Daily tips for July 26

NRL (R20) for July 26

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (9-8) v Parramatta Eels (3-14), ANZ Stadium, Friday, July 26, 7.35pm

Finals look likely for the Bulldogs – an amazing feat after five losses in their opening six games and a start to 2013. For the Eels, anchored to the foot of the table six points below any other team with just three wins, there are just seven matches to come in the horror year that has been 2013. This season Canterbury – grand-finalists in 2012 – started poorly, but they’ve rebounded in fine fashion and since Round 7 have won eight of 11 matches, defeating the Sharks (24-8), Warriors (24-16), Sea Eagles (32-30) and Storm (39-0) along the way. As a result, they’ve surged up the table into sixth position and back into premiership reckoning. Admittedly the Storm were undermanned last week, but a 39-point drubbing is impressive in anyone’s books and I expect a similar scoreline here.

For the Bulldogs, Josh Morris’ return from Origin duty sends Tim Lafai back to NSW Cup. Frank Pritchard and Sam Kasiano also return to stiffen the forward pack, pushing Josh Jackson to the bench, Tim Browne to jersey No.20 and Martin Taupau to NSW Cup. The Eels have defeated only the Warriors in Round 1 (40-10), the Sharks in Round 5 (13-6) and the Broncos in Round 9 (19-18), and resulted in coach Ricky Stuart publically declaring a dozen players are unwanted for 2014. Parramatta haven’t won one of their past eight matches, and their ‘record’ could get even worse in this one. For the Eels, Mitch Allgood returns from suspension while Ken Sio returns from injury to take his place on the wing. Their inclusion pushes Brayden Wiliame and Kaysa Pritchard out of the line-up.

Suggested bet: Bulldogs -21.5 (3.5 units @ $1.80) WIN, game total +44 (1.5 units @ $1.90) WIN (40-12)

AFL (R18) for July 26

Essendon (13-3) v Hawthorn (14-2), Etihad Stadium, Friday, July 26, 7.50pm

It may be first versus second, but the last time these sides met (round 18 last year), the Hawks triumphed by 94 points. A year earlier, the margin was 65 points in favour of Hawthorn. Despite perception, matches between the competition’s fiercest rivalries are rarely close and I’m confident this will again be the case here. Essendon welcome back Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett and David Zaharakis among five changes, but Hawthorn is in the enviable position to be able to recall Sam Mitchell and Lance Franklin.

These sides match-up evenly across the board but the Hawks are averaging almost three marks inside 50 more than the Bombers and several key indicators point to their ability to take the ball away from their opponents. The divisions at the Essendon Football Club have finally bubbled over this week, and this may be the tipping point where the peptides scandal finally manifests in the minds of the players on the park. I expect Hawthorn to rise to the occasion and burst the Bombers’ balloon in emphatic fashion.

Suggested bet: Hawthorn -22.5 (2.5 units @ $1.91), game total -200.5 (1.5 units @ $1.90)

Racing for July 26

Horse racing: Geelong (Vic), Goulburn (NSW), Townsville (Qld), Taree (NSW), Broome (WA). Harness racing: Mildura (Vic), Wagga (NSW), Redcliffe (Qld), Parkes (NSW), Melton (Vic), Port Pirie (SA), Gloucester Park (WA). Greyhound racing: Casino (NSW), Gawler (SA), Bendigo (Vic), The Gardens (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Geelong (Vic), Wentworth Park (NSW), Mandurah (WA).

The eight-race card at the Taree-Wingham Racing Club is being run on a heavy (8) today. Our best of the day is scheduled to jump at 4pm in race 7, the Sunne Printing BM60 Handicap over 1600 metres. The top rater #4 First Class Ticket has won two of her 11 starts including last time out at Newcastle over 1400m. Apprentice Taylor Marshall retains the ride, ensuring 3kg of weight relief for the 4yo mare. Her runs have been nicely spread by trainer Allan Denham of Wyong, which should have her cherry ripe for this.

Suggested bet: Taree R7 #4 First Class Ticket WIN (two units @ $2.40) WIN (1st)

Other tips

Geelong R2 #1 I’m In Charge (win) 1st ($1.90)

Geelong R4 #7 Blue Ash (E/W) 3rd ($2.50)

Geelong R6 #6 Smackdown (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Geelong R7 #2 Coffee (E/W 1x4) 1st ($2.60/$1.20)

Goulburn R5 #2 The Da (E/W 1x4) 1st ($3.10/$1.50)

Goulburn R6 #10 I Got You Babe (win) LOSE (U/P)

Goulburn R8 #1 Via Facile (E/W) 2nd ($1.90)

Taree R4 #3 Satang Satang (E/W) 3rd ($1.90)

Taree R5 #1 Emperor of Oz (E/W) 2nd ($2.00)

Townsville R7 #5 Daph ‘N’ Alf (E/W) 1st ($2.10/$1.30)

Harness racing tip: Melton R8 #1 Blazeaway Macray (win)

