2012 Preakness Favorites

The big day is here. We hit a big Trifecta and Superfecta so the heat is on! Past results are indicative of our incredible horse handicapping skills and you NEED to get on board right now. Get our 2012 Preakness Betting Picks straight from Baltimore, Maryland.

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I'll have another and Bodemeister are crowd favorites but the jockeys we know are signaling a few things that can lead to big profits for the preakness. Optimizer, Cozzetti, Daddy Knows Best, Creative Cause, Went the day well, Zetterholm, Pretenstion, Tiger Walk, and Teeth of the dog can all throw out some surprises that you won't know how to bet at the track unless you have our help.

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Major League Soccer Betting Picks

Despite America's overall lack of enthusiasm for the world's most popular sport, Major League Soccer has become quite an entertaining league and a landing spot for some of the planet's best players.

Still, although the league isn’t all that publicized, it seems like that point is coming as the US Men’s National Team is starting to get quite the following. If the Under-23 squad had qualified for the Olympics as expected, it may have helped even more.

With the salaries being offered up by America's most wealthy clubs, like David Beckman's  record-setting deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy, it has spurred an influx of international-born players willing to travel beyond there own backyards and across the pond to compete for prominence in the MLS.

Here are our picks for five of the better internationals that are currently playing in Major League Soccer this season.

1. Thierry Henry

This is probably the second most known player in the MLS worldwide, and number three in the States. The French-born Henry is one of the most talented players this game has seen in a long time. His story really began in the 1998 World Cup. His France side won the Cup that year, and his legend took off. He has played for many of the world’s most prestigious clubs. His stops included Arsenal and Barcelona before taking his place on the New York Red Bulls where he has won the hearts and souls of the Big Apple soccer loyals.

2. Robbie Keane

This list would not be complete without Ireland’s Robbie Keane. A phenomenal goal scorer for many years now, with the vast majority of his work being done in the English Premier League. But  he made the jump to LA last season and was an instant hit. He is most known for his work with the EPL's Tottenham Hot Spur where he accumulated 93 goals in 10 seasons, which was spread over two separate stops. The once teenage prodigy with the Wolverhampton Wanderers now thrills the LA Riot Squad.

3. David Beckham

No way that this guy misses the cut. The MLS started to get more press than ever before when this man made the switch. Other than Landon Donovan, the MLS owes this guy more credit than anyone else for the amount of attention the league is currently receiving. He made two stops before coming over to the Galaxy. Both of those were at the pinnacle of this game. Manchester United of the EPL and Real Madrid of Highest League in Spain.

4. Dwayne De Rosario

One of the two guys on this list that has actually played more games in the MLS than anywhere else. De Rosario is one of the better Canadians to ever play this game, and has actually led Canada to more success than they are accustomed to. He is now playing for his fifth MLS team in his12 season currently with D.C. United.

5. Fredy Montero

Finally, the lone young gun on this list. While he isn’t as highly known as the other four members, he has every chance to be as good. The Columbian international still plays his intercontinental soccer with his native nation, and while he hasn’t become a hit yet in the States, it is only a matter of time for this wonder kid. He is entering his fourth season with the Seattle Sounders.

Top 5 Belmont Stakes Moments of All time

The Belmont Stakes is the third leg of what is known as the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred horse racing.

Just five weeks after the Kentucky Derby and a mere three weeks following the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont wraps up horse racing's version of the college basketball's March Madness. Of course, in order to capture the coveted triple crown, a horse must win all three legs, a feat that has alluded even the best equine athletes since Affirmed accomplished the feat back in 1978.

The race takes place at the Belmont Park which is located in Elmont, New York. It was first held back in 1867 at Jerome Park Racetrack in The Bronx, but it has moved around a few times before finding its current home. Like the Preakness, this event was also held at Morris Park Racecourse for a fifteen year period. Then in 1905, Belmont Park opened up in Elmont and has hosted this illustrious event ever since that day.

The race itself is of 12 furlongs in length, takes place on dirt, and is of the left-handed variety.

