Monday, September 30, 2024

How It Started, How It's Going









Twenty-three months--and 17 official starts--after we first saw Crimson Pine as a yearling in a pasture at Norton Farm in Falmouth, Maine he broke his maiden at Plainridge Park!

So much gratitude for Benny, our partners, our co-owner and trainer Mike Graffam, and the whole crew with Team Graffam for all the work and effort they've put into Benny's care and training over the last couple years.

Onward!



Daily Double: Monday, September 30 (Day No. 1)

 









(This feature will focus on one Daily Double minimum wager every day.)

Plainridge Park (Plainville, Massachusetts), $2

Race No. 1 (2:00p)

#3: Beantown Ace (3-1 ML)

Race No. 2 (2:20p)

#6: Crimson Pine (4-1 ML)

Pick Success Rate: 0% (0/0)

Total Bankroll: $0.00 (0.00%)

Quote, Unquote: Brett Sturman

 









"If the graded stakes system is truly meant to be used as a marketing tool in the slightest way, then I would propose that there needs to be a wagering component tied to the graded status. 

It’s completely counterproductive and does nothing for the promotion of a track where horses race for big money purses with non-existent crowds present to watch, and race handles that come nowhere close to matching the race purses offered. 

For a harness race to carry graded significance especially with a grade 1, then people actually have to care about it. There needs to be attendance and/or handle measures that also determine the prestige of the event."

- Brett Sturman in his Harness Racing Update column about how wagering handle should be included as a criteria when grading stakes races.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Dime a Dozen: Sunday, September 29 (Day No. 3)

 














(This feature will consist of a 12-pick, ten-cent parlay of soccer games around the world. Any proceeds will be donated to Street Soccer USA.)

Hannover 96 (2. Bundesliga), -230

Hertha BSC (2. Bundesliga), -125

AS Roma (Serie A), -250

Aston Villa (English Premier League), -110

Breidablik (Besta Deilden), 

Athletic Club Bilbao (La Liga), -145

IF Elfsborg (Allsvensken), -140

Malmö FF (Allsvensken), -225

Ajax (Eredivisie), -300

Real Betis (La Liga), -220

Napoli (Serie A), -360

Vikingur Reykjavik (Besta Deilden), +120

Total Odds: +30,640

Potential Payout: $30.74

Pick Success Rate: 29% (7/24)

Total Bankroll: $9.80 (- 2%)

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Dime a Dozen: Saturday, September 28 ( Day No. 2)

 















(This feature will consist of a 12-pick, ten-cent parlay of soccer games around the world. 
Any proceeds will be donated to Street Soccer USA.)

Hamburg SV (2. Bundesliga), -120

Sassuolo (Serie B), +115

Freiburg (Bundesliga), -180

VfB Stuttgart (Bundesliga), +100

Burnley (Championship), +105

Leeds United (Championship), -175

Cadiz (La Liga 2), -140  

Feyenoord (Eredivisie), -180

Lille (Ligue 1), -130

Metz (Ligue 2), -120

Monaco (Ligue 1), -320

Sparta Rotterdam (Eredivisie), -145 

Total Odds: +75,676

Potential Payout: $75.77

Pick Success Rate: 33% (4/12)

Total Bankroll: $9.90 (- 1%)

Friday, September 27, 2024

On Location: Cumberland Fair

 


Headlines: U.S. Open Cup Future Still Up for Debate

 









The Athletic:

A source briefed on the planning talks--speaking anonymously given the inconclusive nature of the discussions--said that the Open Cup Committee is already deep in the planning stages for the 2025 tournament, whose amateur qualifying rounds kick off on Oct. 5. The source characterized the talks as having “good collaboration” from all involved, and that all professional clubs will be expected to participate in some form. The talks have also included stakeholders from all participating professional leagues and amateur organizations.

[snip]

It’s a start, but there’s still a lot of work to be done to modernize and sophisticate this competition. Failing to enact the kinds of changes that ensure sustained long-term growth on these shores runs the risk of creating another annual tradition: whether each year’s U.S. Open Cup final will be the last game in this longstanding competition.


