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**Udog** · 06-05-2010, 11:27 AM

Thanks, Bum! Good luck today!

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:28 AM

Ice Box the Belmont Stakes Favorite

For a change, Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito has the favorite for the $1 million Belmont Stakes. A two-time Belmont winner with long shots Birdstone in 2004 and Da' Tara in 2008, Zito has two of the three top choices for Saturday's final leg of the Triple Crown: Ice Box is the 3-1 morning-line choice and his other starter Fly Down is the 9-2 third choice. Get in on all of the betting action from Belmont Park on Saturday and turn to our friends over at Daily Racing Form for more coverage.

A field of 12 was entered Wednesday for a Belmont that will be run without Derby winner Super Saver or Preakness winner Lookin At Lucky.

Florida Derby winner Ice Box staged a sensational rally to finish second in the Derby despite a trouble trip, and Fly Down was a six-length winner in the Dwyer Stakes at Belmont last month.

"Nick's going to be tough to beat," said trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who will try with 10-1 choice Uptowncharlybrown.

Preakness runner-up First Dude is the 7-2 second choice, and trainer Dale Romans believes his big colt is ready for a breakout performance.

"Ice Box is going to be tough, especially in this race, but maybe we can turn the tables," Romans said.

Zito has sent out 22 Belmont starters and only once had the favorite -- 1991 Derby winner Strike the Gold, who finished second to Hansel at odds of 2-1.

His two Belmont wins spoiled Triple Crown attempts, with Birdstone beating Smarty Jones at odds of 36-1 and Da' Tara winning over Big Brown at odds of 38-1.

Ice Box will leave from the No. 6 post and will be ridden by Jose Lezcano, with Fly Down and John Velazquez just inside at No. 5. First Dude, with Ramon Dominguez aboard, drew the No. 11 post.

The field from the rail out is Dave in Dixie (20-1), Spangled Star (30-1), Uptowncharlybrown (10-1), Make Music for Me (10-1), Fly Down (9-2), Ice Box (3-1), Drosselmeyer (12-1), Game On Dude (10-1), Stately Victor (15-1), Stay Put (20-1), First Dude (7-2), and Interactif (12-1).

First Dude was still running strong as he crossed the finish line three-quarters of a length behind Lookin At Lucky, and Romans says the longer Belmont distance is a perfect fit for his colt.

"After the Preakness, we said he wants to go a mile-and-a-half," Romans said. "And he'll love this track."

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:38 AM

MLB Series Betting- Tampa Bay at Texas

In American League action, it’s a battle of two division leaders this upcoming weekend for a three-game series. Before the season began, you probably could have made some cash saying on the first weekend of June, you predict the Tampa Bay and Texas would be in first place in their respective divisions, yet that is exactly what has happened. Though the season still has four months left, this is meaning confrontation in the pecking order of the American League.

Neither club enters this series playing their best baseball of the season. Tampa Bay (36-18, +7.9 units) is 4-6 in last 10 games, with the pitching sputtering in allowing 4.9 runs per contest. Manager Joe Maddon has gotten the scouting reports and knows the Rangers are for real.

“They got better,” Maddon told MLB.com. “They’ve really pitched well against us. I think they’re pitching substantially better. And you’ve got Vladimir (Guerrero) playing like he did a couple of years ago right now. And that’s definitely going to make them a better ballclub.”

Texas (28-25, -1) has fallen off their saddle seven of the last 10 outings and seen their lead over Oakland dwindle to zilch; leading the A’s by one percentage point in the AL West standings. What has caused the slide for the Rangers is an inconsistent offense, totaling 26 runs in the three victories and 20 runs in the seven defeats.

In trying to figure out what to expect, both teams are playing from a position of strength. The Rays are marvelous 21-6 on the road and Texas is 18-9 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Tampa Bay won 7-3 at Toronto on Wednesday and is 16-3 in road games after a win this season and will start Wade Davis (5-4, 4.04 ERA) who has permitted more than three runs only three times in his 10 starts. The 24-year old has needed relief help, pitching more than six innings just twice.

Sportsbook.com has Texas as -130 money line favorites behind left-hander C.J. Wilson (3-3, 3.48). After an impressive beginning, Wilson is 0-2 with a 9.56 ERA in his past three starts and will have to do his part for his club to improve on 14-3 record vs. AL teams allowing 3.7 or less runs per contest. The converted reliever has posted a 1.35 ERA against Tampa Bay in 13 appearances out of the bullpen, however the Rays are 17-6 vs. lefty’s this year.

Game 1 Edge: Tampa Bay

Saturday’s matchup is a FOX regional afternoon telecast. Tampa was 3-6 and just 1-5 at Arlington last season and will look for quick reversal of fortune. The Rays starting pitchers didn’t handle the smallish dimensions of the Rangers ball-yard, allowing better than a run per inning in the 28 they threw in 2009. James Shields (5-3, 3.62) will seek to change this direction for his team. The right-hander has almost a 5-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio, however, working the plate as well as he does leaves him to susceptible to the long ball and he has given up 11 (third most in AL) home runs.

Tommy Hunter was supposed to be part of the Texas rotation from opening day after last year’s 9-6 campaign with a 4.10 ERA. Hunter strained a muscle in his left ribcage in Arizona in March and has made six starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City before being recalled (1-2, 4.05). The Rangers won six of his eight home starts a year ago, but are only 7-19 on Saturday’s.

Watch the line carefully on this contest with the Rays 9-1 coming into the series when the money line is +125 to -125. Shields has not pitched since last Saturday and is 5-0 with five days rest.

Game 2 Edge: Tampa Bay

Rich Harden (3-1) will pitch the finale for Texas and he’s brought his club luck, as they have won eight of his 11 starts in spite of 5.33 ERA. Normally when the right-hander has problems, its loss of command and walks too many batters, with low hit totals. That has not been the case in Rangers uniform, as Harden has been wild enough to concede 37 base on balls in 54 innings, but also has been touched for 55 hits.