Today’s purse includes a total of one-million dollars US, while $600,000 of that purse goes to the victor. It, like the Kentucky Derby, is for three year old Thoroughbreds, were Colts and Geldings weigh in at 126 pounds, and Fillies come in at 121.

This race has been dubbed “The Test of the Champion” and also  “The Run for the Carnations”.

The latter term is used because upon the conclusion, the winner is blanketed in white carnations.

Like the other races, this one also has its own post-parade song. Though this one changes quite often, it has ran through “Sidewalks of New York”, the theme from "New York, New York," and the "Empire State of Mind" in recent years.

The attendance numbers for this race are very impressive as it draws numbers that are comparable with any of the other Stakes races. In fact, the only races that manage to outdraw this illustrious event, is the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Kentucky Oaks.

Now let’s take a look at the top five races of all time.

Man O’War - 1920

I’m a sucker for the triple crown winners, and this horse gets my top spot in spite of the fact that he didn’t achieve that feat. The fact that he didn’t even run in the Kentucky Derby may have something to do with that. It wasn’t how close this race was that got it on our list, it was how easily he won it that is so impressive. The son of Mahubah set two records during the Belmont Stakes --speed and margin of victory--which were 2:14.20 and 20 lengths respectively. Those are records that would stand until the next horse on this list found the way to this track.

Secretariat - 1973

Quite possibly the most famous horse of all-time. Secretariat as many know did win the triple crown, and did it in record setting fashion, shattering the track records set by Man O’War. And although "Big Red" finished the Belmont that year with a time of 2:24.00, the race was an eighth of a mile longer when he ran it and still his margin of victory was an astounding 31 lengths. Both of these are records that still stand today

Affirmed - 1978

In another epic battle between Affirmed and Alydar, this year's Belmont was also decided by a nose. While Alydar became the first horse to finish second in all three triple crown races, Affirmed became the 11^th and most recent triple crown winner in yet another fantastic finish between these two.

Easy Goer - 1989

It was 11 years later after the dust finally settled between Affirmed and Alydar as another of the great rivalries between Easy Goer and Sunday Silence became headlines, as the son of Alydar prevented becoming the second horse to finish second in all three legs of the triple crown with his victory at the Belmont Stakes. Denying Sunday Silence’s place in history in the process.

Seattle Slew - 1977

Another triple crown winner on our list. Just one year before the series between Affirmed and Alydar, was the dominating year that belonged to Seattle Slew. The Belmont was his biggest win of the triple crown series at four lengths, and the triple crown only added to the legend that would culminate over the course of that season.

Top Five All-Time Kentucky Derby Finishes

Top Five All-Time Kentucky Derby Finishes -- by Matthew Martz

The Kentucky Derby has one of the most rich traditions in all of sports. The first leg of the “Triple Crown” was first held all the way back in 1875 and is still known in the United States as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports.”

Alternately known as, “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports, the "Run for the Roses" is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, and is traditionally held annually in Louisville, Kentucky at legendary Churchill Downs.

It takes place on the first Saturday in May, and it is the final event in the two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival.

All of that being said, there has been many great moments in Derby history, and it's time to discuss some of the best finishes ever as we near this year's Derby Day.

Secretariat 1973

It's should be no surprise to see Secretariat on our list. Easily one of, if not the most famous equine to ever run in this prestigious event. This particular horse set a record back in 1973, that astonishingly still holds up to this very day. The Chestnut Stallion ran the one and a quarter mile track in the record time of 1:59:40. If that was not impressive enough, "Big Red" is also the only winner in history to get faster during each quarter- mile checkpoint, winning the race over second-place Sham by two and a half lengths. Then, as everyone knows, Secretariat went on to complete the Triple Crown to complete his legacy, cementing his place among the world's greatest athletes of all-time.

