Complimentary Picks and Analysis
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Game: Cincinnati at San Francisco (4:05 PM Eastern)
Pick: San Francisco -150 (moneyline)
The San Francisco Giants are in playoff contention for a few reasons. One of them is the fact that they have been great at home, entering here with a 36-17 mark on the season. They have also begun to get long awaited dividends from Barry Zito, who suddenly has regained the form he had in Oakland. Zito carries a 1.93 ERA into this one over his last three starts, and has allowed two runs or less in five of his last six starts. That leaves the Reds with some problems, as they are second from the bottom in run production in all of baseball against lefthand starters at just 3.8 runs per game. That puts a lot of pressure on Bronson Arroyo, who has had a very sub-par season, entering here with an ERA of over five runs a game. I like the Giants to win this one.
Complimentary Picks and Analysis
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SARATOGA Race #6 (THE WHITNEY HDCP (G1)) at 6:10 PM Eastern
Top pick: #2 (ASIATIC BOY) - He's run big races in both the "Stephen Foster" (G1) and the "Suburban"(G2) finishing second each time and draws a nice inside post for this attempt. Working fast, in a great barn (Kiaran McLaughlin) and he's our top selection in a competitive edition of the "Whitney"(G1).
2nd pick: #1 (Smooth Air) - As consistent as they come and he draws the best post for this 1 1/8th mile contest. Speed/stalker has a great work here on July 25 and looks set for his very best. "Upset" possibility.
3rd pick: #7 (Commentator) - Loves the track (6-4-0-0) and he's seeking to repeat in this prestigious race as he "coasted" to an easy wire-to-wire win over a "softer" field last year. Has the most early speed and will attempt similar front-end tactics today. Faces a tough, but not impossible task.
4th pick: #6 (Dry Martini) - No-speed runner enters in the best shape of his life and continues to train superbly. Will probably be running last early so he'll need a fast pace and some breaks to win. He would love a contested front-end battle.