Watching Matt Garza (5-4, 3.08) pitch, the feeling is something is missing. You witness the mid-90’s fastball that can saw off a bat like beaver and has curve and slider that can freeze hitters. Despite the obvious ability, he is 24-25 in a Rays’ uniform for his career, not always having the right mental makeup when he doesn’t have his A-Game. Against Texas, Garza is 3-3, however is 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA at Arlington.

Game 3 Edge: Texas

Both teams have started to swing the bats better the last few contests, which could lead to totals plays on the Over in the series. The Rays are the better overall team and they can negate the Texas home field edge with how outstanding they have played on the road. This is not a walkover by any means and I’ll throw support to Tampa Bay, but only by the slimmest of margins.

Sportsbook.com series odds: Tampa Bay -145, Texas +115

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:39 AM

WNBA Top Weekend Systems and Trends

Saturday, June 5

Seattle at Los Angeles

Seattle’s riveting start leads to this exceptional totals system. Play UNDER on road teams where the total is greater than or equal to 140, featuring a top caliber team, outscoring their opponents by nine or more points a game. (55-16 L13Y)

Atlanta at Washington

With the kind of beginning of the season Atlanta has enjoyed, they have a bit more pizzazz for sports bettor. Consider playing on road teams when the line is +3 to -3 ATS, having won 5 or 6 of their last 7 games, with a win percentage of 75 percent or higher, playing a marginal winning team (51% to 60%). This system cashes regularly at 80.6 percent. (25-5 ATS)

Tulsa at Chicago

The Shock has had a great deal of inactivity, which places them is favorable position. Play on WNBA clubs playing three or less games in 10 days, with a winning percentage of between 40-49 percent on the season. This system is 33-16 the last several seasons.

New York at Indiana

In the Hoosier state, a good totals system arises. When the total is between 140 and 149.5 points and the home team attempts 20 or more free throws a game, playing on Saturday, the UNDER is 74-37.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:41 AM

Uptowncharlybrown carries on dream

NEW YORK (AP) -Uptowncharlybrown might prove to be the best horse Alan Seewald ever trained.

Sadly, Seewald didn't live long enough to find out. He died unexpectedly April 12 and colt was transferred to Kiaran McLaughlin's barn.

Seewald, 62 at the time of his death, will be very much in the thoughts of everyone connected with Uptowncharlybrown when he runs Saturday in the Belmont Stakes.

Uptowncharlybrown is 10-1 on the morning line for the race Seewald was aiming for. He believed the long-striding colt would love the 1 1/2 miles in the final jewel of the Triple Crown.

``He covers a lot of ground,'' McLaughlin said. ``They thought he would get the mile and a half. We don't know that until Saturday afternoon.''

This will be the colt's first race for McLaughlin after earning two wins in five starts. Uptowncharlybrown was a fast-finishing third in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland in his latest outing April 17.

McLaughlin hasn't had time for a major overhaul.

``You know, every trainer does things a little different, so, yes, there's been some changes, but they did a great job with the horse,'' McLaughlin said. ``We have a different team of people looking after him now, different feed program and different things that we have done, different blacksmiths. Overall, we just hope that he wants the mile and a half.''

Uptowncharlybrown has 59 owners, a partnership group assembled by Robert Hutt as the Fantasy Lane Stable. Many of them, especially Hutt, were very close to Seewald.

``Alan was a friend of mine,'' McLaughlin said. ``Not as close as some of these people, like Bob Hutt, who was his best friend, but we were friends when I was training regularly down at Monmouth Park. Uptowncharlybrown was probably the best horse Alan ever bought or raced.''

Now it falls to McLaughlin to fulfill Seewald's dream.

``I probably feel a little more pressure, but we put pressure on ourselves every day,'' McLaughlin said. ``But there is a lot. It would be quite emotional if we end up in the winner's circle. It would be unbelievable, actually.''

---

HELPING THE OLDTIMERS: Rajiv Maragh will be wearing a Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation logo on his pants for the Belmont when he rides Uptowncharlybrown.

The TRF finds retirement homes for horses after their racing careers.

``We want the world to know the great things the TRF does for these horses,'' said Bob Hutt, managing partner of Fantasy Lane Stable. ``These horses give us so many thrills and each one is a champion in its own right. We're thrilled to help a group that helps these animals. This was simply the right thing to do. I wish more trainers, owners and jockeys would do this.''

---

NAME GAME: Some of the runners in the Belmont have colorful names, starting with Drosselmeyer. The original is a character in Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, ``The Nutcracker.'' The connection comes through the dam's name, Golden Ballet.

First Dude has a political hook. His dam is Run Sarah Run, so he carries the nickname of Todd Palin, the husband of former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The sire of Make Music for Me is by Bernstein. The colt's name is a tribute to composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Stately Victor honors a close friend of co-owner Tom Conway's son, Victor Perrone, who was killed in a car accident.

Interactif was bred and named by the brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, senior members of the French family that owns Chanel, the perfume and fashion company.

Dave in Dixie is named for the son-in-law of owners Dawn and Ike Thrash from Hattiesburg, Miss.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:42 AM

First Dude looks to set the Belmont pace

NEW YORK (AP) -Pace makes the race, handicappers have long advised.

Nowhere is that more true than in the 1 1/2 mile Belmont Stakes on Saturday afternoon.

Horses that go too fast in the early stages have little left for the long run down the Belmont Park stretch. Wait too long, and the race can be over before a 3-year-old finds his best gear.

First Dude figures to again be the key to the pace, just as he was in the Preakness. Jockey Ramon Dominguez did an outstanding job that afternoon at Pimlico, sending First Dude to the front through fairly quick fractions. The colt had enough reserve energy left to get second, beaten only three quarters of a length by Lookin At Lucky.

Against 11 rivals in the Belmont, First Dude and Dominguez will look to again set the pace after breaking from post No. 11 as the 7-2 second choice.

``All the press keeps telling us we'll be on a solo lead,'' said trainer Dale Romans. ``I hope you're all right, and with a slow pace.

