Have been doing a lot of reading. Seems all the experts agree, no one knows who will win. Even the post position draw probably won't help sort out that problem. Might be time to go to the well for the "non-expert" method of picking horses.
Bet 3-6-9 trifecta. Long story short, on our honeymoon in Saratoga, these were the numbers Mrs. wants to play for a trifecta. We had been losing for 3 days and I looked at the odds and they were off the board. So, I don't bet it and it comes in and pays $4,800.00. Ever since, bet those numbers if there is nothing else I like.
Don't lose to the trainers. This could be Pletchers' year, so probably will bet his horses. No Baffert or Lukas but always bet them as well.
Bet the hot jockey. Probably try this as well.
Past Performances will be available tonight from Daily Racing Form online for free so will have those to pour over tomorrow. Probably wont help.
Picks will be out before Saturday.
Later,
JH
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Derby update for Monday
Here is a wierd connection, this guy who repaired the hoof on Big Brown, used to curl at Plainfield.
So where are we in the choices? So far, Big Brown, Colonel John, Pyro, Gayego are in the mix although one will probably get thrown out. If past history is any indicator, bet the house on the one I throw out. Others that I will be looking at are Z Fortune, Recapturetheglory and Bob Black Jack. Why those are intriguing is due to their past Beyer numbers. Not gonna explain what that is but in the last 20 years, only one horse with a Beyer under 100 has won the Derby. So they get considered.
But seven horses is too many to bet so there will be more digging when the past performances come out late Wednesday. Also, the post position draw will be done that evening.
It is an exciting week.
Later,
JH
So where are we in the choices? So far, Big Brown, Colonel John, Pyro, Gayego are in the mix although one will probably get thrown out. If past history is any indicator, bet the house on the one I throw out. Others that I will be looking at are Z Fortune, Recapturetheglory and Bob Black Jack. Why those are intriguing is due to their past Beyer numbers. Not gonna explain what that is but in the last 20 years, only one horse with a Beyer under 100 has won the Derby. So they get considered.
But seven horses is too many to bet so there will be more digging when the past performances come out late Wednesday. Also, the post position draw will be done that evening.
It is an exciting week.
Later,
JH
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Yankees time
As loyal readers will know, Mrs. JHcurl entertains clients at Yankee games in a suite as part of her job. We start with a couple of games next Sunday and the following Wednesday. Along with this there is usually a couple of curlers that show up to these games. So, on May 7th the skip of the Olympic bronze medal team will be in town and will be attending the game. Guess I need to start paying attention to the Yankees and if they are playing well. I don't think they are right now.
Yep, Pete and his dad are coming to NY. Don't think either has been to a game so should be a lot of fun. Of course, all the games are crazy this year since it is the last year of the stadium. The atmosphere should be rocking (hee).
Later,
JH
Yep, Pete and his dad are coming to NY. Don't think either has been to a game so should be a lot of fun. Of course, all the games are crazy this year since it is the last year of the stadium. The atmosphere should be rocking (hee).
Later,
JH
Friday, April 25, 2008
First Saturday in May
I know, I know, it is next weekend. But the event I probably look forward to the most in sports is "the most exciting two minutes in sport". Of course, that is the Kentucky Derby. This the time of year I spend many hours scouring the internet to find all I can about the horses.
Over the last few years this has paid off since the reason I do all that is to make some hopefully "good" bets. The best of those was 2002 when I had the exacta for $1800. That was fun. Made some money the last two years but nothing big.
This year could be one of those years. The big question mark is Big Brown. Is he really the monster that he has shown or not?
My normal betting strategy is to throw out the favorite. But with Big Brown probably going off in the neighborhood of 3-1 that makes him worthwhile to play. Get a longer shot underneath and the exacta could be really nice.
The rest of the field looks rather even though there will be some to throw out. Probably end up with 4 or 5 horses I like and then try to set up some exactas and trifectas to make a few coins.
A lot will come down to the post position draw on Wednesday. Then the past performances will be out probably Thursday. So Friday will be a study day and then over to OTB in CT to make the bets.
Look for a post next week with the picks. For now, Big Brown will hit the board somewhere IMHO.
Over the last few years this has paid off since the reason I do all that is to make some hopefully "good" bets. The best of those was 2002 when I had the exacta for $1800. That was fun. Made some money the last two years but nothing big.
This year could be one of those years. The big question mark is Big Brown. Is he really the monster that he has shown or not?
My normal betting strategy is to throw out the favorite. But with Big Brown probably going off in the neighborhood of 3-1 that makes him worthwhile to play. Get a longer shot underneath and the exacta could be really nice.
