Adventures in Sports Gambling

Super Bowl: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals

2009-02-01T07:44:00.000-08:00

The biggest sports betting event of the year takes place on Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals meet on the grid-iron to determine the winner of the 2008-2009 Super Bowl.

The Cardinals are the surprise team after garnering a 9 and 7 straight-up record during the regular season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, my pre-season pick to win the Super Bowl at the BetUS online sportsbook betting odds of 20 to 1 in the pre-season, quickly solidified themselves as a contender after the first month of the season.

Both teams fought hard to get here but only one team will be crowned the best in the NFL.

Let’s take an in depth look at the against the spread line in this game as well as analyze each team’s particular strengths and weaknesses.

BetUS online betting odds:

Pittsburgh Steelers -6 ½, -115 vs. Arizona Cardinals +6 ½, -105.

Steelers’ offense vs. Cardinals’ defense: The Steelers are a terrific offensive team with Big Ben Roethlisberger, who already has a Super Bowl victory under his belt, having a plethora of weapons to throw to. Hines Ward might be too hurt to be effective in this game but it shouldn’t hurt Big Ben who can toss the pig skin to Santonio Holmes, tight-end Heath Miller, Nate Washington or Limas Sweed. Ben can also hand the ball off to Mewelde Moore and the brilliant Willie Parker. With so many weapons the Cardinals defense is going to have to really get to Ben in order to slow that Steelers’ offense down. There’s no chance of that, though, because Pittsburgh’s offensive line is absolutely fantastic.

The Cardinals’ D is good but not great. Pitt has already shown the ability to beat-up a great defense. They beat the Ravens three times this season. The Cardinals D has no chance.

Edge: Steelers

Cardinals’ offense vs. Steelers’ defense: The Cardinals’ offense is exceptional with future hall-of-famer Kurt Warner playing in his third Super Bowl. Warner rarely makes a mistake and can do some fantastic things against the blitz. He’s a mind reader out there and always, always makes the right throw. Both Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are masters at the wide receiver position and Fitzgerald is arguably the best wide receiver in the league. Tim Hightower has become a very, very good running back.

But as good as the Cardinals’ offense is, the Steelers’ D is better. With James Harrison coming off the edge or up the middle on blitzes, and Troy Polamalu roaming the middle of the field, Warner is facing the toughest defense he has faced all season. The Cardinals did play the Steelers tough early on during the regular season but this Steelers’ D has gotten better. The Steelers’ defense is playing at too high of a level for the Cardinals to overcome.

Edge: Steelers

Special Teams: The Steelers have a huge, make that a massive, advantage in this department with Santonio Holmes returning punts. How massive? Holmes could easily turn this game around, hell, bury the Cardinals with one or two good run backs. Because Holmes is so adept at returning punts that NFL betting fans might as well give up on the idea of the Cardinals winning the field position battle. This is another category where the Steelers’ have an edge.

Edge: Steelers

Coach: Mike Tomlin has to be congratulated for taking his team to a Super Bowl at the age of 37. The man is very good at allowing his coordinators to do their jobs. He’s an excellent manager who delegates and uses his people skills to get his players to work at an optimum level every time they step onto the field. Ken Wisenhunt for the Cardinals worked as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator and pretty much created Ben Roethlisberger. Wisenhunt knows what Ben does on the offensive side of the ball. That gives the Cardinals a slight edge in this category, but it might not be enough.

Edge: Cardinals

Final Analysis: That sound you hear coming through your computer screen? That’s me running, not jogging, running to the BetUS online sportsbook betting window to throw a bunch of money down on the Pittsburgh Steelers!

The ½ point swing that just occurred this morning, the Steelers were at -7 just yesterday, makes me giddy. It’s a huge ½ point in this game. I just don’t see how the Cardinals don’t lose by at least a touchdown in this game.

Defenses win Super Bowls. The Pittsburgh Steelers have that.

Furthermore, the Cardinals meltdown in the second half of the NFC Championship game, they gave up 19 straight points to the Philadelphia Eagles, tells me that Big Ben and the Steelers’ offense could rack up tons of points.

The Steelers have been impressive all season long while the Cardinals got hot in the playoffs. Arizona has had two weeks to ponder how good the Steelers are while Pittsburgh knows they are good.

I’m going with the confident, experienced, better team in this game. That’s Pittsburgh.

Pick: Pittsburgh at -6 ½ in the BetUS online sportsbook.

Good Luck!

Santa Anita Park: Grade II San Marcos

2009-01-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

The Grade II San Marcos is the highlight race of MLK Day at Santa Anita Park. It's cloudy out here in SoCal, but the clouds might not last and it might not rain.

That means that the San Marcos, run 1 1/4 miles over the lawn, shouldn't have to switch to the Pro-Ride surface.

If the San Marcos stays on the lawn, then the obvious play to me is the 8 top 1 morning line Marsh Side.

Out of the Neil Drysdale barn, Marsh Side was last seen upsetting Dr. Dino in the Grade I Canadien International. He looked brilliant in that race. Now, he comes into this off of a lay-off. Can he continue to improve? I think so.

I also like Spring House to bounce back after two sup-bar efforts at those 5 to 1 morning line odds and Stream Cat, at 4 to 1, and Artiste Royale, at 3 to 1, to make their presence felt.

Good Luck!

NFL: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

2009-01-18T07:29:00.001-08:00

Even though the Steelers are 5 1/2 favorites at home to beat the Ravens for the third time this season, there's no doubt that the bird, the bird, the bird is the word in this game!

Baltimore is easily one of the best defensive teams that has ever stepped onto the football field and rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is becoming a master at throwing the long ball to Mark Clayton.

This is a good team and for the Steelers to beat them, with an injured Troy Polamalu, a lot has to go the Steelers' way.

I love Pittsburgh. I picked them to win the Super Bowl at the beginning of the season, but there is definitely something special about this Ravens team.

I'm going with the Ravens to not only beat the 5 1/2 point spread but to beat the Steelers straight-up at + 200.

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals

2009-01-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

The Cardinals host the Eagles for the right to go to the Super Bowl. This is a huge surprise since all of the talk at the beginning of the year regarding the NFC was about the Cowboys and Giants.

The Eagles needed everything to break their way in the last game of the regular season and it did.

The Cardinals needed to get off of a terrible losing streak and beat the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers to get here and they did.

Who has the upper-hand in this game? Actually, it's Arizona. Nobody on the Eagles' defense can cover top wide receiver Larry Fitzgerals and 'Zona's D has been playing better than any unit in the playoffs.

The Eagles have options on offense but on defense Jimmi Johnson blitz schemes will be put to the test by Kurt Warner who can read the blitz better than anybody.

I have to go with the home underdog in this one.

I'm betting the Arizona Cardinals to win the game straight-up at around + 160 on the money line.

NFL: San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

2009-01-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers played a classic during the regular season with the Steelers pulling out an 11 to 10 victory.

Why are the Steelers 6 point favorites in this game when that game was so close? First, LaDanian Tomlinson is hurt. Second, as good as his back-up, Darren Sproles, is, the Steel-Men have enough speed on defense to keep Sproles in check.

To me, that will be the key. The Chargers' D is going to have to really fight to get to quarterback "Big" Ben Roethelisberger and Pittsburgh has a much better running game than the Colts, whom the Chargers beat last Sunday.

I like the Steelers to cover in this one. I'm partial to the Chargers because they were really screwed by the NFL schedulers this season, but I can't take them. I have to go with the Steelers.

The Steelers should win by between 7 to 10 points in this game.

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants

2009-01-11T08:10:00.000-08:00

Did we just witness the end of Jake Delhomme's career? I'm not sure a human being can bounce back from the thrashing he took at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals last night. Seriously! That was an ass-whipping! Congratulations to the Cardinals who definitely proved me wrong.

The New York Giants will be trying to end Donovan McNabb's career in their game against the Philadelphia Eagles this morning. I don't believe McNabb is necessarily as good or better of a quarterback than Delhomme. He has, though, been through the fire once before and knows how to win.

But he doesn't know how to win the way the entire Giants' organization does. That's the key to me. The G-Men are just the most professional team in the NFL from top to botoom. Their fourth string players play as hard as their first stringers.

The New York Giants lost a game to Philly already this season. They won't lose again.

I like the G-Men to cover the 4 point spread in this game.

Santa Anita Pick of the Day: Race 8 - - Grade II San Pasqual Handicap

2009-01-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Well Armed returns to the races after bombing as the chalk in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. He never got into the race in that one.

Can he bounce back in this? I'm not sure that he can. Regular rider Aaron Gryder believes so and so does trainer Eoin Harty.

But I'm not convinced at all. I believe that there's too much speed in the San Pasqual this year and to me that means that taking a flyer on a horse at overlaid odds is the way to go.

Who is that horse? It has to be Marchfield from Mark Casse's barn. Casse usually trains up at Woodbine. He brought a few horses down to Santa Anita and he's been doing pretty good lately. The key is that Patrick Husbands, Marchfield's regular rider, takes the call.

