Daily tips for May 25

Football for May 25

UEFA Champions League Final, Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich, Wembley Stadium, London, UK, Sunday, May 26, 4.45am

The Germans have finally invaded England! It’s an all-Bundesliga Champions League final with the all-conquering Bayern Munich taking on Borussia Dortmund. Bayern have won 24 of their last 26 matches, a run which included a two-legged demolition of long-time trophy favourites Barcelona in the semi-finals. While things look rosy in the Bayern camp, the same cannot be said for Dortmund, who headed to Wembley without a win in their last four games and minus one of their star players in the Bayern-bound Mario Goetze.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have had success stifling Bayern’s strength out wide with the likes of Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben given plenty of close attention. The finalists met on four occasions this season with the scores 1-1, 1-1, 2-1 (Bayern win) and 1-0 (Bayern win). Bayern have only conceded only 18 goals in 34 Bundesliga games and with a defensive bent expected again here, the under total looks the way to go.

Suggested bets: Game total -2.5 (two units @ $2.05) LOSE, Bayern WIN (1.5 units @ $1.76) WIN, Bayern 1-0 (0.5 units @ $6.75) LOSE (1-2)

AFL R9 for May 25

Port Adelaide v Geelong, AAMI Stadium, Saturday, May 25, 1.15pm

Port’s loss to Carlton last week indicates that the bubble has burst for Ken Hinkley’s side after such a promising start to the season. It doesn’t get easier for the Power as they host Geelong for the first time since 2008. Perhaps most concerning has been the alarming drop-off in the output of players like Justin Westhoff and Hamish Hartlett. On the rebound after being pipped at the post by the Pies, the Cats regain Steve Johnson and should have Joel Selwood off the leash after a series of hard tags on their champion midfielder. Geelong has won this fixture comfortably in the past and should continue their dominance.

Suggested bet: Geelong -26.5 WIN (68-116)

Greater Western Sydney v West Coast, Skoda Stadium, Saturday, May 25, 2.10pm

Both sides may lie outside the eight but that’s where the concept of a tight contest ends as the Giants have yet to finish within five goals in any game so far this season. The Eagles lose Beau Waters, Adam Selwood, Will Schofield and Sharrod Wellingham for this game, and needed a goal after the siren to overtake a gallant North Melbourne in Perth last week. Despite the margin, Greater Western Sydney showed some renewed vigour at the contest against the Hawks last week, and given the wet conditions and no major change to their line-up, should be able to keep the margin inside the line on their home track.

Suggested bet: Greater Western Sydney +67.5 LOSE (55-155)

St Kilda v Footscray, Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 25, 4.40pm

Disappointingly for punters, the mainstream media started to ask questions about the Bulldogs during the week so the value they’ve served up in recent weeks may be a thing of the past. It’s 15th versus 16th here, but these sides are miles apart. The Saints have big problems in front of goal but have beaten the Dogs in their past eight, and Footscray has failed to score more than 76 points in any of those games. Brendan McCartney’s side ran out of puff in each of the four quarters against Gold Coast last week, which casts serious questions over their fitness and/or commitment. Either way, St Kilda wins this in a canter.

Suggested bet: St Kilda -31.5 LOSE (101-110)

Brisbane Lions v Carlton, Gabba, Saturday, May 25, 7.40pm

One of the trickier games of the round, Brisbane is back home to take on Carlton after meritorious win over Essendon last week. The Lions beat the Blues in the NAB Cup Grand Final – form that normally holds up in the early stages of the home and away season. It’s taken the Lions six weeks to regain that winning form but they’re back home with another big scalp in mind. The 4-4 Blues failed to deliver a killer blow against Port last week and, despite having dominated Brisbane in recent meetings, face another stern challenge here. An upset wouldn’t surprise in a game where goals will be premium.