Headlines: Varsity Maine High School Soccer Polls (September 26)


 








PPH:


Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Dime a Dozen: Wednesday, September 25 (Day No. 1)









(This feature will consist of a 12-pick, ten-cent parlay of soccer games around the world. Any proceeds will be donated to Street Soccer USA.)

Pisa (Coppa Italia), +140

FC Porto (Europa League), -115 

Mjälby AIF (Allsvenskan),  -110

AZ Alkmaar (Europa League), -205

Anderlecht (Europa League), +125

Benfica (Women's Champions League), -130

Dynamo Kyiv (Europa League), +235

Galatasaray (Europa League), -165

Nice (Europa League), +140  

Vikingur Reykjavik (1. Deild), -200

Phoenix Rising FC (USL Championship), -130 

Sporting KC (U.S. Open Cup), +550

Total Odds: +1,129,952

Potential Payout: $1,130.05

Pick Success Rate: 0% (0/0)

Total Bankroll: $10.00 (0%)

Friday, September 20, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: By the Numbers

 

(This daily series featured $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Horse Race Tracks Featured in Wagers:

21

Horse Racing Wager Hit Rate: 

26% (26/100)

Horse Racing Wager Profit/Loss:

+ $22.55

Horse Racing Wager RoI:

+45.10%

Donation to Futures for Standardbreds:

$22.55

*Soccer*

Soccer Competitions Featured in Wagers:

33

Soccer Wager Hit Rate:

45% (45/100)

Soccer Wager Profit/Loss:

- $11.67

Soccer Wager RoI:

- 23.34%

Donation to Street Soccer USA:

$0.00

*Overall*

Overall Wager Hit Rate:

35.5% (71/200)

Overall Wager Profit/Loss:

+ $10.88

Overall Wager RoI:

+ 10.88%

Headlines: Varsity Maine High School Soccer Polls (September 19)

 









PPH:




Thursday, September 19, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Thursday, September 19 (Day No. 50)

           

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Delaware County Fair (Delaware, Ohio)

Race No. 17

#5: Huntingforchrome (+450 ML)

Race No. 18

#3: Legendary Hanover (+180 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $73.65 (+$23.55, +47.10%) (26/98)

*Soccer*

Men's Allvenskan (Sweden)

Game No. 1

BK Häcken (+130)

Men's Allvenskan (Sweden)

Game No. 2

IF Elfsborg (-425)

Soccer Bankroll: $39.33 (-$10.67, -21.34%) (45/98)

Total Bankroll: $112.58 (+$12.58, +12.58%) (71/196)

Headlines: Qualifying for 2025 U.S. Open Cup Kicks Off in October









U.S. Soccer:

The initial qualifying rounds draw has been completed for the 32 matches that will be played on Oct. 5 and 6 as part of the first match window of 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Qualifying.

The historic annual tournament, entering its 110th edition, is the only high-profile event in American team sports where amateur sides have the potential opportunity to face professionals in meaningful competition. A record 114 teams have entered the competition via the Qualifying Rounds this fall, vying for 14 available slots in the Tournament Proper, which kicks off next spring.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Wednesday, September 18 (Day No. 49)

          

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Happy Valley Racecourse (Happy Valley, Hong Kong)

Race No. 7

#5: Parterre (+500 ML)

Race No. 8

#7: Yellowfin (+600 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $74.65 (+$24.55, +49.10%) (26/96)

*Soccer*

Men's Eredivisie (Netherlands)

Game No. 1

Ajax (-310)

Men's UEFA Champions League

Game No. 2

Borussia Dortmund (-105)

Soccer Bankroll: $37.75 (-$12.25, -24.50%) (43/96)

Total Bankroll: $112.40 (+$12.40, +12.40%) (69/192)

Headlines: New Sportsbook Opens in Portland

 









Portland Old Port:

Sports betting is coming to the Old Port, as First Track Investments LLC, the team behind the Portland Regency Hotel, prepares to open Maine’s first retail sports wagering location. Named Oddfellahs (InstagramFacebookWebsite), the new venue will partner with Caesars Sportsbook and will be located at 55 Market Street, the former home of The Big Easy live music venue.

