Form filled Derby day posted by Johnny Matheis

I feel guilty again. I didn't have time to handicap, work, and post Friday night, but the races at Churchill on Derby Day were uncommonly form fitting.

In fact, I have no complaints. I even bet a small pick 6, using only eight combinations, using only singles and at most two horses in a race, and still got 3 winners and three seconds. I figured I would easily have had the five win consolation if I just went ahead and bet 20 combinations for 40 bucks.

Naturally, I skipped the first race, which had such a short field that only people following certain horses or trainers could possibly bet it without being called amateurs. I really loved SPICER, who ran third in the second race, thinking he'd be a good one, but he is falling short. I'm sure it is no fault of Nafzger, though, as he's doing everything he can. I still expect this one to be a stakes runner some day. Still, there were only two obvious competitors, and they ran first and second, so the tri box was a "gimme" and paid very well.

From the third race to the eleventh (the Derby) my number one picks all ran first or second, and all paid double digits when they won, though none were 9-1 or more for 20.00 or more. Had the winners of five races, including GENERAL QUARTERS, who looked like an absolute stickout. That's why the pros fire on Derby day. These 5 winners would've all been under 5-1 on regular days, but we love to bet against the amateurs. It's our best chance to make a profit.

I'm sorry I didn't post my picks.

I did post Derby picks that weren't perfect. My top pick did run second, so if you were smart enough just to bet ICE BOX across the board, you did okay. And if you turned around my top contenders, since I had SUPER SAVER on the bottom of the trifectas and superfectas, if you followed the "hot tip" and the "crowd", using my top pick second, and my fourth pick PADDY O PRADO third, you'd be very very happy.

Oaks and Derby posted by Johnny Matheis

When you work at Keeneland, it doesn't seem like it takes long til Derby arrives.

First, the Oaks day. I'm not keen on Oaks-Derby Doubles. Doubles and pick Threes are for those who rely on dumb luck. Since one juiced up hot tip can beat you out of any win, it involves more luck for pick threes and doubles, and more handicapping for trifectas and superfectas.

FRIDAY 04/30/2010

PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH

PROGRAM NUMBER-NAME OF RUNNER-PROBABLE ODDS-COMMENTS

CHURCHILL RACE 2: MDN 1 MILE

4 KAREN ANN 3-1 Bred to improve each race, already has the times to conquer this filed

1 RIGAMARO 15-1 looks second best on paper

2 ISLAND BOUND 4-1 a contender here

6 OFFICERS GLORY 12-1 ran close to top pick at Keeneland

10 CROWN THE CAT 12-1 loks to run in the stretch at most levels, probably here, too

9 SHIRLEY SHE CAN 12-1 Zito the only asset as this one doesn't have good moves yet

5 RENDITION 15-1 Ran decent against lesser

3 ENGLISH GIRL 15-1 4 year old has good on the board percentage

7 AZURITE 15-1 Second on a fast strip

8 UP AND AWAY 15-1 probably wants cheaper

11 SMARTY'S DREAM 15-1 stable struggling overall despite decent Chruchill record

BEST BETS: WPS 4: Trifectas Box 1-2-4-6: Superfectas Box 1-2-4-6, wheel 4 with 1-2-6-10 with 1-2-6-10 with All: Wheel 1-4 with 1-2-4-6-9-10 with 1-2-4-6-9-10 with 1-2-4-6-9-10

CHURCHILL DOWNS RACE 5: CLM TURF 1 MILE

12 ABSOLUTELY CINDY 12-1 is always dangerous, and looks to sweep these

4 FOREST TRAIL 6-1 has sub par times, but Shug always dangerous 

Spot plays Thursday 04/29/2010 posted by Johnny Matheis

Just a brief note today on the Derby field. Today I'll focus on bloodlines.

We see a lot of good cross breeding, with little duplication as far as 5 generations back, and peole are thinking of new classifications for chef-de-races.