Suggested bets: Game total -184.5 (three units) WIN, Lions +14.5 WIN (85-98)

Richmond v Essendon, MCG, Saturday, May 25, 7.45pm

It’s a long time since these two sides have faced off while both occupying spots in the eight. After that stunning start to 2013, the Bombers have dropped two in a row, almost mirroring their form of 2011-12. Michael Hurley looks set to play after suffering concussion last week, while Courtenay Dempsey and Leroy Jetta return. The Tigers, with Chris Newman and ruckman Ivan Maric, have traditionally struggled against the better sides but will fancy their chances in a fixture that’s been split 5-5 in the past 10 meetings. Coming off wins over Port and Melbourne, Richmond looks primed for a breakout game to stamp themselves as genuine contenders. In front of 80,000 spectators at the ‘G’, this could be the night.

Suggested bet: Richmond WIN LOSE (62-91)

Racing for May 25

Horse racing: Caulfield (Vic), Randwick (NSW), Doomben (Qld), Morphettville (SA), Belmont (WA), Donald (Vic), Gold Coast (Qld), Newcastle (NSW), Wagga (NSW), Mackay (Qld), Carnarvon (WA), Darwin (NT), Toowoomba (Qld)

Harness racing: Albury (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Bendigo (Vic), Menangle (NSW), Globe Derby (SA), Harvey (WA)

Greyhound racing: The Gardens (NSW), Traralgon (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Richmond (NSW), The Meadows (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Cannington (WA)

The Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane is the highlight of today’s local racing program while the Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas is the feature event on the international scene later tonight. However, our best of the day comes up at Caulfield in race 7, the appropriately named Responsible Gambling Awareness Week Hcp from 4yo mares and upwards over 1200m.

A genuine track specialist, the Mick Kent-trained #1 Serene Star won here on April 27 and backed up a fortnight later with an eye-catching second behind Elite Elle. On that day, the track played to leaders and Serene Star was one of the few runners to make up ground late in the race. She’ll need space behind likely leaders Anabaa's Legacy, Classy Chloe and Bonnie Mac, but looks ideally placed here.

Suggested bet: Caulfield R7 #1 Serene Star WIN (two units @ $3.00) 3rd ($1.90)

Other tips

Caulfield R3 #4 Shiny Buttons (E/W) 1st ($4.80/$1.80)

Caulfield R5 #8 Spending (E/W) 2nd ($3.20)

Caulfield R9 #5 Strawberry Boy (win) 1st ($1.70)

Randwick R1 #2 Everage (win) LOSE (2nd)

Randwick R2 #5 Mishani Persuader (place) 2nd ($2.20)

Randwick R4 #2 Vatuvel (win) LOSE (3rd)

Randwick R5 #2 Cuddlesome (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Randwick R6 #12 Gasquet (win) LOSE (U/P)

Doomben R3 #13 Peron (win) 1st ($2.80)

Doomben R8 #10 Epaulette (E/W) 1st ($5.80/$2.30)

Morphettville R3 #6 Horacio (E/W) 1st ($3.20/$1.40)

Morphettville R6 #1 Road Warrior (win) LOSE (2nd)

Harness racing tip: Globe Derby R4 #3 Elliott Bromac (win) LOSE (U/P)

Greyhound racing tip: The Meadow R5 #1 Tee Brady (win) 1st ($1.60)

MLB for May 25

St Louis Cardinals (30-16) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (19-26), Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, Saturday, May 25, 12,10pm

It’s easy to over-analyse MLB games when the key facts are there plain as day. This is one of those games where the value is outstanding. While Dodgers manager Don Mattingly's job has become a hot topic of debate, things figure to blow over if the club starts putting wins together. Doing so, however, could prove difficult against the MLB-leading Cardinals.

Lance Lynn gets the ball for the Cards here – he’s had a 1.80 ERA over his previous five starts, is 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two starts against Los Angeles, which counters with Chris Capuano (1-2, 4.84). He is 1-5 with a 6.58 ERA over his last 10 starts versus St Louis, and his career 5.83 ERA against the Cardinals is tied for his highest against any NL opponent.