According to First Tracks Cumberland (which is also owned by First Track Investments LLC), proprietors "hope to bring simulcasting of Maine races (and others!) to the venue" once they clear a couple more regulatory hurdles at the local and state levels.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Tuesday, September 17 (Day No. 48)

         

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Thistledown (North Randall, Ohio)

Race No. 5

#4: Broken A (+300 ML)

Race No. 6

#4: Reckless L J (+200 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $75.65 (+$25.55, +51.10%) (25/94)

*Soccer*

Men's UEFA Champions League

Game No. 1

PSV Eindhoven (+340)

Men's UEFA Champions League

Game No. 2

Young Boys (+390)

Soccer Bankroll: $38.75 (-$11.25, -22.5%) (43/94)

Total Bankroll: $114.40 (+$14.40, +14.40%) (68/188)

Headlines: U.S. Open Cup Draws Record Number of Teams









TheCupUs

The US Soccer Federation announced the 114 clubs that will take part in Open Division Local qualifying for the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. These teams, a record amount for the qualifying tournament since it began in the fall of 2015, come from 24 states and the District of Columbia.

Monday, September 16, 2024

On Location: Windham High School


 

50/50 Bankroll: Monday, September 16 (Day No. 47)

        

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Finger Lakes Racetrack (Farmington, New York)

Race No. 5

#4 Convertible Freeze (+600 ML)

Race No. 6

#1: Wo Hop (+400 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $76.65 (+$26.55, +53.30%) (25/92)

*Soccer*

Men's Urvalsdeild (Iceland)

Game No. 1

Vikingur Reykjavik (-255)

Men's League One (England)

Game No. 2

Birmingham City FC (-120)

Soccer Bankroll: $37.20 (-$12.80, -25.6%) (41/92)

Total Bankroll: $113.85 (+$13.85, +13.85%) (66/184)

Film Room: La Liga (Episode 1)

 









La Liga: All Access (Netflix)

Episode 1: Challenging the Giants

Even though most of us immediately think of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid if we're asked to name two La Liga clubs, most of the focus of the first episode in this documentary about the 2023 La Liga season is on Atlético Madrid and Sevilla FC.

Atlético Madrid's storyline is the battle between Àlvaro Morata and Memphis as the team's starting center forward early in the season. It gets a little interesting when Memphis's flashy individualism is shown to potentially be at odds with the club's strong team ethos, but an early injury to Memphis and the otherwise unremarkable professionalism he displays throughout the episode drains that storyline of interest.

But Sevilla FC's storyline is much more interesting. Sevilla FC won the most recent Europa Cup in May, but within only a few months of that championship the club's directors and head coach were at odds for the club's direction. 

The club's board leadership wants the club to still be competitive in Europe, while also building a younger roster that represents more potential and value on the transfer market. Their manager José Luis Mendilibar cites the roster's experience for success in Europe, and appears dubious about the idea of remaining competitive in Europe *and* getting younger. Throw in what seems to be a generational difference when it comes to analytics for scouting players and building rosters, and it's no surprise Mendilibar is fired by the end of the episode.

The series not only does a great job focusing on off-field content with behind-the-scenes access and beautiful cinematography that showcase cities and landscapes, but its on-field camera work is some of the best among the many soccer documentaries available on the many streaming sites.

Sunday, September 15, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Sunday, September 15 (Day No. 46)

       

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Belmont at Aqueduct (Jamaica, New York)

Race No. 1

#5: Lavender Disaster (+180 ML)

Race No. 8

#8: Wild Mama (+800 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $63.85 (+$13.85, +27.70%) (23/90)

*Soccer*

Men's La Liga (Spain)

Game No. 1 

Athletic Bilbao (+100)

Men's Urvalsdeild (Iceland)

Game No. 2

Breidablik (-550)

Soccer Bankroll: $35.84 (-$14.16, -28.32%) (39/90)

Total Bankroll: $99.69 (-$0.31, -0.31%) (62/180)

Saturday, September 14, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Saturday, September 14 (Day No. 45)

       

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Woodbine Park (Toronto, Canada)

Race No. 6

#6: Batucada (+1200 ML)

Race No. 7

#2: Moira (+140 ML)

Laurel Park (Laurel, Maryland)

Race No. 9

#8: Loon Cry (+450 ML)

Race No. 10

#5: Post Time (-250 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $55.55 (+$5.55, +11.10%) (21/86)

*Soccer*

Men's Bundesliga (Germany)

