Your Pigskins and Ponies Picks for Jan. 1-4

Playoffs?
Don’t talk about ... playoffs!
I just hope we can win a bet.
We plan on it, so we’re talking about it. That’s why we’re here.
Welcome to ABR’s Pigskins and Ponies column, where winners play!
Horse racing is my means to an end, and I love the sport like no other, but I admit it, like most of you on a Sunday afternoon in the fall, it’s hard to pull me away from my couch ... and NFL RedZone.
I have a wanted sign in Vegas and am feared by fantasy football mavens nationwide, but when it comes to the college game, I chose to punt.
That’s where Derek Cooley comes in. The dude is a loaded gun of university knowledge.
Let’s kick off the football, spring the horses from the gate and pad our bankrolls!
Pro Pigskins – by Joe Kristufek
Last week, our “over” angle failed to post a profit. Jets/Dolphins went way over the total, but Bears/Vikings and Saints/Buccaneers both stayed under.
The Packers helped us salvage a break-even week by covering the number against the Lions.
Last week: 2-2 (.500)
Season Total: 24-26-2 (.48)
Pro Football Superfecta
Saturday, Jan. 3
Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) @ Carolina Panthers
The Panthers ride a four-game winning streak into this unlikely playoff appearance, but all of those victories came against struggling teams. The Cardinals lost four of their last six to end the season, and their offensive issues are well documented, but they’re well coached and proud. Arizona will be well prepared and I don’t think they’ll go down without a fight.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers UNDER 45
Benefitting from one of the softer schedules in the league, the Ravens won ten games, but only two of those victories came against playoff teams, with seven-win Carolina, during their time of struggle, being one of them. The offense has sputtered the last three weeks and the Steelers are getting healthy on defense. The Steelers offense has been prolific at times, but the status of star running back Lev’eon Bell is in question, and the team is thin at the position. As of Thursday night, the weather forecast calls for gusty winds and potentially heavy rainfall. The nastiness of the rivalry adds enhances the chance that this game will be played close to the vest.
Sunday, Jan. 4
Cincinnati Bengals (+3) at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts smacked the Bengals 27-0 in week seven, but Jeremy Hill wasn’t the featured back and Cincinnati has gone 7-3 since. The Colts are at home and have a solid edge at QB, but the Bengals play better defense and have the ability to control the clock on the ground. To greatly increase their chances at a slight upset, Cincinnati needs top receiver A. J. Green to pass his concussion tests and for quarterback Andy Dalton to manage the game with some level of competence.
CINCINNATI IS IN TOP FORM

WikiMedia Commons
Dallas Cowboys (-6.5) vs. Detroit Lions
The Cowboys are clicking on all cylinders on offense and their massive offensive line should neutralize the Lions greatest strength. Dallas can score in so many different ways. The Lions’ only win against a playoff team came way back in week three against Green Bay. “Megatron” just hasn’t been himself and the Detroit offense has underachieved as a whole. The Cowboys are determined to get the playoff monkey off their back and they are their leaders are hungry.
Ponies – by Joe Kristufek
When playing the horses, all you can do is identify live horses, hopefully ones who provide fair value, and let the hooves fall where they may.
Such was the case for us last weekend. All three of our Gulfstream Park stakes horses ran well, but only Speechify would come through, winning the Mr. Prospector as the 8-5 favorite. Julie’s Love, our 14-1 longshot play in the La Prevoyante, finished fifth, but she was only beaten 2 ¼ lengths for all the money. Bet down to 7-2, Unitarian finished fourth in the McKnight, losing by just three lengths to stablemate Divine Oath.
Last week: 3-1-0-0 ($2 WPS * $18 wagered * $11.80 returned)
Season Total: 50-18-6-3 ($2 WPS * $300 wagered * $369.30 returned = $7.39 ROI)
Saturday, Jan. 3
Gulfstream Park - Hallandale, Florida
Race 8 – Spectacular Bid
#10 Ready for Rye (morning line odds 5-2)
A good second at Saratoga in his career debut behind the Triple Crown legit Carpe Diem, this newly-turned sophomore son of City Zip returned to score a splashing romp of his own at Belmont. He’s been rested since October, but at this early stage, he appears to have the best chance to be special.
READY FOR RYE BREAKING HIS MAIDEN

Photo by NYRA/Coglianese Photo
Race 9 – Ginger Brew
#4 Mom’z Laugh (morning line odds 15-1)
Every once in a while, it’s wise to play the hunch, especially when there is an emotional attachment involved. My mother, who has the most infectious, recognizable laugh of anyone I know, has been very sick recently, so I was immediately drawn to the name. Intuition aside, this filly has run two decent races sprinting on dirt, and based on the pedigree, there’s reason to believe she may be even better on turf. If you’re going to play a hunch, it’s nice to get a price, and you will.
Race 10 – Mucho Macho Man
#2 Ami’s Flatter (morning line odds 15-1)
A sharp debut winner over Woodbine’s Polytrack, this newly-turned 3-year-old son of Flatter has sizzled in his recent Palm Meadows works and the one-turn mile should be right up his alley. I would be happy to get half the seemingly high morning line odds.