Tuesday, May 31, 2011

MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Busch Stadium.

Righthander Ryan Vogelsong will take the mound for the Giants to start this game. Vogelsong is 3-1 this season with a 2.00 ERA.

Vogelsong's opponent in this one will be Chris Carpenter. The Cardinals righthander has a 4.59 ERA to go along with a 1-5 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Cardinals listed as 162-moneyline favorites versus the Giants, while the game's total is sitting at 7.

The Giants were a 7-3 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Cardinals. That made winners of bettors who got San Francisco at +142 on the moneyline, while the total score (10) was good news for OVER bettors.

Team records: San Francisco: 29-24 SU St. Louis: 32-23 SU

San Francisco most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 4-6 Before playing St. Louis are 7-3 After playing St. Louis are 5-5 After a win are 6-4

St. Louis most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 4-6 Before playing San Francisco are 3-7 After playing San Francisco are 8-2 After a loss are 8-2

A few trends to consider: San Francisco is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Francisco's last 12 games when playing St. Louis The total has gone OVER in 6 of San Francisco's last 9 games when playing on the road against St. Louis San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis The total has gone UNDER in 7 of St. Louis's last 8 games at home St. Louis is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home St. Louis is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games The total has gone UNDER in 10 of St. Louis's last 14 games

Next up: St. Louis home to San Francisco, Wednesday, June 1

MLB Preview: San Francisco Giants vs. St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Preview: Florida Marlins vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Florida Marlins and the Arizona Diamondbacks will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Chase Field.

The Marlins will trot Anibal Sanchez out to the mound in this one. Righthander Sanchez has a 4-1 record and a 2.60 ERA this season.

Sanchez's opponent in this one will be Ian Kennedy. The Diamondbacks righthander has a 3.01 ERA to go along with a 6-1 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Diamondbacks listed as 125-moneyline favorites versus the Marlins, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

The Marlins were a 15-4 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Diamondbacks. That made winners of bettors who got Arizona at -132 on the moneyline, while the total score (19) was good news for OVER bettors.

Current streak: Florida has lost 2 straight games. Arizona has won 7 straight games.

Team records: Florida: 30-22 SU Arizona: 30-24 SU

Florida most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Arizona are 4-6 After playing Arizona are 5-5 After a loss are 7-3

Arizona most recently: When playing on Tuesday are 6-4 Before playing Florida are 6-4 After playing Florida are 4-6 After a win are 9-1

A few trends to consider: Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games Arizona is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

Next up: Arizona home to Florida, Wednesday, June 1

MLB Preview: Florida Marlins vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

NBA Finals Game #1 Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

The fans at AmericanAirlines Arena will be treated to a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat when they take their seats on Tuesday.

Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Mavericks, while the game's total is sitting at 187.

The Mavericks were a 100-96 winner in their most recent outing at home against the Thunder. They failed to cover the 6.5?point spread as favorites, while the total score (196) made winners of UNDER bettors.

Miami won its last outing, an 83-80 result against the Bulls on May 26. The Heat covered in that game as a 3-point underdog, while the 163 combined points took the game UNDER the total.

Dallas: Team record: 57-25 SU, 43-37-2 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Miami is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games

When playing on Tuesday are 7-3 Before playing Miami are 10-0 After playing Oklahoma City are 6-4 After a win are 8-2

Miami: Team record: 58-24 SU, 39-42-1 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games at home is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games when playing Dallas

When playing on Tuesday are 4-6 Before playing are 4-6 After playing Chicago are 8-2 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Dallas at Miami, Thursday, June 2 Miami home to Dallas, Thursday, June 2

NBA Finals Game #1 Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami Heat

Monday, May 30, 2011

Dirty's May MLB Thread

YTD: 240-225-1

+06.71 Units

901/902 Phillies/Nationals Under 6.5 (+115) --

903/904 Padres/Braves Under 7 (+105) --

904 Braves -1.5 (+120) --

906 Cubs -135 --

910 Mets -115 --

912 Reds -121 --

914 Dodgers -117 --

916 Diamondbacks -127 --

920 Athletics -116 --

922 Mariners -112 --

925/926 Rangers/Rays Under 9 (-130) --

927 Indians +103 --

929/930 White Sox/Red Sox Under 8 --


Dirty's May MLB Thread

MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox

The Chicago White Sox will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Monday when they take on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The White Sox will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Jake Peavy in this game. Peavy has a 1-0 record and a 3.00 ERA this season.

The Red Sox will counter Peavy with Jon Lester. Lefthander Lester has a 3.36 ERA to go along with a 7-1 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 187-moneyline favorites versus the White Sox, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

Last time out for Chicago, they were a 13-4 loser as they battled the Blue Jays on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Blue Jays at -148 were rewarded, while the 17 combined runs moved the game OVER for totals bettors.

Boston lost its last outing, a 3-0 result against the Tigers on May 29. Bettors who backed the Tigers at -103 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (3) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Current streak: Chicago has lost 3 straight games.

