RICK NEEDHAM'S BETTER BETTOR

R.I.P.

BAY MEADOWS RACE COURSE

NOTE: Beginning Tuesday AM - Rick will be driving "on assignment" to Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi - returning on "Preakness Saturday." His reports will probably be erratic in terms of daily uploading consistency.

NOTE: RICK HAS UPLOADED HIS PREAKNESS REPORT! - Check out his "strategy" - fopr "whacking" another boxed exacta - like the $190.00 score in "The Kentucky Derby! - Rick's NYRA and Southern California Reports will return next week!

BELMONT PARK (ELMONT, NY) MAY 14, 2008

Storm Cat, North America’s premier sire for years, has been pensioned from stallion duty because of declining fertility at the Young family’s Overbrook Farm near Lexington. According to farm official Ric Waldman, the 25-year-old son of Storm Bird impregnated just three of the 32 mares bred to him this year. His fee this year was $300,000, down from the $500,000 for which he stood from 2002-07. Waldman added that Storm Cat’s health remains fine, “for a stallion his age.” The announcement of Storm Cat’s retirement from breeding came a day after it was announced that Europe’s premier stallion, Sadler’s Wells, was pensioned at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. Sadler’s Wells is by Northern Dancer, sire of Storm Bird. Storm Cat, who stood for as little as $20,000 in 1991, is represented by 160 stakes winners and the earners of $112 million. He proved an overwhelming success not only on the sire ranks, topping the year-end lists in 1999 and 2000, but also at the sales. Dozens of his offspring that were sold as yearlings commanded $1 million or more. North America’s current premier sire of sires, Storm Cat is represented by such sons as Giant's Causeway, Tale of the Cat, and Stormy Atlantic, all three of whom rank in the top seven this year by progeny earnings. Plus, this year’s top two freshman sires, Roll Hennessy Roll and Lion Heart, are grandsons of Storm Cat. Storm Cat’s top runners include such champions Giant’s Causeway, Storm Flag Flying, and Sweet Catomine, plus such grade I winners as Tabasco Cat, Cat Thief, Sharp Cat, and Bluegrass Cat.

RACE #6 - BELMONT PARK - 3:40 PM EASTERN POST

8½ FURLONGS TURF THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ALLOWANCE $56,000.00 PURSE

#7 MORAL COMPASS
#8 HOLIDAY TRIP
#3 CONTINENTAL REINS
#1 RIPTIDE

#7 MORAL COMPASS is the overall speed leader in this allowance field today racing at, or about, today's distance of 8½ furlongs on the turf, and has hit the board in four of his last five starts overall, and goes to the post with the skills of the Jockey/Trainer tandem of Eibar Coa and Barclay Tagg in his corner ... they've hit the board with 56% of more than 125 entries saddled as a team to date. #8 HOLIDAY TRIP has also hit the board in four of his last five starts, including a win in his 5th race back.


RACING NEWS: Presque Isle Downs is the latest track to get caught up in the battle over revenue sharing of online and telephone wagering companies, as signals to many advance deposit wagering companies were cut off May 11 due to lack of agreements with the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Handle on the May 11 card, not including separate pool wagering, dropped to $194,954 after an opening day handle of $729,219 May 9, according to statistics compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems. Average daily handle during last September’s inaugural 25-day meet at the Erie-area track was more than $585,000. Joe Santanna, who is president of the Pennsylvania HBPA, said the horsemen didn’t withhold consent for the ADW signals, but said the group only would grant approval for entities that sign licensing agreements based on the revenue sharing plan being promoted by the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Group.


RICK'S DAILY HANDICAPPING VIDEOS ARE UPLOADED IN THE EVENING - IF YOU WANT TO GET HIS INFORMATION AS THEY ARE PRODUCED THROUGHOUT THE DAY - RICK OFTEN ADDS SOME FREE PICKS FROM BOTH HARNESS AND GREYHOUND TRACKS TO "WHET YOUR APPETITE!" SIMPLY SUBSCRIBE TO HIS REPORTS VIA YOUTUBE - THEY ARE ALWAYS FREE!


HOME TRACK BONUS

RACE #8 - PENN NATIONAL - 9:38 PM EASTERN POST

5½ FURLONGS DIRT FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $10,000.00 CLAIMING $16,300.00 PURSE

#3 BOLD AND BRAZEN
#1 GREETINGS
#6 ALL AMERICAN MIZ
#5 SUCH A DIAMOND

#3 BOLD AND BRAZEN has nice early speed abilities for this sprint, and has posted a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" in her last three starts. Jockey Luis Belmonte and Trainer Sam Webb send her to the post tonight ... they've hit the board with and impressive 60% of nearly 225 entries saddled as a team to date. #1 GREETINGS, a 4-1 shot, is the pace profile leader, and has hit the board in three straight, including a pair of "Circle Trips" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency.


