Daily tips for August 10

NRL (round 22) for August 10

Cronulla Sharks (11-8) v Newcastle Knights (9-1-9), Ramondis Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 7.30pm

When Cronulla and Newcastle look back on season 2013, this could be the game that makes or breaks their respective seasons. Cronulla continue to perform well despite the ongoing ASADA dramas – and, sitting on 26 competition points, the squad still believe they’re in the hunt for a top-four finals position. The Sharks have won 11 of their 19 matches this season, including recent triumphs against the Warriors in New Zealand last week (18-14) and the Panthers a fortnight ago (38-10). They have, however, won just three matches against the other teams currently sitting in the top eight. The Sharks have named the same 17 that defeated the Warriors for this week’s crucial clash. Influential back-rowers Luke Lewis and Anthony Tupou remain on the injured list, although insiders tell NRL.com Tupou, in particular, could be a late inclusion.

The Knights, meanwhile, find themselves walking the finals tightrope – on 23 points they’re outright eighth but a loss would see them slip out of the finals cut-off if the Titans upset the Bulldogs or the Warriors surprise the Sea Eagles. Newcastle’s squad is slowly beginning to rectify a wretched middle-season period where they won just one of seven matches. Since Round 16, however, they’ve lost just one game, avoiding adding to that tally by claiming a point in last week’s 18-all draw with the Broncos in Newcastle. The Knights, meanwhile, welcome back Kade Snowden from suspension as well as James McManus from a back injury. Beau Scott, however, hasn't been named as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Danny Buderus is set to play in his 250th game for the club, surpassing Andrew Johns, who played 249 games for Newcastle. (Preview with thanks to NRL.com)

Suggested bet: Cronulla -4.5 (two units @ $1.91) LOSE (14-18)

AFL (round 20) for August 10

Place a bet on the “head to head” market in the Sydney v Collingwood match and if your team score 75 points or more but lose our sports betting partner Centrebet will refund your first bet up to $100 cash!

Richmond (12-6) v Brisbane Lions (8-10) MCG, Saturday, August 10, 1.45pm AEST

It’s been four years since the Lions last tasted success against Richmond, and that record is unlikely to change here as the finals bound Tigers host Brisbane to a cold and wet MCG. The Lions appear to have fallen into a pattern with which Tiger fans will be familiar – winning games (four of their past five) when the pressure of chasing a finals spot has passed. This looks beyond Michael Voss’ side. They’ve struggled for a consistent forward presence all season with the loss of Jonathan Brown only compounding their problems while two wins in 10 starts at the MCG is hardly encouraging. Richmond was terrific against the Hawks last week but I’m slightly wary of the Tigers’ up and down form since the bye. However, they’re mighty tough to toss at the ‘G’ and it’s hard to imagine Brisbane kicking a score that threatens the Tigers here.

Suggested bet: Game total -188.5 (one unit @ $1.90) WIN (97-74)

Geelong (14-4) v Port Adelaide (11-7) Simonds Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 2.10pm AEST

We’re 20 rounds into the season and still the majority of ‘experts’ remain skeptical about the credentials of Port Adelaide. To understand the revolution underway at Alberton under Ken Hinkley, you have to look beyond the raw numbers. Last week’s Showdown provided a perfect summation of the Power’s 2013 campaign – regardless of the circumstances, they find a way to win. The Cats have won the past eight against Port stretching back to the 2007 Grand Final. Five of those win came at Kardinia Park, while Geelong also cruised to an eight-goal win at AAMI Stadium back in round 9 this year. The stats just don’t reflect any tapering in Geelong’s form ahead of the finals – instead, I have Chris Scott’s side in a mini-slump. With wet conditions likely for this match, the line on offer is extraordinarily generous and the best on offer for the round.