Team records: Chicago: 24-31 SU Boston: 30-23 SU

Chicago most recently: When playing on Monday are 5-5 Before playing Boston are 8-2 After playing Toronto are 3-7 After a loss are 7-3

Boston most recently: When playing on Monday are 3-7 Before playing Chi White Sox are 3-7 After playing Detroit are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider: Chi White Sox are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Boston Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 10 games when playing Boston The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 6 games when playing on the road against Boston Boston is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home Boston is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against Chi White Sox

Next up: Boston home to Chi White Sox, Tuesday, May 31

MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox

MLB Preview: New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics

A winning streak will be on the line for the Oakland Athletics on Monday when they battle the New York Yankees at Overstock.com Coliseum.

Righthander Bartolo Colon will take the mound for the Yankees to start this game. Colon is 2-2 this season with a 3.72 ERA.

It'll be Trevor Cahill toeing the rubber for the Athletics in this contest. Righthander Cahill is 6-2 with a 2.02 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Athletics listed as 117-moneyline favorites versus the Yankees, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

New York was a 7-1 winner in its last match on the road against the Mariners. They won as -166 favorites, while the total score of 8 made winners of OVER bettors.

In their last action, Oakland was a 6-4 winner at home against the Orioles. Bettors on Oakland at -104 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (10) sent OVER bettors home happy as well.

Current streak: Oakland has won 4 straight games.

Team records: New York: 28-23 SU Oakland: 27-27 SU

New York most recently: When playing on Monday are 6-4 Before playing Oakland are 10-0 After playing Seattle are 6-4 After a win are 5-5

Oakland most recently: When playing on Monday are 1-9 Before playing NY Yankees are 2-8 After playing Baltimore are 7-3 After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider: NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oakland The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Yankees's last 8 games NY Yankees are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing on the road against Oakland The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 5 games when playing on the road against Oakland Oakland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing at home against NY Yankees Oakland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 5 of Oakland's last 7 games at home

Next up: Oakland home to NY Yankees, Tuesday, May 31

MLB Preview: New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics

MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals will both be trying to pick up a win on Monday when they battle at Nationals Park.

Roy Halladay will be the starting pitcher for the Phillies on this day. Righthander Halladay is 6-3 this season with a 2.35 ERA.

Meanwhile, it'll be Livan Hernandez who starts for the Nationals. Righthander Hernandez is 3-6 with a 3.71 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 182-moneyline favorites versus the Nationals, while the game's total is sitting at 6½.

The Phillies were a 9-5 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Mets. That made winners of bettors who got New York at -115 on the moneyline, while the total score (14) was good news for OVER bettors.

Washington was a 5-4 loser in its last match at home against the Padres. They lost as -107 favorites, while the total score of 9 made winners of OVER bettors.

Current streak: Washington has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: Philadelphia: 33-20 SU Washington: 22-30 SU

Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Monday are 3-7 Before playing Washington are 6-4 After playing NY Mets are 6-4 After a loss are 7-3

Washington most recently: When playing on Monday are 4-6 Before playing Philadelphia are 5-5 After playing San Diego are 3-7 After a loss are 3-7

A few trends to consider: Philadelphia is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 7 games Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing at home against Philadelphia The total has gone OVER in 14 of Washington's last 19 games when playing at home against Philadelphia The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home

Next up: Washington home to Philadelphia, Tuesday, May 31

MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals

Sunday, May 29, 2011

NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Preview

The drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will return from their All-Star break on May 29 in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Matt Kenseth held off Mark Martin and Marcos Ambrose to take the checkered flag in the series' last race, the FedEx 400 at Dover International Speedway, on May 15.

Kyle Busch and Brian Vickers rounded out the Top 5 at Dover, while Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Martin Truex Jr., Jimmie Johnson, and Kevin Harvick also picked up Top-10 results at that event.

Kenseth moved up four spots to sixth place in the driver standings with his result in the FedEx 400. Edwards leads that list by 24 points on second-place Johnson. Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Harvick, Ryan Newman, Bowyer, Kurt Busch, and Tony Stewart make up the rest of the Top 10 in the current standings.

Kurt Busch won the Coca-Cola 600 last season, while Jamie McMurray took the checkered flag in the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte last October. Johnson is the active leader in Cup victories on the track with six, most recently winning the 2009 NASCAR Banking 500.

Jeff Gordon has five career Cup wins at Charlotte, Martin has four, and Kasey Kahne and Jeff Burton have three apiece. David Reutimann, Casey Mears, Stewart, McMurray, and Kenseth have also visited Victory Lane on the track.

After competing in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway the drivers of the Sprint Cup Series will race at Kansas Speedway in the STP 400 on June 5. The circuit's June schedule will also include events at Pocono, Michigan, and Infineon.

NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 Preview

MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers (Game #2)

A winning streak will be on the line for the Boston Red Sox on Sunday when they battle the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

The Red Sox will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Josh Beckett in this game. Beckett has a 4-1 record and a 1.69 ERA this season.

Beckett's opponent in this one will be Justin Verlander. The Tigers righthander has a 3.42 ERA to go along with a 4-3 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Red Sox listed as 112-moneyline favorites versus the Tigers, while the game's total is sitting at 7.

Boston won its last outing, a 6-3 result against the Tigers on May 27. Bettors who backed the Red Sox at -102 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (9) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Current streak: Boston has won 4 straight games. Detroit has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: Boston: 29-22 SU Detroit: 25-25 SU

A few trends to consider: Boston6-0-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Detroit Boston4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games Boston4-0-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road Boston7-2-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Detroit Detroit is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,at home Detroit is 3-7-1 SU in its last 11 games , Detroit is 2-7-1 SU in its last 10 games ,when playing at home against Boston Detroit is 0-4-1 SU in its last 5 games ,when playing Boston

Next up: Boston home to Chi White Sox, Monday, May 30 Detroit home to Minnesota, Monday, May 30

MLB Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers (Game #2)

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves

The Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at Turner Field.