Suggested bet: Cardinals WIN (four units @ $1.85) WIN (7-0)

Other tips

Orioles @ Blue Jays WIN LOSE (10-6)

Phillies @ Nationals WIN WIN (2-5)

Twins @ Tigers -1.5 WIN (0-6)

Indians @ Red Sox -9 PUSH (1-8)

Braves @ Mets -7.5 GAME SUSPENDED

Yankees WIN @ Rays WIN (9-4)

Pirates WIN @ Brewers LOSE (1-2)

Angels WIN @ Royals +8 WIN (5-2)

Athletics WIN @ Astros WIN (6-5)

NHL playoffs for May 25

Eastern Conference semi-final, game 5: Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins, CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, PA, Saturday, May 25, 10.40am

Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson isn't quite ready for the traditional season-ending handshake. Yet he knows if the Senators can't find a way to slow down slow down the Pittsburgh Penguins, it’s coming soon. The Penguins grabbed a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-finals with a 7-3 rout on Thursday night, leading Alfredsson to offer Ottawa “probably” can’t win three straight.

The Penguins moved within a game of a berth in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2009 by erupting for four goals in the third period, overwhelming the Senators in a brilliant display of firepower. Pittsburgh ran into a similar situation two years ago when it took a 3-1 lead in the first round against Tampa Bay only to lose in seven games, including a 1-0 defeat at home in Game 7. That won’t happen here, with the puck-line appealing.

Suggested bet: Penguins -1.5 (two units @ $2.45) WIN, game total -5.5 (one unit @ $1.87) LOSE (2-6)

NBA playoffs for May 25

Eastern Conference final, game 2: Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat, AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL, Saturday, May 25, 10.40am

Losing a game at the final buzzer, no less than a playoff game on the road against the reigning NBA champion Miami Heat, would seem to have potential to demoralise the Indiana Pacers. We’re not expecting that to be the case. Barely 12 hours after LeBron James scored on a drive as time expired in overtime to give the Heat a win in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, the Pacers were more steeled than shaken when they arrived for practice at the arena where it all went awry in the series opener.

For as intense and down-to-the-wire as Game 1 was, with 35 ties or lead changes over 53 scintillating minutes where neither team ever held more than a seven-point lead, both the Pacers and Heat are expecting significant improvement. It's easy to see how that could be the case, after a series-opener where both teams were turnover-happy (20 for Indiana, 21 for Miami), hardly the norm for either side, and play was at times choppy thanks in part to 58 personal fouls being called.

Suggested bet: Game total +182 (two units @ $1.91) WIN, Pacers +7.5 (one unit @$1.91) WIN (97-93)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 24

AFL R9 for May 24

Collingwood v Sydney, MCG, Friday, May 24, 7.50pm

Buoyed after handing Geelong its first loss of 2013, the Magpies return to the MCG for a Friday night blockbuster against the Swans. Collingwood still appear a cog below their best but the return of Luke Ball last week looked pivotal for a side that is unlikely to have its first choice midfield available again this season.

Similarly, the reigning premiers are nowhere near their best as shown by losses to Hawthorn and Geelong and last week’s draw with Freo after leading by more than four goals in the last quarter. Tellingly, Sydney have won just one of 12 at the MCG and have a less than impressive record against the Magpies in this traditionally low scoring fixture.

Suggested bets: Collingwood -8.5 (two units @ $1.91), game total -183.5 (two units @ $1.91)

Racing for May 24

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Casino (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Canberra (ACT)

Harness racing: Wagga (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Melton (Vic), Newcastle (NSW), Globe Derby (SA), Gloucester Park (WA)

Greyhound racing: Casino (NSW), Mt Gambier (SA), Bendigo (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Geelong (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Mandurah (WA), Winnellie Park (NT)

After a chilly start to the day, conditions look fine for today’s seven-race meeting on the synthetic track at Geelong. Race 5 on the program is Decjuba Showcase Hcp (BM78) over 1900m where Vlad Duric takes the ride on the Peter Snowden-trained #11 Tiryns. This 3yo son of Lonhro was a last-start winner at Kilmore by three lengths over 1612m, which improved his record to three wins from nine starts. He’s up in class and distance but should enjoy a sweet run from barrier 2 and looks hard to hold out after a four-week breather.