The filly, DEVIL MAY CARE is generously granted a dosage of 2.53, but is the most speed oriented runner in the race, with Mr Prospector listed twice. As a female in the animal kingdom, she does develop at a younger age than males, so figure them to still be growing. The Derby is usually a filly's best chance. Still, she is up against it, and is a toss out on bloodlines and on being a filly.

DEAN'S KITTEN is granted a 1.15 dosage, and I like some of his pedigree, usually following NASKRA AND LENJOLEUR, but it is hard to see this pedigree being classic distance overall, and he has had a tough campaign. I'd be reluctant to use him in exotic wagers, too, based on this.

I already said SIDNEY'S CANDY would be great on turf or a muddy, deep surface with cushion, but would relegate him to the bottom of trifectas on a hard surface

HOMEBOY KRIS dosage 3.67 is on the bubble, and really has too much speed in his background. FUSAICHI PEGASUS was one of the worst bred Derby winners ever, and gives suspicions of genetic engineering. I'm not making Kris a toss out, but I'm definitely thinking about it even before seeing his form and works.

MAKE MUSIC FOR ME dosage 3.31 is also given a generous dosage for his six furlong bloodlines. He's probabaly a toss out as well.

But you want to know about Thursday's races.

Free Agency Preview: Chicago Bears posted by Joe Anello

With NFL free agency kicking off at midnight on Thursday, the Chicago Bears need to make a huge splash. They have no first or second-round draft picks to spend money on and a salary cap-less year on the horizon, priming them to be major players in free agency for the first time I can remember. I'll take a look at a few positions and players the Bears should be targeting in free agency.

Defensive End

Julius Peppers (Carolina)

Undoubtedly the biggest fish in the free agent pool, the 30-year old defensive lineman would bring instant pass-rush to a Bears defense that is sorely lacking. In Lovie Smith's much maligned cover-two scheme, getting pressure with your front four is key. Adewale Ogunleye's impending departure and the death of Gaines Adams makes signing Peppers a no-brainer. When he wants to he's one of the best pass-rushers in the league. Every now and again he'll take plays off (or seasons, as evident by his 2.5 sack 2007), but he's racked up double digit sacks in six of his eight years in the NFL.

To my shock, the Bears seem extremely aggressive in their efforts, going so far as reportedly meeting with his agent over the weekend. (Which could be tampering, as noted by ESPN Chicago). This shift in attitude makes me excited about the prospects for a money-printing Bears franchise who aren't afraid to shell out the money. Peppers is going to get at least $12 million a year (and probably overnight), so there's no point in talking to him unless you're ready to pay the man. Signing Peppers would be a giant step in the right direction.

2 year olds at Churchill 11-1-2009 posted by Johnny Matheis

Each horseplayer has to have an edge, which is a secret only he uses. If other people use it, then he gets underlays and not only does he become a loser, but so do the people who steal his picks. In other words, if Joe picks the 3 horse and bets 5 to win, and Jenny decides to do the same, and she tells Fran and Bill, who each tell two friends, and before long Joe's 5 dollars is represented by 300 dollars, since at least one of those friends is an idiot who bets big money, and there are those at the track who simply bet what they see money bet on, and they can easily turn a 28-1 into a 12-1. Joe's available profit turns from 56 dollars (58.00 payoff) to 24.00 (26.00 payoff). He has to hit this twice as often. He plays it because if he wins one time in 30 he comes out ahead. Now one time in 30 puts him behind, because his own friends cut their own throats just to cut his. That's what it amounts to.

But as a blogger, I have to live with that. Just remember that only idiots bet more than 10 to win on a horse, (and yes, even I can be an idiot), because the more you bet, the more chance you have to rob yourself of your own payoff. Figure that 20 dollars, on an average day, will bring your payoff down at least 20 cents on 2 dollars, so you already cut your own throat out of two dollars.

So remember this and keep your bets low, and only play when the odds are okay.

Now, for a big secret that even I forget sometimes, but probably is the least used tool to handicapping.

Horses are animals.