``But things never work out really like they should on paper and if somebody else decided to change their game plan and send from the inside, we are in a good spot from the outside to sit right off them. If there isn't enough pace, we will be willing to go on like we did in the Preakness.''

The ultimate judge of the Belmont pace will be Dominguez.

``I think he'll know how his horse feels under him, and as long as he's nice and relaxed like he was in the Preakness, that is the key,'' Romans said. ``He was going fast but he was relaxed and comfortable and not fighting him and that's why I think he had some horse to kick home. If he's on the lead, as long as he's relaxed and comfortable, I'll be happy with it.''

---

LOOKING AT HISTORY: Alexis Barba has been enjoying the sights and sounds of New York, a pleasant diversion from the serious business of trying to win the Belmont Stakes on Saturday and becoming the first female trainer to capture a Triple Crown race.

Shelly Riley came closest when Casual Lies ran second in the 1992 Kentucky Derby.

Barba gets a second chance this year with Make Music for Me, 10-1 in the Belmont.

On Tuesday afternoon, the 57-year-old Barba visited the Empire State Building for a promotional photo opportunity.

``It was fun to see the view,'' Barba said. ``I'd been up there before, but it was at night. That's a lot different.''

Back at Belmont, Barba has been focused on getting her colt ready for the challenge ahead. This time, Make Music for Me will command more respect than in the Derby

The horse was an afterthought at Churchill Downs, a runner who slipped in at the last moment when a more accomplished horse withdrew only hours before entries closed.

The winner of only one of nine races showed he belonged. The early trailer in the 20-horse field at 30-1 odds, Make Music for Me swung eight wide under jockey Joel Rosario and closed determinedly to finish fourth.

Barba opted to skip the Preakness and point the colt toward the Belmont.

Eight women have saddled Belmont runners. Linda Rice was the most recent, getting fifth with Supervisor in 2003.

Barba doesn't tire of people asking about her quest to break the Triple Crown gender barrier.

``I suppose it's a legitimate question, but anybody who wins any Triple Crown race - who's going to be happier? It's unexplainable. So it's fun, it would definitely be historical,'' Barba said.

---

ZITO OMENS: Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito is a big believer in lucky omens and the power of dreams. Zito is on the hunt for positives as he prepares Ice Box, the 3-1 favorite, and Fly Down, 9-2, for the Belmont.

Finding a four-leaf clover or a heads-up penny is always welcome. So are dreams with good outcomes. So far, the signals are mixed.

``I've had some weird dreams,'' Zito said. ``I don't know what they mean. Maybe it will all work out. God controls all that works out but I've had a few nice dreams and a few whatever dreams. I just hope it works out good.''

---

MISSING THE BUZZ: The Belmont lost much of its buzz when Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver finished eighth in the Preakness, ending a possible run at the Triple Crown.

After the loss at Pimlico, trainer Todd Pletcher opted to give Super Saver a vacation, taking him out of consideration for the Belmont. While that makes the job easier for the 12 horses in the race, Nick Zito was pulling for another chance to upset a horse going for the sweep.

Zito has already done it twice. His Birdstone denied Smarty Jones a Triple Crown in the 2004 Belmont. In 2008, Da' Tara took the Belmont as Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown was eased under the wire.

``It would have been great,'' Zito said. ``Todd (Pletcher) is from Dallas and I don't think he knows much about pizza. But it would have been an unbelievable story because I knew I was going to have a horse in the race. It would be great for racing but it didn't happen.''

---

FINISH LINES: The Empire State Building will be bathed in green and white lights Friday night, the traditional colors of Belmont Park and the Belmont Stakes. ... David Grening of the Daily Racing Form and Bob Fortus of the New Orleans Times-Picayune were winners of the inaugural Joe Hirsch Memorial Writing Contest for the best stories on the 2009 Belmont.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:43 AM

Baffert leans to Game On Dude in Belmont

NEW YORK (AP) -Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has a simple philosophy about running Game On Dude in the 1 1/2 mile Belmont Stakes on Saturday.

``Either you can go that far, or you can't go that far,'' Baffert said of the longest and last race of the Triple Crown. ``You can't get him fit for it in a few days. I just want to keep him happy and fresh.''

Game On Dude, 10-1 on the morning line, is making only his third start for Baffert following a private purchase by a group that includes Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre and Las Vegas casino executive J. Terrence Lanni.

In his Baffert debut, Game On Dude was no factor in the Derby Trial run in the mud at Churchill Downs. The gelding bounced back smartly to win the Lone Star Derby.

This will be a much bigger, and longer, test around the sweeping turns at Belmont Park.

``He's a very laid-back horse,'' Baffert said. ``He's got a good mind. He's very plain. He's matured since I've had him and he gets over this track really well. It only took him one time around to get used to it.''

Baffert and jockey Martin Garcia are looking for their second Triple Crown win this year. They teamed up to win the Preakness with Lookin At Lucky, who is not running in the Belmont.

While Garcia is making his debut in the Belmont, Baffert has plenty of experience in the race. He won it in 2001 with Point Given. Three times Baffert brought horses on the verge of a Triple Crown sweep to the Belmont, only to be denied all three times with Silver Charm (1997), Real Quiet (1998) and War Emblem (2002).

---

KEEPING A DREAM ALIVE: Uptowncharlybrown might prove to be the best horse Alan Seewald ever trained.

Sadly, Seewald didn't live long enough to find out. He died April 12 and the colt was transferred to Kiaran McLaughlin's barn.

Seewald, 62 at the time of his death, will be very much in the thoughts of everyone connected with Uptowncharlybrown when he runs in the Belmont.

Uptowncharlybrown is 10-1 on the morning line for the race Seewald was aiming for. He believed the long-striding colt would love the 1 1/2 miles in the final jewel of the Triple Crown.

``He covers a lot of ground,'' McLaughlin said. ``They thought he would get the mile and a half. We don't know that until Saturday afternoon.''

This will be the colt's first race for McLaughlin after earning two wins in five starts. Uptowncharlybrown was a fast-finishing third in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland in his latest outing April 17.