Greyhound racing tip: The Gardens R1 #7 All Tommie (win) LOSE (4th)

MLB for July 26

Baltimore Orioles (57-45, 28-25 away) @ Kansas City Royals (47-51, 26-24 home), Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MS, Friday, July 26, 10.10am

The Baltimore Orioles have had a run of solid starting pitching performances, though their last two efforts were wasted in losses to the Kansas City Royals. Red-hot Miguel Gonzalez figures to give them a good shot at getting back on track here when the Orioles seek a series split at Kauffman Stadium. While the Orioles have received seven straight quality starts, Baltimore (57-45) has plated just five runs while dropping the last two. Gonzalez (8-3, 3.34), who has gone 6-1 (2.35 ERA) in his last eight starts, has also excelled on the road.

His 2.83 road ERA over the past two seasons ranks among the lowest in the major leagues. The right-hander pitched into the sixth inning for the 23rd consecutive start – one of the longest active streaks in baseball – as he allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings in Saturday’s 7-4 win at Texas. The team had tallied 30 runs while hitting .319 during its preceding five-game winning streak. Gonzalez will try to put together another solid effort against a Kansas City team that has won four of six despite going 7 for 43 (.163) with runners in scoring position.

Baltimore may also be able to bounce back offensively against Jeremy Guthrie (9-7, 4.41 ERA). The right-hander, who won his first five decisions of the season, is 2-4 with a 6.05 ERA in his last seven starts. He was tagged for five runs and 10 hits over six innings in a 6-5 victory over Detroit on Saturday. Guthrie has been hit hard at home, going 1-1 with a 9.82 ERA in his last three starts. The former Oriole faces his old club for the second time after yielding two runs (one earned) over six innings in a 6-2 win at Baltimore on May 9.

Suggested bet: Orioles WIN (three units @ $1.74) LOSE (1-7)

Other tips

AL: Yankees @ Rangers -7.5 $1.98 WIN (2-0)

AL: Astros @ Blue Jays -1.5 $1.91 WIN (0-4)

AL: Rays WIN $2.19 @ Red Sox POSTPONED

AL: Angels @ Athletics WIN $1.91 LOSE (8-3)

AL: Twins @ Mariners WIN $1.53 WIN (2-8)

NL: Braves @ Mets WIN $2.10 WIN (4-7)

NL: Pirates @ Nationals +7 $2.01 WIN (7-9)

NL: Padres @ Brewers +8.5 $1.87 WIN (10-8)

NL: Phillies @ Cardinals -7.5 $1.95 WIN (1-3)

NL: Cubs @ Diamondbacks WIN $1.65 WIN (1-3)

NL: Reds @ Dodgers WIN $1.93 LOSE -7 $1.91 PUSH (5-2)

• Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 25

MLB for July 25

Oakland Athletics (58-42, 28-27 away) @ Houston Astros (34-65, 18-36 home), Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Thursday, July 25, 4.10am

Our best of the day in the MLB is the opening game of 15 scheduled today and represents one of the strongest plays we’ve seen in several weeks. After going 0-10 against Oakland to start the season, the Astros finally came away with a 5-4 win over their new American League West opponents at Minute Maid Park yesterday. With that monkey off their back, they'll look to win back-to-back games for the first time since mid-June in the series finale against Oakland.

Bud Norris’ name has been popular in trade talks for the entire season, and even more so as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches. With that, this could mark Norris' last start as an Astro, but Porter is more focused on the present than the future. The focus for Norris (6-9, 3.91 ERA), who will be countered by A’s starter A.J. Griffin (8-7, 3.82 ERA), will be improving upon his previous two starts, in which he went 0-2 with a 10.97 ERA, allowing 17 hits in 10 2/3 innings. Most recently, Norris went 5 2/3 innings against the Mariners on Friday, giving up six runs on six hits and four walks along the way.

He'll also look to perform better than his last outing against the A’s on April 17 in Oakland, where he surrendered six runs and five hits while walking three in just two-thirds of an inning. Unlike that start, Norris likely will have to face Home Run Derby winner Yoenis Cespedes, who missed the April 17 contest while on the disabled list with a strained muscle in his left hand. Cespedes hasn’t started since the All-Star break as he battles a sore left wrist, but he had a double off the bench on Tuesday.

Oakland is 49-29 with Cespedes in the line-up this season while going just 9-13 when he doesn’t start.  Houston hasn't won two in-a-row in over a month and is 6-20 in Norris’ past 26 starts against a team with a winning record. Meanwhile Oakland is 4-1 in Griffin's last five starts, 9-2 in Griffin's last 11 when their opponent scores 5+ runs in the previous game and 13-3 in last 16 road games against a team with a home winning record below .400.