The rest of the field looks rather even though there will be some to throw out. Probably end up with 4 or 5 horses I like and then try to set up some exactas and trifectas to make a few coins.
A lot will come down to the post position draw on Wednesday. Then the past performances will be out probably Thursday. So Friday will be a study day and then over to OTB in CT to make the bets.
Look for a post next week with the picks. For now, Big Brown will hit the board somewhere IMHO.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Baseball Chokes
Based on the comment by MF to this, I did a little googling to find out some more info. Here is an article in SI that includes some stats on the probabilities.
Of note, the '64 Phils are number 13, the Yanks-Bosox come in at 7 and the Mutts are number 5.
From the article -
What the math says: 499-to-1 against. The Mets' playoff probability peaked at 99.80 percent after the action of Sept. 12, when they held a 7-game lead over the Phillies with 16 games to play, and some favorable wild-card permutations as a backup.
So, the sucking includes the fact that not only did they not win the division (HA!) but also missed the wild card (double HA!).
The added bonus is that now all my friends who are Mets fans can't bring up 1964 anymore.
Thanks for reading MF.
Phils-Mets this weekend starting tonight (at Philly), so get to watch the boys play some games. ESPN Sunday night game as well.
Later,
JH
Of note, the '64 Phils are number 13, the Yanks-Bosox come in at 7 and the Mutts are number 5.
From the article -
What the math says: 499-to-1 against. The Mets' playoff probability peaked at 99.80 percent after the action of Sept. 12, when they held a 7-game lead over the Phillies with 16 games to play, and some favorable wild-card permutations as a backup.
So, the sucking includes the fact that not only did they not win the division (HA!) but also missed the wild card (double HA!).
The added bonus is that now all my friends who are Mets fans can't bring up 1964 anymore.
Thanks for reading MF.
Phils-Mets this weekend starting tonight (at Philly), so get to watch the boys play some games. ESPN Sunday night game as well.
Later,
JH
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Spring has sprung
So, no more curling for a while. At least not until the Cape and possibly the Crush. Of course there is also the annual meeting of the LBI curling club held on location down the shore.
Now is the time for baseball and the annual turmoil that is rooting for the Fightin' Phils. I grew up in Southern New Jersey (or more correctly South Jersey, an entry for a later date) and became a Phils fan at 8. Listening to Harry Calas and Rich Ashburn on the radio and watching Schmidt hit all those dingers ("It's outta here"). Still catch a game on TV whenever they are playing the Mets (boo) or the Braves (double boo). The last few years have been making a bet in Vegas on them to win it all. Got one for this year as well.
As part of Mrs. JHcurl's job she entertains clients at Yankee Stadium as loyal readers will know. Get to go there for about 15 games a year. Not bad but have never been an AL fan. Still hate the DH, always will. Takes away too much of the strategy of the game.
At least the Phils are not 10 games out of first yet like a couple of years ago. And there can always be another collapse by Mets which was the greatest thing to happen in sports for quite a while. Now there is the 2007 Mets instead of the '64 Phils that people will use as the "greatest choke in baseball".
Anyway, off-season posting has begun and will touch on who knows what.
Later,
JH
Now is the time for baseball and the annual turmoil that is rooting for the Fightin' Phils. I grew up in Southern New Jersey (or more correctly South Jersey, an entry for a later date) and became a Phils fan at 8. Listening to Harry Calas and Rich Ashburn on the radio and watching Schmidt hit all those dingers ("It's outta here"). Still catch a game on TV whenever they are playing the Mets (boo) or the Braves (double boo). The last few years have been making a bet in Vegas on them to win it all. Got one for this year as well.
As part of Mrs. JHcurl's job she entertains clients at Yankee Stadium as loyal readers will know. Get to go there for about 15 games a year. Not bad but have never been an AL fan. Still hate the DH, always will. Takes away too much of the strategy of the game.
At least the Phils are not 10 games out of first yet like a couple of years ago. And there can always be another collapse by Mets which was the greatest thing to happen in sports for quite a while. Now there is the 2007 Mets instead of the '64 Phils that people will use as the "greatest choke in baseball".
Anyway, off-season posting has begun and will touch on who knows what.
Later,
JH
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Men's Worlds aftermath
Got home with no problem on the flights. Always a good thing. It is always kind of a culture shock when returning to NY from somewhere small. Both how crowded and congested it is here in the East and the amount of open spaces there are elsewhere. On the ten minute drive to the Grand Forks airport went a back road and passed maybe 5 houses.