Husbands is an underrated guy. The morning line isn't bad either at 8 to 1.

I'm going to play Marchfield with Past the Point and the Tood Pletcher trained Cowboy Cal in this race.

NBA: Detroit Pistons vs. Utah Jazz

2009-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Pistons will probably be without both Richard "Rip" Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace in their game tonight against the Utah Jazz.

Because of that, the Jazz, who are 11 and 7 against the spread in their home games so far this season, have been listed as 10 point favorites against the spread.

That's a lot of points and usually I wouldn't even consider an online bet on the Jazz to cover 10 points against a team of Detroit's class, but without Rip and 'Sheed, Detroit has an issue.

The issue won't be with Utah point-guard Derron Williams, even though he's easily one of the best in the NBA. It will be with the Jazz front-line. Mehmet Okur and Paul Milsap have turned into monsters on that front-line. The Jazz haven't missed a beat with Carlos Boozer sidelined.

10 points is a lot but the Jazz are more than capable of covering that.

NFL: Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers

2009-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

The Arizona Cardinals travel to Carolina as huge 10 point underdogs to upset the NFC South Divisional champs.

'Zona played about as well as I believe they can play in last Saturday's victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Their defense did some fantastic things in that game against the Falcons.

What are the chances that they do it again?

Not very good. I understand that this is the playoffs and Larry Fitzgerald is the best wide receiver, in my mind, in the NFL, but the truth is that there's no way that the Cardinals should be close to the Panthers in this game.

Carolina is exceptionally good at home. They should make it to the NFC Championship by beating the Cardinals with ease.

NFL: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans

2009-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Baltimore Ravens take on the Tennessee Titans in a game that many NFL betting fans will get deja vu from.

It was only a couple of months ago when the Tennessee Titans beat the Baltimore Ravens. But I don't think that means squat. To me the Baltimore Ravens are a much different team than what the Titans faced during the regular season.

Quarterback Joe Flacco is turning into one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Running Back Le'Ron McClain is an absolute beast of a man who can run over, through, and around tacklers. The Ravens' defense is easily one of the best, if not the best, in the league.

The Tennessee Titans are 3 point favorites over the Ravens in this Divisional Playoff. Of course, it doesn't really matter, right? I've already made up my mind.

The Ravens win this thing straight-up at online odds of around + 135.

BCS Championship: Florida Gators vs. Oklahoma Sooners

2009-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

The finale of the 2008 - 2009 College Football Season is tonight when the Florida Gators take on the Oklahoma Sooners in the BCS Championship.

The against the spread line right now is 4 points in favor of the Gators, but Oklahoma has one of the best offenses I've ever seen. All during this Bowl Season I've been saying that the Oklahoma Sooners was one of the best teams I've ever seen.

Then, the other "good" teams in the Big-12 faltered. Oklahoma State lost to Oregon. Texas Tech lost to Ole Miss. Missouri and Texas both failed to cover in their bold games.

Nebraska and Kansas did well but neither one of those teams was considered elite this season.

So, what will Oklahoma do? The Sooners are 1 and 4 against the spread in their last 5 games.

Make that 1 and 6. I just don't see how the Sooners defense can stop Tim Tebow and that Florida Gators' offense. I also don't see how the Sooners offense will be able to rack up 60 points, like they've did 5 times during the regular season, against Florida.

Florida has a great defense. Oklahoma does not. I see Florida frustrating Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford and winning this game by more than the 4 point spread.

Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns

2009-01-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

The Texas Longhorns are ranked number three in the nation, have one of the best quarterbacks in all of college football in Colt McCoy, and go into the Fiesta Bowl as 8 point favorites over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Are the Buckeyes legitimate 8 point underdogs in this game?

With Terrelle Pryor at quarterback the Bucs always have a chance, but the Big-Ten hasn't been all that hot this Bowl Season.

I'm not sure if I can take Ohio State in this game. They aren't going to stop Texas from scoring and there isn't a better big game coach in NCAAF than Mack Brown.

So, I'm going to say that Texas covers the spread of 8 points in the Fiesta Bowl.

Santa Anita Park Horse Pick of the Day: Grade III Monrovia

2009-01-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

I've had mixed feelings regarding the Grade III Monvrovia the past two days.

My first inclination was to dump on Lethal Heat, at I know will be short betting odds, because Heat has such a great record ont he downhill turf course at Santa Anita.

But, then, I began to look harder at the race. Now, my handicapping skills tell me that La Tee is the best bet in the Grade III Monrovia, the eighth race on the card at Santa Anita Park today.

The last time horseplayers saw La Tee, she as struggling home 10th by 13 3/4 lengths in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf Sprint. One of the problems, of course, is that the Turf Sprint was loaded with speed.

Not so today where La Tee figures to be close to either a softer pace or actually even leading the field into the top of the stretch.

I like her to steal the Monrovia on the front end today.

I'll put La Tee with Lethal Heat an the Bobby Frankel trained Jibboom in exactas and trifectas.

Gulfstream Park Pick of the Day: Grade III Hal's Hope

2009-01-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

The Grade III Hal's Hope is traditonally the first graded race during Gulfstream Park's winter/spring meet.

It just so happens that a 6 to 1 shot, Now A Victor, is the best bet of the day. The race, going off as the eighth on the card, boasts a few four year olds that didn't do so well on the Derby Trail last year - - namely Anak Nakal and Delightful Kiss.

The issue with both is that they are closers on a track that usually favors some speed. To me, Now A Victor is definitely worth a play as his record of 4 wins and a second from 5 starts makes him a serious contender. He also gets John Velaszquez to ride and the 6 to 1 morning line odds have be tempting, right?

Now A Victor on top of Bribon and National Pride in a huge swing for the fences!

NFL: Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers

2009-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis Colts come into San Diego riding a nine game win streak and with the MVP of the NFL in tow, Mr. Peyton Manning.

Manning recently just won his third straight MVP. To me, it was a huge upset. I understand that for a couple of weeks there had been talk about Petyon winning the MVP again, but so many players meant so much to their teams this season - - his brother Eli, Kerry Collins in Tennessee, Kurt Warner in Arizona, Adrian Peterson in Minnesota, Philip Rivers in San Diego, "Big" Ben Roethelisberger in Pittsburgh - - that I didn't think they'd give it to Petyon.

Hey, shows you what I know!

In any case, I have the feeling that Indy's going to ride their good fortune into a victory over the Chargers. The betting line is only a single point, the Colts are road favorites, and the Chargers have been playing well, but that Colt's passing game is going to be too much for the Chargers' defensive backs.

I see Indy easily covering the spread and moving on to the second round in the AFC Playoffs.

NFL: Atlanta Falcons vs. Arizona Cardinals

2009-01-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Atlanta Falcons travel to the Valley of the Sun to take on the Cardinals as 1 point online betting favorites against the spread.

Strange, since the line opened up as Falcons - 2 1/2, I figured if anything more and more NFL betting fans would jump on the Falcons.

A quick look at the injury reporst shows that the Falcons do have some injuries, while Cardinals' star wide receive Anquan Boldin is back, but the Falcons are a much better team than the Cardinals.

In order to succeed in the NFL Playoffs a team needs three things - - a great running game, a quarterback that doesn't make mistakes, and a decent defense.

The Falcons have all three while Arizona only has one, a quarterback that doesn't make mistakes.

So, I'll be riding the Falcons as 1 point favorites in this game. I have no problem putting my faith in Micahel Turner, Matt Ryan and that Falcons' D.

Atlanta should cover easily.

Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Cincinnati Bearcats

2008-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

The Hokies beat the Boston College Eagles in the ACC Championship game to ensure their place in the 2009 Orange Bowl.

Cincinnati was a big surprise in the Big East. But the Bearcats earned it after beating South Florida and West Virginia.

The key in this game is to determine exactly how good the Bearcats really are. They did fail twice this season - - a big time thrashing against Oklahoma and a beat down at the hands of the Connecticut Huskies.

The loss to Oklahoma is understandable but the loss to Connecticut is virtually unexplainable. How do you lose to the Huskies?

In any case, to me that's the the key. Virginia Tech is used to big games. Cincinnati is not.

I see the Hokies winning this one outright as 2 point against the spread underdogs.

Virginia Tech should win the Orange Bowl.

Rose Bowl: Penn State Nittany Lions vs. USC Trojans

2008-12-31T18:14:00.000-08:00

The grandaddy of them all will showcase a classic battle of old school versus new school when the Joe Paterno coached Penn State Nittany Lions travel to the Coliseum to take on the USC Trojans.

The Nittany Lions lost a single game this season - - to the Iowa Hawkeyes - - and will be looking to upset the Trojans as 9 point underdogs.

USC, of course, lost to the lowly Oregon State Beavers. So, who has the upper hand in this game?