Suggested bet: Oakland WIN (4.5 units @ $1.64) WIN, game total -8 (1.5 units @ $1.95) WIN (4-3)

Other tips

IL: Dodgers WIN $2.00 @ Blues Jays WIN (8-3)
AL: Indians WIN $1.83 @ Mariners WIN (10-1)
AL: Rays WIN $1.93 @ Red Sox WIN (5-1)
AL: Yankees @ Rangers WIN $1.60 WIN +8.5 $1.93 LOSE (1-3)
AL: Tigers WIN $1.75 @ White Sox WIN (6-2)
AL: Orioles @ Royals WIN $1.95 WIN (3-4)
NL: Pirates WIN $2.20 @ Nationals WIN (4-2)
NL: Braves @ Mets WIN $2.28 LOSE (8-2)
NL: Padres @ Brewers WIN $1.68 WIN (1-3)
NL: Phillies @ Cardinals WIN $1.61 WIN (3-11)
NL: Marlins @ Rockies WIN $1.58 WIN (1-2)
NL: Reds @ Giants WIN $2.03 LOSE -7.5 $1.79 LOSE (8-3)

• Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 24

Racing for July 24

Horse racing: Sportingbet Park Sandown Hillside (Vic), Canterbury (NSW), Eagle Farm (Qld), Gawler (SA), Belmont (WA), Devonport (Tas). Harness racing: Charlton (Vic), Bathurst (NSW), Gold Coast (Qld), Ballarat (Vic). Greyhound racing: The Meadows (Vic), Angle Park (SA), The Gardens (NSW), Richmond (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Cranbourne (Vic), Rockhampton (Qld), Ballarat (Vic), Bulli (NSW), Cannington (WA).

Watery sunshine is the order of the day for the eight-race card on the Sandown Hillside track, which is rated a heavy (10). Race 4 is the Follow @SportingbetOZ on Twitter Handicap over 1300m, which will feature two runners from the ultra-competitive Peter Snowden stable. The change of jockey from Nicholas Hall to Stephen Baster caught my eye, which will certainly help the chances of #9 Gig from barrier 2. Drawn to get a gun run, this 4yo mare has won three of 16 with two placings at slow or worse. In her first run back this campaign, she was fifth over 1200m at Moonee Valley in metro class but this isn’t as tough and the track condition will be to her liking. She’s also yet to miss a place second-up.

Suggested bet: Sandown R4 #9 Gig E/W (two units) LOSE (4th)

Other tips

Sandown R1 #10 Carvalho (place) 2nd ($3.00)

Sandown R6 #4 Oamaru Rose (E/W) SCRATCHED

Sandown R7 #7 Arch Fire (win) 1st ($2.20)

Sandown R8 #9 Lonhruge (E/W) 1st ($3.80/$1.90)

Canterbury R1 #2 Dream Forward (win) 1st ($2.80)

Canterbury R2 #2 Kurtley (E/W 1x4) 1st ($3.50/$1.40)

Canterbury R3 #1 Done Nothin Wrong (E/W 1x4) LOSE (U/P)

Canterbury R7 #5 Just A Girl (E/W) 1st ($4.40/$1.80)

Eagle Farm R1 #1 Neuschwanstein (win) 1st ($2.60)

Eagle Farm R4 #1 These Streets (win) 1st ($1.60)

Gawler R4 #14 Marion Type (win) 1st ($1.80)

MLB for July 24

Miami Marlins (36-61, 15-34 away) @ Colorado Rockies (48-52, 28-23 home), Coors Field, Denver, CO, Wednesday, July 24, 10.40am

With their scoreless streak finally behind them, the Miami Marlins now face another difficult task in trying to solve the recently stingy Jhoulys Chacin. They’ll also be counting on Jose Fernandez to provide yet another solid outing as two of the hottest pitchers in baseball oppose each other Tuesday night at Coors Field. Miami (36-61) had gone 37 innings without a run (the majors’ longest such streak in 28 years) before Giancarlo Stanton’s RBI double in the first inning of Monday’s 3-1 win over Colorado (48-52) ended the drought, helping halt a four-game skid. Miami’s offense could get another boost from Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick, outfielders, who are ranked among baseball's top prospects and will be called up from Double-A prior to this contest. Both figure to be in the line-up to make their debuts against Chacin (9-4, 3.50 ERA), who has rebounded from a rough stretch to become one of the league's best pitchers of late.

After going 0-3 with a 6.43 ERA in seven starts from May 5-June 6, Chacin went 6-1 with a 1.94 ERA over his next seven outings to end the first half on a tear. The right-hander hasn't had much success versus the Marlins, though, going 0-3 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts and a pair of relief appearances. Fernandez (5-5, 2.75 ERA) has posted a 1.72 ERA over his last eight starts, allowing one run and four hits through six innings of Miami’s 2-1, 10-inning win over Washington on July 13. Fernandez has allowed fewer than two runs in half of his 18 starts, and opponents are hitting just .196 against him. The rookie right-hander, who turns 21 on July 31, has tossed 104 2/3 innings, but manager Mike Redmond said he won’t use Fernandez any differently despite an innings limit of 150-170. The Marlins aren't the easybeats of the first 8-10 weeks of the season, and wouldn't surprise if they took this outright, but we'll take the start on offer.

