?A Closer Look??
by Jimmy Mason - Betcom Sportsbook
PREAKNESS STAKES: Pimlico Race Course
The Kentucky Derby saw betting fans come out on top by winning $10.2 for every $2 bet on favorite Smarty Jones. Smarty Jones won impressively in the mud, but will he continue his undefeated string (7-7 lifetime). Or will another top contender such as Lion Heart or Imperialism take the Preakness? The Preakness will presumably be run on a dry track, therefore creating a much faster field.
So let?s take ?A Closer Look? at the contenders.
RUNDOWN OF TOP 5 CONTENDERS
1) Smarty Jones -- 8/5
Seven start, 7 wins. It?s hard to argue with those numbers, and has shown he likes to run in the mud. But the key question is will he be able to keep up with the fast pace sure to be set by Lion Heart, and the pace-setting fader Water Cannon?
2) Lion Heart -- 3/1
Lion Heart is a speedster who likes to set the pace. However, he does have the disadvantage of likely having to contend with Water Cannon, a long shot who always likes to charge straight to the front. Lion Heart has followed his moniker and demonstrated a lot of heart, and after dispatching Water Cannon will likely be right there to the wire.
3) Imperialism -- 5/1
My personal favorite to win, Imperialism was trapped along the rail in the Kentucky Derby behind slower horses, and could not get free until the final turn. By then he was too wide, and too far behind. This quote from Imperialism jockey Desormeaux: "With a clean trip, I would have absolutely challenged Smarty Jones?I can assure you when we corner for the Preakness, Imperialism will be at his throat and he'll have to hold me off.?
4) Rock Hard Ten -- 6/1
Rock Hard Ten failed to get into the Kentucky Derby, due to lack of winnings, or in this case, the number of races needed to earn said winnings. He placed 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby beating some quality horses in only his third start. While lacking experience, he is certainly a very talented horse, and has a realistic shot to win.
5) The Cliffs Edge -- 8/1
The Cliffs Edge was a favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, and had a great reason for not winning. He lost his shoes! He is an exciting horse who could easily win this race ---if healthy! Reports are that he may have a bruised foot. If he races, he should give a good showing.
Major League Baseball
American League ? Central Division
MINNESOTA TWINS and CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Mostly overlooked due to the high profile A.L. East, this gritty battle for first place is the A.L Central is really beginning to cook. As of today, the Twins (19-13) have a slim one game lead over the Chi Sox (18-14).
So now let?s take ?A Closer Look?.
The Twins have played excellent fundamental baseball, dating back to 1983 when ex-manager Tom Kelly took over. Present manager Ron Gardenhire, groomed under Kelly, has used the same formula with much success. Minny?s strong pitching, great farm system, solid fundamentals, and team concept help give them the edge, and have helped to keep this small market team near the top for the last five years. And the amazing thing about the Twins is that they don?t have a single player with more than 6 homers! They truly are the kings of ?Small Ball? Their solid, yet bland pitching staff is led by Brad Radke 2-2, 3.95. The staff is filled out by the hard throwing Johan Santana 1-0, 5.26, and rookie Carlos Silva 5-0, 3.11.
The White Sox are a similar team to that of the Twins, specifically in that they have a very solid pitching staff. They are lead by Esteban Loaiza, who was 21-9, with a 2.90 ERA last year. And they have Mark Buehrle, who won 19 games two seasons ago. They do have one thing their rivals don?t: Magglio Ordonez, who leads the AL in RBI with 28. He also sports an impressive .301 average, and 8 homers.
The difference between these two is basic, as in the fundamentals. Hitting the cut off man, minimizing errors, executing the hit-and-run, and the much overlooked, all-important team chemistry. That is what will separate these two teams come the end of the season. And the Twins will be coming out on top --- Again.
Until next week, may all your wagers be winners?.