It was a fun time. The committee did a great job. The final was a bit boring. Scotland just couldn't get anything going it seemed.
I think the Tuesday to Monday schedule works well for attending and viewing. Dont get burnt out or tired before the final weekend rolls around.
Probably won't be in Moncton next year. Since the girls are going to the Scotties as Team Canada, we will probably go to Victoria instead if we go anyway.
Later,
JH
It was a fun time. The committee did a great job. The final was a bit boring. Scotland just couldn't get anything going it seemed.
I think the Tuesday to Monday schedule works well for attending and viewing. Dont get burnt out or tired before the final weekend rolls around.
Probably won't be in Moncton next year. Since the girls are going to the Scotties as Team Canada, we will probably go to Victoria instead if we go anyway.
Later,
JH
Monday, April 14, 2008
Men's Worlds - final evening
Final evening. The closing dinner was fun. Got to meet Dr Double finally.
Kevin gets his gold. Good for him.
Time for bed. More tomorrow. With pictures of the new team Canada and their new fifth.
Later,
JH
Kevin gets his gold. Good for him.
Time for bed. More tomorrow. With pictures of the new team Canada and their new fifth.
Later,
JH
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Men's Worlds - final morning
Lots of activity today at the hotel. People checking out and then the game. Lots of folks will be heading to the border after the game.
Jennifer, Cathy O, Jill, Dawn and Jennifer will be there today for the game.
Will be a big crowd for the final, probably the biggest of the week.
Not sure who I am rooting for today.
Off to the closing dinner tonight and then the airport tomorrow.
Later,
JH
Jennifer, Cathy O, Jill, Dawn and Jennifer will be there today for the game.
Will be a big crowd for the final, probably the biggest of the week.
Not sure who I am rooting for today.
Off to the closing dinner tonight and then the airport tomorrow.
Later,
JH
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Men's Worlds - Saturday night
Canada looked a lot better this afternoon. Scotland should give them a good battle tomorrow.
Glad that Norway won tonight. Helps the Aussies in the Olympic points.
Nice little ceremony at the hotel for the girls today. Quite a crowd to cheer for the World Champions.
Grand Forks has done a really nice job with these Worlds. Pretty good crowd tonight for the bronze game, probably 1500 or so. Expect the joint to be jumping tomorrow.
Later,
JH
Glad that Norway won tonight. Helps the Aussies in the Olympic points.
Nice little ceremony at the hotel for the girls today. Quite a crowd to cheer for the World Champions.
Grand Forks has done a really nice job with these Worlds. Pretty good crowd tonight for the bronze game, probably 1500 or so. Expect the joint to be jumping tomorrow.
Later,
JH
Men's Worlds - Friday late night
Okay, I now know how to beat Kevin Martin. Leave him an outturn draw to the button. Wow, can't believe he missed that shot. Good for the crowd as Canada plays tomorrow so the place will be jumping.
Got to hang out a bunch with the World Champions tonite. Our friends Cathy O, Jill and newest friend Dawn. Yep, the Women's World Champs are in town. Mrs. JHcurl is still down there drinking with them, me I am in bed soon.
Took a little road trip today to Minnesota. East Grand Forks has a Cabela's. Lots of browsing and Mrs. bought some clothes. Pretty cool place, could have spent a whole bunch of money.
All right, off to bed. Semi tomorrow at 1:30 local time, breakfast at 11:00. The girls are signing autographs at noon, may go stand in line just for a laugh.
Still the having a great time. Want to go to a great event, Edmonton, December, 2009, Canadian Olympic trials, be there. It will be some fabulous curling and a great party.
Later,
JH
Got to hang out a bunch with the World Champions tonite. Our friends Cathy O, Jill and newest friend Dawn. Yep, the Women's World Champs are in town. Mrs. JHcurl is still down there drinking with them, me I am in bed soon.
Took a little road trip today to Minnesota. East Grand Forks has a Cabela's. Lots of browsing and Mrs. bought some clothes. Pretty cool place, could have spent a whole bunch of money.
All right, off to bed. Semi tomorrow at 1:30 local time, breakfast at 11:00. The girls are signing autographs at noon, may go stand in line just for a laugh.
Still the having a great time. Want to go to a great event, Edmonton, December, 2009, Canadian Olympic trials, be there. It will be some fabulous curling and a great party.
Later,
JH
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Men's Worlds - Thursday evening
Well, the US lost. They need a win and some help at this point. Don't see them beating Canada tonight. So, they are toast.