Suggested bet: Port Adelaide +42.5 (three units @ $1.91, best of the round) WIN (129-104)

Carlton (9-9) v Footscray (5-13) Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 4.40pm AEST

It was at a similar point of the 2012 season that Carlton headed to the Gold Coast with everything on the line and lost. That result will be foremost in the minds of Mick Malthouse and his players as they host the Bulldogs at Etihad. Pardon the pun, but the Blues face a real dogfight here to stay in the finals hunt. The Bulldogs have certainly improved their attack on the ball but their key numbers haven’t improved much and, like Brisbane, they’re benefitting from games against sides that have pretty much put up the white flag for 2013. Robbie Warnock replaces the injured Matthew Kreuzer for the battle against bruiser Will Minson, but the key change here is the return of Jarrad Waite. The Bulldogs will hope attack is the best form of defence but Carlton will have too many forward options for the Footscray defence to counter.

Suggested bet: Carlton -18.5 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE, game total -198.5 (two units @ $1.90) LOSE (89-117)

Sydney (14-1-3) v Collingwood (12-6), ANZ Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 7.40pm AEST

This has been a fascinating fixture over recent years and we have an intriguing set of data for a venue that, despite being in Sydney’s backyard, basically plays as neutral territory. The Swans’ preliminary final victory over Collingwood last year was their first over the Pies at ANZ Stadium in six starts and 11 games overall. They’re also reversed a horror stretch at Homebush for a run of six wins in their past eight. Many experts have quickly jumped back on the Collingwood bandwagon after their thumping of Essendon last week but, despite the promising signs surrounding players like Dayne Beams and Quinten Lynch, I’m not yet convinced. The Swans have somehow nursed a staggering injury list through the bulk of 2013 and remain a legitimate premiership threat. They’ll win here, with the Magpies a decent chance of covering the line, but the ‘under’ game total looks far more appealing.

Suggested bet: Collingwood WIN (using Centrebet promotion @ $2.90) WIN, game total -181.5 (one unit @ $1.90) WIN (71-100)

Gold Coast (6-12) v Melbourne (2-16) Metricon Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 7.40pm AEST

Having endured years of misery as a Richmond supporter, I have genuine empathy for Melbourne fans. Winless GWS rarely looked in danger of defeat last week and the Demons stay on the road for a second week to face a Gold Coast side that pushed West Coast to the wire in the west. At least the Melbourne players will be able to enjoy the Gold Coast sunshine for a couple of days! Meanwhile the Suns look to enjoy a day out to celebrate Gary Ablett jnr’s 250th game. With Tom Nicholls a chance to play, Guy McKenna will field one of his strongest sides of the season and the Suns will fancy their chances of putting Melbourne to the sword after their 10-goal win at the MCG in round 7. The Demons will win their fair share of the footy around the stoppages but they’ve not been able to convert that possession into scoring opportunities all season.

Suggested bet: Gold Coast -40.5 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (90-77)

Racing for August 10

Horse racing: Flemington (Vic), Randwick (NSW), Eagle Farm (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA), Newcastle (NSW), Murtoa (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Kempsey (NSW), Cairns (Qld), Carnarvon (WA). Harness racing: Albion Park (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Bunbury (WA), Globe Derby (SA), Menangle (NSW), Parkes (NSW). Greyhound racing: The Gardens (NSW), Traralgon (Vic), Richmond (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Cannington (WA).

 

The racing industry and general public have united in their outpouring of emotion for Darwin jockey Simone Montgomerie (pictured above), who died after a tragic race fall during Monday's Darwin Cup meeting. The Darwin Turf Club has officially abandoned the 2013 running of the race, with the $200,000 prizemoney donated to 'The Montgomerie Fund', established by the club to provide support for the rider’s young family, including her five-year-old daughter Kodah. Tabcorp along with the NSW and Victorian racing industries have announced they will be donating profits from wagering on the opening races at Flemington and Randwick today, appropriately named the Simone Montgomerie Tribute. Meanwhile the Brisbane Racing Club and Queensland Jockeys Association will sell raffle tickets over the next two Saturdays for the chance to win naming rights to a race at Eagle Farm on August 24. At Canterbury on Wednesday, jockey Tommy Berry donated all his riding fees and win percentages, while a set of silks were also signed by every hoop at the Sydney meeting.

• Contributions can be made to The Montgomerie Fund, via Westpac Bank; BSB Number 035-302; Account Number 418752.

