MonkeyBusinessBlog

And Down The Stretch WE Come

Editor's Note--Welp, No winner in the Derby. As it turns out, the way to handicap that race was to take the 2 favorites and put the 3 or 4 30-1 shots into a triple box. But hindsight is 20/20. Now we go to Maryland. Baltimore to be exact. Ahhh, the PREAKNESS! And today the ladies run in the BLACK EYED SUSAN! Maybe Big D can help us with both eh? Oh, and after YALE won the Hockey championship? They could win the lacrosse one! Anyhow, enough about me, Big D the flo is yoze!!--R.B.

Richie, YALE plays Syracuse in the lacrosse on Saturday in the "elite 8" or as some might say, the quarterfinals of the national championship. And as a "Big Dick's Picks" first, we will play YALE at those 7-5 odds--that look EXTREMELY--fishy to beat the #1 ranked Syracuse. Call us crazy but Syracuse?! They of the MANY lacrosse national championships? Laying a mere 7-5 to YALE?!? You are welcome Richie B.

However, today we have the BLACK EYED SUSAN horse race. Race 10. Pimlico Race Course. 4:47pm Eastern. We like the looooooooooooooooong odds for these fillies. A little local flavor too. #4 PETIT TRIANON and #5 WALKWITHAPURPOSE. #4 is 20-1. #5 is 5-1. Put those 2 together in an exacta box and you will make hundreds, perhaps thousands, maybe even millions, when those 2 come in. (Probably hundreds if you put a "2 spot" on it. But as a reminder, Big D doesnt play a 2 spot.)

Tomorrow in the Preakness. Race 12 Pimlico Race Course. 6:20pm eastern. Well, the favorite did win the Kentucky Derby this year, but he was NOT a big favorite. NOW he is the pretty big favorite. But you know what? The favorites win a lot at the Preakness. He's also not facing the most difficult crowd ever assembled. ORB is our choice. But 1-1 don't get you rich. Therefore we will play some exotic investments as well. #4 DEPARTING and #8 GOVERNOR CHARLIE look to be next best. So let's try a 1-4-8 exacta box and a 1-4-8 triple box as well shall we? We shall!

The happy recap today: Pimlico Race 10. The BLACK EYED SUSAN. 4-5 exacta box. Tomorrow lacrosse: YALE+7-5 vs Syracuse. horsie: Pimlico Race 12. PREAKNESS STAKES. 1 to win. 1-4-8 exacta box. 1-4-8 triple box.

We foresee the race to be run like the winner does in the video below. If you are not getting goosebumps around the 1:45 mark, you may need to get revived. Since you arent breathing. Good luck and god bless!

 

The Horsies are Running. They Are. They Are.

Editor's Note--Well Hello!! We haven't chatted for a bit. Some things have also happened since then. Like Yale University winning the 2013 NCAA Division 1 Hockey Championship....Ahem! The basketball playoffs are in full swing and even the baseball is coming along. But today is the First Friday in May, which is followed by the First Saturday in May. So today for the 139th straight year, the KENTUCKY OAKS is run. Tomorrow for the 139th straight year, the KENTUCKY DERBY is run. Talk about tradition. Talk about pagaentry. Talk about MONEY.....Speaking of......Large Richard.....it is your turn good sir. Take it away....--R.B.

Ahhh Richie, spring has really sprung. Congrats to your Bulldogs of Yale for their fine championship. I truly enjoyed watching the final game with you and the nice folks at the Mandalay Bay Sportsbook in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2-1 odds winning wager tickets we had on Yale, weren't bad either! In advance, a Happy Cinco de Mayo to all, AND a happy birthday to you Richie B, on Saturday. Which happens to be Kentucky Derby day this year. What fortune!!

First off, we have the KENTUCKY OAKS today. The 11th race at Churchill Downs. 5:45 pm easten time. The best 3 year old fillies in the land. One REALLY stands out. With the excellent trainer Bill Mott and the excellent rider Joel (pronounced Jo-Elle) Rosario. This girl has run 3 times won 3 times and got better each time. Shes the #11 post. In the 11th race. At 6-1 odds. Sweet lord. CLOSE HATCHES. Take her to win. And win big.

Tomorrow in also the 11th race at Churchill Downs. The 139th Kentucky Derby. Best 3 year olds in the land. 6:24 pm eastern time. We are gonna break it down nice and simple for ya. There's lots of analysis paralysis out there. And we work harder than anyone. But it breaks down to this:

4, count em, FOUR, horsies have run 100 or higher Beyer speed figures out of the 20 entered. You may not know what Beyer speed figures are BUT just let it be known its the best way the horsie world has been able to compare horsies that havent raced against each other. Some of these guys have raced against each other. Some have not. But they ALL have Beyer Speed figures. Who are the 4 with the magical 100+?

#3 REVOLUTIONARY, #8 GOLDENCENTS, #12 ITSMYLUCKYDAY, #14 VERRAZANO.