Alysheba 1987

This horse’s Derby finish has to go down as one of the most remarkable comebacks ever. At the top of the home stretch, Alysheba charged from a good ways behind the lead pack to vault into contention. But here is where the incredible part kicks in. Bet Twice, a fellow thoroughbred competing, actually bumped into the three-time Eclipse Award winner. Where most horses would proceed to fall down, and force a catastrophic pileup, Alysheba held his balance, recovered his footing, and continued his charge. Then, he was bumped a second time by Bet Twice, but again recovered, and was able to cross the wire first. Just ahead of Bet Twice.

Brokers Tip 1933

This is easily the most disputed Derby finish of all-time. Long before they had finish line technology, so the actual result is still not actually known to this day.

Brokers Tip and Head Play were in the lead pack, and eventually broke ahead of the others. During the last quarter mile, a couple of interesting things took place. First, Head Play’s jockey tried to squeeze out a charging Brokers Tip by edging closer to the rail. This move would fail, and resulted in the two horses being essentially locked together. Then second is widely known as the “Fighting Finish," as  the two jockeys were basically holding onto each other’s saddle, and proceeded to berate each other with whip blows.

After it was said and done, they appeared to cross the line simultaneously. In that era, it went to a judge’s ruling. Three of the four said that Head Play crossed first, but the chief racing steward’s opinion won out. Brokers Tip was awarded the win.

Citation         1948

The Big Cy, as he was often referred is also always a part of the best thoroughbred of all-time debates as well. He is also a member of the Triple Crown club, and his Derby win makes him a very well deserved member of this list. At the half-mile, Citation trailed by six lengths to rival, Coaltown. Not an insurmountable margin, but not a deficit to scoff at either. But like all great champions, the eventual Triple Crown winner roared back over the last three-quarters and ended up passing Coaltown, winning e race by an easy two and a half lengths.

Mine That Bird 2009

This list would not be complete without one of the biggest long-shots, and comebacks in the history of the Kentucky Derby. Purchased for a mere for $9,500, Mine That Bird accomplished both of the prior in miraculous fashion.

In what was a sloppy track due to excessive rain, Mine That Bird got off to a dreadful start. He was so far behind (eight lengths), that the announcer calling the race missed him at first glance. Famous jockey, Calvin Borel was the man on Mine That Bird on this fateful day, and used the same rail-skimming technique that he used to claim the 2007 Derby to try and catch the field.

Catch them he did, and in short order. He came by so quickly, that the announcer did not even realize this until he was three lengths ahead of the field. He ballooned that up to a lead of six lengths that he held through the wire.

This was the second biggest upset in Derby history(a two dollar wager returned $103.20). Mine That Bird also had the third longest odds in this individual race. Behind only Atomic Rain (55-1) and Join in the Dance(51-1).

JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial

JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial

The JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial race is the first race for the juvenile runners kicking off at 12:55. This is a
stepping-stone for the beginners at which any winner will certainly make way to success through out the
year.

It has been observed that the previous 6 runners from the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial were taken from the
top. Therefore, punters would need to look at the favorites and other horses that have better odds.

One of the favorites for this year’s JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial is Baby Mix who recently won the
Cheltenham in December, 2011. Other favorite contender is Grumeti trained by Alan King also made a
triumph when he won the debut over hurdles for Totequadpot Novices Hurdle at Taunton in December
and can surely show impressive results throughout the season.

Grumeti has made some success on flat races and can certainly win the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial.
However, He lost his unbeaten record at Newbery but promises to perform wonders for the JCB
Triumph Hurdle.

Other runners listed in this race include Sadlers Risk, Minsk, Ranjaan, Ut De Sivola, Hinterland, Dildar,
Urbain De Sivola, Darroun. Phillip Hobbs has the exciting Sadlers Risk in his yard this season who after
some good performances on the flat has now taken to hurdles. The horse made his jumping debut in the
Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton and he simply hacked up to outclass the field and enter the Triumph Hurdle
picture. Sadlers Risk is likely to have a couple more runs before the Festival and he looks a horse to keep
an eye on.