KENTUCKY BONUS

RACE #9 CHURCHILL DOWNS - 5:26 PM EASTERN POST

7.0 FURLONGS DIRT THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD ALLOWANCE $43,100.00 PURSE

#7 WEST EXPRESS
#2 MUTADDA
#3 TENKILLER LAKE
#6 TALE Z

#7 WEST EXPRESS qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," takes a class drop (-4), and has hit the board in "POWER RUN FASHION" in both of his last two starts, including a "POWER RUN WIN" facing better company in his last start. Jockey Julian LeParoux and Trainer Eddie Kenneally send him to the post this afternoon ... they've hit the board with an even 50% of more than 75 entries saddled as a team to date. The pace profile leader in this allowance field today is #2 MUTADDA who comes off a "POWER RUN PLACE" finish in his last start, missing a "Circle Trip" in that race by just a "photographed neck" at the wire.


SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BONUS

RACE #6 - HOLLYWOOD PARK - 3:55 PM PACIFIC POST

8½ FURLONGS CUSHIONED TRACK THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $25,000.00 CLAIMING $22,000.00 PURSE

#5 SELF INSURED
#10 PATHBREAKING
#1 TIZMET
#2 GARY'S GOT RHYTHM

#5 SELF INSURED takes a class drop (-11) this afternoon, and is the overall speed leader in this claiming field racing at, or about, today's distance of 8½ furlongs on the "dirt," and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, facing better company in each of those outings than he will face in this field today. The 5-1 shot, #10 PATHBREAKING comes off a "POWER RUN SHOW" finish in his last start facing better company in that race, and goes to the post with the skills of the Jockey/Trainer tandem of Tyler Baze and Jeff Mullins in his corner ... they've hit the board with 59% of their entries saddled as a team to date.


BONUS LONGSHOTS MAY 14,2008

Charles Town

RACE #6: The 6-1 shot, #6 MEET ME IN PARIS, is the overall speed leader in this claiming field sprinting at, or about, tonight's distance of 4½ furlongs on the dirt.

Indiana Downs

RACE #7: #3 HAPPY BEEPER is 6-1 in the morning line, and has nice speed for this 5½ furlong sprint.


Ultra Longshot Angles

NOTE: The entries listed below have been "found" utilizing TrackMaster's fantastic new product Ultra Angles ... I have utilized this product to scan EVERY TRACK in North America for entries today meeting the following 4 criteria:

a. Odds are 4-1 - or higher
b. The entry must be the TOP POWER RATED entry in the field
c. The entry must also have the BEST SPEED in this field for today's distance and surface!
d. The entry has raced in the last 25 days - no extended layoffs allowed!

NOTE: Listed Post Times are given in the local time zone of the track.

Woodbine - Race #2 - 7:15PM - #3 12/1 SEATTLE SPIRIT

cartoon

CHECK OUT THIS SOFTWARE TO FIND RICK'S "POWER PUPS!"

NOTES ON CLASS: The TrackMaster PLUS software uses a sophisticated mathematical formula to calculate the "class" of a particular race. It is important to note that this calculation is NOT based on purse structure, but on the competitive level of the entries in today's field. Therefore, it is possible (and not uncommon), that an entry may be racing for a higher purse today than in his or her last race, but in a "TrackMaster Sense" is dropping in class, because the overall abilities of the entries in today's race are not as competitive as the entries in his or her last race. The TrackMaster class scale is numeric, and basically ranges from 50 to 100, and is particularly helpful in judging entries that are "shipping" in from another track. In my analysis of a race, I often note that an entry is "dropping in class," or "stepping up in class." Following this statement, you will see a (number in parenthesis). The value of that particular number indicates the degree of the class change. EXAMPLE: "#4 SIN CITY takes a fairly significant class drop (-8) this evening." This indicates that this entry is dropping by 8 TrackMaster Class Levels from his or her last race. It does not necessarily mean that this entry is racing for a lower purse, only racing against a less competitive field.