Suggested bets: Marlins +1.5 (2.5 units @ $1.71) WIN, game total -9.5 (2.5 units @ $1.95) WIN (4-2)

Other tips

IL: Dodgers WIN $2.00 @ Blues Jays WIN (10-9)

AL: Rays WIN $2.27 @ Red Sox LOSE (2-6)

AL: Yankees @ Rangers -9 $1.84 PUSH (5-4)

AL: Orioles WIN $2.04 @ Royals LOSE (2-3)

AL: Athletics @ Astros -8.5 $2.05 LOSE (4-5)

AL: Twins WIN $2.45 @ Angels WIN (10-3)

AL: Indians WIN $2.01 @ Mariners LOSE (3-4)

NL: Pirates WIN $2.04 WIN @ Nationals -8.5 $1.95 WIN (5-1)

NL: Phillies @ Cardinals -1.5 $1.91 WIN (1-4)

NL: Cubs @ Diamondbacks -7.5 $2.00 LOSE (4-10)

NL: Reds WIN $1.72 @ Giants WIN (9-3)

NL: Braves @ Mets WIN $2.25 WIN -7.5 $2.10 WIN (1-4)

NL: Padres @ Brewers WIN $1.78 WIN -8.5 $1.95 WIN (6-2)

• Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 23

Racing for July 23

Horse racing: Seymour (Vic), Kembla Grange (NSW), Ipswich (Qld), Moree (NSW). Harness racing: Menangle (NSW), Albion Park (Qld), Bendigo (Vic), Northam (WA). Greyhound racing: Bendigo (Vic), Gawler (SA), Devonport (Tas), Horsham (Vic), Ipswich (Qld), Lismore (NSW), Warragul (Vic), Gosford (NSW), Townsville (Qld), Mandurah (WA).

We head to Moree on the banks of the Mehi River in northern NSW for our best of the day, which comes in the last of the eight races that will be run on a dead (5). The Campbell’s Fuel Service Class 3 Handicap will be run over 1400m. The top weight is #1 Jefferson Park, a winner of three of nine and two of his past three. He steps up in distance here but the time looks right with several well spaced run and an impressive win over 1200m on a dead (4) at Tamworth on July 12. Jessica Drury stays aboard for Craig Martin (Tamworth) with the 3yo gelding ideally placed from barrier 7. #2 Kyogle Town is unbeaten in four starts but this is big step up in class from his previous outings.

Suggested bet: Moree R8 #1 Jefferson Park WIN (two units @ $2.50) LOSE (U/P)

Other tips

Seymour R2 #2 Gold Shine (E/W) 1st ($4.90/$1.70)

Seymour R6 #2 Chouxshine (win) 1st ($1.90)

Seymour R10 #1 Padstow Bay (E/W 1x4) 3rd ($1.90)

Kembla Grange R4 #5 Prestidigitate (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Kembla Grange R5 #4 First Class Flyer (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Kembla Grange R7 #4 Such a Princess (E/W) 1st ($6.60/$2.30)

Ipswich R4 #7 Doubtful Prince (win) 1st ($2.30)

Ipswich R7 #1 Last Lap (win) LOSE (2nd)

Moree R7 #1 Texan Lad (win) LOSE (U/P)

Harness racing tip: Menangle R2 #3 Our Ruby Banner (win) 1st ($1.60)
Greyhound racing tip: Horsham R4 #1 Ema's Princess (win) 1st ($1.90)

MLB for July 23

Atlanta Braves (55-43, 24-28 away) @ New York Mets (43-51, 19-28 home), Citi Field, New York, NY, Tuesday, July 23, 9.10am

Momentum is an important consideration in MLB betting, and that’s something the Mets have in their corner for this visit of the Atlanta Braves to City Field. Dillon Gee (7-7, 4.32), who should be looking forward to his first home start in more than a fortnight. The right-hander has posted a 2.83 ERA at home compared to a 5.46 mark on the road, though he ended his first half by giving up one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings of a 4-2 win at Pittsburgh on July 14. Gee’s worst home start came May 25, when he gave up five runs and eight hits in five innings of a 6-0 loss to the Braves, falling to 1/3 with a 4.50 ERA in his career at home against Atlanta. He carried a 1-0 lead into the ninth inning June 17 at Turner Field, but allowed a walk-off two-run homer to Freddie Freeman. The Mets (43-51) hope this contest ends with a more favorable result after beating Philadelphia 5-0 on Sunday for their third victory in four tries.