McLaughlin hasn't had time for a major overhaul.

``You know, every trainer does things a little different, so, yes, there's been some changes, but they did a great job with the horse,'' McLaughlin said. ``We have a different team of people looking after him now, different feed program and different things that we have done, different blacksmiths. Overall, we just hope that he wants the mile and a half.''

Uptowncharlybrown has 59 owners, a partnership group assembled by Robert Hutt as the Fantasy Lane Stable. Many of them, especially Hutt, were very close to Seewald.

``Alan was a friend of mine,'' McLaughlin said. ``Not as close as some of these people, like Bob Hutt, who was his best friend, but we were friends when I was training regularly down at Monmouth Park. Uptowncharlybrown was probably the best horse Alan ever bought or raced.''

Now it falls to McLaughlin to fulfill Seewald's dream.

``I probably feel a little more pressure, but we put pressure on ourselves every day,'' McLaughlin said. ``But there is a lot. It would be quite emotional if we end up in the winner's circle. It would be unbelievable, actually.''

---

HELPING THE OLDTIMERS: Rajiv Maragh will be wearing a Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation logo on his pants for the Belmont when he rides Uptowncharlybrown.

The TRF finds retirement homes for horses after their racing careers.

``We want the world to know the great things the TRF does for these horses,'' said Bob Hutt, managing partner of Fantasy Lane Stable. ``These horses give us so many thrills and each one is a champion in its own right. We're thrilled to help a group that helps these animals. This was simply the right thing to do. I wish more trainers, owners and jockeys would do this.''

---

NAME GAME: Some of the runners in the Belmont have colorful names, starting with Drosselmeyer. The original is a character in Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, ``The Nutcracker.'' The connection comes through the dam's name, Golden Ballet.

First Dude has a political hook. His dam is Run Sarah Run, so he carries the nickname of Todd Palin, the husband of former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

The sire of Make Music for Me is by Bernstein. The colt's name is a tribute to composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Stately Victor honors a close friend of co-owner Tom Conway's son, Victor Perrone, who was killed in a car accident.

Interactif was bred and named by the brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, senior members of the French family that owns Chanel, the perfume and fashion company.

Dave in Dixie is named for the son-in-law of owners Dawn and Ike Thrash from Hattiesburg, Miss.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:45 AM

At the Gate - Belmont Stakes

Hall of fame trainer Nick Zito will be looking for his third Belmont Stakes (G1) victory this afternoon, and his chances look pretty good as he sends out the likely favorite Ice Box and Fly Down, who figures to be the third choice in the field of 12.

Zito is a native New Yorker, but fans at Belmont Park did not celebrate his first two Belmont wins with much enthusiasm.

His first came in 2004 with Birdstone, who rolled past Smarty Jones in the stretch to end the Triple Crown bid of the popular colt.

The second Belmont win was with Da’Tara, who was the shocking winner in 2008. The focus that year was on Big Brown, who was eased on the far turn by jockey Kent Desormeaux.

This year has a different feel for Zito, with no Triple Crown at stake, and neither of his horses will pay anything near the $2 mutuels of $79.00 and $77.00 for his first two wins, the fourth and fifth longest prices in the history of the race.

The duo will have to deal with the Preakness runner up First Dude, who appears to be the lone speed in the field.

The colt set all the fractions in Baltimore, but could not hold off Lookin At Lucky in deep stretch, settling for the runner up spot.

While the race this year lacks the drama of the past few years, the winner can jump up and lay claim to being at the top of the list of three year olds.

Last year Summer Bird won the Belmont, and followed it up with wins in the Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup, leading to the Eclipse Award for top three year old colt.

The card at Belmont Park starts early this morning, with a first post of 11:35 ET.

There is a $1 million guaranteed all stakes Pick 6 starting with the sixth race, and a $1 million guaranteed all stakes Pick 4 starting in the eighth race.

The Pick 4 is going to be tough to solve. The four race sequence starts with the $250,000 True North Handicap (G2), which drew a solid field of ten sprinters.

The $300,000 Betfair TVG Acorn (G1) drew a field of 13 three year olds fillies, and the $400,000 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (G1) drew a field of 11.

The Pick 4 sequence ends with the Belmont Stakes.

ABC will be televising the race, with the two hour program staring at 5:00 ET. Post time for the Belmont Stakes is 6:32 ET.

To purchase my full card report for Belmont Park that includes analysis, selections, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for today click here.

To purchase my full card report for Monmouth Park that includes analysis, selections, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for today click here.

Here is the opening race from Belmont Park to get our day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Clm $15,000N2L (11:35 ET)

#2 Adam Boy 12/1

#4 Seis de Mayo 6/5

#7 I Got Swagger 9/2

#10 Prince Cody 10/1

Analysis: #2 Adam Boy did not get much of a shot in his first start against winners when he had to check at the start. The gelding made a good five wide run and finished evenly for fifth. The winner Bridge to Nowhere came back to beat state bred $15K non winners of three in his next start on May 21, and third place finisher Shotgun Bandit came back to beat state bred $15K non winners of two in his next outing. Edgar sticks and this guy looks like the best option to the ML chalk in here.

#4 Seis de Mayo drops into a much easier spot after checking in fourth against state bred Alw-1 foes last out in his first go against winners. He broke his maiden two back in his debut. His two speed figs tower over the rest of the field in here.

Wagering

WIN: #2 to win at 6/1 or better.

EX: 2,4 / 2,4,7,10

TRI: 2,4 / 2,4,7,10 / 2,4,6,7,10

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 The True North Handicap G2 (4:00 ET)

#2 Custom for Carlos 5/2

#4 Strasbourg 20/1

#8 Checklist 5/1

#3 Bribon 3/1

Analysis: #2 Custom for Carlos earned the top last out speed fig in a game neck win in the Count Fleet (G3) at Oaklawn Park. The runner up in the race was Chief of Affairs, who came back to win a stake at Indiana Downs with a 106 Beyer. The colt owns a solid pace profile throughout and while he was involved in photos in his last two starts, it looks like the nearly two month break will help him avoid a regression here.