Suggested bet: Geelong R5 #11 Tiryns E/W (one unit WIN, four units PLACE) LOSE (4th)

Other tips

Geelong R2 #2 Gas Burner (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Canberra R4 #3 Sydney’s Destiny (place) 2nd ($1.90)

Casino R6 #1 Floral Insight (win) ABANDONED

Harness racing tips: Melton R9 #1 Teo Enteo (win)

Greyhound racing tip: The Gardens R5 #8 Miss Nicole (win)

MLB for May 24

Los Angeles Angels (19-27) @ Kansas City Royals (21-22), Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MS, Friday, May 24, 10.40am

An offensive boon has the Los Angeles Angels on their longest winning streak of the season. An old friend is looking to end it. Hot-hitting Mike Trout and the surging Angels face former teammate Ervin Santana in the opener of this four-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Los Angeles (19-27) has been one of baseball's biggest disappointments this season, but the team is showing signs of turning things around with four straight wins. The Angels have hit .348 with five homers and outscored opponents 37-12 during the streak.

Struggling Seattle proved to be no match the last two games, as Los Angeles followed Tuesday’s 12-0 rout with a 7-1 victory Wednesday. The Angels collected 27 hits with six doubles, three triples and three homers in those games. It’s never encouraging to see Joe Blanton’s name listed as the starter, but the Angels offence should have enough firepower to get the job done here and continue their climb out of the slump.

Suggested bets: Game total -8.5 (one unit @ $2.05) LOSE, Angels WIN (two units @ $2.10) WIN (5-4)

Other tips

Orioles @ Blue Jays +9 WIN (6-12)

Cubs @ Pirates WIN WIN (2-4)

Twins @ Tigers -9 LOSE (6-7)

Indians @ Red Sox -9.5 LOSE (12-3)

NHL playoffs for May 24

Western Conference semi-final, game 4: Chicago Blackhawks @ Detroit Red Wings, Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, MI, Friday, May 24, 10.10am (Red Wings lead series 2-1)

Playoff hockey is a different beast, as the Blackhawks better realise before their Stanley Cup dreams are dashed for 2013. Apparently the Red Wings don’t care that Chicago led the league in points (77), were tops in goals against thanks to the heroics of Corey Crawford and Ray Emery, and were second only to Pittsburgh in scoring.

It’s almost crunch time for Chicago. Unlike Game 2, when the heavily favoured Blackhawks came out flat and fired only 20 shots on the Detroit net, their Game 3 offence was far more energised. If not for the stellar play of Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, Chicago could be looking at a 2-1 series advantage instead of a 2-1 deficit.

Detroit is riding a wave of euphoria but that could come crashing down the moment their bodies and legs suddenly realise they have played a stack of hockey in a short period of time. They went seven games with the Ducks including four overtime sessions. The Blackhawks went only five games with the Wild and won fairly easily.

Suggested bets: Blackhawks WIN (two units $1.77) LOSE, game total -5 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (0-2)

Other tips

ECSF4: Bruins @ Rangers WIN WIN -5.5 LOSE (3-4)

WCSF5: Sharks @ Kings WIN WIN -4.5 WIN (0-3)

Note: no NBA playoff games are scheduled today

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 23

Racing for May 23

Horse racing: Ballarat (Vic), Hawkesbury (NSW), Rockhampton (Qld), Pinjarra (WA)

Harness racing: Gold Coast (Qld), Geelong (Vic), Tamworth (NSW), Penrith (NSW), Echuca (Vic), Northam (WA)

Greyhound racing: Warragul (Vic), Grafton (NSW), Geelong (Vic), Maitland (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Sandown Park (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Dapto (NSW), Hobart (Tas), Mandurah (WA)

The highlight of today’s racing program is tonight’s Sandown Cup, the world’s richest greyhound race for stayers, which also be the final time we’ll see the WA superstar Miata on the track (we’ll preview the meeting later today).

In the meantime, there are four thoroughbred meetings scheduled today including an eight-race card at Hawkesbury on a slow (6). Race 4 is the Ainsworth CG&E Maiden Plate over 1300m where #3 Bon Temps looks well positioned to break through at his sixth start. The 3yo gelding resumed well at Kembla Grange and was beaten by less than a length.