Righthander Johnny Cueto will take the mound for the Reds to start this game. Cueto is 2-1 this season with a 2.19 ERA.

Cueto's opponent in this one will be Jair Jurrjens. The Braves righthander has a 1.56 ERA to go along with a 6-1 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 137-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

In their last action, Cincinnati was a 7-6 loser on the road against the Braves. Bettors on Atlanta at -145 on the moneyline collected their winnings from that game, while the total score (13) sent OVER bettors home happy as well.

Team records: Cincinnati: 27-26 SU Atlanta: 29-24 SU

Cincinnati most recently: When playing on Sunday are 4-6 Before playing Milwaukee are 7-3 After playing Atlanta are 7-3 After a loss are 4-6

Atlanta most recently: When playing on Sunday are 4-6 Before playing San Diego are 5-5 After playing Cincinnati are 6-4 After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 14 of Cincinnati's last 20 games when playing on the road against Atlanta The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 12 games when playing Atlanta Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 14 of Atlanta's last 20 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

Next up: Cincinnati home to Milwaukee, Monday, May 30 Atlanta home to San Diego, Monday, May 30

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves

Saturday, May 28, 2011

MLB Preview: Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays

The Cleveland Indians will be fighting to snap a losing streak on Saturday when they take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.

The Indians will give the ball to starter Carlos Carrasco in this one. Righthander Carrasco is 3-2 this season with a 5.16 ERA.

It'll be James Shields toeing the rubber for the Rays in this contest. Righthander Shields is 5-2 with a 2.00 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Rays listed as 178-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

Cleveland lost its last outing, a 5-0 result against the Rays on May 27. Bettors who backed the Rays at -175 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (5) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Current streak: Cleveland has lost 3 straight games.

Team records: Cleveland: 30-18 SU Tampa Bay: 27-23 SU

Cleveland most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-7 After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7 After a loss are 6-4

Tampa Bay most recently: When playing on Saturday are 8-2 Before playing Cleveland are 6-4 After playing Cleveland are 8-2 After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay The total has gone OVER in 11 of Cleveland's last 16 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games on the road Tampa Bay is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland Tampa Bay is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland

Next up: Tampa Bay home to Cleveland, Sunday, May 29

MLB Preview: Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves

The fans at Turner Field will be treated to a game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves when they take their seats on Saturday.

The Reds will give the ball to starter Bronson Arroyo in this one. Righthander Arroyo is 3-5 this season with a 5.28 ERA.

It'll be Derek Lowe toeing the rubber for the Braves in this contest. Righthander Lowe is 3-4 with a 3.53 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Braves listed as 146-moneyline favorites versus the Reds, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

Last time out for Cincinnati, they were a 5-1 winner as they battled the Braves on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Reds at +146 were rewarded, while the 6 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Team records: Cincinnati: 27-25 SU Atlanta: 28-24 SU

Cincinnati most recently: When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Atlanta are 7-3 After playing Atlanta are 7-3 After a win are 6-4

Atlanta most recently: When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Cincinnati are 4-6 After playing Cincinnati are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 6 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cincinnati's last 11 games when playing Atlanta Cincinnati is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing Atlanta The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 11 games Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 11 games when playing Cincinnati

Next up: Atlanta home to Cincinnati, Sunday, May 29

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Atlanta Braves

Sunday, May 22, 2011

MLB Preview: Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres

The Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres will both be gunning for a victory on Sunday when they meet at PETCO Park.

Righthander Felix Hernandez will take the mound for the Mariners to start this game. Hernandez is 4-4 this season with a 3.23 ERA.

It'll be Tim Stauffer toeing the rubber for the Padres in this contest. Righthander Stauffer is 0-2 with a 3.81 ERA so far this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Mariners listed as 128-moneyline favorites versus the Padres, while the game's total is sitting at 6.

Last time out for Seattle, they were a 4-0 winner as they battled the Padres on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Mariners at -120 were rewarded, while the 4 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Current streak: Seattle has won 4 straight games. San Diego has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: Seattle: 21-24 SU San Diego: 19-27 SU

Seattle most recently: When playing on Sunday are 6-4 Before playing Minnesota are 4-6 After playing San Diego are 5-5 After a win are 6-4

San Diego most recently: When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing St. Louis are 6-4 After playing Seattle are 4-6 After a loss are 7-3

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games Seattle is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games Seattle is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against San Diego The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 8 of San Diego's last 12 games when playing at home against Seattle San Diego is 7-16 SU in its last 23 games when playing Seattle

Next up: Seattle at Minnesota, Monday, May 23 San Diego home to St. Louis, Monday, May 23

MLB Preview: Seattle Mariners vs. San Diego Padres

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians will be trying to extend a winning streak on Sunday when they take on the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.

The Reds will give the ball to starter Edinson Volquez in this one. Righthander Volquez is 3-1 this season with a 5.59 ERA.

Starting this game for the Indians will be Carlos Carrasco. The righthander has a 5.03 ERA to go along with a 2-2 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Reds listed as 104-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game's total is sitting at 8½.