Game No. 1 

Union Berlin (+500)

Men's 1. Deild (Iceland)

Game No. 2

Grindavík (+280)

Soccer Bankroll: $36.84 (-$13.16, -26.32%) (39/88)

Total Bankroll: $92.39 (-$7.61, -7.61%) (60/174)

Friday, September 13, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Friday, September 13 (Day No. 44)

      

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Prairie Meadows (Altoona, Iowa)

Race No. 8 ($2 Double)

#1: I Am Lowkey (+600 ML)

Race No. 9

#5: Ourpeppermintcandy (+200 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $57.55 (+$7.55, +15.10%) (20/84)

*Soccer*

Men's Superettan (Sweden)

Game No. 1 

Örebro SK (+145)

Men's Urvalsdeild (Iceland)

Game No. 2

Vikingur Reykjavik (-140)

Soccer Bankroll: $37.84 (-$12.16, -24.32%) (38/86)

Total Bankroll: $95.39 (-$4.61, -4.61%) (58/170)

Headlines: Artificial Scarcity, Monopolies, Subsidies, and Public Ownership in American Sports









The Lever:

The Portland Sea Dogs are quintessential Minor League Baseball. They’re also part of a newer American tradition: a private equity roll-up. In 2022, the team was acquired by Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a subsidiary of Silver Lake, a Silicon Valley-based investment firm with over $100 billion in worldwide assets whose portfolio companies generate over $248 billion in annual revenue. There are 120 Minor League Baseball teams operating directly below Major League Baseball--DBH now owns more than 30 of them. 

[snip] 

The idea of a major professional sports team becoming publicly owned feels quixotic until you remember that, all over the country, the public is already spending its own money on private sports teams. As Defector’s Waters put it, "If cities were to begin to demand ownership shares in exchange for their generous subsidies, then local fans might begin to share in the prosperity of the professional teams that quite literally would not exist without them." 



Thursday, September 12, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Thursday, September 12 (Day No. 43)

     

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Delaware Park (Wilmington, Delaware)

Race No. 4

#5: Gotanothathingcomn (+200 ML)

Race No. 5

#5: Darvesh (+450 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $57.55 (+$7.55, +15.10%) (20/84)

*Soccer*

Women's Toppserien (Norway)

Game No. 1 

Arna Bjørnar (+1800)

Men's Categoría Primera (Colombia)

Game No. 2

Deportivo Pereira (-125)

Soccer Bankroll: $38.84 (-$11.16, -22.32%) (37/84)

Total Bankroll: $96.39 (-$3.61, -3.61%) (57/168)

Soapbox: Maine Harness Racing Should Organize a Triple Crown of Boutique Meets

 


Closing day for Kentucky Downs was yesterday, and it was another banner meet for the 7-day, all-turf festival. Closer to home, the last couple (unsuccessful) proposals for reinvigorating Thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts have included shorter, more specialized meets.

Brief, boutique racing meets that have a narrow niche will likely only continue to become more popular in the sport. 

Which begs the question: What type of Standardbred boutique meets could we host in Maine?

Answer: The Pine State Triple Crown.

Turf Racing (Summer)
Aroostook Country, ME

Summer in The County is splendid, fertile green pastures abound, and there are a few holes in the fair racing calendar due to a few fairs recently discontinuing harness racing as part of their programming.

Let's make a turf racing festival for harness racing in Maine a thing, even if it just starts off as a 2-day event.

Beach Racing (Fall)
Scarborough, ME

The Laytown Racecourse has been hosting a 1-day meet for beach races in Ireland since 1868, and our Maine-based trainer Mike Graffam has fond memories of training his pacers and trotters at Scarborough's Pine Point Beach in the past.

Horses are already allowed on Pine Point Beach after October 1, and a temporary, 1-mile straight course that connects Pine Point Beach to Old Orchard Beach would be perfect for a 1-day beach meet in the fall.

Ice Racing (Winter)
Rangeley, ME

And finally, probably the most ambitious leg of the Pine State Triple Crown: Ice racing on Rangeley Lake. 

