Complimentary Picks and Analysis
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Game: Washington at Pittsburgh (7:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: Pittsburgh +110 (moneyline)
It's hard to even consider backing the Nationals on the road as a favorite, under any circumstances. They have their best pitcher in John Lannon on the hill, but it begins and ends there. The Nats, even with Lannon on the mound are still just 3-6 in his nine starts on the road. The Nats have been the worst road team against righthand pitching, perhaps of all time. They come into this one with an 11-51 mark in their last 62 games - not numbers that exude confidence with a favorite. Russ Olendorf has been steadily improving for the Pirates as they have now won five straight home starts with him as a home dog. It looks like a live dog here, so I'll go with the Pirates here.
Complimentary Picks and Analysis
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SARATOGA Race #4 at 4:00 PM Eastern
Top pick: #3 (KEY QUALITY) - Daughter of "Elusive Quality" was bet heavily in her debut and had some problems at the start. She proceeded to race close-up while wide and she tired in the last furlong. Has a nice drill since and her trainer (Bill Mott) has race on each of the first two days.
2nd pick: #10 (Jill's Kitten) - She debuted in the same race as the top pick and had a similar journey. Barn (Wesley Ward) is excellent with youngsters and very good second time out (32%).
3rd pick: #4 (Kid Kate) - Trainer Chad Brown is making a name for himself with all types of runners, especially with those racing on the grass. Filly by "Value Plus" is working sharply and Brown names his go-to rider Jose Lezcano today. Pair wins at a 33% rate when together.
4th pick: #2 (Just Parker) - Debuts for a solid barn (Ken McPeek) that can have one ready at first asking (17%). Works are way above average and trainer's main rider (Robbie Albarado) is aboard. That combination wins at a 26% rate when teamed-up.
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