The winkers go on for the first time, and despite drawing awkwardly in barrier nine he did push forward last start from a similar draw and is likely to do the same today. The son of Flying Spur has now placed in four of his five career runs and showed ability in metropolitan company last preparation. This Peter Snowden-trained charge rates strongly here while Christian Reith, who has been riding well, goes back on board. 

• Eddie McGuire and Thursday nights went hand-in-hand for many years thanks to The Footy Show, but tonight the only black and white he'll be watching will come from box #2 as he co-hosts festivities with Jaimee Rogers on Sandown Cup night.

Many of Australia's champion dogs have qualified for the world's richest greyhound race for stayers including defending champion Irma Bale, triple Group 1 winner Destini Fireball and, making her final start, Australia's highest stakes earner Miata. However, we love the look of Tassie bitch #1 Bell Haven. She's been competitive in this class over the past two months including a win over Irma Bale two starts. With five placings in six starts from the red box, she also looks well suited from the inside and is the value runner at $6.50.

Our best of the night comes up in race 7 where the Stan Ralph trained #7 Roy Galo looks ideally drawn in the black as he eyes back-to-back wins at Sandown Park. The $2.60 fixed price quote looks outstanding value. Our other tip of the night comes in up in race 4 where #1 Iona Seven looks to get a clear run from the inside and should be very tough to beat.

Suggested bet: Hawkesbury R4 #3 Bon Temps WIN (two units) LOSE (2nd)

Other tips

Hawkesbury R2 #6 Prettyfamous (win) 1st ($2.10)

Hawkesbury R3 #4 Intimate Moment (E/W) 2nd ($1.30)

Ballarat R4 #5 Design for Life (win) LOSE (3rd)

Ballarat R5 #1 No Song No Supper (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Rockhampton R6 #1 Ten Seconds (win) 1st ($3.60)

Rockhampton R7 #1 Flinders Sea (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Geelong R5 #1 Glenferrie College (win) 1st ($1.40)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R8 #4 Pearl Irene (win) 1st ($2.00)

MLB for May 23

Seattle Mariners (20-26) @ Los Angeles Angels (18-27), Angel Stadium of Anaheim, CA, Thursday, May 23, 9.35am

The Los Angeles Angels have a chance to record their longest winning streak of 2013 and extend the Seattle Mariners’ worst skid of the season. Since falling a season-worst 12 games below .500 with a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Friday, Los Angeles (18-27) has reeled off three straight wins to match its longest streak of the season. The Angels are batting .340 with 10.0 runs per game during their current run after pounding out 15 hits in Tuesday’s 12-0 victory. Mike Trout’s solo homer in the eighth inning capped off the sixth cycle in team history, and first since Chone Figgins in 2006.

Seattle pitcher Brandon Maurer (2-5, 5.75 ERA) went 6 1/3 innings in the opener of that series (a 6-0 victory) but he’s 0-2 in three starts since. The right-hander walked a season-high four in Friday's 6-3, 10-inning loss at Cleveland but delivered a solid six-inning performance with three runs allowed. The following day in Los Angeles’ 6-3 victory, Wednesday's starter C.J. Wilson (3-3, 3.72) won for the sixth time in seven decisions against the Mariners with 5 1/3 innings of three-run ball. We suspect the Angels have turned the corner and will win a high-scoring affair here.

Suggested bet: Game total +8.5 (two units @ $1.83) LOSE, Angels -1.5 (two units @ $2.00) WIN (1-7)

Others tips

Rays @ Blue Jays -9 WIN (3-4)
Yankees WIN @ Orioles LOSE (3-6)
Tigers WIN @ Indians WIN (11-7)
Twins @ Braves WIN WIN (3-8)

Reds WIN @ Mets WIN (7-4)
Athletics @ Rangers -10 WIN (1-3)
Dodgers @ Brewers +9 WIN (9-2)
Royals -1.5 @ Astros LOSE (1-3)
Diamondbacks @ Rockies WIN WIN (1-4)

NHL playoffs for May 23

Eastern Conference semi-final, game 4: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators, Scotiabank Place, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Thursday, May 23, 9.35am

After a win in Game 3, the Ottawa Senators are confident they can tie their series against Pittsburgh. The Penguins jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the series before Ottawa won Game 3 in double overtime, but Pittsburgh remains confident and will stick to its strategy in Game 4. Winning one of two on the road allows the Penguins to finish off the Senators on their home ice in Pittsburgh. Even with the road loss in Game 3, Pittsburgh is still a very impressive 20-8 in their last 28 games played on the highway and 39-12 in their last 51 games overall.