Skeptical? Once again, there's an international template to follow in Saint Moritz's annual White Turf festival.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Wednesday, September 11 (Day No. 42)

    

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Kentucky Downs (Franklin, Kentucky)

Race No. 8

#2: Six Minus (+450 ML)

Race No. 9

#9: Pin Up Betty (+600 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $58.55 (+$8.55, +17.10%) (20/82)

*Soccer*

Men's USL Championship (United States)

Game No. 1 

Hartford Athletic (+450)

Men's USL Championship (United States)

Game No. 2

Tampa Bay Rowdies (-130)

Soccer Bankroll: $39.84 (-$10.16, -20.32%) (37/82)

Total Bankroll: $98.39 (-$1.61, -1.61%) (57/164)

Quote, Unquote: Brett Johnson


 








"I think what’s going to come to the rescue relative to media rights for USL will be the adoption of promotion and relegation. I think games of consequence in the United States is what's missing in this market."

- Phoenix Rising FC co-founder, Rhode Island FC owner, and Ipswich Town board member Brett Johnson in this Business of Sport podcast interview.



Tuesday, September 10, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Tuesday, September 10 (Day No. 41)

   

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Parx Racing (Bensalem, Pennsylvania)

Race No. 7

#2: Urban Symphony (+400 ML)

Race No. 8

#2: Flamingo Way (+140 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $59.55 (+$9.55, +19.10%) (20/80)

*Soccer*

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 1 

Netherlands (+155)

Men's International Friendly

Game No. 2

United States (-310)

Soccer Bankroll: $40.84 (-$9.16, -18.32%) (37/80)

Total Bankroll: $100.39 (+$0.39, +0.39%) (57/160)

Headlines: Portland Zoo "Centerpiece of Soccer in Maine"

 









Portland Press Herald:

After coffee and a cruller, I make my way down the other side of the hill to see the animals at (the bar) the Portland Zoo. Any given weekend morning, dozens of fans of the beautiful game turn out in droves to support their favorite club or home country. Beyond the excitement of our favorite teams across the pond, growing anticipation involving next year’s debut of Portland Hearts of Pine is a constant. Its growing supporters group, Dirigo Union, is often in the mix at the Zoo, truly making this place feel like the centerpiece of soccer in Maine.

Monday, September 9, 2024

Portland Hearts of Pine Release Season Ticket Info

 












As a founding member of the club's original supporters' group the Dirigo Union, I'll be buying a season ticket in the supporters section.

50/50 Bankroll: Monday, September 9 (Day No. 40)

  

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Plainridge Park (Plainville, Massachusetts)

Race No. 1 ($2 Double)

#5: Lew Not Lou (-125 ML)

Race No. 2

#6: Crimson Pine (+2500 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $61.55 (+$11.55, +23.10%) (19/78)

*Soccer*

Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying 

Game No. 1 

Ghana (-180)

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 2

Iceland (+500)

Soccer Bankroll: $41.84 (-$8.16, -16.32%) (37/78)

Total Bankroll: $103.39 (+$3.39, +3.39%) (56/156)

On Crimson Pine















The first time we saw Crimson Pine was on October 16, 2022, when one of our partners Keith Luke and I trudged into one of the pastures at Norton Farm in Falmouth, Maine.

In the preceding weeks, our trainer Mike Graffam and I had been having conversations about what our partnership's 2023 offering may be. 

Our initial offering in 2022 was to purchase a 4-year-old gelding who'd be racing in overnight races on the Maine circuit. And for our 2023 offering, we were looking to expand our ambitions (and risk) by adding a yearling or a 2-year-old to our stable.

One of the yearlings on the Graffam's farm came wrapped in a riddle: He had been foaled in Windsor, Maine, but he wasn't a Maine bred eligible for the Maine Sire Stakes. His sire was the New York-based stallion So Surreal, but his breeding fees hadn't yet been paid. And he'd been at Norton Farm since he was a weanling, but the boarding fees that had accrued since he was first dropped off also hadn't been paid.

But Mike thought this yearling he and his Team Graffam crew called Benny had a good physical build to him, the colt had a strong personality, and Mike thought he had potential as a race horse. 

We liked that Mike thought highly of the colt, and we liked that Mike and his team had been Benny's caretakers for a good chunk of Benny's young life. 

