Your Hoops and Horses Selections for March 11-13
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Welcome to America’s Best Racing’s Hoops and Horses column, where winners play!
Horse racing is Joe Kristufek’s means to an end, and he loves the sport like no other, but as a Chicago Bulls season ticket holder for eight years and a feared participant in fantasy hoops, Kristufek also has his finger on the pulse of the NBA.
From growing up with the Flintstones of Michigan State, running March Madness pools out of his hidden manila envelope in high school, to attending conference tournaments, Sweet 16s and Final Fours, college basketball runs in Derek Cooley’s blood.
Let’s sprint out on the fast break, spring the horses from the gate and pad our bankrolls!
College Hoops – by Derek Cooley
With March Madness looming, Derek is punching the re-set button with his eye on the Big Dance. He’ll return Tuesday with our “Big 64” – comparing NCAA tournament teams to Kentucky Derby hopefuls, so stay tuned!
Last week: 1-1-1
Season Total: 4-4-1 (.500)
Ponies – by Joe Kristufek
Last week, Shagaf ground out a Gotham victory and Subtle Indian continued his sprint domination in the Spring Fever. Unfortunately both were defined favorites.
Neither Cali Star (Heavenly Prize) nor Da Big Hoss could overcome strong track biases working against them and both failed to light the tote board.
Last week: 4-2-0-0 ($2 WPS * $24 wagered * $20.40 returned)
Season Total: 17-5-3-3 ($2 WPS * $102 wagered * $89.60 returned = $5.27)
Saturday, March 12
Tampa Bay Downs – Tampa, Fla.
Race 11 – Tampa Bay Derby (G3)
#3 Outwork (morning line odds 12-1)
A debut winner way back in April of last year, this well-bred son of Uncle Mo did not resurface until February at Tampa. He fired fresh off the bench to score a sharp sprint win and now tackles much tougher in his two-turn debut. He’s build like a router, has Todd Pletcher and Johnny V. in his corner and is very well-intended.
Santa Anita Park – Arcadia, California
Race 7 – San Felipe (G2)
#2 Danzing Candy (morning-line odds 4-1)
Recent history is against him, but it’s tough to ignore how visually impressive this guy has been. He’s going to have to work harder to win this one, but he’s speedy and rateable and I expect him to stalk, pounce and perhaps get his picture taken.
Race 10 – Santa Anita Handicap (G1)
#5 Effinex (morning-line odds 2-1)
A good horse in 2014, this now 5-year-old son of Mineshaft turned into a great horse last year and he ended the season on a high note, finishing second to American Pharoah in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in advance of a game win in the Clark Handicap (G1). He showed improved tactical speed in those races, which is a key component entering this event.
EFFINEX
Photo by Eclipse Sportswire
Pro Hoops – by Joe Kristufek
Last week was a wash. The Pacers came up short against the feisty Bobcats and the Magic failed in New York. The Wizards did manage to wear down the 76ers in Philly and the over/unders evened up our record.
Last week: 3-3
Season Total: 11-9 (.550)
Friday, March 11
Utah Jazz – 99
vs. Washington Wizards - 91
The Wizards have lost three straight. The Jazz have been on the short end in seven of their last eight. Something has to give. Both teams are fading from playoff contention. Utah faced some tough teams during their cold streak, they’re good at home and Washington is not bonding. Look for a Jazz win in a low-scoring game.
Detroit Pistons – 101
at Charlotte Bobcats – 99
Off a pair of important wins against quality opponents (vs. Portland and at Dallas), Detroit invades Charlotte, hoping to snap the Hornets five-game win streak. Charlotte’s Kemba Walker has been on fire, but Detroit’s star guard Reggie Jackson has not. That can change Friday night. Take the dog.
KEMBA WALKER
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Boston Celtics – 117
vs. Houston Rockets -- 105
Following a sloppy win over the Bulls in Chicago, the Rockets surprisingly beat the Raptors on the road in advance of an easy win in Philly. They visit Boston for what will be their fourth consecutive road game. They’re tired, unreliable and they just don’t match up well with Isaiah Thomas and a hungry Celtics squad loaded with depth.