The Joy of Six: We had six Game 6s in the NBA and NHL Playoffs on Thursday night with four teams advancing and two series heading to Game 7s. Scroll down for more NBA and NHL coverage.
Baeza joins Derby field
Dave Tuley warned us. Now we have to decide if we are going to heed his advice.
Baeza made the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field on Thursday when No. 4 Rodriguez, trained by Bob Baffert, was scratched with a foot bruise.
In the VSiN Derby Betting Guide, Tuley pointed out that Baeza could be a contender but needed a scratch, adding the painful reminder that Rich Strike was a late addition three years ago and won the Derby at 80-1.
Baeza, who will wear No. 21 and start from the 20th post, was 12-1 in the morning line (although 29-1 when I checked the live odds last night). The connections (trainer John Shirreffs/jockey Mike Smith) won the 2005 Derby with 50-1 Giacomo.
His lone stakes race was a runner-up finish to Journalism in the Santa Anita Derby, only losing by three-quarters of a length, so he certainly has the right to take another big step forward.
More from Dave in the 15-page guide, now available for download by VSiN Pro subscribers.
Not a VSiN Pro subscriber? Find an option that works for you.
As I write this email, I am watching a tremendous “best-of-Derby-advice” video from VSiN hosts and guests such as Matt Youmans, Drew Dinsick, Johnny Avello, Chris Fallica, Mike Somich, Britney Eurton and Kenny Rice. >>Watch the video.
One other update: Weather could be a factor as there is a chance for showers throughout Derby Day.
More horse racing
Tuley offers his Best Bets for today’s card at Churchill Downs (starting at 11 a.m. ET). Not surprisingly, Mr. Dog or Pass tries to beat the 6-5 favorite in the Kentucky Oaks (post time 5:51 p.m. ET).
“Mr. Ed” Sehon also has picks for today’s card.
Adam Burke previews the Oaks with his predictions and Somich will have his picks later today.
Special programming today: VSiN At The Track with Somich and Aaron Halterman will be broadcast at 2:10 p.m. ET. >>Go here to watch live or replay.
>>Check out our Derby hub for everything we’ve done this week.
And if you need a little extra bankroll, 1/ST BET is offering $200 signup bonus. >>Go here.
If you are in Las Vegas this weekend, the Circa sportsbook will offer paramutuel wagering on all races today and Saturday. And if you want to join me in sweating out Final Gambit (and probably Baeza) at Circa’s Legacy Club party, tickets are still available. I have been given a big job: I’m one of the judges for the Derby hat contest.
NBA: 2 spots left in 2nd round
The Knicks eliminated the Pistons last night while the Clippers forced a Game 7 with a 111-105 victory over the Nuggets. >>Tuley’s ATS report.
One Game 6 tonight:
Rockets (+5) at Warriors, 9 ET, ESPN. Golden State leads 3-2.
>Check here later this morning for Zach Cohen‘s Best Bets and Steve Makinen‘s Analytics Report.
>Today’s selections from the VSiN KillerSports NBA Playoff Challenge will be available shortly after 8 p.m. ET.
>Estimated scores from Makinen.
NHL: 2 spots left in 2nd round
The Golden Knights, Oilers and Leafs advanced to the second round last night while the Avalanche forced a Game 7 by beating the Stars. >>Tuley’s ATS report.
Tonight’s only game:
Jets (+100) at Blues (-112), 8 ET, TNT. Winnipeg leads 3-2.
VSiN hockey analyst Jonathan Davis will have his Best Bets later this morning.
>Estimated scores from Makinen.
Today in MLB
Greg Peterson already has filed his top plays for today.
Steve Makinen, Adam Burke and Josh Appelbaum will post their contributions later this morning.
>Our daily matchup page with more detail by clicking on “Matchup Analysis.”
>Makinen’s daily power ratings
>DraftKings/Circa Betting Splits
This is The VSiN Daily newsletter for Friday, May 2. Sign up for this free email and get picks and insights delivered to your in-box every morning.