USC supposedly has one of the best defenses ever assembled in college football. Okay. Then how did they give up 23 points to Oregon State and 21 to Stanford?

Penn State's defense isn't too bad itself. The Nittany Lions' D gave up 24 points in two games this season. In every other game they played they gave up 18 or less.

As far as offense is concerned, I really like Daryll Clark at QB for the Lions and that Penn State offensive line.

I'm going with Penn State to beat the spread in the 2009 Rose Bowl. I believe that USC's defense isn't that much better than Penn State's and that the Nittany Lions' offensive line should be able to push them around in the fourth quarter.

Capital One Bowl: Michigan State Spartans vs. Georgia Bulldogs

2008-12-31T18:07:00.000-08:00

The worst thing about this bowl game is that we're going to have to continually watch those idiotic Capital One create your own credit card commercials. Everybody knows that only about 10% to 15% of the American public, if that, can even get credit or loans anymore.

Whatever.

Okay, done with the bitterness!

This is a game of contrasts. The Michigan State Spartans rely solely on Javon Ringer. He averages over 132 rushing yards a game. The Spartans offense is terrible after Ringer. So, it makes sense that if Georgia shuts down Ringer they cover the 8 point spread, right?

Yes, but they aren't going to shut down ringer. Georgia has given up an average of 36 points in their last 5 games, this includes giving up 38 to LSU who has about as good of an offense as Michigan State. Just because you know what you need to do, doesn't mean that you can do it!

Such is the case with the Georgia defense.

I like Michigan Sate to beat the 8 point spread.

Gator Bowl: Clemson Tigers vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

2008-12-31T18:02:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what coaching leadership can do to a team. Bo Pellini comes to Nebraska, instills his brand of discipline, and all of a sudden the Cornhuskers are playing in a New Year's Day Bowl.

Same goes for the Clemson Tigers who got rid of the younger Bowden during the season. They've gone 4 and 1 straight-up since then including beating the hell out of the South Carolina Gamecocks who are playing in the Outback Bowl.

I love what Pellini is doing in Nebraska, but I have to be honest, I just don't see the Cornhuskers putting up a big fight in this game. The Clemson Tigers are playing with passion right now.

To me, they cover the 2 points easily in the Gator Bowl.

I'm taking the Clemson Tigers at - 2 against the spread in the Gator Bowl.

Outback Bowl: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

2008-12-31T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Iowa Hawkeyes will try to remind everyone that they are the only team to beat Penn State this season (at least for a few more hours!) when they take to the field against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2009 Outback Bowl.

Both Iowa and South Carolina come into this game with decent defenses. The main difference between the two teams is that Iowa appears to have better speed on offense but South Carolina obviously played in a much tougher conference.

Or...did they? Yes, they did after Vanderbilt upset Boston College in the Music City Bowl.

South Carolina is receiving 3 1/2 points from the Hawkeyes.

I see them keeping this game close enough to upset Iowa, no matter how mildly, in this game.

I'm taking South Carolina at + 3 1/2 in the Outback Bowl.

Santa Anita Pick of the Day: Race 8 Grade II San Gabriel

2008-12-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

Proudinsky is the deserving 5/2 betting chalk in this race, but I can't endorse after the Bobby Frankel charge hasn't won a race since March at the Fairgrounds.

Not only that, but Proudinsky doesn't have better speed or pace ratings than a lot of others in here.

My money will be on the second choice in the wagering, the 7/2 mornling line Becrux out of the John Sadler barn.

Becrux gets Mike Smith to ride, is coming up to the third race in his form cycle, and finished third, ahead of Proudinsky in his last.

There isn't a ton of speed in here, but Becrux cold be close to the pace if need be and I believe his odds will drift. I'm hoping for 5 to 1 on this guy.

Becrux to win the San Gabriel.

NFL: Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers

2008-12-28T09:10:00.001-08:00

The Denver Broncos had a three game lead over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West. They proceeded to lose two games in a row and now must beat the Chargers on the road to win the AFC West Division.

What are their chances? Zero to none. The Broncos are just a very bad team. I'm not sure where the Mike Shannahan genius label is coming from. The man doesn't know how to draft and it shows.

The Broncos won't win this game. They are going to lose and they are going to lose by close to 20 points.

San Diego, even though they don't deserve it, will make the playoffs with an 8 and 8 record. More importantly, for betting fans, they will cover the enormous 9 point spread in this game.

The Bolts prevail.

NFL: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

2008-12-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Tony Romo is suffering from something. He's sick. I'm sure it's not a sexual issue if that's what you're thinking.

Okay, I should stop blasting on Romo, but I just can't help but believe he's overrated as a quarterback. He never plays well in December, blows a lot of bets for pro football gamblers, and for that reason alone I can't endorse the Cowboys in this game.

I'm not in love with the Eagles and I don't believe they have a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that has to lose today for the Eagles to make it, get to play the Oakland Raiders. But I have to admit that Donovan McNabb and the Eagles are a better team than Dallas.

The 'Boys looked awful last Sunday against the Ravens. The Eagles should cover the - 1 betting spread in this game.

The Cowboys get knocked out of the playoffs.

NFL: Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

2008-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

The Dolphins travel to New York with a very simple scenario in place - - if they win, they're in; if they lose, they're out.

For the New York Jets, 3 point against the spread favorites in most sportsbooks, a win won't ensure that the Jets are in the playoffs. They actually need to win and then hope that the Patriots or Ravens lose.

It doesn't look good for the Jets because the Pats play the Buffalo Bills, who are just terrible, and the Ravens play the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are equally bad.

But when it comes to this game, I don't see Brett Favre and the Jets blowing it. I truly believe that the Jets will beat the Dolphins and that they will cover against the spread. It won't matter in the end because they won't make the playoffs but at least they will end this NFL Season on a winning note.

I'm betting the Jets at - 3 to cover the spread against the Dolphins.

Santa Anita Park Pick of the Day: Race 8 Grade I La Brea Stakes

2008-12-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

Indian Blessing is the 8/5 chalk in tis race. Who can argue with that? She almost wired the Breeders' Cup Filly Sprint in her last and could try and steal it this time around as well.

Wait a sec...she can't. Want to know why? Because the filly that I chose to win the Breeders' Cup Filly Sprint, the beautifully fast Indyanne, is in this race.

Indyanne is one of the fastest horses I've ever seen in my life. She puts Indian Blessing in a serious pickle here. If Indian Blessing goes with her, then forget it, Indyanne will run her into the ground. If Indian Blessing doesn't go with here, there isn't any other speed to take Indyanne on.

I'm betting Indyanne to win and hoping that her 5 to 1 odds stay right around there.

NCAAB: West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

2008-12-27T10:21:00.001-08:00

Bob Huggins brings the West Virginia Mountaineers to take on the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are a slight favorite in this game, by 1 1/2 points.

There's a reason for that. The West Virginia Mountaineers have already played some very good teams while the best team t he 9 and 0 Buckeyes have played was Notre Dame.

The Mountaineers are probably a better team. Good enough to win this game straight-up in Ohio.

Yes, I think so.

I'm betting the West Virginia Mountaineers in this.

NBA: Toronto Raptors vs. Portland Trailblazers

2008-12-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

The Raptors go into Portland with a 12 and 17 record. They have tons of talent on this team with Chris Bosh, Jermaine O'Neal, Jose Calderon and Jamario Moon.

What's wrong? Nothing really. They just need to start gelling. Once they do, this team should start winning games.

Portland is a big favorite becasue they have already gelled. LeMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden are nice compliments to Brandon Roy.

But I can't take the 'Blazers at - 8 against the spread in this. I have to believe that O'Neal and Bosh can handle Oden and Aldridge just enough to keep this game within striking range.

I'm betting the Raptors at + 8 in this one.

NCAAF: Emerald Bowl - - Miami Hurricanes vs. California Golden Bears

2008-12-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Hurricanes come into this as one of the more surprising teams of the year. Coach Randy Shannon has really gotten this team to play well and he's recruiting like crazy.

It's only a matter of time before Miami asserts itself atop the Big East again.

The California Golden Bears are a terrific bunch on offense, not so great on defense. The key will be how much pressure Cal puts on the Miami quarterback, he's only a freshman, and whether or not that 'Canes can stop Nate Longshore and that Cal offensive passing game.

I like what Shannon's doing in Miami but I don't like them enough to say they will beat the spread in here. To me, this is Cal's game all the way.

The Golden Bears should cover the 9 1/2 point spread.

NCAAF: Champs Sports Bowl - - Wisconsin Badgers vs. Florida State Seminoles

2008-12-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

The Champs Sports Bowl should be a good one this year with the Wisconsin Badgers playing the Florida State Seminoles.

The line opened at 6 points and there's no doub that the Seminoles, favored in every sportsbook, should be tough to beat in here, but the truth is that the Wisconsin Badgers have that sort of Big-Ten toughness that can display itself once in a while.

