FOOTBALL AND FINISH LINES FOR OCTOBER 10
Last week may have been just a bit better as I was right on two of the three total picks and the scratching of Gimme Da Lute bailed me out on my fourth selection. But you know what, I want perfection. Probably will never happen, but hey, aim high, that’s my motto. Here we go with this week’s selections.
For a brief change, we are going to step outside the Southeastern Conference. We are still going to stay in the South, just a different conference. Western Kentucky (4-1) and Middle Tennessee State (2-3) have squared off 64 times over the years with the Blue Raiders having a slight edge in the series (34-29-1). MTSU won a thriller 53-47 triple overtime thriller last season. But this is a new season and the Hilltoppers and their prolific offense (39 ppg. Average) are a solid 9 point favorite. The Raiders have lost two heartbreakers in a row so the selection here is…take Middle Tennessee State and the points. Under current coach Rick Stockstill the Blue Raiders always seem to rise to the challenge when Western is involved.
Let’s jump back in the SEC here and talk Arkansas (2-3) at Alabama (4-1). The Tide is rolling after whipping Georgia and are a big 16 point favorite here. The offense looked stellar and the defense dandy against the Bulldogs. Arkansas also looked improved as they went to Neyland Stadium and beat Tennessee. The Hogs have a history of playing Bama tough. They usually do not win (lost 14-13 in 2014), but they can cover here. The biggest offensive line in the world may just pave the way for somebody to yell Soooooeeeeyyy!
For the finish line we want to head out to one of our favorite places on the planet, Santa Anita. Let’s take a look at the seventh race at the Great Race Place, the 1 mile Surfer Girl Stakes for 2 -year old fillies. It can be hard to gauge these youngsters but there is one that has caught my eye. The 10 horse is probably what you are giving me here… One Last Shot. A daughter of Any Given Saturday, she is Bob Baffert trained and ridden by Martin Garcia. With one win and one second place finish at Del Mar in her career, she will be looking to move forward with her second start at this distance. Currently at 6-1 on the morning line let’s take One Last Shot across the board.
Next up is a trip to another wonderful track, Keeneland. The 9th race on the card is the mile and an eighth Queen Elizabeth II on the turf. Contested for three year old fillies, the race looks to be coming up pretty tough. I like the number 2 horse, Prize Exhibit. Invading from the West Coast, this James Cassidy trained British-bred runner has never won at this distance, but does have three wins this year at 1 mile. Listed at 6-1 on the morning line, she will likely go off at a god price as invaders sometimes get little respect at the windows. Looks like another solid opportunity to go across the board and cash a ticket with Prize Exhibit.
As always, if you are taking my advice…GOOD LUCK!
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