Service Plays Saturday 6/27/20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred)

Los Alamitos (Thoroughbred) - Race 3	$1 Exacta / $1 Trifecta / $1 Superfecta (.10 Min.) / $2 Rolling Double $1 Pick Three (Races 3-4-5)
Maiden Special • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 95 • Purse: $40,000 • Post: 1:58P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. DISCO BALL is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * DISCO BALL: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Today is a sprint and the horse is carrying at least 120 lbs.
5	DISCO BALL	9/5	2/1

---

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	DISCO BALL	5	9/5	Front-runner	90	89	85.3	84.4	81.4
7	VERTICAL THREAT	7	5/1	Trailer	0	0	62.6	77.7	74.7

Unknown Running Style: HAPPY HEPO (7/2) [Jockey: Hernandez Juan J - Trainer: Baffert Bob], HOLDEN THE LUTE (2/1) [Jockey: Van Dyke Drayden - Trainer: Baffert Bob], ADARE (12/1) [Jockey: Maldonado Edwin A - Trainer: Drysdale Neil D], NOTRE DAME (15/1)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Pleasanton

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

---

Race 7 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $10000 Class Rating: 74

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $12,500.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 LORD VADER 3/1
# 3 KNOWN 5/1
# 8 OLYMPIC SILVER 6/1

LORD VADER is the strongest wager in this race. Shows signs of the look of a profitable play, averaging a solid 68 speed rating which is one of the best in this group. Should definitely be considered for this event if only for the decent speed figure recorded in the last contest. Has recorded strong Equibase Speed Figs in dirt sprint races in the past. KNOWN - Martinez has a win percentage of 17 over the last month. With a competitive 72 speed figure last time out, will clearly be a factor in this affair. OLYMPIC SILVER - Must be carefully examined given the class of races run as of late. Is worth serious consideration and may be a bet - strong speed figs (63 average) at today's distance and surface recently.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Laurel - Race #2 - Post: 1:10pm - Claiming - 8.5 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $22,000 Class Rating: 79

Rating:

#9 SAYYIDA AL HURRA (ML=6/1)
#5 TROIS PONTS (ML=5/1)


SAYYIDA AL HURRA - It looks like McCarthy had to know this filly on Jun 6th when riding her for the initial time. Back on board again today. A thoroughbred coming back this quickly after a nice race is a good omen. TROIS PONTS - I like that latest contest on May 30th at Laurel where she ended up fourth. Running 1 1/16 miles on the grass, you've have to look at horse's turf figures. This horse has the tops in the bunch. Out of the money finish in the last race at Laurel was better than it looked on paper. She improved position in the lane and never gave up.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 STIVA (ML=3/1), #3 DYNAMIC MISS (ML=4/1), #8 CHASING HELICITY (ML=6/1),

STIVA - This favorite may be out of shape without any recent works. DYNAMIC MISS - Don't think that this mare has value at 4/1 this time around. CHASING HELICITY - Would have to move up off that fifth place finish last time to make an impact here. Garnered a disappointing speed rating last time out in a $25,000 Claiming race on March 13th. Improbable to see an improved performance off of that rating.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - TROIS PONTS - Last time is deceiving, better than it looked. Will give a nice effort this time around.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#9 SAYYIDA AL HURRA is going to be the play if we are getting 5/2 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [5,9]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:	Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Churchill Downs

06/27/20, CD, Race 1, 1.00 ET
06/27/20,CD,1,6F [Dirt] 1:07:03 MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT. Purse $79,000 (includes up to $20,600 KTDF - Kentucky TB Devt Fund). FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. Three Year Olds, 118 lbs.; Older, 124 lbs. (Preference To Horses That Have Not Started For $50,000 Or Less In Last 3 Starts).
. . . .
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the WPC and ROI to be valid.