Think the Michigan Wolverines last year versus Florida in the Capital One Bowl.

Even though I believe that the Seminoles have the more athletic squad, and is faster on both offense and defense, I have to throw my money behind the Wisconsin Badgers. They're just a tougher team in my opinion and should beat the 5/1 point online betting spread (it's gone down half a point!).

NFL Monday Night: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears

2008-12-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Bears have a chance to win the NFC North Division or get a wildcard spot by winning this weekend and next weekend. A lot of things have to happen for the Bears to pull it off but at least they are in this position.

The Green Bay Packers were eliminated from playoff contention two weeks ago. The last time these two teams met the Packers destroyed the Bears by a score of 37 to 3.

What's different in this game? Not much. I suspect that the both teams will play hard but I like Green Bay to pull off the upset at + 4 in most online sportsbooks.

The Packers would like nothing more then to knock their biggest rivals out of the playoffs.

I'm going with Green Bay in this one.

NFL Game 3: Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants

2008-12-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

There's a flaw in the total in this game. The total in this game is less than 40 points at 36 1/2.

Should I survive up to this game, then it's an easy call. The New York Giants and Carolina Panthers should both score enough points to get way past the 36 1/2. Carolina is not scared to call plays downfield to Stever Smith. The Giants should be a much more potent offensive team with Brandon Jacobs back in the line-up.

The G-Men have to get going offensively. They were terrible against the Cowboys last Sunday and not much better against the Eagles the Sunday before. They're still the champs and should score against an overrated Panthers' defense that has given up 27, 28, and 31 points on the road this season to Tampa Bay, Atlanta and Green Bay.

The Giants offense should better than all of those teams. On the flip side, Carolina will be playing with some spunk in this game. That Giant's D won't be able tos top Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Hall and Steve Smith. I expect quarterback Jake Delhomme to play well in this.

I see this going over rather easily.

NFL Game 2: New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions

2008-12-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

No team has ever gone 0 and 16 in the history of the NFL. I don't think it's going to happen this year because the New Orleans Saints are ripe for an upset.

Detroit has been playing much better lately. The Lions have some talent on both offense and defense and it's not like that New Orleans defense can stop anybody. If Detroit is going to win a game, and time is slowly running out on them, this is the game for them to win.

A lackluster New Orleans team that rarely plays with passion outside of Drew Brees won't be dying to take the field since they've already been knocked out of the playoffs.

I am a huge Saints fan, but I can't pass up easy money. I'm betting the Lions to upset.

Bet: Detroit Lions on the money line at + 265

NFL Game 1: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans

2008-12-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

It's been a tough week so for D.S. sports betting wise, but that could all change today as there are three key games in teh NFL that could provide huge profits at the end of the day!

I'm starting with $350 and then seeing where it leads me!

Let's see game one - - Pittsburgh vs. Tennessee. The sports betting line is Steelers - 2 1/2.

Tennessee is a very good team but Pittsburgh might be a great team. There's no quit in the Steelers who showed how good they are by beating the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens back to back. Pittsburgh knows that should it win this game, home field is there's for the taking.

That's huge movitavion. The Titans will be without All-Pro Albert Haynesworth. I expect the Steel Curtain to contain Chris Johnson and Kerry Collins.

I like Pittsburgh to win by around 6 points. That means they cover!

So, in game one, Pittsburgh covers - - Bet: $250

NFL: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys in a Key Playoff Elimination Game!

2008-12-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

The Baltimore Ravens take on the Dallas Cowboys in a key playoff elimination game tonight on the NFL Network.

The Ravens couldn't hold home field advantage in their game last season, losing straight-up and against the spread to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Dallas Cowboys dropped the New York Giants at home to keep their playoff hopes alive. Once again, the Cowboys are getting the benefit of the doubt as they are favorites to beat the Ravens in the online sportsbooks at - 4 against the spread.

I'm not buying it. I love the Ravens in this game. I like Baltimore to win straight-up on the money line at + 165. Their defense is too good for a banged up Tony Romo. I'm betting Baltimore.

NCAA: BYU Cougars vs. Arizona Wildcats in the Las Vegas Bowl

2008-12-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

The BYU Cougars take on the Arizona Wildcats in the Las Vegas Bowl on ESPN in about an hour.

Arizona, because of their fantastic win versus the Arizona Sun Devils in their last game, are favored by three points in this one. I don't understand the spread. In my eyes the Cougars are a much better team. Usually, I would always give the benefit of the doubt to my alma mater, I graduated from the U of A in 1995, but not in this case.

To me, Mike Stoops and the Wildcats are overrated in this game. The Pac-10 was terrible this season and the Cougars lost only 2 games.

Let's go with BYU to beat Arizona on the money line. I'm down today after losing with Fresno State and Navy (even though the Midshipmen had a 13 point lead at one time in that game!). So, I need the Cougars to get it down.

I'm betting BYU on the money line!

Horse Pick of the Day: Hollywood Park Race 7 - - Sheza Maneater

2008-12-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Bob Baffert saddles Sheza Maneater in Race 7 at Hollywood Park today. Corey Nakatani takes the call, she's the only real speed in the race, and the cushion track should be perfect for a speedster like her today.

I have the feeling that Sheza Maneater is gong to take the lead early and coast to a victory. Don't get me wrong, there are some other very good horses in this race, but lone speed is difficult to beat on that Hollywood Park cushion track.

I'm betting Sheza Maneater in the 7th at Hollywood Park today.

NBA: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets

2008-12-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

The late game tonight pits the 21 and 4 Cleveland Cavaliers against the 17 and 8 Denver Nuggets.

Most sportsbooks have this game as pick'em. The Nuggets have been pretty good this season, but the Cavs have been excellent. I'm not sure why this is a pick'em game but why argue?

I mean, how often to NBA betting fans get a chance to throw some money on the Cavs in a pick-em against a team that they should beat? Not often this year! The Cavs are 20 and 5 against the spread this season.

They're the best bet of the day.

NFL: Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

2008-12-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Colts are huge favorites tonight in a game that they have to win in order to secrue a playoff spot. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison won't be playing tonight, but it shouldn't hurt the Colts any since Dallas Clark is playing like a crazy person.

Joseph Addai should suit up and Bob Sanders should play as well.

The Colts haven't been all that good against the spread this season but as 6 point favorites, I see little chance of them not covering tonight.

I'm betting the Colts to cover the 6 point spread.

NBA: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Hornets

2008-12-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Hornets host the Spurs tonight in a game where both teams will try to solidify their positions in the Western Conference. New Orleans has been okay after struggling early in the season.

The same can be said for the Spurs who have to be elated that Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are back in the line-up.

Even though the Hornets played a game on Tuesday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, the trends say that the Hornets cover in this game. I can't really go against those trends because New Orleans always plays San Antonio tough.

The spread has risen a half a point since the line opened this morning. I'm going with Hornets to cover the spread at - 3 1/2 in this game.

NBA: Utah Jazz vs. Boston Celtics

2008-12-15T10:24:00.000-08:00

The Boston Celtics keeping winning games but they're record against the spread is only at .500. That makes them a bad bet when they are favored by too many points.

Case in point? Tonight's game against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz are clearly not as talented as the Celtics but Utah has a couple of things that the Celtics don't have. They have Derron Williams at point and Jerry Sloan as their coach.

Sloan and Williams are almost good enough for me to say that the Jazz upset. Instead, I'll just take the points.

I'm betting the Utah Jazz to beat the spread of 9 points in their game against the Boston Celtics tongiht.

NFL Monday Night: Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles

2008-12-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Eagles come into this game riding a two game winning streak. They are in an excellent position to beat out the Dallas Cowboys for a wild card spot should they win their next two games because they play Dallas in the finale.

Dallas upset the Giants on Sunday night. I don't expect the Eagles to get upset by the Browns tonight, but I'm worried that the spread, currently at - 16 in some books, is too high for the Eagles to overcome.

I'm going to make an online bet on the Browns to beat the spread of 16 points in the Monday Night game.

NFL: New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

2008-12-14T08:31:00.000-08:00

The G-Men suffered the second loss of the season when they were beaten at home by the Philadelphia Eagles. Great teams don't lose two games in a row. It just doesn't happen.

The Dallas Cowboys are imploding. Mr. Jessica Simpson is already planning for his off-season vacation now that T.O. is starting to mouth off again. Wade Philips had better get that resume together. The NFC Pre-season favorite to make it to the Super Bowl figures to get knocked out today.

I'm going to New York Giants all the way at the NFL betting odds of + 120 on the money line.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens

2008-12-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

The Ravens are only a game behind the Steelers in the AFC North Division. So whichever team wins this game is going to have a leg up in making the playoffs.

Will it be the Baltimore Ravens who have been unbelievable this season with a rookie quarterback calling the signals? Or, will it be the Pittsburgh Steelers who are one of the toughest teams I've ever seen take the football field?