The Reds were a 2-1 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Indians. That made winners of bettors who got Cleveland at -110 on the moneyline, while the total score (3) was good news for UNDER bettors.

Current streak: Cincinnati has lost 4 straight games. Cleveland has won 2 straight games.

Team records: Cincinnati: 25-21 SU Cleveland: 28-15 SU

Cincinnati most recently: When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7 After playing Cleveland are 6-4 After a loss are 6-4

Cleveland most recently: When playing on Sunday are 2-8 Before playing Boston are 7-3 After playing Cincinnati are 4-6 After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 7 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati's last 9 games Cincinnati is 14-7 SU in its last 21 games when playing Cleveland Cincinnati is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Cleveland Cleveland is 17-2 SU in its last 19 games at home The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland's last 11 games Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

Next up: Cincinnati at Philadelphia, Monday, May 23 Cleveland home to Boston, Monday, May 23

MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians

NBA Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at AmericanAirlines Arena.

Oddsmakers currently have the Heat listed as 4½-point favorites versus the Bulls, while the game's total is sitting at 179.

The Heat were an 85-75 winner in their most recent outing on the road against the Bulls. They covered the 2.5?point spread as underdogs, while the total score (160) made winners of UNDER bettors.

Chicago: Team record: 62-20 SU, 50-31-1 ATS

is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games on the road is 18-4 SU in its last 22 games is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Miami The total has gone UNDER in 11 of last 15 games when playing Miami

When playing on Sunday are 6-4 Before playing Miami are 6-4 After playing Miami are 7-3 After a loss are 9-1

Miami: Team record: 58-24 SU, 39-42-1 ATS

is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games at home

When playing on Sunday are 8-2 Before playing are 5-5 After playing are 7-3 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Chicago at Miami, Tuesday, May 24 Miami home to Chicago, Tuesday, May 24

NBA Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat

NHL Western Conference Finals Preview: Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks

The Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks will both be trying to pick up a win on Sunday when they battle at HP Pavilion.

Oddsmakers currently have the Canucks listed as 105-moneyline favorites versus the Sharks, while the game's total is sitting at 5½.

The Canucks were a 4-3 loser in their most recent outing on the road against the Sharks. That made winners of bettors who got San Jose at -108 on the moneyline, while the total score (7) was good news for OVER bettors.

San Jose: Team record: 48-25-9 SU, ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games when playing at home against Vancouver is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 9 games when playing Vancouver is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Vancouver

When playing on Sunday are 9-1 Before playing Toronto are 4-6 After playing are 6-4 After a win are 5-5

Vancouver: Team record: 54-19-9 SU, ATS

The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose is 14-4 SU in its last 18 games on the road The total has gone OVER in 7 of last 9 games when playing San Jose is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

When playing on Sunday are 5-5 Before playing San Jose are 7-3 After playing San Jose are 7-3 After a loss are 7-3

Next up: San Jose at Vancouver, Tuesday, May 24

NHL Western Conference Finals Preview: Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks

Saturday, May 21, 2011

MLB Preview: Texas Rangers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The fans at Citizens Bank Park will be treated to a interleague game between the Texas Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies when they take their seats on Saturday.

Righthander Colby Lewis will take the mound for the Rangers to start this game. Lewis is 4-4 this season with a 3.81 ERA.

Lewis's opponent in this one will be Cliff Lee. The Phillies lefthander has a 3.84 ERA to go along with a 2-4 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Phillies listed as 150-moneyline favorites versus the Rangers, while the game's total is sitting at 7½.

Last time out for Texas, they were a 3-2 loser as they battled the Phillies on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Phillies at -155 were rewarded, while the 5 combined runs moved the game UNDER for totals bettors.

Current streak: Texas has lost 2 straight games.

Team records: Texas: 23-22 SU Philadelphia: 27-17 SU

Texas most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing Philadelphia are 2-5 After playing Philadelphia are 2-4 After a loss are 5-5

Philadelphia most recently: When playing on Saturday are 7-3 Before playing Texas are 3-4 After playing Texas are 5-1 After a win are 4-6

A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Texas's last 6 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games Texas is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road Texas is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Philadelphia The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia's last 6 games Philadelphia is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing Texas Philadelphia is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 6 games at home

Next up: Philadelphia home to Texas, Sunday, May 22

MLB Preview: Texas Rangers vs. Philadelphia Phillies

MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago White Sox

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at U.S. Cellular Field in an interleague contest.

The Dodgers will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Jon Garland in this game. Garland has a 1-3 record and a 3.55 ERA this season.

Garland's opponent in this one will be Mark Buehrle. The White Sox lefthander has a 4.07 ERA to go along with a 3-3 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the White Sox listed as 147-moneyline favorites versus the Dodgers, while the game's total is sitting at 8.

Los Angeles won its last outing, a 6-4 result against the White Sox on May 20. Bettors who backed the Dodgers at +142 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (10) sent OVER bettors to the payout window.