NOTES: I frequently use the term, "POWER RUN" in this column. It is my terminology for a previous race run at a speed, which if duplicated today, should compete for the winner's circle at the class level in which the entry is competing today. Space requirements do not allow for a thorough discussion of this calculation, however, if you would like a short essay on how the "POWER RUN" is calculated, kindly send me some EMAIL at rneedham1@yahoo.com and I'll send you a copy of my "POWER RUN" file.


Do you want some handicapping tips? Select an "essay" below, and I'll return some comments to you via email!

Kindly enter Your Name:

    Bouncers
    Power Run/PowerPonies
    Maiden Starters
    LASIX Runners
    Three Star Sires
    The Value of Class
    Reading PS's
    Exotic Wager BOXING
    Aqueduct's Inner Track
    Down and Dirty Quick Pick Longshots
    The Psychology of Pari-Mutual Wagering
big game hunter

ARCHIVED REPORTS

Week Ending - January 13, 2008

GIANTS AT COWBOYS (-8½)

Offense -- that's why you will watch this game. Both teams have a multitude of weapons to light up the scoreboard, proved by the 131 combined points these teams posted in two regular-season meetings (both won by Dallas). Which team will hit on all cylinders Sunday afternoon? And which team will muster enough defense to stop the bleeding? Quarterback Tony Romo is one of the best stories of the season, leading the Cowboys to the NFC team scoring title and top seed with plenty of help from wide receiver Terrell Owens and tight end Jason Witten. Dallas is equally tough on the ground with a little of Julius Jones and a lot of bruising Marion Barber, who has taken on a larger role in recent weeks. Another key has been sturdy offensive line play. The only concern is the health of Owens (ankle). Will he be close enough to 100 percent to draw double-teams and open up the rest of the field? Or will Owen be a hobbled decoy? Many in New York will be quick to tell you that quarterback Eli Manning has limited the Giants' potential all season. But if that's the case, then Manning's strong showing in last week's wild-card win at Tampa Bay must have them preparing the ticker tape in the Canyon of Heroes. With strong running from Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw and enough pass protection, Manning can be as dangerous as any NFL quarterback. At wide receiver, Plaxico Burress is a consistent big-play threat and Amani Toomer remains a reliable outlet with youngsters Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss and tight end Kevin Boss developing as nice complementary options. Both defenses create big plays to create opportunities for their offenses. Both ended the season ranked in the top three in the NFL in sacks (the Giants led the league), and both were among the top 10 in fewest yards allowed. However, both gave up as many big plays as they created defensively. The team that avoids the big mistake will win Sunday in a game that will be much closer than we traditionally see in Round 2.

As New York prepares for this game on Sunday, they will need to devise a scheme to keep Romo in the pocket. Tony Romo is most dangerous when he gets outside the containment and uses his mobility and elusiveness to buy time for his receivers to get open against zone coverage. The Giants need defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to attack the pocket under control and avoid being run out of plays so as to keep Romo pinned in the pocket and make him throw quickly. They might also hope to see shots of his "jinxable girl friend" - "peeping" from some luxury box! Perhaps during pre-game warm-ups, the will need to determine the health of one Terrell Owens. We don't know if the Giants have a player with a medical degree, but they must quickly determine Owens' potential to contribute Sunday. We expect Owens, a tough competitor, to play through the ankle injury. However, if unable to cut or use his speed to stretch the field, New York must abandon its double-team on Owens and use the extra defender to support the run or bracket tight end Jason Witten. The sooner the Giants determine Owens' health, the better chance they have of slowing Dallas' attack. And finally, the will need to keep Ahmad Bradshaw involved. Brandon Jacobs (6-4, 264) is a productive workhorse but has struggled to stay healthy, and he couldn't get going in last week's wild-card win over the Buccaneers. Bradshaw (5-9, 198), his quicker, smaller change-of-pace rookie backup, has great burst into holes and is a more powerful inside runner than his size would indicate. If Bradshaw gets through the line and reaches the linebackers at full speed, he can score. The Giants will give him more carries early Sunday as a changeup and help establish a strong rushing attack.