Meanwhile, Ottawa is expecting the momentum to carry over from Game 3 in this match-up – especially with the support of their hometown fans rocking Scotiabank Place. However, the Senators are 3-7 in their last 10 played on two day’s rest and 1-5 in their last six versus the Penguins. We’ll stick with the visitors here despite the fervent home support with a small nod to the total going over.

Suggested bet: Penguins WIN (three units @ $1.74) WIN, game total +5.5 (one unit @ $2.10) WIN (7-3)

NBA playoffs for May 23

Eastern Conference final, game 1: Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat, AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL, Thursday, May 23, 10.10am

For Dwyane Wade and Udonis Haslem, this marks five East finals appearances in nine years. For LeBron James, it’s a fifth trip to this round in the past seven years, now three straight with Miami after a pair of trips to the East finals with Cleveland. For Ray Allen, it’s a fourth East title-round trip in six years, the first three of those coming with Boston. Experience, it all favours Miami.

For the Pacers, these are uncharted waters. Only one current Pacers player has ever appeared in a conference-final game but nonetheless, the Pacers seem far from bothered by the fact that this stage is a new place for them. Indiana finished 16½ games behind Miami in the regular season, meaning this Conference Finals is the most lopsided in terms of regular-season records since 1987 when the 65-17 Lakers swept the 39-43 SuperSonics.

Indiana took Miami to six games last season, leading the series 2-1 at one point, and left an impact on the Heat with words, actions and play. The series was always physical, and it took some superb efforts by Wade and James for Miami (Chris Bosh missed most of the series) to put the Pacers away. We’re expecting the Heat to put a stamp on this series early, but there’s excellent value on the game total, which we expected to be at least six points higher.

Suggested bet: Heat -7.5 (one unit @ $1.91) LOSE, game total +181.5 (three units @ $1.95) WIN (102-103)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication

Daily tips for May 22

Racing for May 22

Horse racing: Sandown Hillside (Vic), Canterbury (NSW), Sunshine Coast (Qld), Murray Bridge (SA), Belmont (WA)

Harness racing: Maryborough (Vic), Devonport (Tas), Bathurst (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Ballarat (Vic)

Greyhound racing: The Meadows (Vic), Angle Park (SA), Richmond (NSW), Shepparton (Vic), Albion Park (Qld), Warrnambool (Vic), Rockhampton (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Dapto (NSW), Cannington (WA)

It’s a very early start to today’s program at Sandown with three major jumps races added to the eight-race program after being transferred from Sunday’s abandoned Mornington meeting. Macedonian (Robert Fitzgerald Memorial Hurdle), Black and Bent (Jack Dow Memorial Hurdle), and Kirribilli Gold (Great Southern Steeplechase) all started short-priced favourites.

The track is rated a Heavy (9) today, which will suit #11 Aliberani just nicely in race 7 – the Slickpix Hcp over 1600m. This 4yo mare has won two of her 12 starts, with both victories on heavy tracks. She was a beaten favourite at Warrnambool last start but found herself on the worst past of the track and plugged away for fourth. Luke Nolen returns to the saddle today for Peter Moody, and she looks the one to beat, with #12 That’s the Way the main danger.