#4 Strasbourg set the early fractions and could not match strides late with the winner in a runner up finish against Alw-1 foes going a mile. He gets a class test here in his first stakes try, and the cut back in distance should suit this guy. He is making just his fifth career start and looks like he may still have some upside potential. He was a $450K purchase, a big number for an offspring of Friends Lake. He may be around late at a generous price.

Wagering

WIN: #2 to win at 9/5 or better.

EX: 2,4 / 2,3,4,8

TRI: 2,4 / 2,3,4,8 / 2,3,4,5,7,8

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Monmouth Park:

MTH Race 11 The Wolf Hill (5:50 ET)

#3 Silver Timber 5/2

#1 Heros Reward 9/2

#5 Formidable 7/2

#9 Blue Sailor 6/1

Analysis: #3 Silver Timber made a good late run to get up late and win the Turf Sprint (G3) last out at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day, his second consecutive photo that went his way. Four runners have come out of his last race to win next out, three of those stakes. The gelding owns a solid pace profile throughout and is now 6 for 13 at today's distance.

#1 Heros Reward ships in from Maryland for the Capuano barn that does not ship north very often and Dunks is up, the two have had a lot of success together over the years. The gelding is a 1 time winner on turf and the extra half furlong here should suit this guy.

Wagering

WIN: #3 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 1,3 / 1,3,5,9

TRI: 1,3 / 1,3,5,9 / 1,3,5,9,11

Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Monmouth Park

R4: #8 Summiting 10/1

R5: #1 Wildcat Lake 10/1

R7: #4 Kingdom of Days 12/1

R7: #10 Best Jazz 8/1

R8: #2 Miles City 8/1

R9: #4 Belle Dorada 15/1

R9: #10 Erin Go Bey 8/1

R9: #7 False Idol 10/1

R12: #6 Moe Man 8/1

R13: #5 Princess Madeline 10/1

Good luck today!

**jt4545** · 06-05-2010, 11:46 AM

Good luck and thanks

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:49 AM

Saturday FOX Tips

The Saturday FOX baseball card involves three divisional matchups and one showdown between division leaders. The Rays and Rangers continue their series in Arlington, while the Cardinals and Brewers send out two young pitchers to the mound. We'll begin in the Big Apple with a pair of NL East rivals meeting up.

Marlins at Mets - 4:10 PM EST

Florida swept New York in mid-May to improve to 6-2 this season against the Mets. The Marlins look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon after blowing a 3-0 lead in last night's 4-3 defeat. Two southpaws take the hill with Nate Robertson and Jonathon Niese facing off.

Robertson (4-4, 4.30 ERA) hasn't been spectacular by any stretch for the Marlins, but Florida can't be disappointed with the 5-6 record it has when the lefty starts. The southpaw was acquired from Detroit in spring training and usually pitches into the sixth inning, although he owns just three quality starts in 11 outings. Two of those quality starts have come on the road in wins at Chicago and Philadelphia, including a scoreless outing against the Phillies. Two of Robertson's four victories have been registered versus New York, including an April 8 win at Citi Field.

The Mets counter with Jonathon Niese (1-2, 4.79 ERA), who last pitched at Sun Life Stadium in Miami last month when he left with an injured hamstring. Niese exited in the third inning of a 10-8 loss on May 16 to the Marlins, getting charged with five runs (two earned). The Mets are 3-1 in Niese's four home starts, despite his ERA at Citi Field sitting at 4.22 and WHIP of 1.97. One of Niese's two quality outings this season came in the April 8 loss to Robertson and the Marlins, as the Mets' southpaw delivered six innings of eight-hit ball.

The Marlins have won eight of their last nine against left-handed starting pitchers, even though only two of those victories have come on the road. Following a 2-4 start at home, the Mets are riding an 18-5 run at Citi Field.

Brewers at Cardinals - 4:10 PM EST

After seasoned pitchers Adam Wainwright and Randy Wolf took the mound on Friday night in St. Louis' shutout of Milwaukee, two fresher faces in Chris Narveson and Adam Ottavino face off on Saturday afternoon.

Narveson (4-3, 5.81 ERA) has been shaky since entering the Milwaukee rotation in late April from the bullpen. The southpaw was staked a 4-0 lead at Florida his last time out, but allowed five earned runs in 5.2 innings of a 13-5 setback. Narveson did strike out eight Marlins, tied for his second-highest "K" total of the season. The Brewers have won three of Narveson's four road starts, including at Arizona and Los Angeles as underdogs.

The Cardinals have risen back to the top of the NL Central following a 5-2 run, sending out the 24-year old Ottavino (0-1, 6.35 ERA) for his second career start. The righty was knocked around in his debut against the Cubs, giving up five hits and four earned runs in 5.2 innings of a 5-0 setback. Ottavino's control wasn't there, as he issued six walks while striking out five.

The Brewers are 6-3 the last eight meetings at Busch Stadium, as Milwaukee tries to improve on a 6-12 mark in Game 2's this season. The Cardinals have finished 'over' the total in four of the last six games against left-handed starting pitchers.

Rays at Rangers - 4:10 PM EST

Tampa Bay takes in the league's best road record of 21-7 to Arlington for the second game of a weekend set with Texas. The Rays send out James Shields, who looks for his fifth road victory of the season.

Shields (5-3, 3.62 ERA) is coming off his worst start of the season, an 8-5 home loss to the White Sox. The righty yielded 11 hits and seven earned runs in 5.1 innings, falling as a $1.70 'chalk.' That outing snapped a seven-game quality start streak for Shields, who has road wins at the Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners, and White Sox. Shields hasn't fared well during the day, owning an 0-2 mark with an ERA of 4.74 (compared to a 5-1 record and 3.06 ERA at night).