Jimmy Mason ? Betcom Sportsbook Director
Betcom Sportsbook
by Jimmy Mason - Betcom Sportsbook
PREAKNESS STAKES: Pimlico Race Course
The Kentucky Derby saw betting fans come out on top by winning $10.2 for every $2 bet on favorite Smarty Jones. Smarty Jones won impressively in the mud, but will he continue his undefeated string (7-7 lifetime). Or will another top contender such as Lion Heart or Imperialism take the Preakness? The Preakness will presumably be run on a dry track, therefore creating a much faster field.
So let?s take ?A Closer Look? at the contenders.
RUNDOWN OF TOP 5 CONTENDERS
1) Smarty Jones -- 8/5
Seven start, 7 wins. It?s hard to argue with those numbers, and has shown he likes to run in the mud. But the key question is will he be able to keep up with the fast pace sure to be set by Lion Heart, and the pace-setting fader Water Cannon?
2) Lion Heart -- 3/1
Lion Heart is a speedster who likes to set the pace. However, he does have the disadvantage of likely having to contend with Water Cannon, a long shot who always likes to charge straight to the front. Lion Heart has followed his moniker and demonstrated a lot of heart, and after dispatching Water Cannon will likely be right there to the wire.
3) Imperialism -- 5/1
My personal favorite to win, Imperialism was trapped along the rail in the Kentucky Derby behind slower horses, and could not get free until the final turn. By then he was too wide, and too far behind. This quote from Imperialism jockey Desormeaux: "With a clean trip, I would have absolutely challenged Smarty Jones?I can assure you when we corner for the Preakness, Imperialism will be at his throat and he'll have to hold me off.?
4) Rock Hard Ten -- 6/1
Rock Hard Ten failed to get into the Kentucky Derby, due to lack of winnings, or in this case, the number of races needed to earn said winnings. He placed 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby beating some quality horses in only his third start. While lacking experience, he is certainly a very talented horse, and has a realistic shot to win.
5) The Cliffs Edge -- 8/1
The Cliffs Edge was a favorite to win the Kentucky Derby, and had a great reason for not winning. He lost his shoes! He is an exciting horse who could easily win this race ---if healthy! Reports are that he may have a bruised foot. If he races, he should give a good showing.
Major League Baseball
American League ? Central Division
MINNESOTA TWINS and CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Mostly overlooked due to the high profile A.L. East, this gritty battle for first place is the A.L Central is really beginning to cook. As of today, the Twins (19-13) have a slim one game lead over the Chi Sox (18-14).
So now let?s take ?A Closer Look?.
The Twins have played excellent fundamental baseball, dating back to 1983 when ex-manager Tom Kelly took over. Present manager Ron Gardenhire, groomed under Kelly, has used the same formula with much success. Minny?s strong pitching, great farm system, solid fundamentals, and team concept help give them the edge, and have helped to keep this small market team near the top for the last five years. And the amazing thing about the Twins is that they don?t have a single player with more than 6 homers! They truly are the kings of ?Small Ball? Their solid, yet bland pitching staff is led by Brad Radke 2-2, 3.95. The staff is filled out by the hard throwing Johan Santana 1-0, 5.26, and rookie Carlos Silva 5-0, 3.11.
The White Sox are a similar team to that of the Twins, specifically in that they have a very solid pitching staff. They are lead by Esteban Loaiza, who was 21-9, with a 2.90 ERA last year. And they have Mark Buehrle, who won 19 games two seasons ago. They do have one thing their rivals don?t: Magglio Ordonez, who leads the AL in RBI with 28. He also sports an impressive .301 average, and 8 homers.
The difference between these two is basic, as in the fundamentals. Hitting the cut off man, minimizing errors, executing the hit-and-run, and the much overlooked, all-important team chemistry. That is what will separate these two teams come the end of the season. And the Twins will be coming out on top --- Again.
Until next week, may all your wagers be winners?.
Jimmy Mason ? Betcom Sportsbook Director
Betcom Sportsbook