Daily tips

Flemington R1 #12 Baron Douro (place) LOSE (4th)

Flemington R2 #2 Great Esteem (E/W 1x4) 3rd ($1.60)

Flemington R3 #1 Friday Hussy (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Flemington R4 #1 Chiarmonte (E/W) 2nd ($2.70)

Flemington R5 #13 Stereosonic (E/W 1x2) 3rd ($1.80)

Flemington R6 #3 Magnifique Soleil (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Flemington R8 #9 Supremacy (E/W) 1st ($13.60/$3.00)

Flemington R9 #1 Means A Lot (E/W) 3rd ($2.70)

Randwick R1 #1 Streaking Comet (win) 1st ($1.70)

Randwick R3 #5 Lilliburlero (win) LOSE (4th)

Randwick R4 #6 Field Marshall (E/W) 1st ($3.80/$1.80)

Randwick R5 #2 Rain Affair (win) 1st ($1.40)

Randwick R7 #10 Let’s Be A Star (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Randwick R8 #1 Eigelstein (win) LOSE (2nd)

Eagle Farm R1 #1 Adebisi (win) LOSE (3rd)

Eagle Farm R2 #10 Flying Home (win) 1st ($1.90)

Eagle Farm R3 #1 Vintage Moss (win) 1st ($2.30)

Morphettville R2 #1 Amiconi Originale (win) LOSE (4th)

Morphettville R4 #1 Splash of Moet (E/W) 3rd ($1.80)

Morphettville R5 #7 Quick Snitzel (win) LOSE (3rd)

Morphettville R6 #8 Nearest The Pin (E/W 1x4) 1st ($2.80/$1.30)

Morphettville R7 #9 Draw Forward (E/W) SCRATCHED

Belmont R2 #3 Uncle George (win) 1st ($2.80)

Belmont R7 #4 Settle Strada (win) 1st ($2.40)

Harness racing tip: Ballarat R5 #1 Our Sky Major (win) 1st ($1.80)
Greyhound racing tip: The Meadows R7 #1 Destini Fireball (win) LOSE (3rd)

CFL (week 7) for August 10

Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-0) @ Calgary Stampeders (4-1), McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB, Saturday, August 10, 11.05am

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Calgary Stampeders entered their bye week riding big winning streaks. Saskatchewan has not lost a game, outscoring its opponents by 96 points over the first five weeks, while the Stampeders’ only blemish came in a road loss to the Roughriders in Week 2. Calgary quarterback Drew Tate has not played since injuring his right forearm in that 36-21 setback, but will play here.

Tate threw five touchdowns and one interception in his two starts before being injured, completing 38-of-52 passes. Slotbacks Nik Lewis (285 yards) and Marquay McDaniel (211) have been the preferred targets for Calgary pivots, who have combined to run the second-most effective offence in the league, next to Saskatchewan. Defensive lineman Charleston Hughes, who leads the team with four sacks and has 40 in his career, will return to the line-up after missing time because of a wrist injury.

Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant will also return after missing one game with a sore foot, but it’s the running backs who have stolen the offensive spotlight for both teams. Roughriders running back Kory Sheets and Stampeders running back Jon Cornish are averaging more than 100 yards, and Sheets is on a record-breaking pace with 712 yards – the best five-game start in CFL history. Saskatchewan limited Cornish to 42 yards in Week 2 and will need to do so again to ensure they maintain their perfect start to the season.

Suggested bet: Saskatchewan WIN (1.5 units @ $2.05) LOSE, game total +56.5 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (27-42)

NFL pre-season (week 1) for August 10

Miami Dolphins @ Jacksonville Jaguars, EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL, Saturday, August 10, 9.30am

The Jacksonville Jaguars will open their 2013 preseason at home while their opponent, however, has already played under the lights. The Miami Dolphins are looking to rebound from a sloppy showing against the Dallas Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game last week. Both teams have plenty to prove. The Jags are coming off an awful 2-14 record in 2012, while the Dolphins are hoping to bounce back from a moderately better 7-9 season. After eventful off-seasons, both teams are hoping to be improved. The Jaguars plan to ride out Blaine Gabbert at quarterback for one more season, though Chad Henne is still around if Gabbert struggles. Whoever starts isn’t likely to inspire much confidence in fans, which is too bad because the supporting cast isn’t bad.