100.0000	6	Purrfectly Claire	7/2	Hernandez. Jr. B J	Bauer Philip A.	SC	50.00	1.91/$1
098.3480	5	Sea Garden	3-1	Graham J	Margolis Steve	W	40.00	1.41/$1
098.3161	3	Raison d'Etre	5/2	Leparoux J R	Casse Mark E.	FEL	50.00	1.91/$1
096.8844	2	Lucky Find	6-1	Lanerie C J	Proctor Thomas F.		40.00	1.41/$1
095.9557	4	Tracing Gold	20-1	Albarado R	Adams Douglas S.		50.00	1.91/$1
095.8666	7	Curls and Bows(b-)	7/2	Gaffalione T	McPeek Kenneth G.	J	50.00	1.91/$1
094.4420	1	Sovereign Appeal	10-1	Beschizza A	Lynch Brian A.	T	50.00	1.91/$1

* Top rated horse with "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - WPC 28.44, ROI 0.84/$1

---

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Louisiana Downs - Race #3 - Post: 4:01pm - Maiden Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $10,000 Class Rating: 71

Rating:

#5 GOLDEN SMILES (ML=3/1)


GOLDEN SMILES - Recent speed figs show powerful pattern of improvement.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 GILDED APPLE (ML=7/5), #4 CAZADORA (ML=4/1), #3 HURRICANE TIZWAY (ML=6/1),

GILDED APPLE - Would have to get better off that fourth place finish last out to make an impact here. 7/5 is not worth the risk for any thoroughbred in a sprint of 6 furlongs that hasn't hit the board in a short distance clash lately. I cannot play this confirmed non-winner. Gets the job finished once in a while. CAZADORA - Finished sixth on June 13th after the extended layoff. Doubtful if there will be improvement in this event. Speed ratings tell a narrative of lessening physical condition.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Play #5 GOLDEN SMILES to win if you can get odds of 1/1 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	Pass
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Charles Town

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

---

Race 4 - Maiden Special Weight - 4.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $27000 Class Rating: 72

FOR MAIDENS, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, AND SIX YEARS OLD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 116 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 7 GRANDPA LOUIE 4/1
# 4 CYCLOBOMB 7/2
# 5 FASTDRIVEN 3/1

GRANDPA LOUIE has a decent shot to take this race. Ought to be carefully examined here on the basis of the figures in the speed department alone. Jockey's recent return on investment figures make this gelding a strong wager. Has a solid shot in this race if you like back class. CYCLOBOMB - Is tough not to examine based on Equibase Speed Figures which have been solid - 63 avg - of late. The winning percentage shown by horses entered by Carlisle running at this distance are the most favorable in this group of animals. FASTDRIVEN - Handler has very solid win rate (25 percent) at this distance and surface. He looks very good in this slot and I expect will be on the front end or close at the halfway point.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Top Horse Analytics at Gulfstream Park

06/27/20, GP, Race 11, 5.18 ET
06/27/20,GP,11,1M [Dirt] 1:33:01 STAKES. Added Elegance Stakes. Purse $60,000. FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. Free nomination by Friday, June 19. $600 to enter. After payment of 1% to all owners of horses finishing sixth through last, 62% of the remaining purse shall be paid to the owner of the winner, 20% to second,10% to third, 5% to fourth, and 3% to fifth. Weight Three Years Old 122 lbs.; Older 126. Non-winners of a stakes since December 1 or three races other than maiden, claiming, starter or State-Bred allowance, 2 lbs.; two races other than maiden, claiming,starter or State-Bred allowance, 4 lbs. Starters to be named by usual time of closing. Supplemental nominations may be made at time of entry. All fees shall be paid prior to the start of the race.
. . . .
Best in race Flags - (J)ockey (T)rainer (S)peed (F)inish (E)arnings (W)orkouts (L)ead (C)loser
After scratches, a horse P# must be the top rated horse for the WPC and ROI to be valid.

100.0000	3	Queen Nekia	4-1	Camacho S	Joseph. Jr. Saffie A.	JTEC	43.02	1.47/$1
099.1032	1	Nonna Madeline	5/2	Zayas E J	Pletcher Todd A.		43.02	1.47/$1
099.0538	4	Letruska	3-1	Jaramillo E	Gutierrez Fausto	SL	43.02	1.47/$1
097.6019	6	Remarkable Soul	8-1	Arroyo A S	Nicks Ralph E.		43.02	1.47/$1
097.4191	8	Heiressall	10-1	Vasquez M A	Pompay Teresa M.		37.50	1.16/$1
097.3044	2	Bella Ciao	9/2	Reyes L	Sano Antonio	F	43.02	1.47/$1
094.9291	5	Starship Bonita	15-1	Meneses M	Dwoskin Steven	W	44.59	1.74/$1
094.1066	7	Helping Lisa D	12-1	Lebron V	Dwoskin Steven		37.50	1.16/$1

* Top rated horse with "Dirt Surface Not fst/wf" - WPC 27.86, ROI 0.90/$1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rk	Sports Services	Free Sports Picks
1.	NSA(The Legend)	HORSES – Laurel Park Race 2: #7 to WIN
2.	Gameday Network	HORSES – Laurel Park Race 7: #3 to WIN
3.	VegasSI.com	HORSES – Laurel Park Race 1: #1 to WIN
4.	Vegas Line Crushers	HORSES – Gulfstream Park Race 6: #5 to WIN
5.	Sports Action 365	HORSES – Gulfstream Park Race 8: #5 to WIN
6.	Point Spread Report	HORSES – Gulfstream Park Race 3: #1 to WIN
7.	Lou Panelli	HORSES – Ruidoso Downs Race 1: #5 to WIN
8.	Gerry “Big Cat” Andino	HORSES – Ruidoso Downs Race 5: #2 to WIN
9.	VegasSI.com Platinum Info Club	HORSES – Ruidoso Downs Race 7: #9 to WIN
10.	William E. Stockton	HORSES – Churchill Downs Race 8: #7 to WIN
11.	Vincent Pioli	HORSES – Churchill Downs Race 3: #1 to WIN
12.	Steve “Scoop” Kendall	HORSES – Churchill Downs Race 6: #6 to WIN
13.	SCORE	HORSES – Charles Town Race 5: #6 to WIN
14.	East Coast Line Movers	HORSES – Charles Town Race 8: #12 to WIN
15.	Tony Campone	HORSES – Charles Town Race 3: #1 to WIN
16.	Chicago Sports Group	HORSES – Delta Downs Race 6: #7 to WIN
17.	Hollywood Sportsline	HORSES – Delta Downs Race 7: #2 to WIN
18.	VIP Action	HORSES – Delta Downs Race 8: #7 to WIN
19.	South Beach Sports	HORSES – Belmont Park Race 5: #7 to WIN
20.	Las Vegas Sports Commission	HORSES – Belmont Park Race 7: #2 to WIN
21.	NY Players Club	HORSES – Belmont Park Race 1: #9 to WIN
22.	Fred Callahan	HORSES – Woodbine Race 7: #7 to WIN
23.	Las Vegas Private CEO Club	HORSES – Woodbine Race 4: #11 to WIN
24.	Michigan Sports	HORSES – Evangeline Downs Race 1: #4 to WIN
25.	National Consensus Report	HORSES – Evangeline Downs Race 7: #2 to WIN

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike McClure

NASCAR

The model began its season paying out big by picking Denny Hamlin to win his second consecutive Daytona 500 at 10-1. It got off to a hot start following the coronavirus hiatus as well, calling seven top-10 drivers at The Real Heroes 400 and Toyota 500 at Darlington. Using the model, McClure also recommended an outright play on winner Brad Keselowski at 13-1 as one of his best bets at Bristol. The model also called Kevin Harvick's win at Atlanta and nailed a whopping nine top-10 finishers in that race. McClure also used the model to lock in a bet for Hamlin at 10-1 for his win at Miami.


Bets I've locked in as of 5:30 PM EST 6/25:

Kyle Busch +500
Martin Truex +700
Clint Bowyer +5000

H2H Bets:

Erik Jones +110 vs. Alex Bowman
Matt DiBenedetto +120 vs. Aric Almirola

The projected top 10, according to the model:

1 Kyle Busch 5-1
2 Kevin Harvick 5-1
3 Denny Hamlin 7-1
4 Martin Truex Jr 7-1
5 Chase Elliott 15-2
6 Brad Keselowski 8-1
7 Joey Logano 10-1
8 Ryan Blaney 12-1
9 Kurt Busch 22-1
10 Clint Bowyer 50-1

The rest of the field, according to the model:

11 Erik Jones
12 Tyler Reddick
13 Jimmie Johnson
14 Alex Bowman
15 William Byron
16 Matt DiBenedetto
17 Aric Almirola
18 Ricky Stenhouse Jr
19 Ryan Newman
20 Cole Custer
21 Matt Kenseth
22 Christopher Bell
23 Bubba Wallace
24 Austin Dillon
25 Chris Buescher
26 Ty Dillon
27 Daniel Suarez
28 Michael McDowell
29 Corey Lajoie
30 Ryan Preece
31 John H. Nemechek
32 Brennan Poole
33 Timmy Hill
34 Garrett Smithley
35 Joey Gase
36 JJ Yeley
37 Quin Houff
38 Josh Bilicki
39 BJ McLeod
40 James Davison

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Rocky Atkinson

Jun 27 '20, 3:35 PM in 4h
NASCAR | Alex Bowman vs William Byron
Play on: William Byron +105 at 5Dimes

Rocketman Sports FREE Nascar Head to Head Matchup Saturday 6-27-20
#88 Alex Bowman vs #24 William Byron (3:35 PM EST)
Play On: #24 William Byron +105
The Nascar Cup boys move to Pocono this weekend for back to back races on Saturday and Sunday. William Byron has no wins, 1 Top 5 finish and 3 Top 10 finishes in his 4 races here at Pocono. His average finish is 9.3 at this track which is second best among all active drivers. Alex Bowman has no wins, 1 Top 5 finish and 1 Top 10 finish in his 8 races at Pocono. His average finish is 22.3 at this track. We'll play William Byron to finish ahead of Alex Bowman today! Thanks and good luck, Rocky
Rocky Atkinson from Rocketman Sports won again this past weekend cashing the TOP play on Almirola over Byron. Now documented 65% with all Nascar picks this year! 69-37 65% last 3 years with all Nascar picks! 20-7 74% last 27 overall picks all sports dating back to right before Corona. Rocky has a TOP 8* Nascar Head to Head Matchup and a 6* Nascar Head to Head Matchup for Saturday! Get on board and WIN BIG again!

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Micah Roberts

NASCAR

In the season-opening Daytona 500, he nailed Denny Hamlin's win at 10-1 odds, and he hit eventual winner Joey Logano at 13-2 odds in the Pennzoil 400 a week later. He also nailed Hamlin's victory in the Toyota 500 last month, even though he wasn't one of the top three favorites.

Roberts also crushed the 2019 NASCAR season. Those who wagered $100 on Roberts' predicted winner in each of the 40 NASCAR races last year (an investment of $4,000) finished with a strong profit of $2,100. In addition, those who put down $50 on each of Roberts' top four choices in each of those races (an investment of $8,000) were up a head-turning $3,400.


For the first time, the NASCAR Cup Series will run two races on a weekend at the same location, giving us a unique opportunity to immediately utilize what we witness on Saturday and bet again the following day. Pocono Raceway's 2.5-mile tricky triangle is the beta site for this new venture by NASCAR, and it wasn't created due to the coronavirus pandemic. These dates at Pocono were set on the original season schedule. There will be no practice for either race, so the cars have to come off the hauler prepared and ready to go for shorter distances (325 miles on Saturday, 350 on Sunday) than the normal 400-mile event. I'm expecting the same group of drivers to do well in each race. It's important to know that Sunday's starting lineup will have all finishers on Saturday's lead lap invert their position.

One big issue this season has been the weather. It seems as if it rains during every race, and Pocono seems to have had the most rain delays in my last 40 years of watching NASCAR. Early forecasts show a 50 percent chance of rain Saturday and a 40 percent chance on Sunday.

Here's how I see things going in Saturday's race:

1 #9 Chase Elliott (15-2) -- Despite having only one victory this season, he's been the best using this week's race package because he's been competing for the win in all of them. He's been eighth or better in six of the races using this package, and in the two in which he didn't finish well, he was wrecked at Darlington and lost a lap at Las Vegas after leading 70 and winning the first two stages. He's finished fourth twice at Pocono.

2 #11 Denny Hamlin (7-1) -- Among active drivers, he leads the Cup Series with five wins at Pocono. His victory last fall was his first there since 2010. He should have a similar set-up to that race, and the package featuring engines with 550 horsepower has been his best, carrying him to two wins. He has a series-leading three victories this season.

3 #20 Erik Jones (18-1) -- He's 17th in points after 13 races with three top-five finishes, but this certainly is a track on which he could record his first win of the season. I'm looking for top-fives in both races this weekend. He's the active leader at Pocono with an eighth-place average finish. In six starts, he has posted four top-fives, including a runner-up last fall.

4 #18 Kyle Busch (5-1) -- He didn't win a Cup Series race at Pocono in his first 25 starts but has now captured three of the last five and has led laps in his last nine starts there. He hasn't won yet this season, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't take one of the two races this weekend.

5 #4 Kevin Harvick (5-1) -- He leads the series with 10 top-10 finishes this season and has recorded 12 top-fives at Pocono in 38 Cup Series starts but surprisingly has no wins. However, he did win a 2011 Truck Series race and has been runner-up four times in the Cup Series. The reason to support him here is that he's registered two wins this season using this week's package.

6 #12 Ryan Blaney (12-1) -- He notched his first Cup Series win at Pocono in 2017, when he drove the last Ford to win there, and also won a 2013 Truck Series race. His average finish in eight Cup starts has been 11.5. He's tied for the series lead this season with seven top-fives.

7 #2 Brad Keselowski (8-1) -- He's recorded top-five finishes in 10 of his 20 starts at Pocono, including a win in 2011. He's been eighth or better in eight of his last nine starts. He also registered an Xfinity Series win in 2017 and, for what it's worth, his father Bob won five times at Pocono in the ARCA Series. He's a great matchup and fantasy play.

8 #24 William Byron (20-1) -- Even before Hendrick Motorsports' power resurgence, Byron was rolling strong at Pocono with a 9.2 average finish and a best of fourth place last fall. He won a Truck Series race there in 2016. He might offer the best value on the board or be the best long-shot candidate to win despite having poor luck all season.

9 #22 Joey Logano (10-1) -- His win at Pocono from the pole in 2012 was the second Cup Series victory of his career and a sign he really might be better than sliced bread. He signed with Team Penske the following year and has since won 23 races and a Cup Series Championship. But he hasn't led a lap there in his last six starts, and his last top-five finish occurred eight races ago in 2016.

10 #88 Alex Bowman (17-1) -- Pocono should be a good track for him, even though he's never led a lap there. His best finish was third in 2018, but the reason to back him here is because of the Hendrick Motorsports horsepower. He's put it to good use, winning at Fontana and being runner-up at Darlington while using this week's race package.

11 #1 Kurt Busch (22-1) -- He leads all active drivers with 14 top-five finishes in his 37 Cup Series starts at Pocono, including three wins - the last coming in 2016. He's been seventh or better in five of his eight starts using this week's race package.

12 #10 Aric Almirola (100-1) -- Three of his four top finishes at Pocono have come in the last two seasons while with Stewart-Haas Racing. He's coming off his best two performances of the season as he's registered his first two top-five finishes.

13 #19 Martin Truex Jr. (7-1) -- He's a two-time winner at Pocono, with the victories coming in 2015 and 2018, but he hasn't led a lap there in his last three starts. I downgraded him here because he's recorded only one top-five finish in the eight races using this week's package. His lone win of 2020 came while using the 750-horsepower package. I'll be betting against him in a few matchups.

14 #48 Jimmie Johnson (22-1) -- He's a three-time winner in 36 Cup Series starts at Pocono and is averaging a 12th-place finish. His last win there came in 2013 and his last top-five finish occurred in 2015. His only top-five using this week's race package came at Las Vegas before the shutdown. He's been good with it in several races but hasn't been able to bring back his 2007 machine-like inner self.

15 #17 Chris Buescher (500-1) -- With 55 laps remaining in the fall race at Pocono in 2016, Buescher stayed on the track when the rain hit while everyone else pitted. The rain came stronger and harder, and since there are no lights at the track, it got darker. The result was the biggest NASCAR long shot ever to cash in Las Vegas at 1000-1 odds. It remains Buescher's only Cup Series win. So needless to say, this place is special to him.

16 #3 Austin Dillon (125-1) -- He won a Truck Series race at Pocono in 2014 but has averaged only a 19th-place finish over 12 starts, without a top-10. But the reason to support him this week is that his team is on a roll. Richard Childress Racing has some speed in 2020, maybe more than Dillon's ever had in the Cup Series.

17 #95 Christopher Bell (125-1) -- His team is using Joe Gibbs Racing equipment and looks to have figured out this race package the best. He finished eighth at Homestead the last time the package was used and was ninth at Charlotte with it. He won a Truck Series race at Pocono in 2017.

18 #8 Tyler Reddick (75-1) -- He might be the wild card of the weekend with a chance of grabbing his first Cup Series win as he recorded an impressive fourth-place finish at Homestead the last time this race package was used.

19 #6 Ryan Newman (125-1) -- The first time I heard of Newman was when I watched him dominate a 2000 ARCA race for Team Penske. He's averaged a 13th-place finish in his 34 Cup Series starts, including a win from the pole in 2003.

20 #47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (200-1) -- In 14 starts at Pocono, he has averaged a 23rd-place finish without a top-10. But this race package has been good for him this season as he's recorded two top-fives in eight races while using it. Chevrolet equipment from Hendrick Motorsports has made the car very fast.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mike McClure

UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Hooker

Top picks

Dustin Poirier, Brendan Allen and Youssef Zalal

Fight Picks

Dustin Poirier (-200) vs. Dan Hooker (+175): Poirier via TKO
Mike Perry (-300) vs. Mickey Gall (+250): Perry
Brendan Allen (-275) vs. Kyle Daukaus (+235): Allen
Maurice Greene (-215) vs. Gian Villante (+185): Greene
Luis Pena (-270) vs. Khama Worthy (+230): Pena
Philipe Lins (-115) vs. Tanner Boser (-105): Lins
Sean Woodson (-500) vs. Julian Erosa (+350): Woodson via TKO
Takashi Soto (-155) vs. Jason Witt: Soto
Kay Hanson (-150) vs. Jinh Yu Frey (+130): Hanson
Jordan Griffin (-120) vs. Youssef Zalal (+100): Zalal

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brandon Wise

UFC

Dustin Poirier (-200) vs. Dan Hooker (+175): Hooker by decision

Poirier-Hooker is a classic striker's delight. After getting an amazing bout in Emmett-Burgos last week, these pair of lightweights have all the makings of a 25-minute classic when they meet on Saturday. Poirier is coming off knee surgery following his submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov in September 2019, the longest inactive period of his pro career. Hooker has seemingly figured things out, with seven wins in his last eight. In a fight that will be all about strike timing, I lean toward the more active fighter not coming off surgery and who has yet to reach the mountain top only to lose to someone he knows is better. Hooker may be the best kickboxer in the division now and Poirier has not faced a striker with that strong a skillset in his career.

Mike Perry (-300) vs. Mickey Gall (+250): Perry by TKO

These two bring a classic striker vs. wrestler contrast to the octagon. Perry, who is just 2-5 in his last seven, has said he won't have his trainer or coach in his corner, just his girlfriend. While that is a bit worrisome, I don't think it will be much of a hindrance against Gall, who has yet to show much of anything in the striking department. If Gall gets this to the ground, I will be shocked. Look for Perry to stuff some early takedowns and deliver a powerful knockout.

Brendan Allen (-275) vs. Kyle Daukaus (+235): Allen by TKO

This fight is one that may jump off the screen because of its placement on the card, but has the potential to be a Fight of the Night. Daukaus and Allen have two decision wins in 21 career victories between them. Daukaus is more of a submission specialist with all stoppages coming by either D'Arce or rear-naked choke. Allen is a bit more well-rounded, with five TKOs and eight submissions. In a fight that feels a bit even, I always lean toward the guy with more experience on this level. Daukaus is also taking this on short notice after Ian Heinisch was forced to withdraw. Allen gets it done.

Maurice Greene (-215) vs. Gian Villante (+185): Greene by submission

Villante is an auto-fade for me, regardless of opponent. The veteran is 7-8 since joining UFC in 2013 and is as unreliable as they come in delivering when expected. Now, Villante is moving up to heavyweight for the first time since 2011 against a 6-foot-7 athlete with a good ground game? Though Villante has never been submitted in his career, I think Greene will be able to get the job done and secure the stoppage.

Luis Pena (-270) vs. Khama Worthy (+230): Worthy by TKO

We don't know much about Worthy as a pro, with his UFC debut coming on short notice against a rising prospect in Devonte Smith. He scored one of the biggest upsets of the year when he stopped Smith dead in his tracks in 2019. Pena is a little bit tougher to solve and has never been stopped in his career. But Worthy's striking game looked top notch and his power should translate again in a smaller cage with less room for "Violent Bob Ross" to circle away from strikes.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Bob Weir

Horse Racing

Belmont Park Race 8 (5:04 p.m. ET)
New York Stakes
1 Call Me Love (9-5) is the logical favorite off a good second behind Rushing Fall in her North American debut. She stretches out in distance, which should fit this filly. Hard to knock.

7 Mean Mary (7-2) comes off back-to-back Grade 3 wins at Gulfstream Park. She's the clear speed in the field, which is always dangerous. This 4-year-old for Graham Motion will take these a long way.

Also from Graham Motion, 6 Mrs. Sippy (5-2) is unraced since the Breeders' Cup. She shows a long string of five-, six- and seven-furlong works at Fair Hill, which has proven effective for Motion. She's a strong fit for this race if she's ready off the bench.

2 Feel Glorious (10-1) will need to improve against these but is eligible to do so as a 4-year-old. Her races last year were restricted to 3-year-olds, including a couple of close placings in graded stakes. This will also be her first attempt at this distance. Might fit.

A: 1,6,7
B: 2

Belmont Park Race 9 (5:36 p.m. ET)
True North Stakes
1 Diamond King (5-1) has been racing in longer. He probably won't get the lead here, but with the right trip he can get a stalking spot inside and then have a chance to get first run. Good chance for a mild upset.

7 Promises Fulfilled (7-5) tailed off a little after two big races at Belmont. He's training well at Churchill Downs, and I trust that trainer Dale Romans wouldn't send this horse to New York if he's not fully cranked. I don't think any of the other early pace horses want to go head-to-head with Promises Fulfilled. He likes Belmont and will be tough to beat if ready.

Beyond the top two, I will use a few longer price B horses in case the race falls apart. I will continue to stand against Firenze Fire; he will need to prove he's still the same horse after exiting the Jason Servis Barn. 6 Stan the Man (20-1), 2 Midnightcharly (20-1) and 4 Wait for It (12-1) can all be running late and are worth a chance at long prices.

A: 1,7
B: 2,4,6

Belmont Park Race 10 (6:08 p.m. ET)
Just A Game Stakes
As with most Grade 1 turf races in New York, you have to start with trainer Chad Brown. 6 Uni (7-5) returns from her win in the Breeders' Cup Mile. A winner in seven of her last eight races, she's hard to knock. Proven off the bench, she's the most accomplished horse in the lineup. The only thing that could beat her is if she starts to regress as a 6-year-old. The clear one to beat.

Stablemate 4 Newspaperofrecord (8-5) finally got back to the winner's circle in the Grade 3 Intercontinental. She set a fast pace on yielding turf and prevailed easily at the seven-furlong distance. I'm still not convinced she's going to become the star that seemed inevitable when she was a 2-year-old. I will hesitantly push her to the B level.

1 Beau Recall (10-1) was very good last summer, finishing second in this race. Her return race at Churchill looks like a good prep, finishing mid-pack after encountering some trip issues. Note that was the longest layoff of her career; she has been racing steadily for two-plus years. I'm willing to give her the benefit of doubt on needing the race. I'll make her an A.

5 Regal Glory (10-1) Is definitely the "other" Chad Brown horse here. If Uni is not 100 percent off the layoff and Newspaperofrecord is pressed early, Regal Glory might be the one. She's worth including at a fair price as a B.

A: 1,6
B: 4,5

Belmont Park Race 11 (6:40 p.m. ET)
8 Brice (7-2) returns as a 3-year-old after an eventful trip in his career second start last November. He seemed to freak out a little while held inside another runner on the rail, before finally getting out and the jockey ultimately pulling up on the turn. I trust trainer Jonathan Thomas has figured out what went wrong since Brice has been aggressively placed for his return. Any natural growth or improvement from his debut makes him a contender.

3 Winning Factor (6-1) and 6 Sir Chubby (5-1) both exit the same race on June 5. Winning Factor had a brutal trip and probably would have won if anything had gone right. He gets a big jockey upgrade to Jose Ortiz on Saturday... Sir Chubby took the overland route in his last start, loomed large on the turn but flattened out a little in the stretch. Chance.

11 Sandy Lane Kitten (9-2) has the best Beyer Speed Figures but moves to a trainer (Richard Hendricks) better known for steeplechase racing. This 5-year-old comes back gelded and fits, but this could also be a last chance before the jumping starts.

12 Eagles Palace (4-1) and 4 Uncle Renny (20-1) faced better on turf at Gulfstream Park. Both have a shot with the drop.

A: 3,6,8
B: 4,11,12

Wagers
Preferred-A ticket
$2 Pick 4: 1,6,7 with 1,7 with 6 with 8 ($12)

All-A ticket
$1 Pick4: 1,6,7 with 1,7 with 1,6 with 3,6,8 ($36)

Three-A, one-B tickets
$0.50 Pick 4: 2 with 1,7 with 1,6 with 3,6,8 ($6)
$0.50 Pick 4: 1,6,7 with 2,4,6 with 1,6 with 3,6,8 ($27)
$0.50 Pick 4: 1,6,7 with 1,7 with 4,5 with 3,6,8 ($18)
$0.50 Pick 4: 1,6,7 with 1,7 with 1,6 with 4,11,12 ($18)

Total: $117

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Paul Leiner

UFC and Belmont picks 6/27

Sat Jun 27, 2020 6:56 am

100* Youssef Zalal -115 over Jordan Griffin

Belmont Race 1
#2 Sun Summers $10 win place show
$2 exacta box 2-3-9

Belmont Race 7
#3 Chalon $10 win place show
$2 exacta box 3-2-1