The Rangers send out Tommy Hunter (1-2, 4.05 ERA at Triple-A) for Saturday's start, making his 2010 debut. Hunter finished last season at 9-6 with the Rangers, while owning an ERA of 4.10. The right-hander pitched at Triple-A Oklahoma City as part of a rehab assignment after injuring an oblique muscle in spring training. Texas won seven of his ten home starts last season, including a 3-1 win over the Rays last July.

Ron Washington's squad has won five of the last six home meetings in this series, with four of those games finishing 'over' the total. Tampa Bay's best record in any game of a series is in Game 2's, owning a 13-5 mark.

Angels at Mariners - 4:10 PM EST

These AL West rivals meet for their third series of the season with the Angels claiming five of the first seven matchups. Seattle has played much better at home recently with wins in five of its previous seven contests at Safeco Field.

Ervin Santana (5-3, 3.43 ERA) has been one of the hotter pitchers in baseball with wins in each of his last four outings. Santana allowed six earned runs in this span, while striking out 28 and hitting the 'over' three times. Prior to this hot streak, the Mariners knocked around the righty to the tune of 10 hits and five earned runs in 6.2 innings of an 8-1 Seattle victory in early May.

The Mariners counter with Ryan Rowland-Smith (0-4, 7.24 ERA), who takes the place of the injured Doug Fister. Rowland-Smith is making his first start since a May 17 loss at Oakland in which the lefty allowed 10 hits and seven earned runs in 2.2 innings of work. The Aussie lost at Los Angeles last season, but delivered a quality outing in a 3-0 setback.

The Angels are 6-4 in their last ten as a road underdog, while winning six of their last seven against right-handed starters. The light-hitting Mariners are 5-3-1 to the 'over' the previous nine contests at Safeco Field, as Seattle has allowed four runs or less five times in this span.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:50 AM

Saturday Night Baseball

We’ve hit the first weekend of June in Major League Baseball and that means we can start talking more about positioning. Saturday’s card gives us a couple of prime time games that have some bearing on the divisional races as playoff gab grows. Let’s look at the battles.

Padres (32-21, +1,292) at Phillies (28-24, -528) – 7:05 p.m. EDT

Bettors and fans alike have been waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to San Diego’s fantastic play this season. The Padres have won 8 of their last 11 games with a similar mantra: Do just enough on offense to help out their starting pitchers. Adrian Gonzalez has been one of the bigger cogs in the batting order, hitting .500 with a homer and four runs batted in during the Pads’ last three games.

Jon Garland (6-2, 2.15) will no doubt use that offense to his advantage. It’s not really like he needs the offensive help right now. Garland has lasted at least five innings in his last nine games, while allowing a total of 10 earned runs.

While Garland has been great for the Pads, he’s had his issues with Philadelphia. He’s only 0-3 with an 8.02 earned run average in four starts against the Phillies. And he has lost his only start at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phils find themselves looking up at Atlanta in the National League East after going 2-9 in their last 11 games of the year. Look no further than Philly’s suddenly silent bats for its woes. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez have hit a combined .181 with 5 RBI over their last 10 games this year.

Philadelphia better get some sort of rhythm at the plate to help out Jamie Moyer (5-5, 4.26) on Saturday night. Moyer has lost his last three starts this season with an ERA of 3.50. To be fair to the old fart on the hill, the Phillies’ offense has scored one run in those three fixtures.

The majority of sportsbooks have listed the Phillies as $1.38 home faves (risk $138 to win $100) with a total of nine.

San Diego is just 3-3 in its road games against left-handed pitching, losing two straight. The ‘under’ is 4-2 in those spots.

The Phils are 29-10 over the last two years against NL West foes at Citizens Bank Park, winning 11 of their last 13 in this role.

Tigers (28-25, +241) at Royals (21-33, -639) – 7:10 p.m. EDT

Is it possible that Jim Joyce screwing the pooch in the most epic of ways turned the Tigers’ season around? After Armando Galarraga’s botched perfect game, Detroit rung up 12 runs on the Indians to finish that series strong.

Detroit now gets 15 more games against teams with losing records as they fight to overtake the Twins in the American League Central. Justin Verlander (5-4, 3.75) will get the ball on Saturday, looking to snap a personal two-game losing streak. But Verlander has been afflicted with a lack of offensive support in those starts, getting just one run from them against the A’s on May 31 and crossed the plate three times on the road against the M’s on May 25.

Verlander has enjoyed great success at Kauffman Stadium during his career, evidenced by a 5-2 record with a stellar 1.72 ERA in nine starts. However, he did allow four earned runs in five innings of work in a 8-4 win in KC on April 5.

Kansas City seems to be content in playing out the string already in yet another lousy season. They’ve found themselves on the wrong side of the final score five times in its last six games.

Luke Hochevar (5-3, 5.10) will take the mound for the Royals in Game 2 of this series. He allowed four earned runs on six hits in five innings of work back on April 12 against the Tigers. Not great numbers, but still ended up with the win in a 10-5 triumph at Comerica Park.

Most betting outlets are posted Detroit as a $1.35 road favorite with a total of 9 ½.

Kansas City has been a solid fade when posted as a home pup against AL Central foes, evidenced by a 16-32 mark.

Detroit has lost three of its last four games as a road “chalk” against teams in the AL Central. The ‘over’ is 3-1 in those tests.

The Tigers are 5-4 as road faves this season, with the ‘under’ going 5-4.

The Royals have gone just 8-9 as home ‘dogs in 2010, but have won two straight in this role.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 11:51 AM

MLB Two Month Awards

No one will remember the top performers of the first two months of the baseball season by season’s end, but these players deserve recognition for great starts to 2010. Several familiar candidates for major awards are in the mix at this point so there is a chance that some of the current front-runners could hold on. Here is a look at our winners for the Cy Young, MVP, and Rookie of the Year awards through two months of the season.