The Highclere owned Ranjaan looks like a potential Triumph Hurdle contender after two good wins
recently for Paul Nicholls. The horse was an expensive buy but he looks a talent after he won at
Kempton over Christmas before following up at Taunton in the Betfair Handicap Hurdle more recently.
Like so many at this level he could still be anything at this stage but he has shown potential and seems
to be improving which is a good sign for Triumph

If you are thinking of shopping for the best odds, Ladbrokes and Boylesports are offering the best odds.
They are also offering free bets of up to $50 to all new members.

Cheltenham Festival Trials Day

Cheltenham Festival Trials Day

The Trials Day at Cheltenham is a major horseracing event-taking place on the 28^th of January 2012. It is a one-day main event showcasing Grade 2 and 3 runners and featuring 7 top class races. This main event will certainly deliver great betting action to punters as they get to observe the novice hurdlers and any horse that wins this main event will certainly show or win in all other races throughout the year.
The Trials Day Card
Time     Race            Grade
12:55  JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Juvenile Hurdle)    Grade 2  
1:30  Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase  
2:00  Murphy Group Chase (Handicap)     Grade 3 
2:30  Argento Chase (Registered As The Cotswold Chase)   Grade 2  
3:05  Neptune Investment Management Novices'
               Hurdle (Registered as Classic Novices' Hurdle Race)               Grade 2  
3:35  Rewards4Racing Cleeve Hurdle                  Grade 2 
4:10  Stellar Football "End of Transfer Window"
               Handicap Hurdle
JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial - The JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial race is the first race for the juvenile runners kicking off at 12:55. This is a stepping stone for the beginners at which any winner will certainly make way to success through out the year.
Argento Chase - This is also another important race to look forward to at the Trails day. The runners will run over a 3 miles 1 furlong.

Cleeve Hurdle – This is the main support race for the day running over a 3 mile. Recently, legendaries such as Inglis Drever have been seen to win the Cleeve Hurdle at which this race will give punters a key to keep ahead of the festival.

Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle – This is also another race to look forward at the Trials. The runners will run over 2 mile 5 furlong and attracts some of the best Novice hurdlers. Punters can study the horses that win in this race at which the winning runners have a greater chance of performing well throughout the season.

Calculating Odds and Payoffs in Horse Betting

Calculating Odds and Payoffs

Introduction

If you are passionate about learning horse betting then this guide will be of great help. You will learn
how to calculate the payoffs based on the odds as well as reading the tote board.

Understanding the odds and payoffs

The common odds is the win odds noted on each horse but literally they do not tell us much about what
the horse will pay but rather the profit you will get for the bet. For instance, if the odds of a particular
horse show as 6-1 this means that you get to receive a profit of $6 for each $1 wagered, 6-5 means that
you get a profit of $6 for each $5 wagered.

For example, if you bet $2 on a horse with odds 6:1 and the horse wins, then your dividend payout
would be $12. However, on a toteboard, the odds can be rounded off at which for 6:1 the actual odds
would be 5.6:1. The odds are rounded down due to the rules of the track. Thus, your actual payoff may
differ from the toteboard but the difference is not huge. The payouts are rounded down to the nearest
nickel and this rounding is known as breakage.

Tip: The low the odds, the low the payout/dividend. For instance, if a horse has odds of 4:1 and the
other 12:1 this would mean that the horse with odds 12:1 has a higher payout.

One thing you need to take note is that the favorites usually have low odds while the underdogs have
slightly higher odds. Therefore, if the favorites win, the payout is usually low while the reverse is true, if
the underdogs win, the payout is tremendously high.

Thus, when placing your bets, it’s wise to make straight bets on horses that have low odds at which they
have a chance of winning or showing in a race. On the other hand, in order to get a good return on your
investment, a bettor should be able to place various bets in any one given race.

Hence, it’s wise to place many bets in one race than placing several bets in different races. Therefore,
when reading the racing form, the horses with low odds are the favorites while the rest are underdogs.
However, in horseracing most races are handicapped meaning that the horses competing are of the
same level at which predicting the winner is very difficult but previous performance can give you a clear
picture.

Swinger Bets in Horse Betting

The Swinger Bet
Online Horse betting can be a lot fun especially when you are able to determine the winning horse. An interesting horse bet to play is the swinger bet at which if played correctly it can easily boost your revenue. In this guide, I will outline a few tips on how to play the swinger bet effectively.