The Atlanta Braves’ beat-up starting outfield is scheduled to get back Jason Heyward from a six-game absence and try to help Atlanta avoid a fourth defeat in five games. A right hamstring strain has kept Heyward out of the line-up while B.J. Upton remains on the disabled list with a right adductor strain. The NL East-leading Braves (55-43) have dropped four of six without Heyward, including Sunday’s 3-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Braves starter Julio Teheran is in a bit of a slump. Teheran (7-5, 3.35) has allowed 12 runs (nine earned) while pitching fewer than six full innings twice over his last three starts. He had pitched at least six frames in each of his previous 10 outings while posting a 2.28 ERA. The right-hander was solid in his first start against the Mets, giving up one run in 6 2/3 innings before New York rallied for a 4-2 win May 26. These teams have split the first 10 meetings of the season.

Suggested bet: Mets WIN (1.5 units @ $2.15) LOSE, game total -7.5 (2.5 units @ $1.95) WIN (2-1)

Other tips

IL: Dodgers WIN $2.15 WIN @ Blues Jays -9 $1.89 LOSE (14-5)

AL: Yankees @ Rangers WIN $1.53 WIN (0-3)

AL: Tigers @ White Sox -7.5 $1.87 LOSE (7-3)

AL: Orioles WIN $1.93 WIN @ Royals +9 $2.05 WIN (9-2)

AL: Athletics WIN $1.63 @ Astros WIN (4-3)

AL: Twins @ Angels +8.5 $1.95 LOSE (4-3)

AL: Indians WIN $2.03 LOSE @ Mariners +8.5 $1.98 LOSE (1-2)

NL: Pirates WIN $2.25 @ Nationals WIN (6-5)

NL: Padres @ Brewers WIN $1.87 LOSE -9 $1.80 WIN (5-3)

NL: Marlins @ Rockies WIN $1.59 LOSE -11 $1.95 WIN (3-1)

NL: Reds WIN $2.13 @ Giants WIN (11-0)

• Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 22

Racing for July 22


No racing tips will be posted today – lean pickings at Echuca, Cessnock and Dubbo, so we'll keep our powder dry for tomorrow!

CFL (week 4) for July 22

Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-2) @ Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-0), Mosaic Stadium @ Taylor Field, Regina, SK, Monday, July 22, 9.10am

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats face their biggest test of the season as they visit Mosaic Stadium for the first of back-to-back games against the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders. With storylines such as the return of Kent Austin to Riderville and a chance for Rey Williams to seek revenge against his former team, Sunday’s match-up could easily inspire a new hit daytime drama. The Roughriders have dominated both sides of the ball over the first three weeks of the season, with running back Kory Sheets on a record-setting pace.

No running back in CFL history has recorded as many rushing yards in the first three weeks as Sheets, who has a whopping 442 – on pace to break Mike Pringle’s CFL rushing record of 2065 yards. Quarterback Darian Durant, who suffered a sprained foot in last week’s 39-28 victory over the Argonauts, was back at practice on Thursday and is expected to start. Durant has completed 54-of-75 passes for eight touchdowns and no interceptions. Saskatchewan’s defence, led by linebacker Renauld Williams (14 tackles, three sacks, one interception), has limited opponents to 88 rushing yards or fewer.

Tiger-Cats quarterback Henry Burris leads the league in passing yards with 957, including 362 and two touchdowns in a 25-20 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Week 3. Hamilton, however, continues to show big holes in its run defence, allowing a 75-yard gain and three rushing touchdowns against Winnipeg’s lacklustre offence. The Tiger-Cats sacked the Blue Bombers six times and recorded one interception but, unless they can slow down Sheets, that might not be enough against Saskatchewan.

Burris, who has recorded more than 4000 passing yards in a season nine times, also leads Hamilton in rushing yards with 113. The 38-year-old pivot has spread the workload amongst his receiving corps, with five wideouts (Greg Ellingson, Bakari Grant, Andy Fantuz, Samuel Giguere and Ed Gant) recording more than 100 yards. Fantuz did not play in Week 3 and is considered doubtful, while running back C.J. Gable, who also missed last week, did not practice during the week.

Suggested bets: Saskatchewan -7.5 (3.5 units @ $1.91) WIN, game total +59.5 (1.5 units @ $1.91) LOSE (0-37)

MLB for July 22

Seattle Mariners (45-52, 20-27 away) @ Houston Astros (33-63, 17-34 home), Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX, Monday, July 22, 4.10am

The Seattle Mariners are enjoying their longest winning streak of the year. They would appear to have a good chance to extend it with Felix Hernandez on the hill – he’s out to win a season-high sixth consecutive decision as the visiting Mariners go for a sixth straight victory against the Houston Astros. After taking the opener 10-7, Seattle (45-52) pulled out a 4-2 victory despite managing one hit; a tiebreaking two-run double from Michael Saunders with two outs in the seventh inning.

The Mariners have hit 10 homers and outscored opponents 32-15 during their winning streak; their longest since posting eight consecutive victories on August 14-22. They became the second team since 1916 to score at least four runs with one or no hits, and the first since the Chicago White Sox were no-hit but beat the New York Yankees 4-0 on July 1, 1990. The Mariners now turn to Hernandez (10-4, 2.53 ERA), the AL leader in ERA. The right-hander, who pitched a scoreless inning in the All-Star game, has won back-to-back starts and gone 5-0 with a 2.56 ERA in his past nine outings.