American League Cy Young:

Andy Pettitte – New York Yankees

At this point, some votes would certainly go to Pettitte’s younger teammate Phil Hughes who has very similar numbers, but at 7-1, the veteran Pettitte has to be the sentimental choice. Playing for New York should allow for a possible 20-win season and perhaps a career year for the soon-to-be 38-year old. Unlike some of his peers in the steroid era, Pettitte has been able to gracefully deflect his HGH-flap and the voters would likely come to embrace the veteran should he finish with a strong season. Pettitte has won 21 games twice before in his career and his 2.48 ERA has him in line to have his lowest ERA since 2005 in Houston when he finished with a 2.39 ERA. Others will amass more strikeouts than Pettitte, but right now the lefty looks locked in and the Yankees are 9-1 in his starts.

The other serious contenders for this award are all quite young so projecting a full season of success would have some risks. At this point, the Cy Young almost appears certain to fall to a AL East arm as several pitchers are having great starts despite the run-scoring potential of the teams in that tough division. The other top contenders would be Hughes, Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester from Boston, David Price from Tampa Bay and Ricky Romero from Toronto. Going with a proven veteran like Pettitte seems like a safer choice, but any of those young future stars could deliver their breakout season this year.

National League Cy Young:

Ubaldo Jimenez – Colorado Rockies

At 10-1 with a 0.78 ERA and a no-hitter under his belt, Jimenez is the clear front-runner for this award. Jimenez has shown plenty of potential in the last few seasons, but everything appears to be coming together this season, even though the Rockies really have not got on a great roll yet this season. In his only loss of the season, Jimenez allowed just two hits and one run over seven innings and he has not allowed more than two runs in any of his eleven starts. Opponents have only scored two runs twice this season and every outing has lasted at least six innings. Jimenez does not lead the league in strikeouts, but he is in the conversation and although several other pitchers are off to fine starts, Jimenez has a big early lead in this race.

Roy Halladay would have been the obvious preseason choice and he is certainly a contender. The perfect game last week was icing on the cake for the veteran who has already won an AL Cy Young in his career. Halladay owns a 1.99 ERA for the season and if the Phillies offense gets back on track he should reach a healthy win total. Tim Lincecum appeared on track to make a bid for a third consecutive award and while he still leads the NL in strikeouts he has had a couple of marginal starts of late. Adam Wainwright, Josh Johnson, Tim Hudson, and Jon Garland could also figure into the conversation by season’s end.

American League MVP:

Justin Morneau – Minnesota Twins

Many were furious that Morneau won the MVP in 2006 over Derek Jeter and while Morneau’s season did not do enough to separate himself as the clear top candidate, he certainly out-performed Jeter statistically. If Morneau keeps up this pace, there will be no arguing the voter’s decision as he has enjoyed a remarkable start, very similar to the start his teammate Joe Mauer had in his own MVP campaign last year. Morneau is hitting .377 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI. His on-base percentage and slugging numbers have been among the best in baseball and he is walking more than striking out. Morneau is also getting great reviews for his improved defense this season. Morneau has not always finished as strong as he has started so it is unlikely he maintains this pace, but if the Twins stay on top of the AL Central he will likely be a prime candidate for the award.

There are several players who can also make a strong case for the award as Evan Longoria has great numbers across the board playing for the team with the best record in baseball. Miguel Cabrera is having a fine all-around season, but he may need the Tigers to overtake the Twins to get into the discussion. Vladimir Guerrero has also been the key reason for the Rangers sitting on top of the AL West. If the Yankees get hot, Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano could also be in the mix by season’s end.

National League MVP:

Andre Ethier – Los Angeles Dodgers

A short trip to the DL might hurt Ethier’s overall numbers by season’s end, but he had a hot enough start that no one has really been able to pull away from him. Slightly fewer at-bats than the competition also might help him maintain a league-leading batting average, currently at .380 though technically just ineligible without enough at bats. The slow start for the Dodgers has been erased by Ethier’s bat and while many would like to see him walk more often, he has also just struck out 16 times in 129 at-bats. With the NL West very much up for grabs at this point, Ethier’s candidacy could hinge on Los Angeles being a playoff contender and obviously he must show that he is back from injury with no ill-effects.

Albert Pujols has to also figure into this conversation. His numbers don’t stand out at this point and are somewhat below his career averages, meaning that he could be due for a major hot streak soon. Ryan Braun has also quietly posted solid numbers even though the Brewers have struggled greatly. If Washington can stay relevant, Ryan Zimmerman should also get a bit of support. Rookie Jason Heyward is also right on the fringe of being a serious candidate here as well. The biggest wild card could actually be Jimenez, who has had a strong enough start to deserve serious consideration even starting pitchers rarely have won this award.

American League Rookie of the Year:

Neftali Feliz – Texas Rangers

Like Andrew Bailey did last season, Neftali Feliz could snag this award by assuming the closer role for his team. The Rangers have been a competitive team and the move to the 22-year old Feliz in the ninth inning has been a big part of the success. Feliz has solid, but not eye-popping numbers; if he stays in the closer role and picks up 30-plus saves with a respectable ERA, he will receive a lot of votes. Feliz likely could move to a starting role down the line given his great strikeout rate, but if the Rangers are in contention it would be unlikely that the team would make that transition mid-season and Feliz could post some of the better closer numbers in the league.

There have not been many standout position players in the AL so Feliz will be the favorite, but Austin Jackson has been a sparkplug for the Tigers. Jackson had a red-hot April, but cooled off a bit in May, yet is still hitting .330 for the season. By batting leadoff, Jackson likely will not end up with the home run and RBI numbers that grab attention, but if he can maintain that average and play strong defense for a contending Tigers team, he will be in the mix. Another Tiger could enter the race as Brennan Boesch has impressed since being called up. Wade Davis is also compiling solid numbers in the Tampa Bay rotation. The AL field does not look nearly as strong as in the NL among rookies, so this award is likely still up in the air.

National League Rookie of the Year:

Jason Heyward – Atlanta Braves

While Heyward had a lot of buzz out of spring training and has not disappointed, he is not a lock for this award just yet. Heyward is among the NL leaders in home runs and RBI while hitting a solid .292 which should make him a cinch to win, but there are several other rookies performing at a high level. When the Braves were greatly struggling on offense in April, Heyward carried the team and now that his teammates are hitting as well his numbers could get even better. Whether Heyward can maintain this pace over the course of a full MLB season remains to be seen but he has met every challenge so far.