Members of the animal kingdom. If you, or a four legged friend of your's runs over a hard surface, lots of internal damage is done which takes a while to recover from. The bigger the animal, the more time it takes to recover.

Chula Vista California is Looking Strong to Take the Little League World Series! Chula Vista Dropping Bombs! posted by Adam Hill

Little League World Series: No Longer ‘The Bronx Bombers’ its now Chula Vista Bombers!

By Adam Hill

                51 Home runs in 10 games!  I think that is all I need to say.  Anybody who understand baseball, knows that 51 home runs is not normal for anybody to hit in only 10 games.  I saw the stat comparison with the San Diego Padres, and it has taken them 60 games to hit that many home runs, if that puts it into comparison for those who are unfamiliar with baseball.

                75mph, equivalent to a 98mph fastball in the major leagues is not normal for a 13 year old kid.  300ft homers are not normal for a 12 year old kid.  6ft, 212lb and size 14 shoe is not normal for a 12 year old kid.  Chula Vista has all of these.

                Is it just me, or do all of these stats ring a bell in your head?  How are these kids hitting so well, throwing so hard and growing so big?  Do we give credit to the coaches?  However it is the all star team, so is this Chula Vista league one of the elite in the world or is it just a coincidence that these players are coming through at the same time?  It is not just the top of the order opposing pitchers need to worry about, as all 9 hitters are lethal threats!  The 9 hitter, usually the least productive hitter in the lineup, has 3 home runs!

Best Center Ever: Kareem posted by z

Who's the best NBA center ever?  Good question.  Most people argue for Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Shaq, and Moses.  Who do I think?  I think Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is the greatest center in the history of basketball.  Kareem won 6 titles, is the all time leading scorer in the history of the league, had probably the most effective shot ever (the skyhook), was a good solid defender, and extremely iconic. 

Now sure, Russell won 11, but his prime was pretty much in a time when there was like 8 teams in the league, and the overall talent pool was less.  Same with Wilt.  Russell didn't have a ton of offensive skill, and Wilt was known to be selfish.  Wilt rarely played on great teams, especially early in his career, and that held him back from winning a lot of titles.  Shaq is no doubt one of the best, but he regularly came to training camp out of shape, and I think that may have led to injuries and ultimately less titles.  Plus, he couldn't get along with Kobe.  So, to me, Kareem wins.  He played in a pretty difficult era with stiff competition.  I think Kareem is the best center ever, by a smidge.  

HOw well do you handicap the Preakness? posted by Johnny Matheis

Form went upside down in the Derby. Four of the runners with the most sprint in their bloodlines ran first through fourth, coming mostly from behind.

As I stated before, there can be no clear cut favorite. Oddsmakers are making the filly the favorite. Not only does this defy logic, it defies Anatomy, since the females of all species, including equines develop and mature earlier than males. Therefore, while the fillies hit their peaks young, as with humans, the males are still builing up.

Mine That Bird deserves a small favorite status off the derby win, and going to a distance much better for him.

But to take anyone at less than 6-1 would be stupid, and would mean you're relying on blind luck.

Most of the classic trainers are out. Mott, McGaughey, Nafzger, Zito are all absent. Lukas has two long shots.

Therefore, after the race, you can't brag about being a great handicapper if you win with less than a $12.00 payout on Mine That Bird, the filly, or the Derby's second, third and fourth place finishers. And you can't brag about being an expert handicapper with less than a $25.00 payout on any of the others. In fact, anyone who hits on payoffs lower than this can only brag about having dumb blind luck. There won't be any minus show pools (I can't imagine that, but it's always worth a look for handicapers). This doesn't look like a good betting race, but who knows? Perhaps some keen observer will be rewarded with their overlay bet. I'll be pulling for them.

Completing the Puzzle Part 1: Off-Season Tasks posted by Michael J. Shambaugh

The objective for the last three seasons has been to take a 21-win, 61-loss Blazer team and rebuild them into the Playoff-bound, title-contending team we, the fans, want them to be.