Hernandez had everything working his last time out, allowing seven hits in eight innings to beat the Los Angeles Angels 6-0 last Saturday. Hernandez baffled the Astros in a 7-1 road victory on April 22, going six scoreless innings and striking out nine. Houston (33-63) has dropped four straight and 14 of 17 after Saturday’s bizarre loss. The Astros have walked 14 in the first two games of this series and are second in the major leagues in walks per nine innings at 3.67. Carlos Pena, mired in an 8-for-65 (.123) slump, has gone 1 for his last 19 against the Mariners.

The Astros try to bounce back behind Jordan Lyles (4-3, 4.02), who went 0-2 with a 6.14 ERA in his final four starts before the break. The right-hander yielded four runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 5-4 loss at St. Louis last Wednesday. Lyles allowed three hits and struck out a career-high 10 over seven scoreless innings but didn't get a decision in a 6-1 win at Seattle on June 12. That was the only time he’s faced the Mariners. Lyles has gone 2-1 with a 2.64 ERA in his last five home starts.

Suggested bets: Mariners WIN (three units @ $1.60) WIN, game total -7.5 (two units @ $2.06) LOSE (12-5)

Other tips

IL: Braves @ White Sox WIN $2.12 WIN -8.5 $2.02 WIN (1-3)

AL: Rays @ Blue Jays WIN $1.85 LOSE (4-3)

AL: Yankees WIN $2.25 LOSE @ Red Sox +9 $2.00 WIN (7-8)

AL: Tigers WIN $1.85 @ Royals WIN (4-1)

AL: Indians WIN $1.68 @ Twins WIN (7-1)

AL: Orioles @ Rangers -9.5 $2.00 WIN (4-2)

AL: Athletics WIN $1.92 @ Angels WIN (6-0)

NL: Phillies @ Mets WIN $1.88 WIN -6.5 $1.81 WIN (0-5)

NL: Pirates WIN $2.38 WIN @ Reds -8 $2.04 WIN (3-2)

NL: Dodgers WIN $1.87 WIN @ Nationals -7 $1.77 LOSE (9-2)

NL: Marlins @ Brewers WIN $1.60 WIN +8.5 $1.82 LOSE (0-1)

NL: Padres @ Cardinals -1.5 $2.04 LOSE (2-3)

NL: Cubs @ Rockies -1.5 $2.25 LOSE (3-4)

NL: Diamondbacks @ Giants WIN $1.56 LOSE +7 $1.87 LOSE (3-1)

• Prices with thanks to Centrebet, correct at time of publication – for most people gambling is an exciting and fun recreational pursuit. For others it can become a problem with devastating consequences for them, their families and friends. We want you to enjoy your gambling experience. We want you to stay in control of your gambling and not allow your gambling to control you.

Daily tips for July 21

NRL (R19) for July 21

Penrith Panthers (8-8) v Newcastle Knights (8-8), Centrebet Stadium, Sunday, July 21, 2pm

Ivan Cleary is clearly working his magic with the Panthers, just as he did with the Warriors before leaving that club at the end of 2011. He has introduced an attacking structure and a defensive pattern that he wants the players to stick by, and after it inevitably took a while for everyone to get on the same page, the Panthers are now at the stage where they have settled into a groove and become consistent. The Panthers beat the Eels 17-10, making it three wins on the trot after beating the Dragons (25-10) and Titans (40-18). After losing six of their first eight games, they have won six of their past eight, and their 8-8 record has them in seventh place, on 20 points. Plus, they have a healthy points differential of plus-65, which could be very important after 26 rounds in a competition that is very congested mid-table.

The Knights are in sixth place, also on 20 points with an 8-8 record. Their differential is plus-77 points. But things can change dramatically for either of these teams with even one loss, because the teams running from eighth to 10th (Bulldogs, Titans and Raiders) are each on 20 points as well, and the 11th-placed and in-form Warriors are on 18. The Knights won three of their first four games and five of their first seven. They then lost six of their next seven, but have steadied the ship with wins over the Titans (46-16) and Bulldogs (18-12) at their past two starts. They beat the Panthers 8-6 at home in Round 6. Both teams could make the finals, but it would surprise if they did both get there. So, when they are playing each other, the result becomes critically important. (Preview thanks to NRL.com)

Suggested bet: Panthers 1-12 (two units @ $3.65) LOSE (14-32)

Racing for July 21

Horse racing: Sale (Vic), Hawkesbury (NSW), Warrnambool (Vic – abandoned), Dalby (Qld), Port Augusta (SA), Kalgoorlie (WA), Coffs Harbour (NSW), Hobart (Tas – abandoned), Pioneer Park (NT). Harness racing: Cranbourne (Vic), Dubbo (NSW), Launceston (Tas). Greyhound racing: Albion Park (Qld), Gawler (SA), Sandown Park (Vic), Canberra (ACT), Sale (Vic), Healesville (Vic).