Team records: Los Angeles: 21-25 SU Chicago: 20-26 SU

Los Angeles most recently: When playing on Saturday are 8-2 Before playing Chi White Sox are 4-6 After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6 After a win are 3-7

Chicago most recently: When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing LA Dodgers are 7-3 After playing LA Dodgers are 8-2 After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider: LA Dodgers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 13 of LA Dodgers's last 18 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of LA Dodgers's last 10 games when playing Chi White Sox The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 6 games on the road The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games at home Chi White Sox are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games when playing LA Dodgers Chi White Sox are 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against LA Dodgers The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 10 games when playing LA Dodgers

Next up: Chi White Sox home to LA Dodgers, Sunday, May 22

MLB Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago White Sox

NBA Western Conference Finals Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder will both be trying to pick up a win on Saturday when they battle at Ford Center.

Oddsmakers currently have the Thunder listed as 2½-point favorites versus the Mavericks, while the game's total is sitting at 200.

In their last action, Oklahoma City was a 106-100 winner on the road against the Mavericks. They covered the 5?point spread as underdogs, while the combined score (206) was profitable news for OVER bettors.

Dallas: Team record: 57-25 SU, 43-37-2 ATS

is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 8 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City The total has gone OVER in 6 of last 7 games is 5-0-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road

When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing Oklahoma City are 7-3 After playing Oklahoma City are 5-5 After a loss are 5-5

Oklahoma City: Team record: 55-27 SU, 43-38-1 ATS

The total has gone UNDER in 7 of last 8 games when playing at home against Dallas is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home The total has gone OVER in 5 of last 6 games when playing Dallas is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games

When playing on Saturday are 3-7 Before playing are 6-4 After playing are 10-0 After a win are 4-6

Next up: Dallas at Oklahoma City, Monday, May 23 Oklahoma City home to Dallas, Monday, May 23

NBA Western Conference Finals Preview: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

NHL Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

The Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning will both be gunning for a victory on Saturday when they meet at St. Pete Times Forum.

Oddsmakers currently have the Lightning listed as 120-moneyline favorites versus the Bruins, while the game's total is sitting at 5½.

Boston won its last outing, a 2-0 result against the Lightning on May 19. Bettors who backed the Bruins at +105 on the moneyline won on the day, and the total score (2) sent UNDER bettors to the payout window.

Tampa Bay: Team record: 46-25-11 SU, ATS

is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home The total has gone OVER in 16 of last 24 games at home

When playing on Saturday are 6-4 Before playing St. Louis are 3-7 After playing are 3-7 After a loss are 5-5

Boston: Team record: 46-25-11 SU, ATS

is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay The total has gone OVER in 4 of last 5 games

When playing on Saturday are 8-2 Before playing Ottawa are 5-5 After playing Tampa Bay are 6-4 After a win are 7-3

Next up: Tampa Bay at Boston, Monday, May 23

NHL Eastern Conference Finals Preview: Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