#3 and #12 are also the only ones that are 1 for 1 in the WET. Oh its going to be WET in Louisville on Saturday.

That 100+ beyer "thingy"? Yeah, um only 2 of the 4 ponies have run it twice. #12 ITSMYLUCKYDAY and #14 VERRAZANO. Do you see where we might go with a winner here?

Yeah, #12 ITSMYLUCKYDAY is our pick. Most experienced (10 races) yet most rested (hasnt run in 5 weeks). Training like a champ. Has shown the ability with his 100+ beyers. And has won in the rain. Winner winner--and at odds of at least 12-1---LOBSTER dinner!!

For the exacta we give CALVIN "BO-RAIL" the jockey edge with #3 REVOLUTIONARY, plus he has done it in the rain. AND he might be 8-1 or so. Nice.

For the triple, lets keep #14 VERRAZANO in there, but we think he might get caught at the very end.

And there you have it....the happy recap? Today: Race 11 Churchill Downs....#11 CLOSE HATCHES. To WIN. Tomorrow: Race 11 Churchill Downs.....#12 ITSMYLUCKYDAY to WIN. #3 REVOLUTIONARY with #12 in an exacta box. And #3-#12-#14 VERRAZANO in a trifecta box. Good luck. God bless. May the horse be with you.

And can YOU use the word, "Isthmus" in a sentence? These guys can. And dont think for a minute that Richie B wasn't called "Spanky" at some point in his life WITH a sweatshirt that said so. You will cry with laughter at this clip. That wink at the 1 minute mark or so is priceless. And right around the 2 minute mark you'll get the "isthmus" answer. Enjoy.

 

 

Big D Has the Names

Editor's Note--So my 9 year old is in 1st place in our "friends and family" bracket pool. As an 8 year old, the kid came in 3rd last year. Me thinks this is more than a fluke. Oh I'm in last in the pool, and I dont think I can get any more points. So I got that going for me. The kid's pick to win it all? SYRACUSE. What say you, Big D?!?--R.B.

Well Richie, that's some snappy pickin by your offspring there. You might want to ask for some tips next year.....Speaking of tips........

We are all well aware of the tough injury to Kevin Ware on Louisville last week. We like the support he is getting from well wishers. We DO NOT like that he is not playing in this game. They can use him. We loved the SHOCKERS of WICHITA vs Ohio State last week and saw how tough they can be. A lot of guys play too. That means Louisville's trapping, pressing defense might not wear them out. They've been just as warm as the Cardinals have too. 10.5 points? Thats too tempting. Take.

SYRACUSE is blowing through the competition. Michigan has a nice team but they better bring their shooting eyes. The guard play for the ORANGE has been extremely good too. Wrong team is favored here pal. Take the 2 points with the CUSE. Richie, your kid should be happy with that too.  

So: WICHITA+10.5 vs Louisville and SYRACUSE+2 are our Final Four Selections. Check back Monday for the Finals Selections. By Monday too, we should have a nice picture of the Kentucky Derby hopefuls and pretenders. And unlike this #1 song from today in 1972, these horses WILL have names. Enjoy. God bless.

 

Easter Weekend: A Time to Take AND Get

Editor's Note:  Well that was a sweet few days. A smashing outright easy winner with SYRACUSE on Thursday and a nice close cover with "DUNK CITY" (FLORIDA GULF COAST). The only "bad apple" was MICH ST who ran into a kid who had the game of his life. 2-1 pays the bills folks. Let's see what new winners the Big Man has in store for us on this continued Easter weekend. "Hop us" (a bunny joke) the picks Big D!!--R.B.

Well Happy Holidays to all of you out there. Yes 2-1 is nice. Not perfect, but nice. Now we go for perfect.

You like how Syracuse beat up on Indiana? Us too. You know who did even MORE impressive beating? MARQUETTE. Yep. Crushing Miami-Fl out of left field. Now they get a familiar foe in the 'Cuse. You think MARQUETTE is nervous? Nope. How about grumpy that they are 4.5 point underdogs since they BEAT 'Cuse earlier this season? Yep. And as a matter of fact, have covered 5 straight vs the orange. Too many pal. Take!

Ohio State was able to fight off both Iowa State and Arizona with last second 3 pointers. Impressive. WICHITA STATE has about 12 guys who play considerable minutes. They are relentless. Mowing through Pitt, Gonzaga, and Lasalle. We smell a dogfight here with one of the two Big 10 reps left (AND barely for BOTH!!). Maybe a shocker for the SHOCKERS?!? 4.5 points here, too? Take pal. Too many.

Finally, on Easter Sunday, it makes very little sense to go against FLORIDA in the NCAA tournament. (Even though we just did and won!). But now the GATORS lay just 1 to Michigan, speaking of barely here representing the Big 10, the wolverines are thanking their lucky, lucky stars to be here. FLORIDA will "D" up and find themselves in the Final Four come Sunday night. Take that to the bank and lay the 1, friend.