The Definition
The swinger bet is a type of bet at which you get to predict any 2 runners placed in the first 3 for any race with 6 or more runners. Hence, the swinger bet has three dividends for each race - 1st & 2nd, 1st & 3rd, and 2nd & 3rd.

It is one of the most exiting bets in horseracing but one has to master the tactics of playing this type of bet.

Playing The Bet
To the novice, the swinger bet tends to be meaningless due to the fact that its payouts can be very low at times. However, in order to get a good return on your investment making use of the swinger bet is to play it as multiples of x10 or more.

For Instance, when playing online, your swinger bet can be as follows
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] / [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] x10 

This would mean that if any combination wins, your bet is multiplied by 10. For example, if the dividend is $19 for 1-6 this means that you will get a payout of $190.
If you are new to the swinger bet, you would want to know how much it costs to place the bet.
For instance, placing a bet single bet of the above [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] / [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] would cost you $15. Thus, for 10 entries of the same bet would cost you $150. Most online sportsbook will automatically calculate the total amount to pay as you click on each horse or after selection.
Now, one thing you need to pay attention is the number of horses selected. The more horses selected, is the more you pay. Taking a close look at the swinger bet shown above, it is boxed meaning all horses can come out 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in any given order. Therefore, you should make it a point that the swinger bet is not a floating bet but a boxed bet.

An effective tactic in winning the swinger bet is to select a race that has 10 or less runners. Therefore, in order to get a good payout, it’s wise to select any of the underdogs and avoid betting on the favorites as the payout will be low given that the favorites win. For example, in a race with 10 runners, you can subtract the favorites – 3 and the last horse that shows bad odds. Therefore, you will remain with 6 horses at which you box all in the swinger bet and select any multiple.

Upcoming Major Horseracing Events

The year 2011, has passed and left so man memories while punters achieved great and also learned from their mistakes. Year 2012, is that time of the year when we have to make a new beginning and a fresh start. Certainly, we will get to welcome new punters as well as keeping track of the major horse race events happening worldwide. 

If you had missed some of these major events in 2011, then you certainly have something to look forward. Of course, this year, you certainly have to learn and master the skills of horse racing and if you are new to horse betting you certainly need not to worry has there is apple time for you to learn and get started. 

For beginners, the major events will certainly thrill you to the max at which you also get an added advantage of receiving free bets for each new account you open during each major event at any online sports book.

One thing I certainly know for sure is that others are pulling out of the sports betting arena while others are coming in. For those coming out, its just the errors you have been making that have caused you to leave at which you only need to grasp new ideas of how it is done as well as mastering the appropriate strategies that suite your bankroll. 

Therefore, before you consider looking forward to the major events, you certainly have to test each strategy to see if it’s profitable before taking it on major events. If not, these events are known to deplete your bankroll at which punters tend to spend more than anticipated basing on the fact that all major events comprise of a large pool of cash.

I have listed all major racing events for 2012 that will act as a calendar to all punters. You certainly need to keep this so as not to miss any major event.

Date                                                      Event                                                                    Meeting

Sat 21st January                                     Victor Chandler Chase                                            Ascot

Sat 28th January                                     Trials Meeting                                                        Cheltenham

Sat 11th February                                   Totesport Trophy Hurdle                                        Newbury

Sat 18th February                                   Ascot Chase                                                            Ascot      

Sat 25th February                                   Racing Post Chase                                                  Kempton

Sat 10th March                                       Imperial Cup                                                           Sandown                

Tue 13th March                                      Cheltenham Festival                                               Cheltenham           

Wed 14th March                                     Cheltenham Festival                                               Cheltenham           

Thur15th March                                      Cheltenham Festival                                               Cheltenham

Fri16th March                                         Cheltenham Festival                                               Cheltenham

Sat 31st March                                       Lincoln                                                                     Doncaster               

Thur 12th April                                        Grand National Meeting                                        Aintree   