136th PREAKNESS STAKES

136th PREAKNESS STAKES (Odds Courtesy: Sportsbook.com) Saturday, May 21 – 6:18 p.m. EDT Pimlico Race Course – Balitmore, MD Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom was assigned post 11 as the 2-to-1 morning-line favorite for the Preakness Stakes at the post-position draw for the 136th running of the second jewel of the Triple Crown on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course. A full 14-horse field of 3-year-olds was entered for the 1 3/16-mile Preakness, which will be televised on NBC Sports, with post time set for 6:18 p.m. EDT. Other draws for the top Preakness contenders include Dialed In (9-2) in post 10, Mucho Macho Man (6-1) in post 9, and Shackleford (12-1) in post 5. Animal Kingdom won the May 7 Kentucky Derby by 2 3/4 lengths as a 20-to-1 shot. John Velazquez has the mount back aboard the colt for owner Team Valor International and trainer Graham Motion. Animal Kingdom will be trying to keep alive his hopes for the Triple Crown, which has not been swept since Affirmed did it in 1978. The third and final jewel, the Belmont Stakes, is set for June 11 in New York. ASTROLOGY – POST 1OWNER: Stonestreet Stables and George BoltonTRAINER: Steven AsmussenJOCKEY: Mike SmithRECORD: 7-3-2-2Latest Odds: 17-1  UPSIDE Classy and consistent, Astrology has never been out of the money in seven career starts at five tracks at five distances. Though he had sufficient earnings to make the Kentucky Derby field, his connections felt he wasn’t ready for the race and decided to use the Jerome as a bridge to the Preakness. In the Jerome, Astrology was close up in third down the backstretch, lost ground on the turn, and finished well enough to edge stablemateJustin Phillip for second. DOWNSIDE Sent to Southern California for the winter, Astrology got sick upon his arrival and was set back for about a month. Along with prospective starters Flashpoint, Mr. Commons and Sway Away, he is among four Preakness hopefuls yet to win beyond a mile. He was outfinished at odds-on in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club and made the lead in the stretch of the 1 1/8-mile Sunland Park Derby before being run down by Twice the Appeal, who was subsequently a distant 10th in the Kentucky Derby.   BOTTOM LINEAfter being favored in all five starts as a 2-year-old and going off in the 5-2 neighborhood in both of his starts this year, his price will be considerably higher in the Preakness. Anything better than a 15-1 price makes a wager worth considering. NORMAN ASBJORNSON – POST 2
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OWNER: Thomas G. McClay & Harry NyeTRAINER: Chris GroveJOCKEY: Julian PimentelRECORD: 7-2-1-0 Latest Odds: 30-1  UPSIDE Each race since his maiden victory last December has been faster than the one before, and he has managed this while taking some significant class jumps. Even if he was soundly beaten by Stay Thirsty, he was a very game second in the Gotham Stakes two starts back. In the process, he finished a length ahead of Toby’s Corner, despite having to steady in deep stretch. Toby’s Corner, of course, came right back to win the Wood Memorial, handing 2-year-old champion Uncle Mo the first defeat of his career.
 DOWNSIDE He has not yet won a stakes race of any sort and has yet to demonstrate he can be anything more than only moderately competitive with some of the better members of his generation. His most effective running style to date has been being on or right with the early lead in slow-paced routes. He will likely face a much stronger pace scenario in the Preakness, which suggests he will have to come from off the pace. He has not yet shown that he can sustain a closing rally.  BOTTOM LINE He would have to manage an unforeseen major breakthrough to win, but he wouldn’t be the worst bomber to throw in underneath in trifectas and supers if his odds stay around 30-1. KING CONGIE – POST 3OWNER: West Point ThoroughbredsTRAINER: Thomas AlbertraniJOCKEY: Robby AlbaradoRECORD: 6-2-0-2 Latest Odds: 24-1 UPSIDE King Congie crossed the wire first in three consecutive races, including two stakes, but was disqualified and placed third in the Hallandale Beach two starts ago. He lost a three-horse photo by a head last time, in the Grade 1 Blue Grass. If he is asked to do so, he can stay within comfortable striking distance of the leaders, but he can also be effective as a deep closer, as he was in the Blue Grass.  DOWNSIDE It is a concern that he finished eighth on dirt at Saratoga in his debut, and that he was a well-beaten fourth on dirt at Belmont in his second start. But 14 1/4 of the 20 1/2 lengths he lost by at Saratoga belonged to Uncle Mo, in his maiden win. And he missed second behind Fort Hughes by only 5 1/2 lengths second time out. Dirt may not be his preferred surface. BOTTOM LINE Although he is a talented, improving horse, bettors will probably be very sensitive to the fact that his early dirt form was much less impressive than his subsequent turf and Polytrack form. If you believe he deserves the benefit of the doubt, you’ll be getting the right price around 20-1.  FLASHPOINT – POST 4OWNER: Peachtree StableTRAINER: Richard Dutrow, Jr.JOCKEY: Cornelio VelasquezRECORD: 3-2-0-0 Latest Odds: 18-1  UPSIDEHis Hutcheson victory over the winter at Gulfstream ranks as one of the top efforts by a 3-year-old this year. Making the second start of his career, Flashpoint hounded favored Travelin Man on the lead, ran that one into defeat, and pulled away to score by 7 1/4 lengths in fast time. He enters the Preakness as a fresh horse, not having raced since April 3. DOWNSIDE He lost by eight lengths to Dialed In in the Florida Derby. He is also by a sprinter in Pomeroy and out of Two Punch Lil, a Two Punch mare whose best distance was six furlongs. Those bloodlines suggest his lungs could be on fire in the late stages of the 1 3/16-mile Preakness. He also has a new trainer for the Preakness, with Wesley Ward replacing Rick Dutrow, who is dealing with licensing issues in Kentucky and New York—it’s a tough task for anyone to start a horse for the first time in a race as demanding as the Preakness.  BOTTOM LINE Those with faith will be offered a price, given the presence of other Preakness speed, the inexperience of Flashpoint and a shortage of stamina in his pedigree. But it’s hard to consider this horse a bargain, even at 20-1.  SHACKLEFORD – POST 5OWNER: Michael Lauffer and Bill CubbedgeTRAINER: Dale RomansJOCKEY: Jesus CastanonRECORD: 6-2-1-0 Latest Odds: 15-1 UPSIDE Shackleford led a pack of 19 horses from the start until inside the eighth pole in the Kentucky Derby—more than 90 percent of the race—before tiring late to be fourth. That followed another fine front-running effort, albeit another losing one, when he set taxing fractions in the Florida Derby before being caught on the wire by Dialed In, the eventual Kentucky Derby favorite. He is hitting his peak, and his progress hasn’t been so dramatic that a bounce would seem probable.
 DOWNSIDE With more speed in the Preakness, he is going to have to set or press quicker fractions, and, given his racing history, there is no taking back. All of his best races have come when he has either been on the lead or within a half-length of the leader.
 BOTTOM LINE He closed at 23-1 in the 19-horse Derby, and his odds will probably be half that in the Preakness. As long as Derby winner Animal Kingdom doesn’t get hammered at the betting windows, Shackleford could represent value at 12-1.   SWAY AWAY – POST 6OWNER: Batman StableTRAINER: Jeff BondeJOCKEY: Garrett GomezRECORD: 5-1-2-0 Latest Odds: 10-1 UPSIDE Sway Away was entered in the Kentucky Derby but excluded on graded earnings, and as a result is a fresh horse coming into the Preakness. He last raced in the Arkansas Derby, and showed improved speed in what was his first start in blinkers. He  shows some strong recent works and will go Saturday for a hot barn, as Jeff Bonde has compiled a 5-for-13 record in graded stakes since Jan. 1. DOWNSIDE Sway Away’s biggest question mark might be distance, as he has never won beyond five furlongs. In the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby, he took the lead into the stretch after advancing four wide on the final turn, but was overtaken by three rivals in the late stages. Sway Away also lacks racing experience, with just five starts.
 BOTTOM LINE Sway Away’s price in the Preakness could be driven down some by the fact that he will be reuniting with jockey Garrett Gomez. If he goes off in the 20-1 range, he merits a saver win bet and must also be used in the exotics. MIDNIGHT INTERLUDE – POST 7OWNER: Arnold ZetcherTRAINER: Bob BaffertJOCKEY: Martin GarciaRECORD: 5-2-1-1 Latest Odds: 15-1 UPSIDE Midnight Interlude hails from one of the hottest stables in the nation. Trainer Bob Baffert entered the middle of May second in earnings ($5.2 million), thanks to an outstanding 30 percent win rate and 12 graded stakes from 10 horses, including Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty. As for lightly raced (five starts) Midnight Interlude, his conspicuous upward pattern came to a screeching halt when he finished 16th in the Kentucky Derby. If that race somehow can be discounted, he fits on figures DOWNSIDE Midnight Interlude apparently was exposed when he finished in front of only three others in the Kentucky Derby. His Santa Anita Derby victory falls short under scrutiny. He was fully extended to win that slow-paced race, which was run without favorites Premier Pegasus and Jaycito. Midnight Interlude has yet to prove he can cope with legitimate fractions, which he is likely to face in the Preakness. The bottom line is that Midnight Interlude is not good enough, at least not yet. BOTTOM LINE A case might be made that Midnight Interlude is worth backing at 20-1 or higher purely on the hot-trainer angle. After all, Baffert won the Preakness a year ago with Lookin At Lucky, who also was off the board in the Derby.  DANCE CITY – POST 8OWNER: Estate of Edward P. EvansTRAINER: Todd A. PletcherJOCKEY: Ramon DominguezRECORD: 4-2-1-1 Latest Odds: 15-1 UPSIDE This lightly raced Virginia-bred showed that he can handle an off track when he graduated over a sloppy/sealed strip at Gulfstream. Then, he took his show on the road to Oaklawn, where he was a prominent third in the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby, from which Nehro exited to finish second in the Kentucky Derby. His only other loss came when he ran second to future Wood Memorial runner-up Arthur’s Tale in his debut.
 DOWNSIDE He has done all of his running on or near the front end, and there should be a lively pace in the Preakness, something that may soften him up. He has yet to win a stakes and is eligible for a second-level allowance. His accomplished trainer has won a Kentucky Derby and a Belmont, but not a Preakness.   BOTTOM LINE Bettors shouldn’t accept anything less than 15-1 on him, unless some of the other speed doesn’t show up. Among those who are expected to run in the first flight, he might be the most likely to be in contention at the finish, so he should be used underneath in the trifecta and superfecta.  MUCHO MACHO MAN – POST 9OWNER: Reeves Thoroughbred RacingTRAINER: Katherine RitvoJOCKEY: Rajiv MaraghRECORD: 8-2-3-2 Odds: 6-1 UPSIDE Although he was not in the same class as Animal Kingdom in the Kentucky Derby, Mucho Macho Man was definitely getting to runner-up Nehro at the finish line. The signs of late-stretch life he showed at Churchill Downs feel like a positive sign going forward, and his race pattern suggests a horse who is not all that likely to regress on a short turnaround. He is a very late foal who still has not reached the third anniversary of his birth. Long and tall, he may be a horse who continues improving through the summer. DOWNSIDE One potential takeaway from the Kentucky Derby is that Mucho Macho Man may just not be good enough to beat Animal Kingdom. And while he is a June foal, he has gotten in more starts than most—if not all—of the Preakness field. His strengths and limitations, therefore, may be more exposed than a horse like Animal Kingdom, who has gotten fewer racing opportunities. BOTTOM LINE Mucho Macho Man might be overlooked in the Preakness. His supporters could end up finding their horse at a bargain price, perhaps in the 10-1 range.   DIALED IN – POST 10OWNER: Robert V. LaPentaTRAINER: Nicholas ZitoJOCKEY: Julien LeparouxRECORD: 5-3-1-0 Odds: 5-1 UPSIDE Dialed In was consistent, with three wins and a close second from his first four races. He was last early behind a slow pace in the Kentucky Derby, and gained 9 1/2 lengths while finishing eighth of 19. That wasn’t the race his supporters were hoping to see from him as the mild 5-1 favorite, but it wasn’t a terrible performance either, considering the disadvantageous pace scenario, and the ground loss a closer is likely to experience in a 19-horse field. He should be more effective if he encounters faster fractions in the Preakness.  