The happy recap: MARQUETTE+4.5 vs syracuse, WICHITA STATE+4.5 vs Ohio State today, FLORIDA -1 vs michigan tomorrow.

There wont be any "bad apples" in this bunch. Which reminds Big D. Better get my outfit out that matches the fellows singing below. A song that was in the top 10 of the billboard charts, 42 years ago. No kidding. Good luck and god bless and Happy Easter!!

  

Then There Were 16

Editor's Note--Hi Ho! Everyone! Happy Holy Thursday and Good Friday (a little early). Such a fine celebratory time of year. Especially for me, when I can hit the booze again, on Easter Sunday after giving it up for 47 days for the 20th straight year. But enough about me. How about Big D's Picks? He started the month en fuego, he's called off a little, and now does he recharge into the winners circle to produce us some bitcoins? Me thinks, "YES!" Gooooooooooo Big D. Gooooooooo.

Thank you Richie and congrats again on your "Clean living Lent season". Speaking of clean, let's get 3 clean winners for you in the baskets for the next 2 days.

A nifty in rematch of the 1987 NCAA championship game goes tonight. Bobby Knight is gone but Jim Boeheim is still on the other side. Remember how Keith Smart hit the jumper to win it? Remember how current "CUSE guard Brandon Triche's Uncle missed a free throw to lose it? We do. 5.5 points though to the ORANGEMEN? REALLY? Cant you see this one going down to the wire? We can. Take.

On Good Friday, it should be really GOOD for us. Duke has been doing it with mirrors all season. IZZO's boys from MICHIGAN STATE are in EVERY game. Not so sure why they get 1.5. But that's fine with us, because they will be winnin. Take the SPARTANS, pal.

Finally, the EAGLES of FLORIDA GULF COAST are everyone's darlings. Including ours. We're not so sure they can get past this tough Gator foe. But we are sure 13 points is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too many pal. That's why we will be taking the points and the BLUE AND GREEN. Dunk City indeed.

So the happy recap: SYRACUSE+5.5 vs indiana tonight, MICH ST+1.5 vs duke, FGCU+13 vs florida on gooooooooood friday. Do check back on the weekend for Elite 8 selections!

Now? Let's shake and shout and dance, and if you don't think Big D will be wearing those catchers shin guards watching the games, that the fellow in white has on below, you are sadly mistaken.

 

Big D Says FAST and Furious Sunday.

Crap. 1-2 yesterday and 1/2 point away from 2-1. Jiminy Crickets.

UNC+6.5 vs kansas

FLORIDA GULF COAST+7.5 vs sandiego state

CREIGHTON+7 vs duke

No words. Just winners. Lets go.

 

 

Big D Is a Wise Man

Yeah 2-2 yesterday but VERY close to going undefeated. The amount of games has dropped to a mere 8 in the NCAA tourney, again all day. We will chose 3. The smart picks.

HAAAAHVAAAAHD snuck up on just about everyone but themselves the other night. Belmont couldn't throw the ball in the ocean standing in the sand, the other night versus Arizona. Doubt the CRIMSON misses so many 3 point shots. They will also make the smahhhht plays. We know it pains you Richie B, to take your archrival, but hey, this is money we are talking about here. And we get 10 POINTS?!? Hiya! Taaaaake!

People thought Bucknell was a "slick" play versus BUTLER the other day. Repeat after Big D, "it may be smart to stay AWAY from a BUTLER game, but its NEVER good to go AGAINST them in the NCAA tourney". Got it? Good. Big East looking a little shaky, whilst the Atlantic 10 looking VERY strong in these contests. Guess what? Marquette in Big East. BUTLER in A-10. Taaaaaaaaaaaaaake the brilliant BUTLER+1.5!!

Finally, one of the best academic programs on the West Coast? Why the CAL-BERKELEY GOLDEN BEARS that's who! To round out Large Richard's "3 team brainiac parlay", let's take these CAL BEARS+7 vs syracuse. Sure 'cuse won by 50 the other night, but that line looks fishy. CAL it is.

Good luck and god bless. And may all of you have final scores like Carver High and Warren Coolidge below......Check back tomorrow for more fine selections!!!

 

Big D Says: I'll STILL Be Around

Didn't go so hot yesterday. 1-3. We will try this "not talking a lot" posting one more time. Here goes:

ALBANY+17 vs duke--duke is a good way to lose your money in these "Big Dances" the last few years. Well, we make money. The GREAT DANES of ALBANY will keep it close.

VILLANOVA+4 vs north carolina--many say NOVA doesnt belong here. many love north carolina. many will lay the 4 points. we will TAKE them.

IOWA STATE+1 vs notre dame--Um, see above.

COLORADO+1.5 vs illinois--u think the Pac-12 is getting no respect in this tourney? Ask Oregon, Cal, and Arizona from yesterday.....TAKE!

Finally, one more tribute to Bobbie Smith of the Spinners. RIP. Yes we lost yesterday, but as the song goes, "I'll Be Around". Good luck and god bless.