Got to root for the Aussies at this point. I met Hugh and his old team about 15 years agos on my first trip to Ottawa. Got to hang out with them at Lowell a bunch. They are great guys. So, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi ,Oi, Oi.
The Fighting Souix (University of ND) are getting hammered in the NCAA hockey. The town will be drinking tonight. Drowning their sorrows.
Off to the last draw of the round robin. Mrs. JHcurl is hanging in there. Took a nice nap this afternoon and she is ready to go for the last game. Me, as always, I am hoping for tiebreakers so there is more curling. Three teams tied for fourth and there is a 10:30pm game tonight, yeah baby, I am in.
Later,
JH
Got to root for the Aussies at this point. I met Hugh and his old team about 15 years agos on my first trip to Ottawa. Got to hang out with them at Lowell a bunch. They are great guys. So, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi ,Oi, Oi.
The Fighting Souix (University of ND) are getting hammered in the NCAA hockey. The town will be drinking tonight. Drowning their sorrows.
Off to the last draw of the round robin. Mrs. JHcurl is hanging in there. Took a nice nap this afternoon and she is ready to go for the last game. Me, as always, I am hoping for tiebreakers so there is more curling. Three teams tied for fourth and there is a 10:30pm game tonight, yeah baby, I am in.
Later,
JH
Men's Worlds - Thursday morning
Good morning campers. Good day for the US yesterday. Played their best game of the week so far against Germany. Game always looked in control. Great job. Still have a way to go with all the teams tied with 4 losses. China v Aussies right now will sort out something.
Canada with a loss to China. China played great the last 4 ends. Canada looks disinterested sometimes. Just playing to get to the weekend.
Good crowd yesterday and seems to be getting bigger everyday. DBZ has done a great job.
Off to the arena.
Later,
JH
Canada with a loss to China. China played great the last 4 ends. Canada looks disinterested sometimes. Just playing to get to the weekend.
Good crowd yesterday and seems to be getting bigger everyday. DBZ has done a great job.
Off to the arena.
Later,
JH
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Men's Worlds - Wednesday morning
The draw last night was a bit boring. Would have liked to see Germany put up more of a battle. Canada gets 3 in the first end and the game was over. The Aussies put up a good fight. They only had 6 seconds left to throw the last rock. Just a bit heavy for the tap back needed.
There is a "casino" in the hotel. Well, 4 or 5 blackjack tables. Interesting. There is also an indoor water park here. Not sure if Grand Forks is a destination that people go to for vacation.
Not at the morning draw this morning. Seems the shower is not working quite right. Had a nice cold shower this morning.
well, more later I am sure. Have to get to the Broken Broom Lounge today.
Later,
JH
There is a "casino" in the hotel. Well, 4 or 5 blackjack tables. Interesting. There is also an indoor water park here. Not sure if Grand Forks is a destination that people go to for vacation.
Not at the morning draw this morning. Seems the shower is not working quite right. Had a nice cold shower this morning.
well, more later I am sure. Have to get to the Broken Broom Lounge today.
Later,
JH
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Men's Worlds - first live draw
Hey, we made it. Travel was a breeze. We have arrived in the flatest place I have ever been, Grand Forks. I think the closest hill is 14 hours away. Anyway, we are here.
Went to the 2pm draw. What a fabulous arena. Really, really nice. Too bad there are not 16,000 people here. You are missing it. The crowd was a bit down since the US decided to lose to France. They just are not playing at the top of the game. Too many half shots. Back to the action tonight to watch the big Canada-Germany match up.
Caught up with Don Barcome and his brother Earl. I have to say, given the choice, I would hang with Earl. Actually told Donny that and he agreed.
Also caught up with briefly Dallas Bittle of Curling Zone fame. He looks good and it was great to see him out and about.
Hans the ice man also stopped by for a quick visit and got to pick his brain briefly about ice stuff. Interesting that he thinks painting the concrete is the future for most clubs. Guess we need to look into that again soon.
Grand Forks seems like a nice little town, haven't seen a lot of it yet. Guess when you live on the East Coast and work in Manhattan, everything seems small. Did I mention it is really flat here?
Anyway, more later. Mrs. JHcurl has survived the trip and is currently napping (her natural state) as I type this entry.
Later,
JH
Went to the 2pm draw. What a fabulous arena. Really, really nice. Too bad there are not 16,000 people here. You are missing it. The crowd was a bit down since the US decided to lose to France. They just are not playing at the top of the game. Too many half shots. Back to the action tonight to watch the big Canada-Germany match up.