It’s Sawtell Cup day at Coffs Harbour, where the seven-race card is being run on a heavy (10). Those conditions will suit #3 Don’t Get Me Rong is the final event, the St Augustine’s P&F Centenary Daniel Baker Prelude Handicap over 1216m. Most of these have exposed wet track form, as does this 4yo mare with two wins and three placings from six starts on heavy. She was a last start third on a dead (5) at Grafton and last won on a bog track at Murwillumbah on June 2. That form looks good enough for this.

Suggested bet: Coffs Harbour R7 #3 Don’t Get Me Rong E/W (two units) 3rd ($1.40)

Other tips

Sale R3 #12 Zupacharged (win) LOSE (4th)

Sale R4 #2 Max Is Back (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Sale R5 #5 Noisette (E/W 1x4) 2nd ($1.60)

Sale R8 #2 Right Idea (E/W 1x4) LOSE (4th)

Hawkesbury R7 #3 Poltava (E/W 1x4) 1st ($4.00/$1.60)

Hawkesbury R8 #1 Power Struggle (E/W) 3rd ($2.20)

Coffs Harbour R3 #4 Retirement (E/W) 2nd ($2.00)

Coffs Harbour R6 #2 Ideal Position (E/W) LOSE (U/P)

Dalby R2 #4 Seize The Fire (E/W) 1st ($3.80/$1.70)

Port Augusta R4 #1 Highland Henry (win) LOSE (2nd)

Kalgoorlie R6 #7 I’m Easy (E/W) LOSE (4th)

Harness racing tip: Cranbourne R3 #1 Jenna Highview (win) 1st ($1.30)

Greyhound racing tip: Healesville R8 #7 Walk Hard (win) 1st ($1.70)

AFL (R17) for July 21

Richmond v Fremantle, MCG, Sunday, July 21, 1.10pm AEST

They may sit 10-5 in sixth spot, but the question remains – are the Tigers legit? Damien Hardwick’s side, which continues to struggle against the competition’s elite, will get no better chance to confirm they are the real deal when they host Fremantle to the MCG on Sunday. The Dockers were ultra-impressive in dispatching the Eagles in the Western Derby last week, but will be without Matthew Pavlich (suspension), Aaron Sandilands and Hayden Ballantyne (both injured) for the trek east. Ballantyne kicked four goals back in round 5 when the Dockers prevailed by a point over the Tigers in Perth. Richmond, which has never scored a win over a side coached by Ross Lyon, has named Shane Tuck, Bachar Houli and Sam Lonergan to the extended bench. The Tigers are easily frustrated if not allowed to play their natural game, and I’m more than happy to take Freo straight out here.

Suggested bet: Fremantle WIN (one unit @ $2.15) LOSE (84-57)

Adelaide v Geelong, AAMI Stadium, Sunday, July 21, 2.10pm AEST

Played in wet and cold conditions at Simonds Stadium, Geelong turned in one of the more remarkable performances of the season against Melbourne last week. The Cats restricted Melbourne to just 19 inside 50s on the way to a dominant 68-point victory. The bookies have offered a five-goal line in favour of the Cats here, which looks a gift given Brownlow Medal contender Patrick Dangerfield is out and Scott Thompson is under an injury cloud. Brenton Sanderson could have few complaints with the effort of his side this season, but I think history will show that the Crows had to take a step back in 2013 to take two steps forward next season. The Cats have won eight of their past 10 against the Crows, and seven of their past nine in Adelaide. That looks telling form for this but the line holds plenty of appeal.

Suggested bet: Adelaide +24.5 (3.5 units @ $1.91) WIN, game total +171.5 (1.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (94-92)

West Coast v Sydney, Patersons Stadium, Sunday, July 21, 4.40pm AEST

The Eagles and Swans played some of the greatest games of the 2000s, and there’s plenty at stake in this one too with West Coast still firmly in the finals race while Sydney have their top four status to protect. The Eagles pushed Freo for three quarters last week but ultimately fell 28 points short while the Swans clinically dispatched of their crosstown rivals by 129 points. It’s been six years since the Eagles have beaten the Swans, who have won four of their past five in Perth. It’s interesting to note that both sides are in the top three for hitouts and clearances, with West Coast’s cause enhanced by the availability of Adam Selwood, Luke Shuey and Sharrod Wellingham. Hard to go against the Swans here, but the Eagles should keep it close enough to make a bet at the line worthy.