I like Pittsburgh because they are the underdog and when they are the underdog they usually respond like winners! I'll be making a wager on Pittsburgh to upset the Ravens at home at + 130 on the money line.

Roll the dice on the Steel Men!

NFL: Tamp Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons

2008-12-14T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Bucs are coming off of a loss to the Carolina Panthers this past Monday night. The Bucs should have won that game, from what I saw, and only lost because of a few key mistakes later in the fourth quarter.

Reality might be setting in for the Atlanta Falcons. They lost a key game last Sunday against the Saints and even though the Saints blew it against the Bears on Thursday, Atlanta still is in a position where they can't afford to lose.

Well, they will in this game. I like the Bucs on the money line at + 135.

I'm betting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hollywood Park - - Race 7 - -Time To Get Even Could Pay Dividends at 6 to 1

2008-12-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

Time To Get Even, the Grade III Laz Barrera winner last year, could pay some dividends to thoroughbred handicappers willing to take a shot on him in the 7th at Hollywood Park today.

There are two significant changes with this horse. First, he gets a jockey switch to Joel Rosario, who's simply magnificent. Second, he gets blinkers. All of it adds up to a nice chance to win at overlaid betting odds.

Informed, the 5/2 second choice, and Limestone Edge, the 2 to 1 chalk, have question marks surrounding them. Why not take a stab on a horse that has shown class in his past performances?

I'll be betting Time To Get Even in Hollywood Park's 7th race today.

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trailblazers - - Huge Betting Spread

2008-12-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Clippers travel up the coast to take on the Portland Trailblazers. Because of LeMarcus Aldridge's development, the Blazers have actually been very good this season. They are 12 and 7 straight-up and 5 and 3 against the spread at home.

The Clippers have won only 4 games this season. I don't understand why they are so bad with Zach Randolph, Marcus Camby and Baron Davis starting for them. I have a theory but I won't get into it right now.

Let's just say that the Clippers have the necessary ingredients to pull an upset but why force things when the truth is that the Clippers should, if anything, keep this game within the 9 1/2 point spread.

I'm gong to bypass all of those online bets and just concentrate on the total of 188 points. To me, the Clippers don't sniff 94. Neither do the Blazers. This thing should go under easily.

NBA: New Orleans Hornets vs. Boston Celtics - - Big Upset Pick!

2008-12-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

The New Orleans Hornets, at 12 and 6 straight-up, take on the Boston Celtics today with the Celtics having the gaudiest record in the NBA at 21 and 2.

But here's the catch - - the Celtics are only 6 and 6 against the spread at home. The Hornets are only 4 and 4 against the spread on the road, but the Hornets are strating to play like the team everyone envisioned them to be going into this season.

So, who wins this game? Against the spread I have to say the Hornets. The spread is 6 1/2 points and I like the Hornets to beat it.

More importantly, I like the Hornets to upset the Celtics on the money line at + 235. Why? Because Boston is due for a let down. Let's go Hornets!

NFL: Saints vs. Bears Has Playoff Implications

2008-12-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the deal. If the New Orleans Saints beat the Chicago Bears tonight, then it looks like they will probably make the playoffs.

The Saints are 2 1/2 point underdogs to take down the Bears. I think they have an excellent shot with Drew Brees under center and Reggie Bush back in the fold.

Should the Saints beat Chicago, then they have a favorable rest of the regular season as they play Detroit next and then get to face the projected NFC South Champion, Carolina Panthers, in the final game of the regular season. The Panthers will probably rest their starters in that one.

It's the New Orleans Saints all the way in tonight's key match-up against the Chicago Bears!

NBA: Jazz Should Cover Spread Versus Trailblazers Tonight

2008-12-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

The Utah Jazz should cover the 2 1/2 point online betting spread against the Portland Trailblazers tonight. Why? Because Utah is 5 and 0 against the spread after losing against the spread in their previous game.

The Jazz are a terrific team at home and even though they will be playing against LeMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Greg Oden without Carlos Boozer, I like Mhemut Okur, Ronnie Brewer and Derron Williams enough to say that the Jazz get the money.

I'm making a bet on the Jazz to beat the Blazers by at least 3 points in tonight's game.

NCAAB: 4th Ranked Gonzaga Looks to Continue Dominance against Washington State

2008-12-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

The 4th ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs look to continue their dominance against their fellow west coast teams when they travel to WASU to take on the Cougars.

How good is Gonzaga? They are a terrific 4 and 1 against the spread and are 6 and 0 straight-up. I believe that they have a shot against the mighty North Carolina Tar Heels in the Big Dance but I'll have to wait until March until proven right.

Instead, I'm going to make an online bet on Gonzaga to beat WASU by more than 4 1/2 points. I say Gonzaga wins easily.

NBA: Suns vs. Lakers Should Be a Good One

2008-12-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

The Phoenix Suns travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers and wouldn't you know it? The against the spread line is way, way, way over indulged at 12.5 points.

I mean, I love the Lakers this year but I don't believe that a team that is only 11 and 9 against the spread, like the Lakers are, should be more than a 7 to 8 point favorite against a fellow Western Conference team that's over .500.

What's crazier is that the total in this game is a ridiculous 216. So, instead of betting for or against the Lakers against the spread, I'm simply going to take the under. Why not? The Suns won't try to run with the Lakers and the Lakers defense is too good anyhow.

NBA: Spurs Back on Track 6 1/2 Point Favorites Over the Hawks Tonight

2008-12-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

The San Antonio Spurs host the Atlanta Hawks tonight. The Spurs started the 2008 - 2009 NBA Season terribly but have since begun to win again. They are now 12 and 8 straight-up. A lot of it has to do with the return of both Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. With both of those fellas in the fold, the Spurs become one of the better teams in the NBA.

The Atlanta Hawks were en fuego earlier this season before coming back down to earth. They to are 12 and 8 straight-up. But the Hawks are only 10 and 10 against the spread.

Usually, I would be all over the Spurs but the total in this game is 188 1/2. I don't see these two teams getting closet to that total. I'm going to be under.

Hollywood Park - Race 9: Gio Ponti Looks Tough in Grade I Hollywood Derby

2008-11-30T08:42:00.001-08:00

Gio Ponti will take on eight rivals in the Grade I Hollywood Derby today. Gio Ponti no doubt is the best American three year old colt on the turf right now. The 1 1/2 mile distance shouldn't hurt him at all and he gets the services of jockey Garret Gomez.

But there are a lot of other terrific horses in here including Muny who is 3 for four on the lawn and is coming off of a victory in the Grade II Oak Tree Derby.

I'm nto going to make a horse bet on either one of those. Instead, I'm going with teh Patrick Biancone trained Albhari. Biancone is coming off of a suspension. I expect his horses to run lights out. The son of Albhari is lightly raced which means there is plenty of upside.

For second, I'm actually making a wager on Midships. First time for Bobby Frankel, out of a horse Frankel trained, Mizzen Mast, is there anything else to write?

Hollywood Park - Race 7: Visit vs. Cocoa Beach in Grade I Matriarch

2008-11-30T08:36:00.000-08:00

Cocoa Beach, who finished second to Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic last month, returns to take on Visit, the filly that probably should have won the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in her last start.

Visit made an eye opening move at the top of the stretch in the Filly and Mare Turf only to flatten out a few yards from the finish line. The move was easily one of the strongest I have seen from a filly on the turf in a long time.

Now in the barn of Bobby Frankel, she looks exceptionally tough in this race. I don't see how she blows it. At 5 to 2, Visit is a bit of an underlay, but what the hell? She towers over her competition save for Cocoa Beach.

I'll be putting some dollars on her today.

NBA: Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets

2008-11-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

The Houston Rockets are coming off of a game on Saturday where they beat the San Antonio Spurs by 19 points.

Is a let down in the offering for the Rockets? I think so. In fact I believe that Houston doesn't come out nearly as fired up in this game as they did on Saturday.

The Denver Nuggets are one of the better teams against the spread in the NBA right now. To me, the Nuggets should cover the four points with ease in this game. Houston had to travel last night while the Nuggets got a day to let their turkey settle in.

I'm going with the Nuggets to cover the 4 points spread.

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New England Patriots

2008-11-30T08:28:00.001-08:00

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the top teams in the AFC Conference. Don't look now, but so are the Patriots. Quarterback Matt Cassel, yes, the guy who has filled in for Tom Brady, has thrown for over 400 yards in each of his past two games.

That's pretty incredible considering Cassel hadn't started a football game since high school. He backed up Matt Leinart at USC. So what does Cassel do today against one of the top defenses in the AFC? Why he throws for at least 300, right?

That's the thing. Randy Moss and Matt Cassel have finally gotten onto the same page. The rest of the NFL had better start worrying about that.

The against the spread line is Patriots - 1. I believe the Pats cover easily in this game.

NFL: Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets

2008-11-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

The Broncos are doing what they do at this point every NFL Season - - they're imploding. The New York Jets are doing something different than what they usually do at this point in the NFL Season. They are winning.