Caught up with Don Barcome and his brother Earl. I have to say, given the choice, I would hang with Earl. Actually told Donny that and he agreed.
Also caught up with briefly Dallas Bittle of Curling Zone fame. He looks good and it was great to see him out and about.
Hans the ice man also stopped by for a quick visit and got to pick his brain briefly about ice stuff. Interesting that he thinks painting the concrete is the future for most clubs. Guess we need to look into that again soon.
Grand Forks seems like a nice little town, haven't seen a lot of it yet. Guess when you live on the East Coast and work in Manhattan, everything seems small. Did I mention it is really flat here?
Anyway, more later. Mrs. JHcurl has survived the trip and is currently napping (her natural state) as I type this entry.
Later,
JH
Monday, April 7, 2008
Men's Worlds - pre-travel day
Seems like Mrs. Jhcurl is better after this so we will be heading to the airport tomorrow for Grand Forks. The fever is gone and the coughing has pretty much stopped.
Didn't get to see much curling yesterday. WCSN wasn't showing anything and only caught a bit of the Can-Aus game. Looks like the field is rounding into shape. The Czechs have to be the big suprise so far. Along with the Scots not performing well.
Can't wait to get there to see this great arena. Will make the evening draw for sure and possibly the afternoon draw.
Off to pack and get organized. Car service picks us up at 5:30am tomorrow morning.
Later,
JH
Didn't get to see much curling yesterday. WCSN wasn't showing anything and only caught a bit of the Can-Aus game. Looks like the field is rounding into shape. The Czechs have to be the big suprise so far. Along with the Scots not performing well.
Can't wait to get there to see this great arena. Will make the evening draw for sure and possibly the afternoon draw.
Off to pack and get organized. Car service picks us up at 5:30am tomorrow morning.
Later,
JH
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Men's Worlds - day one
Well, not there yet so it was a multimedia day of watching curling. Both on the web and then on the satellite dish.
The US team looked pretty good although the tenth end was a bit scary. Norway throws a touch less weight on that tap back and the entire top of the four foot is closed off. No way that last shot would have been there. I think they got away with one. A big win as Norway will be in the playoffs I think.
Canada looked impressive in the night game. A bit suprising that it took nine ends to put away Denmark but the game was really over before that.
The ice looked great with one funky spot on the outside that seemed to fall. Happened in the US and the Canada game. Looked like there were quite a few people there. Certainly more than we had at Lowell.
Still hoping to get there on Tuesday. Working on getting Mrs. JHcurl better before then.
More curling to watch today on WCSN and hopefully on CBC website. Lots of internet chatter about viewing options being blocked for various locations. Will have to figure out how to pretend to be from Canada so I can watch at CBC.
later,
JH
The US team looked pretty good although the tenth end was a bit scary. Norway throws a touch less weight on that tap back and the entire top of the four foot is closed off. No way that last shot would have been there. I think they got away with one. A big win as Norway will be in the playoffs I think.
Canada looked impressive in the night game. A bit suprising that it took nine ends to put away Denmark but the game was really over before that.
The ice looked great with one funky spot on the outside that seemed to fall. Happened in the US and the Canada game. Looked like there were quite a few people there. Certainly more than we had at Lowell.
Still hoping to get there on Tuesday. Working on getting Mrs. JHcurl better before then.
More curling to watch today on WCSN and hopefully on CBC website. Lots of internet chatter about viewing options being blocked for various locations. Will have to figure out how to pretend to be from Canada so I can watch at CBC.
later,
JH
Friday, April 4, 2008
In sickness and in health
Right now it is sickness. Mrs. JHcurl is in bed with 101 fever. Off to the Doctor soon to hopefully get her better. Remember we are leaving for the Men's Worlds next Tuesday. This could be a repeat of Glasgow.
The year 2000, the last combined Worlds in Glasgow along with the first Senior Worlds (I think). First time we met Shorty and Ray. Along about Tuesday she gets sick and spends the next two and half days in bed in the hotel. Nice way to enjoy your first trip to a World's.
So, hopefully she can get better quickly. I dont think spending time in bed in a hotel in Grand Forks will be very much fun.
later,
JH
The year 2000, the last combined Worlds in Glasgow along with the first Senior Worlds (I think). First time we met Shorty and Ray. Along about Tuesday she gets sick and spends the next two and half days in bed in the hotel. Nice way to enjoy your first trip to a World's.
So, hopefully she can get better quickly. I dont think spending time in bed in a hotel in Grand Forks will be very much fun.
later,
JH
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