monfi
<< Bosingwa to miss remainder of season
London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa will miss
the climax to the domestic season and the World Cup through injury.
Bosingwa has been told he requires further surgery on a knee injury which has
already kept hi
<< Here's hoping a sad end doesn't turn tragic
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Age guarantees a lot of things.
It's almost a give-and-take process. A lot of physical attributes like speed,
strength and reaction time slow at the same time one's knowledge and wisdom
are expanding.
It's almost a crue
Eagles give Weaver three-year pact >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to
terms with fullback Leonard Weaver on a three-year contract.
Terms were not disclosed by the club, but the Philadelphia Daily News reported
it to be worth $11
Grant fined for improper conduct >>
Portsmouth, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Portsmouth manager Avram Grant has been
fined $1,500 and warned about his future conduct after angrily confronting
referee Kevin Friend during a Premier League game last month.
Grant admitted a Fo
Spain, Switzerland tied at 1-1 in Davis Cup >>
Logrono, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Two-time reigning champion Spain and
visiting Switzerland are tied at 1-1 following Friday's opening singles
in a first-round Davis Cup battle in Logrono.
Stanislas Wawrinka gave the Swiss a
Lions acquire Corey Williams from Cleveland >>
Allen Park, MI (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Detroit Lions have acquired defensive
lineman Corey Williams in a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
In addition to Williams, the Lions also received a seventh-round pick in the
2010 draft and sent th
American Idol Betting Odds: Season 6
The online gambling websites are in the process of deciphering each American Idol contestant and his or her chances of winning Season 6 to come up with the early American Idol betting lines.
Tim Dalton of MySportsbook.com has been locked away in a soundproof room coming up with all the latest tallies, we are told. "American Idol has become one of the most significant betting events of the year," claims Jack Black of MySportsbook.com. "Last year, millions were bet during the season across the globe, not just in America.It's tough early on since we really do not have a glimpse as to how well each of these individuals will perform solo on a week-to-week basis. It's like Week 1 of the NFL. Pre-season means nada!
We do know the 24 finalists however.
Sanjaya Malakar is the young man whose sister failed to make it into the Top 24. He's very low key but - unless he totally flubs - will probably win over the young girlie vote for a few weeks anyway. He's too young to go all the way, according to Payton O'Brien.
Brandon Rogers - Who?
Phil Stacy is the military guy who missed his daughter's birth because of the Memphis audition. He should go a good distance.
Chris Sligh - He's got the humor and in many ways he's the Anti-American Idol much like last year's winner Taylor Hicks was. And this is why he'll probably get pretty far in this competition. He's chubby, white with a big curly afro....but more importantly, a great voice! People love "real", not "real cute" to go all the way.
"Blake Lewis should go far because of his uniqueness and looks. He's the boy next store with a twist - he beat boxes. But on top of this, he's a great singer, and I adore him," Payton O'Brien relayed.
A talented beat-boxer Blake Lewis was a hit during the group sing in Hollywood but Simon explained that this is a singing contest just before he told him he was “in.”
Paul Kim has caught our own roving reporter, Jenny Woo's eyes.
"I love the fact that there is a Korean American on the show and he is bound to get more Asians tuning into the show," Woo said from her Miami Beach estate. "There has never been a major presence of Asian-Americans on American Idol in the past. He's a hottie with a nice voice so that should help to take him far. Expect heavy betting action from the Asian community."
Sundance Head - He's not perfect, but he's got the personality that will take him through a few weeks, plus he's got the lineage (son of Roy Head - whose 1965 single, "Treat Her Right," hit No. 5 in the charts)
And the others:
Rudy Cardinas
AJ Tabaldo - the 5th time is the charm
Nicolas Pedro
Chris Richardson
Jared Cotter
The girls
"Melinda Doolittle has one of the best voices," says MySportsbook.com Reporter and an acclaimed dancer in her own right, Destiney Lewis. "It is great to see a back up singer step out like she has. The girl needs to gain more confidence but that can also be a positive. I think she will go far."
Alena Alexander - Those tears (she never seems to stop bawling) should get her far.
"Single mom Lakisha Jones I suspect will be a pretty big favorite entering Week 1 of the competition," says Destiny Williams. Jones is an excellent singer and down to earth. "She'll have a wide appeal," echoed O'Brien.
Nicole Trellis - Seems to exert confidence.
Amy Krebs - a powerful singer.
Antonella Barba
Gina Glocksen
Hailey Scanardo
Jordan Sparks
Stephanie Edwards
Leslie Hunt
Sabrina Sloan
MySportsbook.com is offering a 20% signup bonus with an initial deposit (i.e. open your American Idol betting account with $300, receive another $60 in which to bet with).
Last two contestants will be?
1 Male/1 Female +100 (a $10 bet pays $10 plus your initial $10)
2 Males +170 (a $10 bet pays $17 plus your initial $17)
2 Females +130 (a $10 bet pays $13 plus your initial $10)
MySportsbook.com is an online sportsbook accepts Visa Credit Cards and online sportsbook accepts Mastercard Credit Cards for easy American Idol betting lines.
“You play to win the game!”
Those are the words of notoriously intense head coach Herman Edwards. Unfortunately, from a bettors’ perspective, most coaches don’t feel that way about the NFL preseason. August is a time to evaluate young players, finalize the depth chart and pray your star players stay healthy.
The trick to making money during the exhibition schedule is identifying coaches – like Edwards – who can’t stand losing even when there's nothing on the line.
The New York Jets betting won 15 of 21 preseason games and went 14-7 against the spread (ATS) during Edwards’s five-year tenure with the club. In his first season as the Kansas City Chiefs field boss, the team improved from 0-4 to 2-2.
Identifying win-a-holics like Edwards is a good start if you plan betting the preseason – even though most say you shouldn’t ... but what the hell do they know anyway?
Here’s a brief rundown of two teams that have a habit of winning during the second-stringers’ season, and another club that has a good chance of exceeding this year.
Playing in the media hub of North America can be stressful but the press can’t write anything negative about the way Tom Coughlin’s boys play in the preseason. The Giants won and covered all four games last summer, improving their record to 7-1 both straight up (SU) and against the spread over the last two years.
Coughlin has shown he’s not afraid to give his starters more time in the second preseason game than most of his colleagues, no doubt one of the reasons his team has been so dominant.
Bettors can count on America’s team early on. The Cowboys are 14-6 both SU and ATS since 2002 in warm-up contests. Former coach Bill Parcells, the coach of the team the last four years, has an intimidating, in-your-face presence – surely a reason Dallas has had so much early success.
The Big Tuna won’t be strolling the sidelines with looks of disgust, but new coach Wade Phillips will be anxious to make a good first impression for owner Jerry Jones.
Dallas plays the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos before things get serious. They then face the Houston Texans in their third contest (the game starters see most game time) and finish off with the Minnesota Vikings.
Expect a Dallas team able to walk away with another 3-1 preseason record.
This team scored a league-worst 12 offensive touchdowns last season, so the rookies and veterans each have something to prove. There’s a bounty of first-unit jobs up for grabs and plenty of bodies competing for those slots.
First-time head coach Lane Kiffin will be eager to impress an owner who employs the philosophy, “Just win, baby!”
The 32-year-old Kiffin has to command respect from a locker room full of players older than him. All of these factors should lead to purpose in preseason.
Don’t forget: before playing like a team that belonged in NFL Europe, Oakland went 4-1 (both SU and ATS) in exhibition games.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football wagering needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
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