Justin Blackmon came on strong last season, and could be solid once he is back from suspension. He'll help out an underrated Cecil Shorts III. The offensive line improved greatly with the addition of rookie Luke Joeckel, and the run game should be strong if Maurice Jones-Drew is healthy. The Dolphins already have a preseason came under their belt, though they eased the starters into action. The development of Ryan Tannehill will be the biggest story line for the Dolphins this season. Miami needs to figure out how to protect him, though, and Jonathan Martin is tasked with playing left tackle. He fared well in the team’s first pre-season game, but will have another good test on Friday.

Suggested bet: Dolphins -1 (one unit @ $1.91) WIN (27-3)

Other tips

Jets @ Lions +36.5 WIN (17-26)

Patriots +3 @ Eagles WIN (31-22)

Cardinals @ Packers +35 LOSE (17-0)

Bears @ Panthers +33.5 WIN (17-24)

Chiefs @ Saints +37 LOSE (13-17)

Cowboys @ Raiders +1.5 WIN (17-19)

MLB for August 10

Pittsburgh Pirates (70-44, 29-24 away) @ Colorado Rockies (52-64, 31-26 home), Coors Field, Denver, CO, Saturday, August 10, 10.40am

Francisco Liriano outdueled Jorge De La Rosa last weekend, and I’m expecting the outcome between these southpaws to the same at Coors Field as the Pittsburgh Pirates seek a sixth straight victory. Pittsburgh (70-44) took two of three at home from Colorado (52-64) last weekend. Liriano (12-4, 2.02 ERA) won his third straight start Saturday by allowing two hits in seven scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory. The Pirates have won two of three at Colorado in each of the three previous seasons.

De La Rosa (10-6, 3.31), meanwhile, gave up three runs over four-plus innings while striking out three and walking two. De La Rosa’s thumb flared up last month, but he said that wasn't a problem. The left-hander gave up eight runs in a 9-8, 10-inning loss to Atlanta on July 29. The Rockies, playing without the injured Carlos Gonzalez, are coming off a 1-9 trip that was capped by Thursday’s 2-1 defeat to the Mets. They have lost five straight, totaling six runs while hitting .205 with 34 strikeouts.

The Pirates figure to have Andrew McCutchen back in their line-up after the star was scratched Thursday in a 5-4, 10-inning victory over Miami because of discomfort in his right shoulder. McCutchen singled as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and is 11 for 17 over his last six games. The Pirates completed a three-game sweep in which they trailed in every game, rallying from a four-run deficit in the fifth inning Thursday. Pittsburgh's bullpen worked 10 1/3 scoreless innings in the series.

Suggested bet: Pirates WIN (1.5 units @ $1.70) LOSE, game total -8.5 (1.5 units @ $2.00) LOSE (1-10)

Other tips

IL: Rays @ Dodgers -6.5 $2.05 LOSE (6-7)

IL: Brewers @ Mariners +7.5 $1.94 WIN (10-5)

IL: Orioles WIN $1.79 WIN @ Giants -7 $1.95 PUSH (5-2)

AL: Tigers WIN $1.98 LOSE @ Yankees +8.5 $1.87 LOSE (3-4)

AL: Angels @ Indians WIN $1.85 LOSE +7.5 $1.95 LOSE (5-2)

AL: Athletics @ Blue Jays WIN $2.00 LOSE +9 $1.85 WIN (14-6)

AL: Red Sox @ Royals WIN $1.93 WIN (6-9)

AL: Rangers -1.5 $1.83 WIN @ Astros +8 $1.95 WIN (9-5)

NL: Phillies WIN $2.58 @ Nationals LOSE (2-9)

NL: Padres @ Reds WIN $1.57 WIN (2-7)

NL: Marlins @ Braves -1.5 $2.10 WIN (0-5)

NL: Cubs @ Cardinals -1.5 $2.04 LOSE (3-0)

NL: Mets @ Diamondbacks WIN $1.48 WIN (4-5)

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