If not for the amazing start from Jimenez, the NL ERA lead would belong to rookie Jaime Garcia who has provided a huge boost for the Cardinals in the rotation. Garcia pitched in ten games last season and did not show the same type of promise, but so far in 2010 he has allowed just nine earned runs in ten starts. Garcia only has five wins and he has not been allowed to go deep into games, but if Heyward would falter he could have the numbers to win this award if he stays in the rotation. Reds pitcher Mike Leake is 4-0 this season after skipping the minor leagues altogether and he has been a force for Cincinnati’s surge in the standings. David Freese has also been steady for the Cardinals at third base. Stephen Strasburg will debut next week and even if he fares well, it will be tough to catch this quality crop of rookies in the NL.

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 12:57 PM

STAKES Belmont S. (Grade I)

Purse $1,000,000. For Three Year Olds. By subscription of $600 each, to accompany the nomination, if made on or before January 16, 2010, or $6,000, if made on or before March 27, 2010. At any time prior to the closing time of entries, horses may be nominated to The Belmont Stakes upon payment of a supplementary fee of $100,000 to the New York Racing Association, Inc. $10,000 to pass the entry box and $10,000 additional to start. All entrants will be required to pay entry and starting fees; but no fees, supplemental or otherwise shall be added to the purse. The purse to be divided 60% to the winner, 20% to second, 11% to third, 6% to fourth and 3% to fifth. Colts and Geldings, 126 Lbs.; Fillies, 121 Lbs. The winning owner will be presented with the August Belmont Memorial Cup to be retained for one year as well as a trophy for permanent possession and trophies to the winning trainer and jockey. One And One Half Miles.

P# PP Horse Virtual
Stable A/S Med Jockey Wgt Trainer M/L
1 1 Dave in Dixie (KY) 3/C L C H Borel 126 J W Sadler 20/1
2 2 Spangled Star (KY) 3/C L G K Gomez 126 R E Dutrow, Jr. 30/1
3 3 Uptowncharlybrown (KY) 3/C L R Maragh 126 K P McLaughlin 10/1
4 4 Make Music for Me (KY) 3/C L* J Rosario 126 A Barba 10/1
5 5 Fly Down (KY) 3/C L J R Velazquez 126 N P Zito 9/2
6 6 Ice Box (KY) 3/C L* J Lezcano 126 N P Zito 3/1
7 7 Drosselmeyer (KY) 3/C L M E Smith 126 W I Mott 12/1
8 8 Game On Dude (KY) 3/G L M Garcia 126 B Baffert 10/1
9 9 Stately Victor (KY) 3/C L* A Garcia 126 M J Maker 15/1
10 10 Stay Put (KY) 3/C L* J Theriot 126 S Margolis 20/1
11 11 First Dude (FL) 3/C L* R A Dominguez 126 D L Romans 7/2
12 12 Interactif (KY) 3/C L* J Castellano 126 T A Pletcher 12/1

Owners: 1 - Thrash, Ike, Thrash, Dawn; 2 - Roman, Lawrence, P., Levine, Jeff; 3 - Fantasy Lane Stable; 4 - Ellen and Peter O. Johnson; 5 - Pell, Richard, C.; 6 - LaPenta, Robert, V.; 7 - WinStar Farm; 8 - Schiappa, Bernard, C., Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stables, Diamond Pride LLC; 9 - Conway, F., Thomas, Conway, Jack; 10 - Klein, Richard, Klein, Bertram, W., Klein, Elaine; 11 - Dizney, Donald, R.; 12 - Wertheimer EtFrere

Breeders: 1 - Glencrest Farm LLC; 2 - Grapestock LLC; 3 - Juan Bruno & Rose Hill Farm; 4 - Richard Shultz; 5 - Broadway Thoroughbreds Inc. & W.S.Farish; 6 - Denlea Park, LTD.; 7 - Aaron U. Jones & Marie D. Jones; 8 - Adena Springs; 9 - Adena Springs; 10 - Reklein Stables; 11 - Donald R Dizney; 12 - Wertheimer & Frere

Equipment Changes: 3 - Uptowncharlybrown - Blinkers off

**StarDust Bum** · 06-05-2010, 08:10 PM

11th race - Belmont Park - June 05, 2010

Race Name: Belmont S. - Grade: 1 Video Race Replay
Off at: 6:35 Race Type: Stakes
Age Restriction: Three Year Old
Value of Race: $1,000,000
Distance: One And One Half Miles On The Dirt
Track Condition: Fast
Winning Time: 2:31.57
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
7 Drosselmeyer Mike E. Smith 28.00 11.60 7.70
5 Fly Down John R. Velazquez 6.80 5.10
11 First Dude Ramon A. Dominguez 4.90
Also ran: 8 - Game On Dude , 10 - Stay Put , 12 - Interactif , 9 - Stately Victor , 6 - Ice Box , 4 - Make Music for Me , 1 - Dave in Dixie , 2 - Spangled Star , 3 - Uptowncharlybrown

Wager Type Winning Numbers Payoff

$2 Pick 3 12-4-7 (3 correct) 36,107.00
$2 Pick 4 3-12-4-7 (4 correct) 167,056.00
$2 Pick 6 5-5-3-12-4-7 (5 correct) 3,180.00
$2 Daily Double 8-7 (BROOKLYN-BELMONT) 283.00
$2 Daily Double 4-7 596.00
$2 Exacta 7-5 144.50
$2 Superfecta 7-5-11-8 10,658.00
$2 Trifecta 7-5-11 766.00
Winning Breeder: Aaron U. Jones & Marie D. Jones
Winning Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Winning Trainer: William I. Mott

Announcement

The Bum's Saturday's Best Bets MLB-WNBA-Belmont !

The Bum's Saturday's Best Bets MLB-WNBA-Belmont !

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