So after weeks of checking in with Benny's quasi-breeder, his quasi-owner, and the U.S. Trotting Association, we officially struck a deal with Mike to become Benny's co-owners: We'd pay Mike $7,500 for a 50% stake in Benny (this cost was based on Mike's estimate that Benny would likely draw around $15,000 in a yearling sale), we'd split payment of the outstanding stud fee with Mike, and we'd make Mike whole for the outstanding boarding fees Norton Farm was still owed. 

By Thanksgiving, we had twenty partners who each paid $900 for a 2.5% stake in the yearling colt who'd be eligible for the New York Sire Stakes. And by Christmas, we used a thorough naming contest among partners that culminated with a ranked-choice vote to christen that yearling colt as Crimson Pine. (We're a Maine-based partnership, so of course we used ranked-choice voting) 

For the first time in our partnership's history, we had the opportunity to be involved in campaigning a race horse before he began his racing career.









Sunday, September 8, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Sunday, September 8 (Day No. 39)

 

(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Kentucky Downs (Franklin, Kentucky)

Race No. 8

#8: Kilwin (+500 ML)

Race No. 9

#6: May Day Ready (+450 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $38.70 (-$11.30, -22.60%) (17/76)

*Soccer*

Men's 1. Deild (Iceland)

Game No. 1 

Grundavík (+950)

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 2

Sweden (-800)

Soccer Bankroll: $42.84 (-$7.16, -14.32%) (36/76)

Total Bankroll: $81.54 (-$18.46, -18.46%) (53/152)

On This Date: September 8, 1984

 


The Lewiston Raceway hosted the Pine Tree Sale on this date forty years ago.

Seventy-eight race horses of all ages were sold at this sale with this breakdown:

Total Sales: $90,850 ($272,151.99 in 2024 dollars)

Maximum Sale: $5,000 ($14,978.10 in 2024 dollars)

Minimum Sale: $100 ($299.56 in 2024 dollars)

Median Sale: $800 ($2,396.40 in 2024 dollars)

Average Sale: $1,165 ($3,489.90 in 2024 dollars)












Saturday, September 7, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Saturday, September 7 (Day No. 38)

                               







(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Colonial Downs (New Kent County, Virginia)

Race No. 5

#3: Webslinger (-125 ML)

Race No. 6

#5: Sharedashenanigans (+1500 ML)

Kentucky Downs (Franklin, Kentucky)

Race No. 7

#12: Vive Veuve (+500 ML)

Race No. 8

#6: Strong Quality (+1500 ML) (Scratched)

#11: Goliad (+1000 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $40.70 (-$9.30, -18.60%) (16/72)

*Soccer*

Women's UEFA Champions League Qualifying

Game No. 1 

Ajax (+225)

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 2

Netherlands (-600)

Soccer Bankroll: $43.84 (-$6.16, -12.32%) (35/74)

Total Bankroll: $84.54 (-$15.46, -15.46%) (51/146)

Friday, September 6, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Friday, September 6 (Day No. 37)

                              







(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (Del Mar, California)

Race No. 1 ($2 Double)

#10: On the Equinox (+300 ML)

Race No. 2

#2: R Heisman (+125 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $40.70 (-$9.30, -18.60%) (16/72)

*Soccer*

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 1 ($2 Parlay)

France (-175)

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 2

Iceland (+110)

Soccer Bankroll: $45.84 (-$5.16, -10.32%) (34/72)

Total Bankroll: $86.54 (-$13.46, -13.46%) (50/142)

Data Dump: Boston Red Sox vs. Liverpool FC Season Ticket Prices









World Soccer Talk recently posted a price comparison between game day experiences at Manchester City and at Inter Miami, which lead to this question: How do season ticket packages for the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC compare, with each organization belonging to the same ownership group?

Below is a table that compares the most expensive and least expensive season ticket packages that provides the total cost, a per-game cost that accounts for the different number of home games (81 vs. 19) for each team, and currency exchange rates.

What's not factored in the costs shown in the table is Liverpool FC's lower-cost tiers for each package that apply to senior citizens (65+), young adults (ages 17-21), juniors (ages 16 and younger), and disabled supporters.