Suggested bet: West Coast +11.5 (two units @ $1.91)

CFL (week 4) for July 21

Montreal Alouettes (1-2) @ Calgary Stampeders (2-1), McMahon Stadium, Calgary, AB, Sunday, July 21, 9.10am

Anthony Calvillo may be a legend of the CFL but the veteran is feeling the heat this season after being held to 205 passing yards against the Stamps last week as the Alouettes’ struggles on offence continued under new coach Dan Hawkins. Calvillo is completing less than 60 percent of his passes (58.6) for the first time since 2002 and is on pace for his lowest yardage total since 2007. Montreal’s bright spot is its defence, which recorded six sacks against Calgary last week and is led by linebacker Chip Cox, who is tied for the league lead in tackles with 24. Veteran offensive lineman Scott Flory is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn bicep, weakening the already-questionable pass protection in front of Calvillo. Flory, a nine-time CFL all-star, is joined on the sidelines by guard Andrew Woodruff, who suffered a concussion last week. Montreal safety Kyries Hebert is tied with Stampeders defensive lineman Charleston Hughes for second in the league with four sacks.

In contrast, veteran quarterback Kevin Glenn looked comfortable filling in for injured Calgary Stampeders starter Drew Tate in a 22-14 victory at Montreal last week. Glenn will try to repeat that performance when the Stampeders host the Alouettes here. Glenn, who started plenty of games last year – including the Grey Cup final – in place of the oft-injured Tate, completed 22-of-28 passes for 268 yards and got help from running back Jon Cornish, who is second in the league with 304 rushing yards. Brad Sinopoli made the transition from quarterback to receiver look easy last week, catching five passes for 81 yards in his debut, including a highlight-reel, one-handed grab in the third quarter. Sinopoli was added to the roster after Tate got hurt and was called on to start when wide receiver Maurice Price sat out with soreness in his knee. Defensive back Keon Raymond led Calgary with six tackles in his season debut after missing two games with an ankle injury.

Suggested bet: Stampeders -7.5 (1.5 units @ $2.05) WIN, game total +49 (2.5 units @ $1.91) WIN (27-38)

Other tips

Edmonton Eskimos @ BC Lions -9 WIN, game total +47 WIN (21-31)

MLB for July 21

Miami Marlins (35-59, 14-32 away) @ Milwaukee Brewers (39-56, 23-26 home), Miller Park, Milwaukee, WN, Sunday, July 21, 9.10am

Yovani Gallardo aims to get on track and continue his mastery of the visiting Marlins, who try to snap their recent woes against the Milwaukee Brewers. The All-Star break couldn’t have come at a better time for Gallardo (7-8, 4.83 ERA), who struggled through the season’s first 14 weeks. Besides posting the highest ERA of his career, Gallardo has recorded a career-low 7.21 strikeouts per nine innings and is already one loss away from matching his total from all of 2012. In contrast, he was at his best in a 6-1 win at Miami on June 10, yielding four hits over a season-high eight scoreless innings. The right-hander improved to 4-0 in six starts against the Marlins (35-59) with a 1.29 ERA, his lowest mark against any team he has faced more than once.

The Brewers (39-56) have handled the Marlins with relative ease lately, hitting 29 homers during a 15-5 stretch in the series. Carlos Gomez and Juan Francisco provided all the offense with their 15th and 12th homers, respectively, as Milwaukee took yesterday’s opener 2-0. Losers in 12 of 15 at Miller Park, Miami has hit .186 and been limited to seven runs during a four-game road losing streak. The Marlins will try to bounce back behind Nathan Eovaldi (2-0, 2.93), who has produced five quality starts in as many tries since his season debut June 18 due to inflammation in his shoulder. The right-hander walked a season-high four last Friday but managed to limit the damage, yielding three runs and three hits in six innings in an 8-3 victory over Washington. Eovaldi has posted a 3.00 ERA but dropped all three of his starts against the Brewers, two of which came while with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He received one run of support in each of those outings.

Suggested bet: Brewers WIN (2.5 units @ $1.66) WIN, game total -8.5 (1.5 units @ $1.95) WIN (0-6)

Other tips

IL: Braves WIN $2.04 @ White Sox LOSE (6-10)

AL: Rays WIN $1.96 WIN @ Blue Jays -9 $1.91 WIN (4-3)

AL: Yankees @ Red Sox WIN $1.68 LOSE -9.5 $1.91 WIN (5-2)

AL: Tigers @ Royals WIN $2.49 WIN (5-6)

AL: Indians @ Twins WIN $2.13 WIN (2-3)

AL: Mariners WIN $1.75 @ Astros WIN (4-2)

AL: Orioles @ Rangers -9.5 $2.00 LOSE (7-4)

AL: Athletics @ Angels WIN $1.72 WIN (0-2)

NL: Phillies @ Mets WIN $2.25 WIN +7.5 $1.87 WIN (4-5)

NL: Pirates WIN $2.39 LOSE @ Reds -8 $1.85 LOSE (4-5)

NL: Dodgers WIN $2.19 @ Nationals WIN (3-1)

NL: Padres @ Cardinals -1.5 $2.00 LOSE (5-3)

NL: Cubs @ Rockies WIN $1.66 WIN (3-9)

NL: Diamondbacks WIN $2.33 @ Giants LOSE (3-4)

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