So, the 7 1/2 point spread in favor of the Jets makes sense. The only issue, of course, is that as good as the Jets are, they don't cover games as well as they should.

But, I'm not going to worry about that. To me, this game comes down to a simple fact - - the Jets will score and so will the Broncos. The Over/Under in this game is 47 1/2 points.

I'm going with the over in this one.

NFL: New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

The Saints are starting to play like the team almost every gambler expected them to be going into this NFL Season. The Tampa Bay Bucs lead the division and have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

In Week One the Saints beat the Bucs in the Superdome. The Bucs will be looking to turn the tables today, but the truth about this game is that the Saints are on a roll. They have been very, very good in two straight games and I expect Drew Brees and Co. to keep it going.

Marques Colston is slowly working his way into the Saints' offense. Pierre Thomas is getting better at running the ball from week to week.

I like to the Saints to beat the 4 1/2 point spread in this game. They have a chance to win this straight-up at + 170

NFL: New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins

2008-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

The New York Giants are arguably the best team in football right now. They are also favored over their rivals in the NFC East Division, the Washington Redskins, today by 4 points.

This line opened up at 3 point and has now drifted up to 4 points. That's a nice one point swing. I do believe the Giants are the better team but this looks like a bit of a trap game to me.

I sort of have to go with Washington on the money line at + 170. The Giants should lose another game. I see them losing this one to the Washington Redskins.

NBA: San Antonio Spurs vs. Houston Rockets

2008-11-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Spurs travel to Houston to take on the Rockets as 4 1/2 point underdogs. Things haven't been going well for the Spurs this season but it's early. The Rockets were, and in some NBA betting circles are, considered one of the top teams in the entire NBA.

I'm nto sold on either team at this point, but I do feel that San Antonio is beginning to remeber who they are. That makes things dangerous for opposing teams who no doubt will find the going difficult against the Spurs. If San Antonio is back, then forget it. They win this game easily.

Horse Racing: California Flag Should Return to Winning Ways at Hollywood Park

2008-11-29T11:49:00.000-08:00

California Flag, who the last time we saw him was running on top of a blistering pace in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, returns to action today at Hollywood Park in the Grade III Turf Express Handicap.

California Flag gets an outside draw and there's no doubt in my mind that he dominates this field. He's just too quick and the lack of any other real speed in this race, California Flag speed I mean, in this race means that California Flag takes the lead and goes off with it.

He's the play at 7 to 2 in Hollywood Park's 9th race.

Horse Racing: Cigar Mile Could Be a Coming Out Party for Storm Play

2008-11-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

The James Jerkens' trained Storm Play will begin his quest to rise to the top of the handicap division by taking on some of the best horses in the nation in the Cigar Mile today.

Storm Play is 3 and 0 and, going into his fourth lifetime race, might be as solid of a play as any horse in the Cigar Mile. Visionaire, Arson Squad, Harlem Rocker, Wanderin' Boy and Kodiak Kowboy will all get play in this race. That means that the 9 to 2 on Storm Play is absolutely awesome.

He's an easy pick of the day because he has the most upside out of all of the contenders in the Cigar Mile, can lead or stalk, and gets the services of jockey Cornelio Velasquez. I love Storm Play to win the Cigar Mile today.

NCAAF: Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

2008-11-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

This could be a big one because Auburn tradtionally is favored in this game. 'Bama has been the most consistent team in college football this season, but that could change in a heartbeat because the Auburn Tigers are more than capable of taking it to the Crimson Tide.

Why? This is the biggest rivalry in college football in my opinion and coach Tommy Tubberville knows that a victory over the Tide would turnaround what has become a down year for the Auburn Tigers. I see Auburn coming out an playing with fire.

They won't win this game - - Alabama is too good - - but they should keep it within the 14 1/2 point spread.

Auburn to beat the spread is the play in this game.

NCAAF: Florida Gators vs. Florida State Seminoles

2008-11-29T11:23:00.000-08:00

Usually, this would be a game full of drama but the Florida Gators are so much better than the Florida State Seminoles that there's no doubt in my mind that the Gators blow out Bobby Bowden's team. As much as I would like to make a case for the Seminoles in this game, one can't be made.

The Seminoles have no shot against that Florida offense and Florida's defense is actually better than people think. The loss to Ole Miss earlier this season doesn't look as bad now that Ole Miss has started to beat teams like LSU with ease. That means that Florida only needs to beat the Seminoles this weekend and then take it to Alabama next weekend in the SEC Championship game.

I'm going with Florida in this one to cover the spread.

NCAAF: Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys

2008-11-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is the biggest game of the weekend because the Oklahoma State Cowboys are ranked in the top twenty. If Oklahoma were to win this game, and they are favored by 8 1/2, then it will be difficult to keep the Sooners out of the BCS Championship game. They will have beaten the number two ranked team in the nation, the Texas Tech Red Raiders one week, and then another top twenty team, the Cowboys, this week.

That's pretty impressive. As far as this game is concerned, I really don't see where the Sooners don't cover. Oklahoma State is good but nobody is playing better in the nation than the Oklahoma Sooners. I'm taking the Sooners at - 8 1/2 against the spread in this game.

NCAAF: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. USC Trojans

2008-11-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

I haven'thad a chance to update this blog in about ten days. No worries. It's a terrific day to do it, right, because the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are in town to take onthe USC Trojans.

How crazy is this game? The Trojans are favored by 32 points. The money line bet is USC - 6000. Do the Fighting Irish have any chance of beating USC? No. But they definitely have a chance to stay within 32 points. USC is not the covering juggernaut that they have been in the past.

I'm going with Notre Dame in this one to beat the spread.

Horse Racing: Curlin's Retirement Leaves American Racing in Limbo

2008-11-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Curlin's retirement from thoroughbred racing will leave a huge void. Here's the thing - - yes, Curlin lost his final race to Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator. Yes, Curlin wasn't one of the top ten greatest horses of all time.

But he was certainly the best handicap horse that this nation had seen in a long time. Our American stock has started to get worse and worse. Our thoroughbreds just aren't nearly as hearty as they used to be. That makes Curlin's retirement even more bothersome.

Brilliant handicapping writers like Andy Beyer have been saying for years that American racing is on the downturn because of our awful breeding practices. I'm beginning to agree with writers like Beyer. The powerful Arabian stables like Godolphin and now the almost as powerful stables that have cropped up in Hong Kong, Japan, South Africa and Australia, are quickly passing the American racing community in terms of quality of animals.

We're in trouble. Oh, every once in a while a horse with Curlin's ability will come around that the American thoroughbred fan can rally around. But I fear that the times in between that special horse are going to be longer and longer.

Fare thee well, Curlin. And if horses pray, and who's to say they don't, give one to us - - your loyal American thoroughbred racing fans.

We're going to need those prayers if this nation wishes to continue to be the forefront of thoroughbred racing.

NFL Monday Re-cap: Bills Continue to Slide

2008-11-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

So, I'm up here in S.F. for a totally unsport related reason and figured what the heck? I can't leave readers wanting regarding this past Monday's game, right?

So, how did we do? Well, we hit the over easily as the Bills and Browns exploded in the second half. We also hit the Browns against the spread as they were getting 5 points and won the game outright. I didn't cosign on making a bet on the Browns money line because from my perspective it just didn't make sense.

For the Browns, the win might be too little too late. For the Bills, the loss officially signals to NFL betting fans that the Bills are probably a play against until they prove otherwise. That could be the rest of this season!

NFL Monday: Browns vs. Bills

2008-11-17T08:14:00.001-08:00

The Cleveland Browns travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills in what should be a serious game between both teams. The Bills have to win this game in order to right their ship while Cleveland...well, it's Cleveland.

The spread is 5 1/2 in this one. The money line is Browns + 200 and the total is 41.

I'm going to bypass making a bet on the Browns at + 200 because I just don't believe that they have the ability to win. The Browns have something against winning.

But I do believe that the Browns have a legitimate shot to beat the spread which means a wager on the Browns at + 5 1/2 looks good to me. I also believe that both offenses should do well in this game. So, I'll make another bet on this game going over the total of 41.

That's the parlay for tonight! Browns to the over.

Good Luck!

Boxing vs. UFC: Lesnar Boring but So Was Jermaine Taylor

2008-11-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

I went to my friend Damon's house to watch the Jermaine Taylor vs. Jeff Lacy fight. How interesting was the fight? John, Halestorm aka Jamal Shakespeare, Walt, Smitty and Philip and I (Dame was having a cigar on his patio) ended up discussing among other things:

1. How many NBA championship rings Robert Horry has (it's 7)
2. What was the best "swat" in both NBA and college basketball history.
3. Why in the world Halestorm lives in Phoenix.
4. The merits of "break" music (that's John's DJ style) as opposed to traditional house music (what the ex-wife and I used to party to back in the late 90's).

5. And, of course, fantasy football which is what middle-aged men do when they can no longer swill the liquor the way they used to and only one of them (that would be Damon again) has a real "adult" life.

Good times. But a BORING fight. In any case the Lesnar vs. Couture UFC "Greatest Fight of All Time" probably wasn't all that interesting either.

Oh, well. Congrats to both Brock Lesnar and Jermaine Taylor for their victories last night, but the drama just isn't there in any form of fighting nowadays. I think that us sports fans need to stick to the round ball, the pigskin, and those four legged demons that keep taking my money each weekend.

NFL: New Orleans Saints vs. Kansas City Chiefs

2008-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

The Chiefs are better than their 1 and 8 record indicates which is why the spread has gone from 6 1/2 in favor of the Saints earlier this week to 5.

Even though I lost a tone of dough on the Saints last Sunday, I have to co-sign on them again. I sound like a Saintaholic. I sound like a man who has to many Hurricanes in the Quarter.

I sound like a guy wish issues. Okay. Whatever it is, the Saints this - - I hope.

NFL: Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

2008-11-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

It goes to show you that the Las Vegas and online sportsbook odds makers are pretty bright fellas. They knew that NFL betting fans would want to make bets on the Jags to upset the Titans.

How do I know this? Because the money line on this game, in most books has settled around + 120 for the Jags. That's not a whole lot of dough above even money for Jacksonville versus an undefeated team.

I agree. The Jags should win this game and take the 9 and 0 Titans down a peg or two.

I'm going with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

NFL: Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Redskins

2008-11-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

The Cowboys get back Mrs. Jessica Simpson which should bode well for them. Then again, T-Romo, who is one of the nicest guys in the world I hear from my friend Big Dan, a psychotic Redskins fan, hasn't played in a while.

How will he do? Not well enough. The Redskins are only favored by 1 1/2 against the spread in this game. Simply put, they are a better team right now than the Cowboys. They have a solid back-up to the injured Clinton Portis in Ladell Betts and their defense is far superior to the 'Boys.

I'm going with the Skins to cover.

NFL: Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants

2008-11-16T08:07:00.000-08:00

This is arguably the best game of the day. I can't really argue too much because when it comes down to it, these teams are both very good. The Ravens come into this game as a terrific 7 and 2 against the spread.

But so are the Giants. The line has been all over the place - - from 6 1/2 all the way up to 7 1/2 in some online books. I'm going with the G-Men to cover that. I just don't see them laying an egg at home and the Ravens' offense still needs some work.

Giants to cover.

NFL Monday Night: 49'ers + 10 Looks Good and the Under

2008-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

I just got done having a heated, albeit very friendly, discussion with my good friend Damon about whether or not the game between the San Francisco 49'ers and the Arizona Cardinals tonight will go over or under.

We both like the 49'ers at + 10. You have to, I guess. But the over/under is currently at 47. Damon likes the over because the Cardinals can pretty much score at will. I like the under becasue S.F. can't really score at all and I have the feeling that the Cards might try to control the clock in this one.

I'm going S.F. at + 10 to the under 47.

Good Luck!

Boxing: Calzaghe Win Proves that You Can't Always Follow the Money

2008-11-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

Joe Calzaghe was a 4 to 1 favorite to beat Roy Jones Jr. earlier this week in a lot of online books. About an hour before the fight went off, his online odds dropped in most books by more than half. Roy Jones Jr. ended up a + 160 underdog, that's 1.6 to 1, to beat Calzaghe in last night's fight.

What happened? Jones knocked down Calzaghe in the first round and then proceeded to get pummeled by the English champions. Calzaghe easily won the fight.

So, what's the lesson in this? With the advent of online betting, and the increased popularity of the Las Vegas sportsbooks, it makes no sense to follow the money any more. It used to be that a serious line change would signal that someone "in the know" had information that regular bettors didn't. Not true in today's world of internet gaming.

Stick to your gut, folks. That's still the key to success.

NFL: New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

2008-11-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

The New York Giants travel to Philadelphia to try and increase their two game lead in the NFC East. The Giants have been the most impressive team from the NFC Conference so far this season. There really isn't anything not to like about this team as their defense, led by Justin Tuck on the D-line, has been exceptional and their offense is as solid as a unit can be.

The Eagles are led by the best running back/quarterback duo in the league in Donovan McNabb and Bryan Westbrook.

I racked my brain trying to find the winner of this game. Who did I end up going with? The Giants on the BetUS money-line of + 130, of course. How could I not? Any time you can get a team like the Giants at above even money in a bet, you have to take it.

That's who I'm going with - - the New York Giants.

NFL: New Orleans over Atlanta is the Bet of the Day

2008-11-09T08:29:00.000-08:00

I rarely make a case for my beloved New Orleans Saints but in this case I sort of have to. The Saints are coming off of a bye where they got a chance to get All-Pro wide receiver Marques Colston back into the flow of the game. Drew Brees and Sean Payton got a whole week to figure out how to attack the Falcons, and the Saints defense got a chance to get healthy.

Atlanta is a terrific story. Even I have to admit that I didn't expect this from rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, but the Saints are just too tough offensively for the Falcons to handle and I expect middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma for the Saints to really cause havoc along that Falcon's front line. He's leading the NFL in tackles.

Shut down the run game, float to a Cover 2, and the Saints should win this game easily.

NFL: Chicago could Upset Tennessee, but what about Packers vs. Vikings?

2008-11-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Bears have a decent chance as 3 point underdogs to upset the undefeated Tennessee Titans today. I like Chicago because the Titans look vulnerable and the Bears are at home. Of course, it all depends on "Sexy" Rexy Grossman, right?

The bigger game in the NFC North pits the Green Bay Packers against the Minnesota Vikings. Even though I believe the Vikings have put themselves into a much better positiont to secure a playoff spot, the Packers are the better team. I will be looking for the Green Bay sweep, they beat the Vikings in Week One, over Minnesota today.

NCAAF: Re-cap - - Penn State Goes Down, Alabama Hangs On, and Texas Tech Romps

2008-11-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

Boy, was I off yesterday, or what? I mean, I really thought the Pokies of Oklahoma State had a chance to upset the Texas Tech Red Raiders. That didn't happen. Neither did LSU pulling out a win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Once game I shied away from, the Penn State vs. Iowa game, turned out to be the biggest upset of the day as the Nittany Lions fell in defeat.

I'm not sure about the Tide, they have to face Florida in the SEC Championship game, but I am sure about the Red Raiders. Chalk them up in the BCS Championship.

NCAAF: Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech

2008-11-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Fresh off of a stirring victory over the Texas Longhorns, the Texas Tech Red Raiders now must deal with the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Cowboys are easily one of the best teams in college football and will pose another series of problems for the Red Raiders.

As good as that Red Raiders offense is, I don't believe they have the right defense to stop the Pokies' running game. Because of that, I'm calling another upset. Let's say that both the number one ranked BCS team in the land, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the number two ranked BSC team in the land, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, both go down on the same day. That would leave Penn State and Jo Pa at the top, right?

I'm calling it!

NCAAF: Alabama vs. LSU Highlights Saturday Afternoon

2008-11-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

'Bama, the number one ranked team in college football, takes on the LSU Tigers in a Saturday afternoon battle of two extremely tough SEC teams.

I know that all of the trends favor the Crimson Tide in this game, read my article in the BetUS Locker Room if you don't believe me, but I have that sneaky feeling that a number one team might go down again. Call me crazy, but the LSU Tigers are sort of ready to shock the world, don't you think? This game is in Baton Rouge and as well as Alabama has been playing, I just don't believe Nick Saban has this team ready for a BCS Championship. 'Bama goes down.

NFL Monday Re-cap: Pitt Comes Through

2008-11-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a few days, but can you blame me? I mean, Barrack Obama was running for president! An interesting story is that a good friend of mine's father waas with Muhammed Ali at the time that Barrack won. Let's just say that emotions were very high that night.

On another note, I once again nailed the Monday night match-up int he NFL. The Pittsburgh Steelers, sans Ben Rothelisberger, beat the more favored, albeit slightly, Washington Redskins straight-up and against the spread (of course!) and the game went under the 37 1/2 total. This is the second time this year that I've nailed all three bets on the Monday night game. Not bad, D.S. Not bad.

NFL Monday Night: Look For Pittsburgh in a Slight Upset

2008-11-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Look for the Steelers to pull of a slight upset in tonight's Monday night NFL game. Pittsburgh is a 2 1/2 point underdog in the game. There's no reason not to go for them since this game will come down to which team can move the ball in the fourth quarter.

The Redskins will be without Santana Moss, their best offensive player. Without Santana, I'm afraid it's all over but the shouting.

I'm going with the Steelers at + 2 1/2.

NFL: Houston Texans Best Bet

2008-11-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

The best bet of the day, without a doubt, are the Houston Texans versus the Minnesota Vikings. The game starts in about forty minutes.