DOWNSIDE Dialed In enjoyed the benefit of a lively pace to chase in all three of his wins—his good performances in those races should have been discounted a bit. He disappointed as the 1-5 favorite in the race in which he finished second, unable to overcome a slow pace despite being the heavy favorite in a soft field. An unexpected defeat is always cause for concern, especially when the probable reason for it has the potential to occur again. That weakness was exposed a second time in the Kentucky Derby. BOTTOM LINE His eighth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby, and the introduction of a number of new contenders in the Preakness, might combine to make his odds somewhere around the same 5-1 price in this smaller field. Factor in the chance of a faster pace, and his supporters should consider that to be a reasonable price.  ANIMAL KINGDOM – POST 11OWNER: Team Valor InternationalTRAINER: H. Graham MotionJOCKEY: John VelazquezRECORD: 5-3-2-0 Sportsbook.com Latest Odds: 2-1 UPSIDE Animal Kingdom ran over his rivals at Churchill Downs after racing many lengths behind the slowest Derby pace in a quarter-century. With Flashpoint, Dance City and others expected to start, the Preakness pace is likely to be much quicker. Such front-runners as Shackleford should be coming back more quickly, which will help mitigate the shorter stretch run at Pimlico. Not that a short stretch beats Animal Kingdom. At Turfway, where the stretch run is brief, Animal Kingdom had taken the lead more than a furlong from the finish of the Spiral. He looks like a horse with a ton of stamina who is a real athlete.
 DOWNSIDE Animal Kingdom started at Churchill after a six-week break and made only one other start in 2011, and now has only 13 days to bounce back from one the most testing races of the season. Given his limited racing foundation, skeptics might wonder if his Derby effort will lead to a bounce. BOTTOM LINE While double-digit Derby odds have evaporated, he may still offer value at 4-1 or even 7-2, but not at 3-1 or 5-2. The word “fluke” is certain to be employed.  ISN’T HE PERFECT – POST 12 OWNER: Kharag StablesTRAINER: Doodnauth ShivmangalJOCKEY: UndecidedRECORD: 12-2-0-1 Latest Odds: 35-1 UPSIDE His fifth-place finishes in the Grade 1 Wood and Grade 2 Jerome show he is not completely out of his element in these tougher races; he was in the thick of things in mid-stretch in the Wood, running in second before weakening. His sire, Pleasantly Perfect, was a top-class router who won multiple Grade 1 races at 1 ¼ miles, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His dam, Reciclada, was a Grade 2 route winner, meaning he should handle this longer trip.  DOWNSIDE Improving Beyer Speed Figures are all well and good, but when you’ve peaked at 84 you’re still a ways away from the type of performance it will take to win the Preakness. The average winning Beyer for the Preakness is around 109, so he will have to run a race he has yet to come close to. While he was not disgraced in the Wood and Jerome, he still hasn’t won a stakes and now dives into even deeper water, facing the Kentucky Derby winner and other proven Grade 1 horses. BOTTOM LINE Stranger things have happened, but he has his work cut out for him, and it figures to be reflected in his odds. After all, he was 65-1 in the Wood and 39-1 in the Jerome, and this spot figures to be tougher. He is likely to be around 50-1.   CONCEALED IDENTITY – POST 13OWNER: Linda Gaudet & Morris BaileyTRAINER: Edmond GaudetJOCKEY: Sheldon RussellRECORD: 8-4-0-0 Latest Odds: 20-1 UPSIDE He may well have turned the corner with the addition of more ground. He found stakes foes a bit too much to handle to start the year going six furlongs, seven furlongs, and a mile, but then came a drop and move to 1 1/16 miles at Pimlico and he flourished, winning smartly. They tossed him into the May 7 Federico Tesio, and he backed it up, winning impressively again. It doesn’t hurt in the least that his sire, Smarty Jones, won the Preakness in dazzling fashion in 2004. DOWNSIDE He moves into uncharted waters class-wise. While the Tesio win was nice, now he’s facing the Kentucky Derby winner and some other proven Grade 1 performers. He has also got some work to do, as he just hasn’t run fast enough yet. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 86 for his Tesio win. While that’s nice and represents a career-topper, Animal Kingdom just earned a 103 Beyer for his Kentucky Derby victory, and the average winning Beyer for the Preakness is 109. BOTTOM LINE With the Kentucky Derby winner, the Kentucky Derby third, and beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby—as well as some well-fancied runners who did not go in the Derby—he figures to get pushed to the sidelines by players. Odds in the vicinity of 30-1 seem in prospect.  MR. COMMONS – POST 14OWNER: St. George Farm Racing LLCTRAINER: John ShirreffsJOCKEY: Victor EspinozaRECORD: 4-2-0-1Latest Odds: 30-1 UPSIDE The pressing style of Mr. Commons generally leads to a comfortable trip. He improved rapidly this winter in California and continued his improving pattern by finishing third against a watered-down field in the Santa Anita Derby. He should be positioned within striking range of the pacesetters and in front of the deep closers. Having skipped the Kentucky Derby, Mr. Commons will arrive in Baltimore fresh and ready for his first start in six weeks. John Shirreffs’s record with longshot 3-year-olds in Grade 1’s suggests he should not be taken lightly: Giacomo ($102.60) won the 2005 Kentucky Derby and Tiago ($60.60) won the 2007 Santa Anita Derby. DOWNSIDE It is doubtful Mr. Commons is good enough to compete with the nation’s top main-track 3-year-olds. Neither start he made on dirt this winter indicates otherwise. His narrow win Feb. 26 in a slow-early/fast-late allowance was over an undistinguished field; the Santa Anita Derby was exposed when one-two finishers Midnight Interlude and Comma to the Top returned to finish 16th and 19th in the Kentucky Derby. Mr. Commons is best-suited for grass. His turf pedigree—by Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Artie Schiller—and slow-early/fast-late running style suggest his future will be on something other than dirt.
 BOTTOM LINE Anything lower than 25-1 would be an underlay; anything higher might tempt bettors on the trainer angle. Based on traditional handicapping, however, Mr. Commons is not good enough to win the Preakness at any price.

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136th PREAKNESS STAKES