Objective accomplished.

The team has been rebuilt, the crazy trades have been dealt, and the risky drafts have been selected.  Now it’s time to sit back and insert the last few puzzle pieces this young Blazer team needs to make it to the finals.

Several players understand and are excited about the direction their team is headed, while others wonder what jersey they’ll be wearing next season.  Let’s take a look at where we are and what we have to look forward to this off season along with some tasks and questions the Blazers will face before the 2009-2010 season begins.

Before Darius Miles played his 10th game with the Memphis Grizzlies, the Portland Trail Blazers were looking at having a $16 million budget to play with this off season.  Those 10 games cost Portland $9 million in cap room, bringing them down to $7 million.  Portland will be losing Raef LaFrentz, Shavlik Randolph, and Michael Ruffin to free agency this year.  These three players combined saw a grand total of 72 minutes of play while pulling down a whopping $14,317,662 in salary.

Channing Frye will be an Unrestricted Free Agent this off season which means that Portland can match any offer Frye is given, even if it causes them to surpass the Soft Cap, as long as they stay under the Hard Cap.  It’s unknown at this time whether or not Portland will take advantage of this.  Last season Frye made a salary of $3,163,769, ranking him 6th highest on the team among active players.

so why did the Derby run so far against form? posted by Johnny Matheis

It doesn't help that everyone else was wrong, too. I can say that I didn't have Mine That Bird picked last. I had him picked second from last. If it wasn't for GodAwful stable having entrants, I surely would have picked him last.

Not only off form, but off pedigree. In fact, the top four finishers were bred for sprints much more than distance. Yet the track seemed muddy and tiring, which doesn't favor early speed.

So what does this all mean?

Obviously, the Derby was totally against form. Not only against form, but trainers like Mott, who get respect for not entering a race needlessly, ran so bad, while Woolley, a guy who brags about fights, wins. Pedigree was totally off form, too. So, this race was certainly a fluke. Why did it run this course?

Speed horses can often come from behind in sprints. One might say the cushion of the mud and the traction helped certain horses. A local Louisville paper may have hinted at some of the reason without realizing that they were giving away some secrets.

About twenty years ago, the University of Louisville, and other colleges, began Equine programs. I attended, but they were very tight knit and closed to the public. Since then, Mr Prospector foals began going from six furlongs to longer distances. I knew they were either performing some surgery after birth, or doing genetic engineering to help the black type for Kentucky's prize stallion, and big money was talking.

The local publication stated that students of breeding liked certain horses for the classic distance. But the horses they mentioned were doubly represented by Prospector. These were people in the wealthy circle of the secretive Equine society.

US practices, expects to look sharper (AP)

After one lackluster victory during pool play, Mike Krzyzewski encountered some feistier competition in his news conference than the U.S. faced on the court. "Why didn't the USA score more?" one reporter asked. "Why isn't the team practicing?" questioned another. Maybe the two issues were related. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

US improves to 5-0 at worlds with rout (AP)

Eric Gordon scored 21 points and the United States pulled away from Tunisia after sleepwalking through the first half, winning 92-57 on Thursday in its final game of pool play at the world championship. With nothing to play for, the Americans led their winless opponent by only four points early in the third quarter before turning the game into a rout over the final 15 minutes. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Players union looking into NFL rookie trades

The NFL players union is looking into whether trades made by four teams this week are attempts to avoid paying money into a rookie pool. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for NFL

Union looking into rookie trades (AP)

The NFL players' union is looking into whether trades made by four teams this week are attempts to avoid paying money into a rookie pool, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the union has not made the probes public, said the NFL Players Association is reviewing trades made by the Washington... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Judge in Clemens case issues gag order (AP)

A judge assigned to Roger Clemens' perjury case issued a gag order Monday prohibiting public comments by the principles in the case that could affect the jury pool for a possible trial. Clemens was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly lying to Congress. The six-count indictment accuses the seven-time Cy Young Award winner of obstructing a congressional inquiry with 15... [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports