Yes, Surprise was the word of the day yesterday as the Titanic of horse racing, the 1-9 favorite Uncle Mo lost to two (not just one, but two – Toby’s Corner and Arthur’s Tale) rivals in the Wood Memorial.
BTW: As you know, I had picked Uncle Mo to win that race (as did everyone else it seems – after all, he went off at 1-9) so that was a loss. What I didn’t have time to tell most of you was this. When Uncle Mo showed those odds (1-9) I jumped off him! At those odds, no horse is bettable because you risk your money for a very small return… it’s just not smart! So, the play in this case was to bet EVERY OTHER HORSE to win… and hope for an upset. Because, the closest odds to the favorite was an amazing 17-1 (late betting pushed him down to 8-1 – may have been his connections who always bet at the very last moment)… the other horses were well into the high 20′s, the 30′s, and beyond. So, place one unit on each of the other horses to win, and 2 units on the favorite-of-the-rest (8-1).
Playing $10 units, your bet would have been $90, and your return was nearly $200.
At the start of that race, Uncle Mo was also the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. Less than two minutes later… dog meat! Well, that’s a little harsh, he’s still a good horse in a so-so crop of 3 year olds. That’s horse racing! As we know, anything can and does happen. Unless it’s discovered that Uncle Mo was injured (and Bob Baffert said he tore a quarter at the gate) Uncle Mo had no excuses as the times were very, very slow.
The race to enter The Kentucky Derby tightens up considerably today through two very important prep races; the Santa Anita Derby, and the Wood Memorial.
Here’s how I see them:
Santa Anita Derby – Today’s SADerby is going to be hottly contested based upon of all things: the horses! Duh! You say… but consider the facts that great careful breeding, high prices, famous connections, perfect training and deep pocket owners can all do their parts and still not make the grade… in this case: The Grade I, Million Dollar SAD!
Sure, Dialed In, the 5-2 second favorite in the eight horse field ridden by Julien Leparoux and trained by Nick Zito, won the Florida Derby. But I have to ask “So What”? It was his trademarked long-strided stretch run that got him the win… but… Read the rest…
The Kentucky Derby race to the post begins today. There’s a big field of horses trying to qualify for the Run for the Roses. It’s a matter of money… that is, the top money earners of this year’s crop of three-year-olds will get into the big race on the first Saturday in May (May 7th).
Update: Results below…
Since 2004, the Kentucky Derby has had 20 horses in the race. If more than 20 (the limit) are entered Read the rest…
On one hand, I feel sorry for Cam Newton (QB – Auburn). Not for what he’s done, but because he’s doing just what his low-life father has taught him to do. Read the rest…
Oregon is #1 in BOTH (human) polls.
Oregon beat its opponent this week by a larger margin than did Auburn.
Oregon scores more points (and much sooner) than any other team.
Is ranked FIRST in many stats.
Oregon has a legitimate Heisman candidate.
Oregon has allowed fewer points in the second half than ANY other team.
(These facts just keep coming)
Yet Oregon is #2 to Auburn???????
… and ever worse: #3 Boise State (.8846) is closer to #2 Oregon (.9060) in points than Oregon is to #1 Auburn (.9371) in points….. What are they thinking? Read the rest…
On that day, HR2267, the gambling bill written by Congressman Barney Franks (overturning the UIGEA) passed through the House Financial Services Committee, and signed on it’s 70th Co-Sponsor, Rep John Campbell, California.
It’s not such a small step either. Before the bill even reaches the House for a vote, we have a great number of Lawmakers ready to vote YES!
While the House Financial Services Committee approved the Internet gambling regulatory bill, it has been now been sent to the House Energy and Commerce and the House Judiciary committees.
If the bill passes those committees, it would go before the House of Representatives. It needs only a majority of the vote, only 148 votes in favor of the bill are needed.
The House is on vacation this month (August) and has a full agenda when it returns in September. Just when they’ll get our bill of course, is anybody’s guess right now.
Add to that, the November election is looming and looking very shaky so that will have a definite dampening effect on when (or if) our bill, which would regulate online gambling in the US by overturning the UIGEA, comes to a vote.
Unfortunately for sports fans, Online Sportsbooks in the US would not be covered by this legislation.
So, let’s hope more co-sponsors sign on. Let’s hope the bill goes to the House for a vote. And let’s hope the outcome is the only fair one – the revocation of that horrible UIGEA.
I hope you all hate (hmmmm dislike) Microsoft. If not for their poor (Horrible) products, then for their poor (Horrible) business practices. (Don’t get me started – ’cause it goes all the way back to their early days – read about those pirates yourself).
Now, our beloved Yahoo has decided to get into bed with the Redmond, WA bandits. They’re merging their Search Marketing with (gag) Bing!
We who love Gambling (and that really includes EVERYONE – if you don’t believe me – stop buying Stocks, Bonds, Insurance Policies, and picking your Mate) had to leave Google… and now Yahoo too!
Wow, it seem it’s necessary to send out a reminder to everyone that what makes online gambling “illegal” in the US has exceptions.
When Bush and his Republican cronies snuck the horrible UIGEA into the “Patriot’s Bill” late one Friday night, it became a law that was to become one of the biggest mistakes (or stupid moves) in many decades. It’s been debated, argued, postponed and fought over ever since!
You know the history… you know the problems it caused… you know it’s impossible to enforce… and yet it still hangs over us.
First, let me introduce you to a great meal. Last night, I went to “Treasures” in Las Vegas. Now, now… don’t go haywire on me… Yes, it’s a strip club – but I only read the articles – LOL
If you take a severe left after entering… you’ll find yourself in a well maintained (it’s fairly new anyway), darkly lit, European atmosphere with deep chairs and high backs… pretty private!
OK – now the good part: I had what I believe to be… the second best Porterhouse I’ve ever eaten!! Read the rest…
I’m still here in Las Vegas – enjoying some profitable sports bets plus a few horses too! I’ve been away too long to know the horses, but I’m happy to see that the same handicapping tricks I used to teach STILL WORK!!!!
I stumbled upon a unique person… here’s a handicapper that Read the rest…
We’re still on death row, but he Government granted a reprieve.
We were all to become criminals on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. That was the day the dreaded (and dreadful) UIGEA was to be enforced. Yep, all this time it’s only been hanging over our vulnerable heads. Starting Tuesday, Bush’s sneaky, last-minute, hidden addition to the “Patriot Act” (HAHAHA) was forced upon us. Long live Freedom…
One by one our “freedoms” get eroded…
But, now with this BETTER Administration – There I said it: BETTER Administration. By the way, I like Pres Obama, but face it; ANY Administration would be better than Bush’s… ANY!
Congratulations to the Orlando Magic for winning the Eastern Conference Championship. The final score was 103 – 90 in this 4th win against two for the Cleveland Cavs.
As is my calling… I must make a prediction (or two). Read the rest…
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