Fri 13th April                                           Grand National Meeting                                        Aintree

Sat 14th April                                          Grand National Meeting                                        Aintree   

Sat 21st April                                          Scottish National                                                    Ayr

Sat 28th April                                          Bet 365 Gold Cup                                                    Sandown                

Sat 5th May                                            2,000 Guineas                                                         Newmarket            

Sun6th May                                             1,000 Guineas                                                         Newmarket

Wed 9th May                                          May Festival                                                           Chester

Thur 10th May                                        May Festival                                                           Chester

Fri 11th May                                           May Festival                                                           Chester   

Sat 12th May                                          Victoria Cup                                                            Ascot      

Wed 16th May                                        May Meeting                                                          York        

Thur 17th May                                        May Meeting                                                          York        

Fri 18th May                                           May Meeting                                                          York        

Sat 19th May                                          Lockinge                                                                  Newbury

Fri 1st June                                             Derby Festival                                                         Epsom

Sat 2nd June                                           Derby Festival                                                         Epsom

Tue 19th June                                         Royal Ascot                                                             Royal Ascot

Wed 20th June                                        Royal Ascot                                                             Royal Ascot

Thur 21st June                                        Royal Ascot                                                             Royal Ascot

Fri 22nd June                                          Royal Ascot                                                             Royal Ascot

Sat 23rd June                                          Royal Ascot                                                             Royal Ascot

Sat 30th June                                          Northumberland Plate                                            Newcastle              

Sat 7th July                                             Eclipse                                                                     Sandown

Thur 12th July                                         July Meeting                                                           Newmarket            

Fri 13th July                                            July Meeting                                                           Newmarket            

Sat 14th July                                           July Meeting                                                           Newmarket

Sat 14th July                                           John Smith’s Cup                                                    York        

Sat 21st July                                            King George Meeting                                             Ascot      

Tue 31st July                                           Glorious Goodwood                                                Goodwood

Wed1st August                                       Glorious Goodwood                                                Goodwood             

Thur 2nd August                                     Glorious Goodwood                                                Goodwood             

Fri 3rd August                                         Glorious Goodwood                                                Goodwood             

Sat 4th August                                        Glorious Goodwood                                                Goodwood             

Wed 22nd August                                   Ebor Meeting                                                          York        

Thur 23rd August                                    Ebor Meeting                                                          York        

Fri 24th August                                       Ebor Meeting                                                          York        

Sat 25th August                                      Ebor Meeting                                                          York        

Sat 8th September                                 Sprint Cup                                                              Haydock 

Thur 13th September                             St Leger Meeting                                                    Doncaster               

Fri 14th September                                                St Leger Meeting                                                    Doncaster               

Sat 15th September                               St Leger Meeting                                                    Doncaster               

Sat 22nd September                               Ayr Gold Cup                                                           Ayr         

Fri 28th September                                                Cambridgeshire Meeting                                        Newmarket            

Sat 29th September                               Cambridgeshire Meeting                                        Newmarket            

Sat 13th October                                    Future Champions Day                                           Newmarket            

Sat 20th October                                    British Champions Day                                           Ascot      

Sat 27th October                                    Racing Post Trophy                                                                 Doncaster               

Sat 10th November                                                November Handicap                                               Doncaster               

Fri 16th November                                 The Open                                                                Cheltenham           

Sat 17th November                                                The Open                                                                                Cheltenham          

Sun 18th November                                The Open                                                                Cheltenham

Sat 24th November                                                Betfair Chase                                                          Haydock

Sat 1st December                                   Hennessy Gold Cup                                                 Newbury

Sat 1st December                                   Fighting Fifth Hurdle                                              Newcastle

Sat 8th December                                   Tingle Creek Chase                                                 Sandown

Fri 14th December                                  International Meeting                                            Cheltenham

Sat 15th December                                 International Meeting                                            Cheltenham

Sat 22nd December                                                Long Walk Hurdle                                                   Ascot      

Wed 26th December                              King George VI Chase                                             Kempton

Thur 27th December                               Welsh National                                                       Chepstow