 

Thursday, September 5, 2024

On Location: Scarborough High School

 


50/50 Bankroll: Thursday, September 5 (Day No. 36)

                             







(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Kentucky Downs (Franklin, Kentucky)

Race No. 8

#12: Outadore (+350 ML)

Race No. 9

#5: Sister Lou Ann (+450 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $41.70 (-$8.30, -16.60%) (16/70)

*Soccer*

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 1

Sweden (-195)

Men's UEFA Nations League

Game No. 2

Spain (-195)

Soccer Bankroll: $46.84 (-$4.16, -8.32%) (33/70)

Total Bankroll: $89.54 (-$10.46, -10.46%) (49/140)

Soapbox: Maine High School Sports Should Use Pro/Rel to Classify Programs

 








High school sports in Maine kick off this week, so it's a good time to revisit my January op-ed in the Portland Press Herald about how promotion and relegation should be used to classify high school athletic programs instead of primarily relying on school enrollment:

[A]chieving some level of competitiveness and parity in Maine high school athletics has been an ongoing discussion across a variety of sports in recent years. And there have been numerous ideas, debates, and possible solutions offered. The most straightforward, predictable, and effective solution would be to require promotion and relegation after each season, which is the norm in international soccer (and other international sports) when determining appropriate levels of competition.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Wednesday, September 4 (Day No. 35)

                            







(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

Remington Park (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)

Race No. 5 ($1 Pick 3)

#4: Flat Out Rhonda (+1000 ML)

Race No. 6

#3: Fireball Birdie (+250 ML)

Race No. 7

#5: Holly Dolly (+250 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $42.70 (-$7.30, -14.60%) (15/67)

*Soccer*

Women's UEFA Champions League Qualifying

Game No. 1 ($1 3-Leg Parlay)

Eintracht Frankfurt (-190)

Women's UEFA Champions League Qualifying

Game No. 2

SL Benfica (-275)

Women's UEFA Champions League Qualifying

Game No. 3

Brondby IF (+310)

Soccer Bankroll: $46.84 (-$3.16, -6.32%) (32/67)

Total Bankroll: $91.54 (-$8.46, -8.46%) (47/134)

Soapbox: Maine Harness Racing Should Vary Race Distances

 















One key difference between Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing in the United States is the latter offers more diverse racing surfaces and racing distances.

Most American Thoroughbred tracks offer at least two different surfaces among all-weather, dirt, and turf options. And every track offers races at different distances--sprints, routes, and even marathons.

But Standardbred tracks in the U.S., are, well, pretty standard: Tracks vary in size, but every track generally offers one racing surface and the same 1-mile distance for all its races.

Even though harness races on the turf seem cool and would add another option for owners and trainers to explore for a pacer or a trotter, it's unrealistic for Maine's tracks to maintain both a main track and a turf course. But it doesn't seem unrealistic for Maine tracks to offer races at various distances.

Various distances besides the typical 1-mile pace or trot are pretty common at international harness tracks, but closer to home Plainridge Park in Massachusetts has been writing races for 1.25 miles this summer. 

Extending that trend by writing, say, 1.5 mile marathon races or (maybe?) 0.5 mile sprints at Maine's half-mile tracks would be a good development in Maine harness racing.

It would give breeders, owners, and trainers more opportunities for their broodmares, pacers, stallions, and trotters to find their niche. And it would add additional pieces to the proverbial puzzle that horseplayers need to solve when handicapping and betting, which would make wagering a little more interesting and intriguing.




Tuesday, September 3, 2024

50/50 Bankroll: Tuesday, September 3 (Day No. 34)

                           







(This daily series will feature $1 Double and 2-pick parlay wagers in horse racing and soccer over a 50-day period. Any profits will be donated to the Futures for Standardbreds and/or Street Soccer USA.)

*Horse Racing*

FanDuel Fairmount Park (Collinsville, Illinois)

Race No. 3

#3: Speightieman (+600 ML)

Race No. 4

#2: D'Yank (+300 ML)

Horse Racing Bankroll: $43.70 (-$6.30, -12.60%) (14/66)

*Soccer*

Men's EFL Cup (England)

Game No. 1

Birmingham City FC (-290)

Men's EFL Cup (England)

Game No. 2

Bolton (-140)

Soccer Bankroll: $47.84 (-$2.16, -4.32%) (31/66)

Total Bankroll: $91.54 (-$8.46, -8.46%) (45/132)