And from the favored Cowboys' perspective ... I am expecting them to attack the Giants' safeties. The Giants' secondary, despite an outstanding pass rush in support, have struggled mightily -- allowing 11 pass plays of 40-plus yards during the regular season (fourth most in the league) and 47 plays of 20-plus yards (eighth-most). Safeties Gibril Wilson and James Butler are slow to provide help on the perimeter and are poor tacklers. If Owens plays, Dallas will expect New York to double-team him, allowing Romo to break contain on rollouts and bootlegs and work the middle of the field to Witten and No. 2 wide receiver Patrick Crayton. Both Witten and Crayton have the speed to outrun Wilson or Butler on seam routes and both can break tackles and make defenders miss in the open field. Dallas will also try to run outside. The Cowboys' running game is at its best running off-tackle to the left behind tackle Flozell Adams. By attacking the edges of the Giants' defense, they can get Adams one-on-one against Umenyiora, who lacks the size to hold his ground at the point of attack. If Adams continuously pounds on him, the theory is it'll slow up the pass rush. This outside running plan also would keep Marion Barber away from the interior of the Giants' defense, where middle linebacker Antonio Pierce is much better filling the hole than playing laterally through traffic. And they will undoubtedly try to pressure Eli Manning. When given time in the pocket and the space to get his feet set, Manning is smart and accurate with the ball. He gets into trouble, however, when the defense attacks him up the middle. Expect Dallas to blitz up the gut on most passing downs to flush Manning out of the pocket and into the edge pass rush of outside linebackers DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis. If they can get Manning unsettled in the pocket and make him hold the ball or rush throws, the Cowboys will throw off the timing of the Giants' passing attack.

The Bottom Line:

A healthy Owens is crucial to everything the Cowboys do on offense. If Owens is unable to command double-teams and unable to stretch the field vertically, Romo's other options become less effective, making this a battle of who can run the ball and stop the run. That edge goes slightly to the Cowboys, playing at home and with an extra week of rest. However, I also note that The Giants have one of the best "road-records" in The NFL .. good enough to win on Sunday ... maybe not .. but I'm betting that their "road-confidence" will "beat the spread!" I'll TAKE NEW YORK!

RICK'S "HOT-SPOT" PLAYS

PACKERS (-8.0) OVER SEAHAWKS
JAGUARS OVER PATRIOTS (-13½)
THE OVER (45.0) CHARGERS AT COLTS

 

January 7, 2008 - 8:00 PM - New Orleans - The BCS Championship Game

OHIO STATE VS LOUISIANA STATE (-6.0)

You knew there was eventually going to be a clash of heavyweights for the national title once all the dust settled. Ohio State has a lot to prove after last year's debacle in the loss to Florida. With the 2003 win over Miami for the national title a distant memory, this is the game the Buckeyes need to show the world that the Big Ten isn't five steps slower than the SEC, and to show that the Big Ten deserves to have a team in the title game two years in a row. However, the Buckeyes could play their best game of the year and still get their doors blown off it everyone is healthy again for LSU. This is a phenomenally talented team that should finally be able to overcome injuries and the Les Miles-to-Michigan distraction to win the program's second national title in five years.

Who to watch: 1) LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, 2) Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis, 3) Ohio State RB Chris Wells

I'll TAKE L.S.U. by 9.0!

JANUARY 5, 2008

REDSKINS AT SEAHAWKS (-3½)

The Redskins seek to continue their emotional ride through postseason, in memory of murdered teammate Sean Taylor. Joe Gibbs' team is as hot as any in the league, playing with vigor on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, many NFL observers still don't know what to make of the Seahawks, who surely benefitted from playing in the NFL's worst division but yet has lost two of their last three games. Washington's four-game winning streak to close out the season has been spearheaded by the play of backup quarterback Todd Collins, who has been efficient and smart in place of the injured starter Jason Campbell. Collins runs the offense without having to think through his progressions, knows where every player is supposed to be at every second and has confidence that his wideouts are going to get open and make tough catches, which Santana Moss has done with regularity. In Seattle, Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck put the offense on his back when injuries and ineffectiveness sidetracked the running game. Quarterbacks notwithstanding, the team with the better defense will win Saturday afternoon. That's bad news for the feel-good campaign of the Redskins. The Seahawks have more playmakers on that side of the ball.

Looking through Washington's "Crystal Ball" ... they will need to pressure Matt Hasselbeck. The Redskins can hide their coverage problems only by bringing constant pressure. Down the stretch, Seattle coach Mike Holmgren all but discarded Shaun Alexander and the running game and placed the game on Hasselbeck. He has been distributing the ball to a variety of receivers. If Hasselbeck has time to stand in the pocket and survey the field, it will be a long day for the Washington secondary, which is playing shorthanded and lacks the personnel to account for all of the Seahawks' weapons. Washington defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is known for blitzing schemes, and he must find a way to contain Hasselbeck in the pocket and force him to throw under pressure. To stand any change, The "Skins" will need to get off to a fast start. This key cannot be overstated. Washington is coming off an emotional late-season charge and will be making a cross-country trip on a short week. Not many East Coast teams travel to Seattle and play well. Seattle also is one of the few places in the NFL where the home crowd is a genuine factor. The Redskins will try to make a big play early to take the home crowd out of the game. And finally, they will need to be creative on offense. The Redskins' roster is loaded with outstanding athletes, but the coaches make little use of their unique skills. Offensive coordinator Al Saunders must be more creative with Antwaan Randle El, Clinton Portis and James Thrash and use all the trickery and gadget plays in the playbook to get the Seattle defense on its heels. With Seattle linebackers Leroy Hill, Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson being asked to cover so much ground, look for plenty of misdirection and option plays to keep them guessing.

However, Seattle will not hesitate to go to Maurice Morris. Earlier this year, when Alexander was struggling with injuries, Holmgren stayed with Alexander too long -- to the detriment of the team. Since returning from a three-week hiatus, Alexander has been up and down, rushing for just 224 yards in five games for a 3.8-yard average. In his absence, Morris did a solid job and provided balance to the offense. Morris' 4.5-yard per carry average is a full yard more per carry than Alexander's average this season. Seattle must not get caught feeding the ball to Alexander if it isn't working. Morris has shown he can carry the load, can score near the goal line and has some big-play ability. The will also need to force Todd Collins into mistakes. Collins, a veteran backup, has played well the last four games. He has been mistake-free, throwing no interceptions. The Seahawks must use their speed on the defensive line to attack the pocket and force quick throws under pressure. The linebackers, particularly Tatupu, must disguise drops to bait Collins into bad throws. The turnover battle always is a key stat, but if the Redskins turn the ball over on the road in the playoffs, it would seal their demise. They will also need to neutralize tight end Chris Cooley. Cooley is the Redskins' security blanket, no matter who is playing quarterback. He is the go-to receiver in the short passing game, has deceptive speed on vertical seam routes and is a dangerous red-zone threat. Seattle will try to take away Collins' top threat by zoning him off with Tatupu in the middle, forcing him to release to the outside and double-teaming him in the red zone.

In the end, Seattle has too many receiving weapons for a depleted Washington secondary to account for and the Redskins' inability to get to the quarterback will make it hard for the defense to get off the field. On the other side of the ball, Seattle's athleticism and speed on defense will force uncharacteristic mistakes from Collins. Those factors, combined with THESE IMPORTANT HANDICAPPING ANGLES - The Redskins' cross-country trip, on a Short Week and in one of the NFL's most hostile environments will result in a relatively easy win for the Seahawks. I'll TAKE SEATTLE by 9.0!

January 1, 2008 - 8:30 PM - The Sugar Bowl - New Orleans - FOX

HAWAII VS GEORGIA (-10.0)

Chances are you haven't seen Hawaii and Colt Brennan, and if you have, you watched through half-open eyelids. It's the novelty act vs. the hottest team in the country, with the run 'n' shoot getting its shot at a Bulldog secondary that hasn't seen too many up-tempo, scary-good passing games. This could be the make-or-break moment for Brennan with the pro scouts. Everyone knows he's accurate and has a nice arm, but if he can throw on Georgia like it's Utah State, then No. 15 will make himself a lot of money. Next year is supposed to be Georgia's big season, and a dominant win would assure a preseason top five spot.

Who to watch: 1) Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, 2) Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno, 3) Hawaii WR Davone Bess

I'll TAKE THE BULLDOGS by a TD!


January 1, 2008 - 8:30 PM - The Sugar Bowl - New Orleans - FOX

HAWAII VS GEORGIA (-10.0)

Chances are you haven't seen Hawaii and Colt Brennan, and if you have, you watched through half-open eyelids. It's the novelty act vs. the hottest team in the country, with the run 'n' shoot getting its shot at a Bulldog secondary that hasn't seen too many up-tempo, scary-good passing games. This could be the make-or-break moment for Brennan with the pro scouts. Everyone knows he's accurate and has a nice arm, but if he can throw on Georgia like it's Utah State, then No. 15 will make himself a lot of money. Next year is supposed to be Georgia's big season, and a dominant win would assure a preseason top five spot.

Who to watch: 1) Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, 2) Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno, 3) Hawaii WR Davone Bess

I'll TAKE THE BULLDOGS by a TD!


January 1, 2008 - 1:00 PM - The Gator Bowl - Jacksonville - CBS

TEXAS TECH (-5.0) VS VIRGINIA

It's Texas Tech in a bowl game. That's all you need. It pulled out a 44-41 win over Minnesota in a classic of an Insight Bowl last season, and has managed to win four of its last five bowl games with its high-powered offense. On the flip side is Virginia, who got through the ACC season by winning almost every close game by the skin of its teeth before losing to Virginia Tech late. It's the solid defense vs. the killer offense in what should be a close New Year's Day fight.

Who to watch: 1) Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree, 2) Virginia DE Chris Long, 3) Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell

I'll TAKE TEXAS TECH


January 1, 2008 - 4:30 PM - The Rose Bowl - Pasadena - ABC

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (-13.0) VS ILLINOIS

It's the Big Ten vs. the Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl. You know this is required viewing after a night out. Even if this is yet another confirmation of the greatness of USC under Pete Carroll, it'll still be interesting. Will USC be able to rise up and make a statement that it deserved to be more in the national title discussion at the end of the year, or will Ron Zook and his exciting young Illini pull off a shocker and bring the Big Ten its first Rose Bowl win since 2000? Illinois can be breathtaking if it gets its ground game going, but USC's defense is full of future NFL playmakers ready to stuff the run. In my opinion, USC is the best team in the country going into this one folks!

Who to watch: 1) Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall, 2) USC DT Sedrick Ellis, 3) Illinois LB J Leman

I'll TAKE USC by 2 TD's ... or more!

December 30, 2007 - 8:00 PM - The Independence Bowl - Shreveport - ESPN

COLORADO VS ALABAMA (-4.0)

This will likely be a really strong matchup in about two years. The coaches are terrific, the teams are in rebuilding mode, and a win is desperately needed by each.considering the Buffs have lost three of their last four bowls and Alabama closed out the year with a four-game losing streak.These two are evenly average, so while it might not be scintallating, it should be close.

Who to watch: 1) Colorado LB Jordon Dizon, 2) Alabama S Rashad Johnson, 3) Colorado CB Terrence Wheatley

I'll TAKE ALABAMA

December 29, 2007 - 8:00 PM - The Alamo Bowl - San Antonio - ESPN

PENN STATE (-5½) VS TEXAS A&M

The names are big, but the matchup might not be as strong as you'd think. Texas A&M has lost its last game of the year, whether against Texas or in a bowl, in ten of the last 11 years, including a 1999 Alamo Bowl loss to the Nittany Lions and a 45-10 embarrassment to Cal in last year's Holiday Bowl. However, Aggie fans aren't going to have Dennis Franchione to kick around anymore, with Gary Darnell taking over until Mike Sherman can get his feet wet. This is the 500th game in the glorious coaching career of Joe Paterno, and considering the way the team collapsed in the regular-season ending loss to Michigan State, it's an important one.

Who to watch: 1) Penn State LB Dan Connor, 2) Penn State LB Sean Lee, 3) Texas A&M QB Stephen McGee

Although I live in Pennsylvania, I am NOT a Penn State fan ... although I'm TAKING PSU to win by 9.0!

December 29, 2007 - 1:00 PM - The Car Care Bowl - Charlotte - ESPN

WAKE FOREST (-3½) VS CONNECTICUT

This is an even matchup between two teams that don't get any respect, but Connecticut isn't exactly a thrill-ride to watch. The defense can be stifling, but it it's not forcing turnovers, and if the running game isn't working, this might not be pretty. Wake Forest proved its 2006 ACC championship season wasn't a fluke with a nice 8-4 season, but it doesn't come up with much in the way of offense. It'll be a bit of a defensive battle with the team that wins the turnover battle getting the win.

Who to watch: 1) Wake Forest PK Sam Swank, 2) Connecticut LB Danny Lansanah, 3) Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith

I'll TAKE WAKE FOREST by 9!

TIMES LISTED ARE EST

December 28, 2007 - 5:00 PM - The Champ Sports Bowl - Orlando - ESPN

BOSTON COLLEGE (-3.0) VS MICHIGAN STATE

Talk about getting hosed, Boston College always seems to get the rock in the ACC bag of treats even though it's won seven straight bowl games. Despite playing in the ACC title game, do the Eagles get a shot at a New Year's Day game? Nope. It gets a fired up Michigan State team that'll get off the bus running the ball and getting into the backfield. BC has the nation's No. 1 run defense, but it'll be put to the test from the start by Javon Ringer and the tough Spartan ground game. This could be the game that launches the Mark Dantonio era to another level in East Lansing, while it'll be the final game in the great career of BC's Matt Ryan.

Who to watch: 1) Boston College QB Matt Ryan, 2) Michigan State RB Javon Ringer, 3) Michigan State DE Jonal Saint-Dic

I'll TAKE BOSTON COLLEGE by a field goal.

December 27, 2007 - 8:00 PM - The Holiday Bowl - San Diego - ESPN

ARIZONA STATE VS TEXAS (-1.0)

Arizona State might be a bit down after getting shoved aside by the BCS, but it'll have its hands full against a Texas team looking to close out the mediocre season on a high note. A win for the Sun Devils would put a great bow on a fantastic first season for Dennis Erickson, and would do wonders going into 2008, while a loss for Texas would send up panic flares that the program is slipping. After losing to Texas A&M, Mack Brown could use something positive. The Longhorns have won five of their last six bowl games.

Who to watch: 1) Texas RB Jamaal Charles, 2) Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter, 3) Texas QB Colt McCoy

I'll TAKE TEXAS by a TD!


December 22, 2007 - 4:30 PM - The New Mexico Bowl - Albuquerque - ESPN

NEVADA VS NEW MEXICO (-3½)

New Mexico is fine, but nothing special after limping down the stretch with two losses in its final four games. It can play a little bit of defense and was strong at home going 5-1, but this isn't the most exciting team around unless the passing game is efficient. Nevada's got a strong offense with a good up-and-coming quarterback in Colin Kaepernick, but it doesn't play defense. This could turn out to be entertaining for the die-hard fans, but there's no compelling storyline for the casual one.

Who to watch: 1) Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick, 2) New Mexico WR Marcus Smith, 3) Nevada RB Luke Lippencott

I'll TAKE NEW MEXICO by 7.0


December 20, 2007 - 9:00 PM - San Diego - The Poinsetta Bowl - ESPN

UTAH(-9½) VS NAVY

The Navy offense is always worth the price of admission, and it always seems to show up and shine in bowl games. Utah closed out its season on fire, with only a heartbreaking last-second loss to BYU ruining a big second half run. Utah's defense is good enough to stuff the Midshipmen, but stopping the option when it's rolling at full speed is far different than it looks on film. Air Force beat Utah early in the year, so watch out for this to be a down-to-the-wire battle.
Who to watch: 1) Utah QB Brian Johnson, 2) Navy RB Reggie Campbell, 3) Navy QB Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada

I'll TAKE THE MIDDIES by a field goal!

RICK NEEDHAM'S FOOTBALL PICKS - 2007-2008

Well folks .. "The Bowl Season" is HERE! Anyways ... just like last year, I am offering my football selections, using my "archived version" of SportsMaster for Football Software to help me get through the season, on a weekly or annual basis! Here's the "deal" ...

1. It is on the "honor system" ... weekly reports are sent out at your request on Wednesdays ... hopefully your check for the report will arrive by the weekend of the games requested! (in the past 6 years of sending out reports, only 9 folks decided not to send their checks)!

2. A weekly report this season is $20.00

3. An Annual subscription, which will get you weekly reports through not only the Super Bowl .. but my detailed College Bowl Report - (ALL MAJOR COLLEGE BOWL GAMES INCLUDED) is just $200.00 - No price change from last season!

4. My 2007/2008 College Bowl Report (15 pages long - all 32 games analyzed) is now ready - For non season subscribers, the cost of this report of $50.00 - The cost of my weekly NFL Playoff Report for non season subscribers is $50.00 which covers the playoffs through The Super Boal

5. I do NOT analyze pre-season games in the N.F.L or The NFL's Pro Bowl!

6. To "subscribe" ... send me an email ... either for the entire season .. or for any single week of picks.

MAIL TO:
RICHARD NEEDHAM
7621 JONESTOWN ROAD
HARRISBURG, PA 17112-9726

Rick Needham
Equibase/TrackMaster/SportsMaster

Rick NeedhamRick Needham (alias TrackMaster Rick) has been known to "poke some fun" at the patrons that he observes at the racing facilities and OTW establishments that he visits almost daily, in his column here at INNERNET.NET... he's also been known to "poke some fun" at himself during the countless number of TrackMaster-handicapping- computer lectures that he has done on the East/West Coasts at facilities-establishments-civic club functions etc ... "Hey ... what is your 'vision' of the archetypcal handicapper?" he asks in his "opening." "Hmmm ... middle aged ... balding ... slightly overweight ... cigar smoking ... Daily Racing Form Reading ...???" Well ... he's 52 (oops now 56 )... balding ... a little overweight at 210 ... but ...

he's never smoked a cigar in his life, and has not read the DRF in more that 8 years, and as a "convert" is an "evangelist" for TrackMaster Software!

At the tender age of 18, Rick began his "career" as a handicapper while working as an "apprentice" at AVCO-LYCOMING in Bridgeport, Connecticut in the mid-60's (a summer job - he was a student-athlete at CLEMSON - Baseball) ... "With both of my parents being teachers, education was the primary goal in our home ... I was pretty oblivious to wagering and horse racing" he notes in his TrackMaster "talks." However, in Bridgeport during this era, there was no opportunity to visit an OTW ... so bookmakers were "rampant" in a huge industrial facilty such as AVCO (they built the compression shafts for the SIKORSKY HELICOPTERS)... After just two weeks of watching this "unknown activity" ... he suggested that for $2.00 per person, that "I will drive to New York (only 50 miles) and place the bets legally, and bring back the "winnings!" His first visit to Belmont was the "charm!" He had never been to a Thoroughbred facility ... and as he notes ... "when I went through the gate .. and saw Belmont for the first time ... I was 'hooked! I talked to the 'old guys' ... learned how to 'read the form' ... how to understand the importance of speed -- class -- and pace. And two weeks later, he was no longer running an ID (Internal-Dimension) Grinder ... but driving his VolksWagen Beetle to Belmont, and earning about $100.00 per day as a "runner!"

Horse racing has seemingly "followed" his moves ... while at CLEMSON .. he stopped at Belmont-Aqueduct ... PIMLICO-LAUREL-BOWIE-TIMONIUM on his trips back and forth to South Carolina/Connecticut ... later attended graduate school and taught in the Amherst, Massachusetts area ... (30 min. driving distance to HINSDALE, N.H. {HARNESS - now a greyhound facility} .. took a teaching assignment at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janerio in BRAZIL ... lived directly across the street from Joqui Clube Brasileiro (the Thoroughbred Track in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and returned to the US to teach in Pennsylvania ... PENN NATIONAL was 60 miles to the North ... CHARLES TOWN was 60 miles to the South ... and PENN NATIONAL built an OTW across the street (in Chambersburg, PA) for Rick to use!

UPDATE ... Rick now lives in Palo Alto, California ... a scant 20 minutes South of BAY MEADOWS!

UPDATE #2 ... Rick has moved back to "The Keystone State" to help East Coast TrackMaster customers, and lives a scant 2 miles from Penn National Race Course in Grantville, PA .. and also directs the Science and Math programs at an inner-city school in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania!

Rick has a BS degree from CLEMSON in Entomology bugwalk, has completed the M.S. portion of a joint MS/Phd program at UMASS in Pesticide Chemistry, and an advanced degree in Portuguese from Pontifico Universidade Catholico in Brazil ... he wrote the software for the SCIENCE AND MATH FORUM on CompuServe (which after 21 years of continuous on-line use, now has more than 175,000 users worldwide ... and it includes a TrackMaster library section), and writes a horse racing column DAILY for not only TrackMaster ... but for 2 other "Web Sites" (Rolling Good Times Online and Virtual Vegas) .. he travels to many East Coast facilities as the result of a "retirement -from-teaching" position which involves the importation of Oriental Rugs from Europe ... he serves as a translator (English-Portuguese-Spanish-French) for these "negotiations" and has been known to "show up" at Calder - Hialeah - Gulfstream - Louisiana Downs - Suffolk Downs - Rockingham - Aqueduct - Belmont - Saratoga - Laurel - Pimlico (and of course ... PENN NATIONAL and PHILADELPHIA PARK) on almost a regular basis!

He is also a contributor to the SPORTSMASTER software package, and utilizes this analysis tool on a daily basis to handicap professional and college football, basketball and baseball games. His column on RGTonline.com is also known as THE BIG GAME HUNTER. Rick also produces a local radio show ... "THE SIMULCAST ZONE" on RADIO STATION WCBG in Chambersburg, PA.

COMMENTS ARE OF COURSE WELCOME!!!

EMAIL

RICK NEEDHAM (RICK'S EMAIL HOME)


Rick uses TrackMaster and SportsMaster software EXCLUSIVELY ... these products are developed by AXCIS INFORMATION SYSTEMS in Sunnyvale, California ... to visit their WEB SITE use this "HOT LINK!" http://www.trackmaster.com

"BET WITH YOUR HEAD ... NOT OVER IT!"