The Texans are a 4 1/2 point underdog. Take the points and the Texans and watch as the Vikings implode.

I love Houston in this game. The quarterback/wide receiver duo of Matt Schaub and Adnre Johnson is just too tough for the Vikings to handle.

NCAAF: Florida Gators vs. Georgia Bulldogs

2008-11-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

This game is at a neutral site (I believe!) which is going to make things very difficult for either team to get the upper hand. Georgia, this season's pre-season number one ranked team, has the ability to really do some great things in this.

The Florida Gators are teh better team, no doubt, but they are 8 1/2 points better whcih is what the line was this morning when I checked it.

Getting 8 1/2 points, heck getting 6 1/2 points, on the Georgia Bulldogs is just too good to pass up. I'm going with Georgia.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

NCAAF: Texas Tech Could Make an Impact

2008-11-01T09:13:00.000-07:00

The biggest game today pits the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a home showdown versus the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns have one of the top pass rushes in all of college football. The Red Raiders? Their offensive line has given up only three sacks all season.

I'm gong with the Red Raiders in this one at + 145 on the BetUS money line. That's the bet I will be doing. I see the Red Raiders winning this stratight-up. It's a good chance for college football bettors to make some dough above even money.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

NFL: Favre and the Jets Have a Shot in Buffalo

2008-10-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

The New York Jets have been a disappointment. Without a doubt, once Tom Brady went down in New England, the Jets became the team to beat in the AFC East. Well, the Buffalo Bills, who the Jets face this Sunday on the road, are the class of the AFC East at this point in the NFL season.

The Jets do have a shot in this game, though, but I'm not even going to ponder their chances at beating the Bills on the money line. Instead, I'm going to go ahead and take the over which is currently 41 1/2 in this game. I see the Jets putting up points and I see the Bills putting up points. This could be a high-scoring game.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

NFL: Cowboys Will Start Brad Johnson, New York Giants Should Roll

2008-10-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Dallas Cowboys will start Brad Johnson this weekend which is one of the reason the New York Giants are such a huge favorite in this clash of NFC East titans on Sunday. The Giants have been excellent against the spread versus rival NFC Conference opponents. When it comes to Dallas, the Giants have been donwright mythical.

The game sets up for the G-Men, actually, as the biggest issue the Cowboys have had recently is protecting the passer. The Giants happen to have one of the best pass rushes in all of football.

I'll be taking the Giants in this one at - 9.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

Best Bet: Hollywood Park Race 7

2008-10-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday's best bet occurs in Race 7 at Hollywood Park. Who do I like? Well, in a race loaded with horses that figure to win this, I'm gong with what figures to be the longest shot on the board - - Dusty Trail.

Why Dusty Trail? Read my entire write-up in the BetUS Locker Room to find out!

Good Luck!

Hollywood Park Opening Day -- - Best Bet

2008-10-29T08:49:00.001-07:00

It's opening day at Hollywood Park and, yes, I do have a best bet for horseplayers to get down on.

Read the entire article in the BetUS Locker Room by clicking the link below. Who's the horse? Sartorial in the fifth going 1 mile on the turf. I love anything that Richard Mandella throws onto the turf. I especially love it when the odds figure to be around 4 or 5 to 1.

Read the entire write-up with wagering strategies in the BetUS Locker Room.

NFL Monday Night Re-cap: Titans Shine

2008-10-29T08:45:00.001-07:00

The Tennessee Titans did exaclty what I thought they would, cover the 4 1/2 points against the betting spread versus the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. The Titans are a good team, but at this point in the season, it might be a good idea to stay away from the Titans against the spread. Why? What goes up must come down!

The Titans are 7 and 0 straight-up and 7 and 0 agianst the betting spread. That means they are due for a fall.

Get more NFL information for BetUS Radio. Those guys know what they're talking about.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

Monday Night Match-Up: Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans

2008-10-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Titans come into this game as the best team in the NFL. Not only are they undefeated but they are also undefeated against the spread - - going 6 and 0 in their first 6 games of the season.

I believe the Colts, 4 1/2 point underdogs in this game, will have trouble stopping the Titans' running game. The Titans come after you with both LenDale White, the thunder, and Chris Johnson, the lightning. Tennessee's offensive line hasn't given up a sack all season. Because the slow-footed Kerry Collins is back there, it means that the Titans are a serious football team.

They'll lose a game straight-up and against the spread, but it won't be tonight.

I like Tennessee to cover.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

NFL: Sunday Re-cap - - Ups and Downs

2008-10-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Not a great day, but not an awful day either. I hit the Rams game, the line ended up 7 1/2 and the Patriots won by 7. I also hit a nice moneyline wager on the Giants to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers straight-up at + 130.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a close one on the road against the Dallas Cowboys. How did it happen? I'm still not sure. But I did like Miami as 1 point underdogs at home. They came through 25 to 16. Finally, the Eagles got a late touchdown to cover the 9 points spread in their game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers played a college football type over game - - 37 to 32 - - in Lodon with the Saints winning straight-up. The total was 46 1/2 in that game.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

Churchill Downs Opening Day!

2008-10-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Man...doesn't it seem like the Breeders' Cup was just yesterday. Oh, wait, it was! But like Sam Cooke sang,"I'm movin' on!"

It's opening day at Churchill Downs and you know what? Some very good horses showed up for the Grade III Ack, Ack. Here are my picks:

1st: Cowtown Cat (5/1 morning line)

2nd: Greeley's Conquest (7/2 morning line)

3rd: Magna Graduate (3/1 morning line)

Good Luck!

NFL: New York Giants Should Beat the Steelers On the Road

2008-10-25T20:42:00.001-07:00

The New York Giants take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFC/AFC match-up that could be a preview of this year's Super Bowl. Usually, the AFC team has the trends in their favor when facing an NFC team. Not this game. In this game the trends are clearly in favor of the Giants who are 6 and 0 against the spread in their last 6 games versus a team with a winning record.

What's not to like, right? The New York Giants will be underdogs, they're fairly healthy, and both Willie Parker and Santonio Holmes are out on Sunday for the Steelers.

I love the Giants on the money-line in this game.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles - 9 Might Be Best Bet

2008-10-25T20:39:00.001-07:00

Okay, I hate giving up 9 points. I hate giving up more than 3 points in almost any game, but the trends point to the Philadelphia Eagles covering the 9 points spread in their game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

The Eagles are coming off of a bye week where they are 8 and 2 the past ten years. That's 8 and 2! Not only that but Brian Westbrook should be healthier and the Falcons don't have the defense that should be able to stick with Donovan and the gang.

I have to go with the Eagles at - 9.

www.betus.com/ats/13754/radio

Notre Dame, Georgia Bulldogs Cover, Texas Blows it Against the Spread

2008-10-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Notre Dame came through big time tonight against the Washington Huskies. They squashed a 10 1/2 point spread by thundering past the Huskies 33 to 7. That was a good win. The Georgia Bulldogs also did what they needed to do in order to beat the LSU Fighting Tigers. So, two wins.

What were the losses? How about Terelle Pryor fumbling late in the Ohio State vs. Penn State game. The Nittany Lions score a touchdown and beat the Buckeyes straight-up 13 to 6.

The Texas Longhorns were up 21 to 7 on the Oklahoma State Cowboys. But they couldn't increase the lead and ended up winning by only 4. The line was 11 1/2. So there's another loss.

Arizona is looking pretty good at + 15 versus the USC Trojans so far.

Hopefully, they'll keep it up and make this a profitable Saturday!

Breeders' Cup: Final

2008-10-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Curlin just didn't have it in the stretch in this year's Breeders Cup Classic. Of course, my top choice, Henrythenavigator, going off at overlaid odds of 19 to 1, failed to make up enough ground to finish ahead of 13 to 1 shot Raven's Pass.

There are a couple things to remember from this Breeders' Cup. First, it showed that if the NTRA, who puts on this ridiculous show once a year, decides to stick with artificial tracks, the Europeans will come in droves. They won't just come; they will win races.

The Euros picked up the Breeders' Cup Mile with Goldikova, finished one, two in the Breeders' Cup Turf with Conduit, Eagle Mountain, one two in the Breeders' Cup Mile with Donitivum and Westphalia and even won the Breeders' Cup Marathon with Muhannak.

Then, in what had to have been a shocker to many American race fans, the Euros beat Curlin and America's beast in the Breeders' Cup Classic with European champion milers Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator. Wow.

Breeders' Cup wise, I didn't have such a wonderful day. I did win quite a bit on Henrythenavigator when he paid $22 to finish second. I also made an adjustment on the fly, because of how I saw the track playing, and jumped all over Midnight Lute. I hit the trifecta in that race.

But overall, it was an excellent day. The Breeders' Cup is great for blogging but not all that profitable for folks who bet the races everyday. What was profitable was Ball Four wiring the final race at Keeneland and paying $44 to win.

Now, that's horse racing!