Suggested bet: Sandown R7 #11 E/W (one unit @ $3.80, four units @ $1.59) 1st

Other tips

Sandown R4 #6 Cooldini (win) 1st ($3.00)

Sandown R11 #9 Her Diamond Rock (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Canterbury R1 #2 Savvy Nature (win) LOSE (2nd)

Canterbury R2 #5 Runhardsun (win) 1st ($3.40)

Canterbury R4 #2 Honourable Aussie (win) 1st ($4.10/$2.50)

Sunshine Coast R8 #4 Tokamak (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Harness racing tip: Ballarat R6 #1 Cookeyslass (win)

Greyhound racing tip: Dapto R6 #7 No Rules League (win)

MLB for May 22

Los Angeles Dodgers (18-25) @ Milwaukee Brewers (17-26), Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI, Wednesday, May 22, 10.10am

Though Don Mattingly’s days as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager have been rumoured to be numbered, Zack Greinke is just starting to get settled in after recently returning from a month-long absence. Greinke makes just his fourth start here and first at Miller Park since being traded from the Milwaukee Brewers last season.

Injuries have contributed to the team's disappointing start as well. Hanley Ramirez has played only four games due to a hamstring injury, and Greinke missed more than a month after breaking his collarbone in a fight with San Diego's Carlos Quentin on April 11.

The right-hander went 25-9 with a 3.67 ERA with Milwaukee from 2011 through July 28, 2012, when he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels.

The Brewers (17-26) have lost seven of eight at home and will look to get back on track with help from Hiram Burgos, who began his rookie season 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA over his first three starts, but he gave up 12 runs in just three innings of a 13-7 loss to Cincinnati on May 11 before allowing three runs in five innings of Thursday’s 7-1 loss to Pittsburgh.

Suggested bet: Dodgers WIN (two units @ $1.78) LOSE, game total -8.5 (two units @ $2.00) WIN (2-5)

Other tips

Yankees @ Orioles WIN WIN (2-3)

Cubs @ Pirates -7.5 LOSE (4-5)

Twins @ Braves -1.5 LOSE (4-5)

Reds WIN @ Mets WIN (4-0)

Athletics @ Rangers -9 WIN (1-0)

Royals @ Astros WIN LOSE (7-3)

Diamondbacks @ Rockies +10 LOSE (4-5)

Cardinals WIN @ Padres WIN (10-2)

Nationals WIN @ Giants LOSE (2-4)

NHL playoffs for May 22

Western Conference semi-final, game 4: Los Angeles Kings @ San Jose Sharks, HP Pavilion, San Jose, CA, Wednesday, May 22, 12.10pm (Kings lead series 2-1)

For all that the San Jose Sharks accomplished with their overtime victory over Los Angeles in Game 3, they know it will mean very little if they don’t back that win up with another at home against the defending Stanley Cup champion Kings. LA isn’t about to feel complacent, considering they were less than two minutes away from losing Game 2 at home and have won just once in 10 road games since March. The home teams have won all three games so far this series and both teams are undefeated at home in the post-season this year.

The Sharks have been dominant all season on home ice, going 17-2-5 in the regular season that included two wins over Los Angeles. The biggest reason for the home success has been a potent power play that has been far more efficient at the Shark Tank than on the road. San Jose has scored on an NHL-best 28.4 per cent of power plays at home during the regular and postseason compared to just 13.6 per cent on the road.

Suggested bet: Sharks WIN (two units @ $1.91) WIN, game total -5 (two units @ $1.65) WIN (1-2)

Other tips

ECSF3: Bruins @ Rangers WIN LOSE -5 WIN (2-1)

NBA playoffs for May 22

Western Conference final, game 2: Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs, AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX, Wednesday, May 22, 11.05am (Spurs lead 1-0)

Zach Randolph’s miserable Western Conference finals debut led to a sleepless night and a long film session. This time, Randolph had his worst game ever in the playoffs, managing two points in a 105-83 blowout. The All-Star power forward and his Memphis Grizzlies are hardly down and out, though. In both rounds of the playoffs so far, Memphis has lost Game 1 before rallying back to knock out the LA Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

San Antonio displayed why its considered to be one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, as it shot 53 per cent overall from the floor in the series opener – knocking down a franchise playoff record 14 three-pointers from just 29 attempts. It took Memphis too long to settle in during its first conference finals appearance, and San Antonio was up 17 by the end of the first quarter and 20 in the second quarter. We’re expecting a repeat performance here.

Suggested bet: Spurs -5.5 (three units @ $1.91) LOSE, game total +181 (two units @ $1.91) WIN (89-93)

* Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication