JUNE 2016
NBA FINALS MANTELLIGENT DRESS FOR SUCCESS
COPA AMERICA PREVIEW
JAMIE VARDY &
LEICESTER CITY’S
FAIRYTALE
TABLEOFCONTENTS
CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE
Letter from the Editor Masthead
SPORTS
SOCCER NBA MLB NFL GOLF AFL UFC TENNIS SURFING OLYMPICS HORSE RACING
M ANLINESS
Man Cave Must-Haves Manscaping101 Mantelligent Grillers’ Corner
FITNESS Health Is Your Wealth
8 10 12 16 22 26 28 32 36 42 46 48 50 58 59 61 64 65
GIRLS’ GUIDE Gifts for Your Girl Dating Deeds
TRAVEL
Mancation Destination: Royal Ascot - Racing with the Queen
66 67 52
NOTEFROMTHEEDITOR
EDITOR’S LETTER
It is with a true passion I bring to you the June issue of SportsBet Magazine.
Authentic in our expert analysis, accurate in the reporting of stats, up to the moment sporting news, betting trends and events coupled with wit, irony and just the right amount of jest. I’m confident that SportsBet Magazine will be your ultimate sporting resource with its simplistic betting platform, and pure entertainment value for Sporting Enthusiasts. As we close the chapter to another season of fantastic Premier League football, we hit the refresh button on the magic we have witnessed. It’s truly sport at its finest. That wonderful fantasy land we indulge in to escape reality.
As children or adults in all walks of life, we all dream of the big stage, that destined opportunity, what if?
Leicester’s triumph, with a squad worth 10 times less than some of the league’s heavyweights, does exactly that. It’s from another realm. The stuff of Hollywood. The stuff of legend. They have consistently outshone teams with hundreds of millions of dollars of talent. It will force a furious spending spree and re-assessment from their supposedly more illustrious rivals. For now, however, everyone who plays sport can dare to dream. The story won’t escape anyone today. Curious onlookers will be talking about THAT upset in the Premier League for decades to come.
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Inside the issue we take you through the in depth analysis of the NBA finals, we preview the US Masters and recap another year of a missed triple crown. We dive deep into mid season rotations from MLB to AFL and hold your hand through a journey to meet the Queen at Royal Ascot. Additionally, our Daily Fantasy Sports coverage continues as we dive deep below the surface of the mayhem to educate on the how to’s with a complete rundown on what to expect in Daily Golf games. We hope you enjoy the issue and SportsBet Magazine will continue to be your ultimate resource for always coming out on top. Welcome to the issue and to SportsBet Magazine.
MICK MCCABE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
MASTHEAD
PUBLISHER Michael McCabe
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LEICESTER CITY’S FAIRYTALE, 5000-1 TO HERE!
It’s sport at its finest. That wonderful fantasy land we indulge in to escape reality. As children or adults in all walks of life, we all dream of the big stage, that destined opportunity, what if? Leicester’s triumph, with a squad worth 10 times less than some of the league’s heavyweights, does exactly that. It’s from another realm. The stuff of Hollywood. The stuff of legend. Greece winning Euro 2004 was epic. But that was over a month. This is over a 38 game season. They have consistently outshone teams with hundreds of millions of dollars of talent. It will force a furious spending spree and re-assessment from their supposedly more illustrious rivals. For now, however, everyone who plays sport can dare to dream. The story won’t escape anyone today. Curious onlookers will be talking about THAT upset in the Premier League for decades to come.
For those following the Leicester progress through our coverage, you would have enjoyed the ride with us from back in September 2015, when we sensed something different was brewing at King Power Stadium. It started with Jamie Vardy’s goal scoring streak, with Riyad Mahrez’s assist making wizardry, with an energizer battery in midfield N’Golo Kante whose heat map seemingly covered the whole field and with a captain who had played most of his career in the second tier. But something special was safe survival. It meant finishing in the top half, perhaps. Or making it into Europe. After Mahrez and co dispensed with Chelsea, forcing the club to axe Jose Mourinho, in December, the club that was last that time last year was suddenly mixing it with the big boys. But everyone had February pencilled in. Leicester’s true test, the moment
the dream would be over. Surely! Surely Arsenal, leading on January 4, or Manchester City, lurking in third, would go tooth and nail to win the title with the likes of Mesut Ozil or Kevin De Bruyne influencing the title race? Not this season. They beat Liverpool 2-0. Manchester City 3-1. Arsenal edged them at the death 2-1, but that was the last time they would lose as they closed out the triumph. Shame on Manchester United. Shame on Manchester City. Shame on Chelsea. Shame on Liverpool. Shame on Arsenal. They’ve been outdone by – in relative football terms – a battler. No matter where you look, this is the ultimate sporting fairy tale. Claudio Ranieri was derided when he was handed the Leicester post, replacing the popular Nigel Pearson, fresh off
being sacked by Greece for a loss to Faroe Islands. He was football’s quintessential nearly man. But he has charmed and endeared; he shakes the hand of every participant in his press conferences. He was in Italy before Tottenham v Chelsea to visit his mother. He rung Guus Hiddink to thank his Chelsea side for doing a job on Tottenham (where’s that form and intensity been all season, by the way). Indeed, it says so much about the man that Stamford Bridge was calling his name, chuffed for the manager who was the first man sacked by Roman Abramovich a decade ago. There has been many magical stories to write the script, Like Kasper Schmeichel, son of EPL icon Peter, becoming the fifth father-son pairing to claim the EPL crown. Jamie Vardy costing £1m in 2012, Riyad Mahrez £350,000 and N’Golo Kante being bought for £5.6m – the product of spectacular scouting in the face of the mighty spending of their peers. Journeyman and discards, from
Danny Simpson, Christian Fuchs, Robert Huth and captain Wes Morgan at the back, to Marc Albrighton and Danny Drinkwater further forward, to the support cast like Shinji Okazaki and Leonardo Ulloa, have played like the perfect unit. No egos, perfect harmony. It certainly helped having a touch of luck and good run with injuries. Thanks to that, Ranieri was able to have his key men execute a game plan that revolutionises football’s principles because of its simplicity. In a sense, he’s taken us back to the start. Work hard. Protect the lead. Play to your strengths. Use your pace. With Vardy in the form of his life, the Foxes ranked 18th – the relegation zone – for possession kept, holding onto the ball just 43 per cent of the time. So it comes as no surprise, with Vardy and Mahrez running riot, that they tried to isolate defenders and expose them with their pace, with 22 per cent of their passes being ‘long balls’. The tactic, long
derided as antiquated and ugly, has certainly brought plenty of pleasure this term. And so have Leicester, not just to their fans, but to the sporting universe. A club that finished 14th last year after being promoted the year before, after three seasons in the Championship following 20082009 promotion from League One does NOT win the Premier League. It’s that simple. We should be able to digest it now, given we’ve been waiting for this day much of the last four rounds of the season. That in itself says something, and makes it harder to comprehend. Their triumph is utterly deserved. Next year, as a top seed, it’s off to the UEFA Champions League and they will continue to dare to dream. Can Ranieri keep his squad together? That’s a question for tomorrow. Today, just savour something we may never see again.Because it’s not meant to happen. And it just did.
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COPA AMERICA
Copa America Centenario is happening. Kickoff is June 3rd.. This is a 16-team tournament, with all 10 South American teams and six CONCACAF countries. For the first time in its 100 year heritage it will be hosted outside of South America in the USA.This is fun. It should happen more often. Here’s a breakdown of the field and what to expect.
H A R D E S T T O B E AT
ARGENTIN A [3/1]
The Germans of the Western Hemisphere. Argentina nearly won the 2014 World Cup. They have the best and deepest squad in the tournament. That squad battle tested. The Argentine back line is credible. They have balance between fortitude and flair in midfield. Up front: Lionel Messi (world’s best), Sergio Aguero (EPL’s best), and Gonzalo Higuain (just set the Serie A scoring record). No team is more capable or more prepared to win this tournament.
BRAZIL [6-1]
Brazil had a nightmarish end to the 2014 World Cup. They followed that
with a poor Copa America effort. Dunga hit the reset button. Neymar won’t play, so he can appear during the Summer Olympics. David Luiz (PSG), Thiago Silva (PSG), and Marcelo (Real Madrid) were left out. Only five players in the tournament squad have more than 30 caps. Of course, it’s still Brazil. That unproven crew includes established, top-level players like Marquinhos and Philippe Coutinho who starred in getting Liverpool to the Europa League final. Even without their so called “superstars”, hard to see them not at least making the final.
W E ’ R E S AY I N G THERE’S A CHANCE
USA [7/1]
Hard to explain these odds, given form and a tough group. Homefield advantage? Didn’t help in the Gold Cup. Klinsmann’s penchant for having the screws tight come tournament time? The goalkeepers are out of form. The back four remains a muddle. Kyle Beckerman and Jermaine Jones are 34. Clint Dempsey is 33. Hope is 17-year-old wonderkid Christian Pulisic. Slick technical play hasn’t happened.
Perhaps, as in Brazil, the U.S. can muster their characteristic and annoying doggedness.
CHILE [8/1]
The Chileans are coming off a reputable World Cup effort and lifting the trophy at last summer’s Copa America. But, well regarded coach Jorge Sampaoli left in January. Recent World Cup qualifying form has been suspect, with one win from four matches. The Chileans can field one of the more formidable lineups in the tournament, with stars Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal. But, there’s uncertainty.
URUGUAY [10/1]
Similar to what we’ve seen from Uruguay the past few tournaments. Solid veteran midfield and defense, anchored by Atletico Madrid’s Diego Godin. Loaded up front with Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez. The latter is back from a biting suspension, which caused him to miss last summer’s Copa America. Uruguay, at present, top the table in South American World Cup qualifying.
COLOMBI A [11/1]
Excellent World Cup. Not so excellent since. The Colombians produced one goal at the 2015 Copa America. Their qualifying campaign has underwhelmed. The team still features James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado, and coordinated dance celebrations. But, they have an inexperienced defense and no proven scoring outlet up front. They get the U.S. off the bat, in the fortress that is Levi’s Stadium.
MEXICO [13/1]
Miguel Herrera got canned. Mexico has not missed him. El Tri have won eight-straight competitive matches. They have held opponents scoreless in their past six matches. They are rife with attacking talent. Chicharito is coming off his best season since arriving in Europe, scoring 26 goals in all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen.
the squad is based in the Americas. Established names such as Roque Santa Cruz were left home. Twelve of the 20 outfield players called up have fewer than 15 caps for the national team. A tough group may limit their prospects.
PERU [66/1]
Peru is opting for a fresh start. Thirteen of the 20 outfield players have fewer than 10 caps. Seven have one or zero caps. Seventeen of the 23 man squad are based in Peru. Notable veterans such as Claudio Pizzaro, Jefferson Farfan, and Juan
Manuel Vargas were left on the tarmac. The face an uphill battle in a group with Brazil and Ecuador.
VENEZUEL A [80/1]
Nothing is going right in Venezuela. That includes the soccer. Qualifying has been a disaster. Venezuela have one point from their first six matches. They have conceded 17 goals. They just appointed a new manager in April. The off-the-pitch climate has been toxic. Prognosis: not good. But, they do have a credible striker in Salomon Rondon. That’s something.
L O N G S H OT S
ECUADOR [40/1]
Hard team to read. They were decent at the 2014 World Cup. They followed that with a brutal Copa America last summer, going down 3-0 to Bolivia in the first half and bowing out in the group stage. Then they turned around and beat Argentina away in qualifying. They offer a fair bit going forward with Antonio Valencia and Enner Valencia. But, they also may struggle at the back. Winning seems a stretch. Reaching the knockout rounds seems reasonable.
COSTA RICA [50/1]
Los Ticos were darlings in Brazil, reaching the quarterfinals. Then, they failed to win a match at the 2015 Gold Cup. Their World Class goalkeeper Keylor Navas will be starting for Real Madrid in the Champions League final. They have reasonable scoring options up front. Not sure they have enough in between, in what should be a tough group.
PARAGUAY [50/1]
Paraguay made a run to the semifinals at Copa America, albeit while winning one match. There has been a bit of a guard change. Most of
CHANNELING THEIR INNER LEICESTER CITY
BOLIVI A [100/1]
Terrible qualifying campaign, with three points (win over Venezuela) from six matches. Traditionally, their biggest strength is an altitude advantage at home. Their three matches – Orlando, Foxborough, Seattle – are at sea level. At last check, Bolivia is still trying to get striker Marcelo Moreno to come back.
PAN AM A [150/1]
Impressive run to the semifinals at last summer’s Gold Cup. Impressive, because they managed to get there without winning a match. They have an excellent chance…to get a result against Bolivia.
JAM AICA [150/1]
Jamaica upset the U.S. in the Gold Cup last year, before losing to Mexico in the final. Their run since then has included losses to Nicaragua and Panama in Kingston. Maybe there’s some home-field advantage. A substantial portion of their squad is MLS based.
H AITI [500/1]
Half-full: Haiti has a smattering of European-based players. They beat Trinidad & Tobago to qualify for this tournament. Half-empty: Haiti has not scored a goal in its last four World Cup qualifying matches. Virtually no chance to get out of their group.
SPORTS:BASKETBALL
→ FINALS TIME G O L D E N S TAT E WARRIORS VS C L E V E L A N D C AVA L I E R S
It’s time for Round 2 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. That makes us ask: Will Stephen Curry and the NBA’s golden boys complete their recordsetting regular season with a second consecutive championship, or will LeBron James and Cleveland’s redhot big three exact their revenge after falling short last year? It’s a different story heading into this years Finals with Lebron and the boys fully fit and well rested after cruising through the weaker Eastern Conference playoffs. Whilst on the other hand the Warriors were pushed to their limits in a game 7 vs OKC and have had some injury
concerns especially with their main man Steph Curry. Throughout their playoff campaigns so far, the Cavs have shown their ability to be able to hit the 3 at a high percentage and get the offensive rebounds, a place that Bogut and company have struggled throughout in the postseason. Here’s a quick guide of everything you need to know.
FINALS SCHEDULE
(ALL TIMES EASTERN)
GAME 1 June 2 at Golden State, 9 p.m., ABC GAME 2 June 5 at Golden State, 8 p.m., ABC GAME 3 June 8 at Cleveland, 9 p.m., ABC GAME 4 June 10 at Cleveland, 9 p.m., ABC
GAME 5 (IF NECESSARY) June 13 at Golden State, 9 p.m., ABC GAME 6 (IF NECESSARY) June 16 at Cleveland, 9 p.m., ABC GAME 7 (IF NECESSARY) June 19 at Golden State, 8 p.m., ABC
SEASON SERIES
Warriors won 2-0
GOLDEN STATE’S STARTING LINEUP (2016 PL AYOFF STATS)
Stephen Curry (25.8 ppg, 5.9 apg), Klay Thompson (26.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg), Andre Iguodala (8.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Draymond Green (15.3 ppg, 9.8 rpg), Andrew Bogut (5.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
CLEVEL AND’S STARTING LINEUP
(2016 playoff stats) — Kyrie Irving
* BETTING NBA CHAMPIONS 1.46 GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 2.75 CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS
FINALS MVP
(24.3 ppg, 5.1 apg), J.R. Smith (12.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg), LeBron James (24.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg), Kevin Love (17.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg), Tristan Thompson (4.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg)
GOLDEN STATE WINS IF
Curry, Thompson and Green play like themselves. The AllNBA players struggled at times on the road through the Western Conference, and their opponents reaped the benefits (for the time being, at least). Now in a marquee Finals rematch against a hungry Cavaliers team, the Warriors’ big three can’t miss a beat.
CLEVEL AND WINS IF
Their big three outplays Golden State’s. While James has been in top-form so far this postseason, it wasn’t a mere coincidence that Love
struggled mightily in the Cavs’ only two losses of the playoffs thus far. Irving has played well (other than his 3-of-19 outing in Game 3 vs. Toronto), but — taking nothing away from his point guard opponents from the first three rounds —he’s now faced with the daunting task of trying to contain the back-to-back MVP.
NEED TO KNOW (GOLDEN STATE)
The Warriors became just the 10th team (of 233) in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit with their Western Conference finals win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
NEED TO KNOW (CLEVEL AND)
This is James’ sixth consecutive NBA Finals appearance and his third overall in Cleveland.
1.95 STEPHEN CURRY (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 3.3 LEBRON JAMES (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS) 6.5 KL AY THOMPSON (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 7 DRAYMOND GREEN (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 13 KYRIE IRVING (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS) 23 KEVIN LOVE (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS) 51 J.R. SMITH (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS) 67 ANDRE IGUODAL A (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 151 ANDREW BOGUT (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 151 H ARRISON BARNES (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 151 TRISTAN THOMPSON (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS) 251 CH ANNING FRYE (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS) 251 FESTUS EZELI (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 251 M ARREESE SPEIGHTS (GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS) 251 M AT THEW DELL AVEDOVA (CLEVEL AND CAVALIERS)
TOP FREE AGENTS OF Summer 2016
With only two teams remaining in the NBA playoffs, 28 clubs are looking toward improving this summer and enhancing their chances of playing in late May next season or beyond. So we'll begin looking at the top 10 free agents before the July 1 opening of NBA free agency.
This list accounts for skill, athleticism, role, versatility, age, experience, attitude and projected value. For instance, you can get Marvin Williams for a much better price than some players ranked behind him (Harrison Barnes, Dion
Waiters, etc.), so his value on this list is slightly greater.
battled the Thunder in a hard fought Conference championship.
Obviously, the big name is Kevin Durant. He's not only a top-five player for the entire league, but he's actually available this summer, or he may be. The OKC’s postseason success might have changed what many thought might not have been possible. The biggest threats to the Thunder are perceived to be the Heat, Spurs and Warriors in keeping Durant. The Heat have a precarious cap situation and can offer less than the Thunder, the Spurs just fell to the Thunder, and the Warriors just
While Durant's odds of leaving are longer, he remains on the market and anything can happen. Here are the top 10 players in free agency this summer in the NBA.
LEBRON JAMES SF
him. Questionable mental focus and a liability at the free-throw line. If you’re going to win a title with Andre Drummond as your best player, you had better have an incredible team around him. The Pistons are almost certain to re-sign him using restricted free agency to a max deal.
Cleveland Cavaliers
AGE: 31 STATUS: Player option
KEVIN DURANT SF
Oklahoma City Thunder
AGE: 27 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent AN ALYSIS: Franchise-changing player. Unstoppable offensive force, premier top-three player in the league. High-level defender when healthy and engaged. Underrated as a passer and willing to make the extra pass. Impossible to find a size matchup for him defensively. Has great character and integrity, a strong leader and ready to deliver when called upon but won’t hijack the offense because of his pride. Everything you want in the best player on your team. The alpha, beta and omega of this free agency class.
AN ALYSIS: The only reasons he’s behind Durant are A) Mileage and age, and B) Availability. He’s almost certainly returning to Cleveland, likely on another one-and-one year deal to secure his ability to re-sign for a max when the cap again rises in 2017. If he were available, he would be equal to Durant.
ANDRE DRUMMOND C
Detroit Pistons
AGE: 22 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent
AN ALYSIS: A dominant pick-and-roll finisher who can dominate inside with blocks, rebounds and finishes. Not a great passer, not a good postup player yet. If you believe you can mold him into that, his value increases. Incredibly valuable for the Pistons’ pick-and-roll action, which is why they’re a virtual lock to re-sign
CRITERIA: Each player is ranked on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being "not an NBA rotation player," and 5 being "GMs would surrender multiple children just to meet with them." Then I ranked all the 5's 1-5, all the 4's 1-5 and so forth, through three rankings. Thus here is our top 10!
AL HORFORD C
Atlanta Hawks
AGE: 29 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent AN ALYSIS: First the, bad. Horford turns 30 this summer. He’s had shoulder problems and other maladies and that figure to increase as he gets older. He can’t anchor a team as its best player. Horford doesn’t have unstoppable moves, though his efficiency is always great but not other-worldly. Not a dominant rebounder, passer, defender or scorer, which is why his value often is misconstrued by casual fans. Now the good: He’s a versatile, smart defender who can switch on guards, body bigger centers, contain stretch 4s and contest without
fouling. Fundamentally brilliant player who always makes the right pass, takes the right shot and works for the right move. Good finisher and shooter who has extended his range to the 3-point line in recent years. He fits into nearly any scheme. Horford should be the most sought-after available free agent after Durant.
MIKE CONLEY PG
Memphis Grizzlies
AGE: 28 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent
AN ALYSIS: “Game manager” most often is construed as a negative, but Mike Conley embodies its very best definition. A smart, athletic player who knows how to make sure everyone’s involved and where to get them the ball. Can set the offense and make quick passes to capture the defense exposed. A quality shooter from the arc, able to catch and shoot with a quick release. Good finisher at the rim and has to be included in any conversation about the league’s best defensive point guard. Not an alpha dog, won’t take the game over. Not a dominant one-on-one scorer. Foot injuries have mounted and have impacted him the past four years. A player worth the max, but unlikely to leave Memphis, though there’s been a great deal of noise in the past two months about that possibility. They are certain he’s re-signing, but never say never.
DEMAR DEROZAN SG
Toronto Raptors
AGE: 26 STATUS: Player option
AN ALYSIS: The second-best player on a 50-win team. He can get to the rim, draw contact and make tough, clutch shots. Can put up 40 on a given night, but rarely when teams decide to take him out. Underrated as a playmaker. Has slid defensively in recent seasons and needs to reestablish himself as a top-flight guy on that end. His 3-point shooting is his biggest liability. If you can’t shoot 3s a 2-guard, your value is limited. He has struggled in the playoffs because of his dependency
on free-throw rate, lofting terrible shots over double-teams. Can’t be the best player or second-best player on a championship team, but definitely a guy who helps. Toronto is likely to max him. He’s probably the greatest inefficiency on the market. To get him, you have to max him, but he needs the ball more than Conley and his limitations are greater. Tough call. He’s really good but in a way that complicates his value.
BRADLEY BEAL SG
Washington Wizards
AGE: 22 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent
AN ALYSIS: Has higher offensive upside than has been realized. Still coming off his rookie deal. Special player who can finish inside, hit from anywhere and has potential as a perimeter defender. Could wind up a top-five shooting guard in his career. Undeniable injury concerns that should give any team pause. Unlikely to go anywhere as a restricted free agent with the Wizards a lock to match any offer, unless a strong sign-and-trade deal could be constructed.
NICOLAS BATUM SF
Charlotte Hornets
AGE: 27 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent
AN ALYSIS: Dynamic and versatile offensive player who can score, pass, run pick and roll and shoot off dribble hand-offs. Plus defender with perimeter versatility. Makes everyone better. Smart player who has been a staple on his national team (France) for years. Has had injury troubles the past three seasons. At age 27, just entering his prime. Career 36 percent 3-point shooter. Batum may garner the max from the Hornets, but also could take a discount to play for a contender. Comes from a small village in France and has spent his career in Portland and Charlotte. Batum likely will be more worth his contract value than DeRozan.
HASSAN WHITESIDE C
Oklahoma City Thunder
AGE: 26 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent
AN ALYSIS: Ooooh, boy. The most polarizing figure in free agency. On the one hand, a game-changing force who piles up triple-doubles with blocks and renders an offense inept. Incredible pick-and-roll finisher who can drop hammers off lobs like he’s in Mario Bros. 3. On the other, had long stretches of immaturity and stat-chasing which had teammates at their wits’ end. His actual defensive impact was poor for much of the season, as Miami’s defensive numbers were significantly better with him on the bench. But in time, he started to grasp team concepts, played with more maturity and earned his teammates’ trust and affection. Whiteside will be 27 when free agency hits, so if you’re signing him, you’re getting him on the deal that will likely includes his prime, but it also means there’s not much growth left. Needs to be in a locker room with good culture and structure.
DWYANE WADE SG
Miami Heat
AGE: 34 STATUS: Unrestricted free agent
AN ALYSIS: Wade showed he can still be a top-tier No.1 option. Posted a career-low in True Shooting percentages and his lowest points and assists figures since his rookie season but still delivered big time in leading the Heat to the second round. At 34, you’re not getting the best of Wade and his drop-off should be considered imminent. He’s also looking for as much money as he can make after taking payouts during his career to help the Heat make space to add players. However, if he were to take a lesser deal to join a championship contender, his value shoots through the roof. His likelihood in pursuing a multiyear, high-money deal is why he’s so low.
SPORTS:BASEBALL
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SURPRISE HEADLINES OF 2016
There are a few things one can count on in baseball these days, such as Clayton Kershaw dominating and Mike Trout raking. For the most part, however, the game keeps us offbalance. That’s one of the great parts about it, even if it makes life difficult for prognosticators and fantasy players, not to mention front offices. With more than a quarter of the Major League season now in the past, 2016 is no different. For example, the list of the dozen best qualified hitters, by FanGraphs’ weighted runs created-plus (wRC+), includes a 40-year-old who is supposed to retire at season’s end (David Ortiz), a player who spent about half of last season back in Triple-A (Jackie Bradley, Jr.), two veterans who got the seventh- and 14th-biggest contacts among freeagent position players this offseason (Daniel Murphy and Dexter Fowler), a guy who played nine games last year due to injury (Michael Saunders) and a prospect nobody claimed when his team designated him for assignment last July (Aledmys Diaz). Here are five other surprising storylines from the early stages of 2016 (Note: All stats are through Sunday unless otherwise noted).
1. SECOND BASEMEN ARE OUTHIT TING LEF T-FIELDERS and DHs and are nearly doing the same to first basemen. Let that sink in for a minute. The latter three positions traditionally are for sluggers with limited or no defensive skills. While second basemen don’t hold down the most demanding spot on the diamond, they still need decent range, good hands and enough athleticism to turn the double play. So it makes sense that from 1998-2015 (the 30-team era), first basemen combined for an .820 OPS, left fielders .786, DHs .781 and second basemen .732, above only shortstops and catchers. In none of those individual seasons did second basemen out-produce any of those three other positions.
The tables have turned this year. First basemen (.758) and second basemen (.757) are in a virtual tie, behind right fielders (.771) and third basemen (.770) but well ahead of DHs (.748) and left fielders (.729), who lead only shortstops and catchers. Is this the beginning of a trend? Not necessarily. Most of the damage at second has been done by players in their 30s, such as Murphy, Ben Zobrist, Robinson Cano and Ian Kinsler, while first basemen such as Joey Votto, Jose Abreu, Adrian Gonzalez and even Paul Goldschmidt have underperformed. But the radical change from the norm -shown below in terms of wRC+ -- is interesting nonetheless.
2. NEITHER ANDREW MCCUTCHEN NOR GI ANCARLO STANTON has been one of their team’s three best outfielders. This is not an entirely fair statement, but it is a fact that both superstars are fourth among their respective team’s’ outfielders in wRC+ and wins above replacement (WAR), according to FanGraphs. That’s less a reflection on McCutchen and Stanton -- though neither is playing up to his usual level -- than on the other players involved. In Pittsburgh, McCutchen has struggled only by his high standards (.797 OPS through Monday), but Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco have been two of the NL’s 10 best outfielders. The most surprising development has been the production of Matt Joyce in a reserve role. Last year, Joyce’s anemic 62 wRC+ for the Angels ranked 293rd of 311 batters who had 250-plus plate appearances; this year his robust 204 wRC+ is first of 339 batters with 50-plus PA. In Miami, both Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich sport an OPS better than .900, and Ozuna has been one of the game’s very best hitters in May. While Stanton has been locked in a horrific slump of late, going 1-for-21 with 17 strikeouts from May 16 through Sunday, 42-yearold Ichiro Suzuki went 8-for-11 over the same span, including a fourhit game. That raised his season line to .382/.452/.436 in 63 plate appearances as he approaches 3,000 hits. 3. IF YOU PL ACED HIGH IN L AST YEAR’S AL CY YOUNG VOTING, you are probably struggling. The exception to this rule is fourth-place finisher Chris Sale, who is the polar opposite of struggling (9-0, 1.58 ERA in nine starts). But for the rest of the top five, 2016 has been nightmarish. Last season, Dallas Keuchel (first), David Price (second), Sonny Gray (third) and Chris Archer (fifth) combined for a 2.71 ERA. This season, that quartet has a 5.70 ERA, allowing more than half as many earned runs in a quarter of the innings. Each pitcher has an ERA above 5.00, ranking in the bottom 20 among qualifiers, and Gray is now on the disabled list with a strained trapezius muscle. And they aren’t
the only high-profile pitchers having a tough time -- see Matt Harvey and Adam Wainwright, for example. Of course, the sample remains relatively small, and ERA is far from a perfect indicator. Price in particular appears likely to see his ERA drop drastically, as he ranks second in the AL in FIP (2.69) and has put together two strong outings in a row. Still, the results thus far have been jarring. 4. MELVIN UPTON JR. IS NOW THE PRODUCTIVE UPTON BROTHER. It was quite a weekend for the Padres Player Formerly Known as B.J., who hit a walk-off homer against typically untouchable Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen on Friday, came within a foot of an 11th-inning walk-off blast on Saturday, then beat Jansen again for a game-tying triple in the eighth inning on Sunday. When the brothers played together in Atlanta from 2013-14, Justin excelled (131 wRC+, 7.0 WAR), while Melvin collapsed (66 wRC+, -0.2 WAR). With both in San Diego
last year, Justin continued to thrive, earning a $132.75 million contract from the Tigers, while Melvin showed some encouraging signs of life that included a .278/.342/.458 second half. Melvin’s upward trend has continued in 2016. Justin, who was scratched from the Tigers’ lineup Monday with right quad tightness, has racked up an MLB-high 66 strikeouts and owns one of the 10-lowest wRC+ of any qualified hitter. That leaves us with the following numbers, going back to the start of ‘15: Justin: 798 PA, .262/.333/.435, 106 wRC+, 3.3 WAR Melvin: 403 PA, .244/.321/.422, 112 wRC+, 2.8 WAR 5. THE PHILLIES ARE DEFYING LOGIC. It’s been well documented that the club, which was supposed to be in another rebuilding year, has vastly outplayed its run differential. Through Sunday, the Phillies were 25-19, with the fifth-best record in the NL, despite being outscored by 31 runs.
What’s perhaps more amazing is that Philly has achieved that degree of success while getting less than one total win above replacement from its position players. Take out the significant contributions of Odubel Herrera, and that group would be more than one win below replacement. Meanwhile, the top four NL teams (Cubs, Giants, Mets and Nationals) average about eight WAR from their position players.
* BETTING
That dynamic is a testament to both the Phillies’ pitching, led by under-age-25 starters Aaron Nola and Vince Velasquez, and some good fortune. It appears unlikely to continue all season long, but at least for now, it’s a fun story that shows again how you simply can’t predict baseball.
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SPORTS:FOOTBALL
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WHO THE BOOKIES RATE HARDEST TO BEAT FOR SUPER BOWL LI
The 2016 NFL regular season is rapidly approaching. We are through the bulk of the offseason free agency period, the 2016 NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams will begin reporting for their training camps in mid-late July. And now that the majority of rosters are set, the oddsmakers at William Hill believe that they have a grasp on which teams will be the top contenders for Super Bowl LI at the end of the season. A lot can (and will) change over the next eight months, but for now, here is a look at the top five contenders for Super Bowl LI according to William Hill.
DENVER B R O N C O ’ S 12- 1
Despite their issues at the quarterback position, the defending Super Bowl champions are still one of the top five contenders to win Super Bowl LI. We believe that the Broncos have one of the most favorable schedules in the league, and even though they lost defensive end Malik Jackson and linebacker Danny Trevathan, they should still have one of the best defenses in the game. And as they proved in 2015, the Broncos are more than capable of winning a world championship with average quarterback play if their defense is firing on all cylinders.
G R E E N B AY PA C K E R S 11- 1
Like the Broncos, the Packers have a very favorable schedule, especially during the first three months of the season. Because of this, we believe that the Packers should be considered the frontrunners to lock up the No. 1 seed in the NFC Playoffs. When it’s all said and done, if they can adequately protect Aaron Rodgers in 2016, Green Bay has an excellent chance at bringing home the fifth Lombardi Trophy in franchise history next February.
PITTSBURGH S T E E L E R S 10- 1
Simply put, the Steelers have everything in place to make a serious run at winning the seventh Super Bowl title in franchise history in 2016. They may have the best offense in the league with Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le’Veon Bell leading the way, and they should be much better on the defensive side of the ball this season. On top of that, they have an incredibly easy schedule during the final two months of the regular season. If they can avoid falling victim to the injury bug, we would be shocked if the Steelers aren’t among the top Super Bowl LI contenders when the postseason rolls around.
S E AT T L E S E A H A W K S 9- 1
As long as Seattle can keep their defensive nucleus healthy and in tact, they have to be considered legitimate Super Bowl contenders. To us, their season will come down to how they perform on the offensive side of the ball. If quarterback Russell Wilson can continue to improve as passer from inside of the pocket, if second-year running back Thomas Rawls can effectively replace Marshawn Lynch, if their offensive line can come together quicker and better than they did in 2015, and if the team can figure out a way to properly use tight end Jimmy Graham, then the Seahawks will almost certainly be one of the toughest teams in the league in 2016.
NEW ENGLAND PAT R I OT S 1 5 - 2
The sportsbooks don’t seem to be bothered by the fact that the best player in Patriots’ history, Tom Brady, will likely miss the first four games of the season, as they have made New England the favorites for Super Bowl LI heading into the 2016 season. In reality, we can totally see where they are coming from. Even if the Pats were to go 0-4 without Brady in the lineup, there is still very little chance that they will end up missing the postseason altogether. Not to add if he were to miss, they have a very favourable draw in their first four matchups. Besides as we learn every year, it’s all about who gets hot at the right time during the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if Brady and Bill Belichick bring home their fifth Lombardi Trophy next February.
SPORTS:GOLF
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GOLF
REWIND
THE PL AYERS CH AMPIONSHIP
DAY’S GREATNESS It’s difficult to absorb when you’re in the midst of it, but disappointment often serves as a prelude to success. We see that so often in golf. That’s one of the things we come to love about it. We’ll never be able to relate to Jason Day’s bank account, ball speed or putting stroke, but we know how he was feeling when he left that birdie putt short on the final hole of last year’s Open Championship. We’ve all been discouraged by our circumstances, and the world’s best golfers aren’t exempted from that feeling, even if they own multi-year exemptions to parlay their craft on the PGA TOUR. After several close calls, Day was still seeking his first major when he arrived at St. Andrews last July. His 30-foot birdie putt on the final hole stopped a few inches short of the hole. He missed the playoff won by Zach Johnson by a
single shot. “It just flat-out sucks losing,” Day said. “I don’t like being on the receiving end of it. “I like doing this, sitting next to the trophy and being able to tell you how great of a week I had.” He’s been doing a lot of that lately. THE PLAYERS was his seventh win in his past 17 starts, including victories in a major, World Golf Championship, two FedExCup Playoffs events and now THE PLAYERS. He’s No. 1 in both the FedExCup and Official World Golf Ranking. On Sunday, he looked back at that letdown at the Home of Golf as an important moment in his career. He didn’t lift the Claret Jug, but something changed at St. Andrews. One week after The Open Championship, he faced a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole of the RBC Canadian Open. He
made it for a one-shot victory that kicked off Day’s current stretch of dominance. “I said to myself (at St. Andrews), ‘I think you’re ready to finally do this,’” Day said Sunday. “The whole week I felt calm, and I played some great golf. From there it just kind of kicked on, and I haven’t stopped.”
THE RECIPE
1. This is a dangerous combination. Jason Day led THE PLAYERS field in driving distance (311.6 yards), scrambling (85 percent) and putting from outside 10 feet (31.6 percent). 2. THE PLAYERS was Jason Day’s 10th PGA TOUR victory. Day, 28, now ranks second in most wins by players currently younger than 30. Rory McIlroy, 27, has 11 PGA TOUR wins. Jordan Spieth, 22, is third on the list with seven wins. Day is the fifth player since 1980 to win 10 or more times before his 29th birthday, joining Tiger
Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson and David Duval. 3. Day did not make a bogey on the back nine this week. He is the first PLAYERS champion to go bogeyfree on the back nine. Day, who shot 15-under 273, played the back nine in 12 under this week. 4. Day has won the past five times he has held or shared the 54-hole lead. He won just one of the first seven times he held at least a share of the 54-hole lead. 5. This was Day’s third wire-to-wire win (solo leader after every round) and second this season. He also went wire-to-wire at the 2015 BMW Championship and 2016 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Since 1970, six players have three or more wire-to-wire victories: Tiger Woods (7), Tom Watson (6), Phil Mickelson (3), Nick Price (3), Johnny Miller (3) and Day. Day joins Woods (2000, 2002), Watson (1980) and Miller (1974) as players with multiple wire-to-wire wins in one season. Day is the fifth wire-to-wire winner in PLAYERS history and first since Hal Sutton in 2000.
FA S T F O R W A R D
THE US OPEN
The 2nd major of the PGA Tour Season, the US Open (United States Open Championship), is usually the most unpredictable of the 4 majors throughout the season. The U.S. Open changes golf courses each year, and has historically been set up to be a tough course to reach par at. This year the World’s best Golfers are headed to Oakmont, PA which is the oldest topranked golf course in the United States. Oakmont last hosted the US Open in 2007 and since then the course layout has remained close to identical but the removal of 15000 trees has made it a wide open course which means the winds could play a big factor in how the week goes. You never know what to expect at a US Open Tournament so expect the unexpected during the week, and if you don’t have a feel for how things will go, your not alone. With the course boasting 210 deep bunkers it
can be anyone’s game on any given day. Be sure to follow SportsBet on social media for all the latest up to the date information and betting trends.
* BETTING
ALL ABOUT OAKMONT
DATES June 16 to June 19, 2016 PRIZE POOL $10,000,000 FIRST PL ACE $1,800,000 FEDEXCUP POINTS 600 PAR 70 YARDS 7230 SLOPE RATING 147 YEAR BUILT 1903 DESIGNED BY Henry Fownes
FA N TA S Y G O L F
Fantasy golf can be a great way to stay completely focused and interested over the entire 4 day event. What better way to enjoy the US Open then having a crack at a million dollar prize purse. That’s exactly what Draftkings bring to us this year, a $20 entry fee will give you a ticket into the million dollar prize. If you want to win at DraftKings daily fantasy golf, you have to figure out a way to find six golfers that play all 72 holes and earn roughly 85 points each. You likely have to identify a couple of players in the top five, at least the top seven, and you’d ideally not have a player finish outside the top 20. Doing that takes research, looking at a variety of factors, including: Finish trends, both in recent weeks on the PGA Tour and at that week’s event, Salary trends, deciphering which players are showing value based on their performance, and Statistical trends, identifying the common threads among winners in that week’s event. It’s not easy, but making a million never is! Find our Draftkings team online www.sportsbetmagazine.com on June 14. Fantasy Dreaming - ‘You too could win or lose a million from your living room’
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JORDAN SPIE TH RORY MCILROY JASON DAY DUSTIN JOHNSON JUSTIN ROSE RICKIE FOWLER ADAM SCOT T BUBBA WATSON DANNY WILLE T T HENRIK STENSON HIDEKI M ATSUYAM A TIGER WOODS BRANDEN GRACE BRANDT SNEDEKER JIMMY WALKER PATRICK REED PHIL MICKELSON BROOKS KOEPKA JIM FURYK JUSTIN THOM AS LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN M AT T KUCH AR PAUL CASEY SERGIO GARCI A
SPORTS:AFL
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YOUR TEAM’S RUN HOME
UNDEFEATED North Melbourne on paper appear to have the toughest fixture for the rest of the 2016 season. While the high-flying GWS Giants, currently sitting third with an impressive 7-2 record, might be in the box seat for a shock minor premiership, with one of the easiest draws remaining. With clubs having faced the majority of the rest of the league through nine rounds, we’ve taken a look at every team’s run home and judged them based on the difficulty of their remaining opponents, including each club’s ‘double-up’ opponents (the five teams they play twice in 2016). It found that the Kangaroos are way out in front of the rest of the AFL for remaining draw difficulty, but not because of their double-ups. North Melbourne so far has beaten every side it has played, but it has only faced two current top-eight sides (Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs) while also beating six of the current bottom seven.
The Roos’ easy draw so far just means the rest of their fixture is incredibly tough, with their remaining opponents having an average percentage of 118.25, as a guide that’s the equivalent of facing the Crows every week and an average win total of just over five. The next toughest draw based on average percentage belongs to winless Fremantle, which as last year’s minor premiers was given a tough list of double-up opponents. The average percentage of the Dockers’ remaining opponents is 108.9 the equivalent of facing a side a bit worse than Melbourne every week. The problem for the Kangaroos is who they haven’t faced yet. They have two games to come against Sydney and Hawthorn, with second clashes with Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda still on the docket. They’re also yet to face GWS (and won’t until Round 23), Geelong or West Coast, the last of
which will be played in Perth. In contrast, the contenders with the easiest remaining fixtures are the Hawks, Eagles and, especially, the Giants. GWS was one of the five clubs fortunate enough to draw Fremantle as one of its double-up games a fixture that looked very tough before the season, but not now. In fact after a difficult next three weeks, which includes games against the Crows in Adelaide, the Cats in Geelong and Sydney, the Giants play just two more games against current top eight sides: West Coast at Spotless Stadium (Round 21) and North Melbourne in (Round 23). So if you assume the Giants win all of those games, in which they will be favoured against bottom-10 sides for the rest of the season, 15 wins, remarkably, could already be a near certainty. Of course, that is a major assumption.
OT H E R N OTA B L E S INCLUDE
* 2015 minor premiers Fremantle was supposed to be given the toughest set of double-up opponents and the league did this correctly, with two matches scheduled against the Crows, Giants, Eagles and Bulldogs (as well as Gold Coast). * Carlton’s surprise resurgence may be helped by its set of doubleup opponents (the AFL’s easiest) with the Blues scheduled to face the Magpies, Lions, Saints and Bombers (along with Sydney) in the run home. * West Coast has the second-easiest set of double-up opponents in the AFL, with tough repeats against Hawthorn and Adelaide. That’ll be balanced out by two games against Fremantle, Brisbane and Collingwood. * The apparent crisis in Queensland footy could be eased by the fact the Lions and Suns have quite easy draws remaining this season.
D I F F I C U LT Y O F E V E RY C LU B’S R U N H O M E
With their remaining opponents’ average percentage 1. North Melbourne — 118.24 2. Fremantle — 108.9 3. Collingwood — 108.66 4. Sydney Swans — 107.57 5. Port Adelaide — 106.63 6. Western Bulldogs — 105.16 7. Carlton — 104.36 8. Geelong Cats — 104.32 9. Adelaide Crows — 103.88 10. Melbourne — 103.81 11. Richmond — 103.65 12. Gold Coast Suns — 101.82 13. Essendon — 101.1 14. Hawthorn — 100.94 15. West Coast Eagles — 100.13 16. GWS Giants — 99.46 17. St Kilda — 99.43 18. Brisbane Lions — 97.98
YOUR CLUB’S MOST I M P O R TA N T R U N O F GAMES LEFT
ADEL AIDE CROWS
Sandwiched around the bye in Rounds 12 to 15 are three crucial contests as the Crows travel to Perth to face West Coast then have a week off before hosting North Melbourne and travel to the MCG to face the Demons.
BRISBANE LIONS
Looking to avoid the wooden spoon, the Lions will be hoping to stay ahead of Fremantle when they host them in Round 12 a week after facing Carlton at Etihad Stadium.
CARLTON
The Blues could end the season in fine form as from Round 20 to 23 they square off against St Kilda, Brisbane, Melbourne and Essendon.
COLLINGWOOD
Rounds 11 to 15 will prove crucial as the Magpies attempt to continue their resurgence, with games against Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Fremantle and Carlton (all at the MCG) sandwiching the bye.
ESSENDON
Could the Bombers pinch another win in the next two weeks when they face the up-and-down Tigers then winless Fremantle?
FREM ANTLE
The Dockers’ best chance of a first win for 2016 is certainly over the next three weeks when they clash with St Kilda in Melbourne, Essendon at home and Brisbane at the Gabba.
GEELONG CATS
With a top-four spot the goal, games against GWS, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs from Round 11 to 13 should prove vital.
GOLD COAST SUNS
If the Suns are to recover from their current slide, they’ll need to stop the rot between Rounds 16 and 19 with three home games against St Kilda, Brisbane and Fremantle surrounding a tough clash in Cairns against the Bulldogs.
GWS GI ANTS
Rounds 10 to 12 will be crucial as the Giants face the Crows in Adelaide, Cats in Geelong and Swans at Spotless Stadium.
H AW THORN
The Hawks’ draw from here isn’t too bad, with their final three games — North Melbourne at the MCG, West Coast in Perth and Collingwood back at the ‘G — a potential launching pad for their run at a fourth straight flag.
MELBOURNE
To break into the top eight, the Demons will need to record wins against the teams around them. From Rounds 12 to 15 they have the bye surrounded by games against Collingwood, Sydney and Adelaide.
NORTH MELBOURNE
There are tough games almost every week from here for North Melbourne, but the next month will show us where the Roos really are when they play Sydney, Richmond, Geelong, Hawthorn and Adelaide in consecutive weeks before the bye.
PORT ADEL AIDE
Can the Power break away from the chasing pack and grab a top-eight spot? If it comes down to the end of the season, they may need to win all of their games from Round 21 onwards when they’ll face Melbourne, the Crows and Gold Coast.
RICHMOND
To be a realistic chance of finals footy (and to not require a miracle run of wins like 2014), the Tigers
will be hoping to win every game before the bye. Wins over Essendon, North Melbourne and Gold Coast could set up their season.
ST KILDA
The Saints have shown they can be much better than some of the teams below them at times this season. With that in mind they’ll be aiming at three straight wins in Rounds 15 to 17 against Gold Coast, Essendon and Melbourne.
SYDNEY SWANS
Sydney will need to get as much rest as it can during the bye because their three games after it are no cakewalk. The Swans could move into premiership favouritism with wins over the Bulldogs and Hawks at home, as well as a victory down at the Cattery.
WEST COAST EAGLES
The Eagles will either have a perfect tune-up for finals or a disappointing slide into September from Round 21 when they face GWS on the road, host Hawthorn and travel to battle the Crows.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs’ three games before the bye in Round 14 could prove difficult as they host West Coast, travel to face Port Adelaide and then clash with the Cats.
EVERY CLUB’S DOUBLE UP OPPONENTS FOR 2016 ADEL AIDE CROWS: Fremantle, Geelong Cats, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, West Coast BRISBANE LIONS: Carlton, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns, Port Adelaide, West Coast CARLTON: Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Essendon, St Kilda, Sydney Swans COLLINGWOOD: Carlton, Melbourne, Richmond, West Coast Eagles, Western Bulldogs ESSENDON: Carlton, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns, Richmond, St Kilda FREM ANTLE: Adelaide Crows, Gold Coast Suns, GWS Giants, West Coast Eagles, Western Bulldogs GEELONG CATS: Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Essendon, GWS Giants, Western Bulldogs GOLD COAST SUNS: Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Fremantle, GWS Giants, Melbourne
GWS GI ANTS: Fremantle, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns, Sydney Swans, Port Adelaide H AW THORN: Melbourne, North Melbourne, Richmond, Sydney Swans, West Coast Eagles MELBOURNE: Collingwood, Gold Coast Suns, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, St Kilda NORTH MELBOURNE: Adelaide Crows, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Sydney Swans, Western Bulldogs PORT ADEL AIDE: Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, GWS Giants, Melbourne, Richmond RICHMOND: Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, Sydney Swans ST KILDA: Carlton, Essendon, Melbourne, North Melbourne, Western Bulldogs SYDNEY SWANS: Carlton, GWS Giants, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Richmond WEST COAST EAGLES: Adelaide Crows, Brisbane Lions, Collingwood, Fremantle, Hawthorn WESTERN BULLDOGS: Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong Cats, North Melbourne, St Kilda
* BETTING
4.50 6.00 6.00 6.00 7.00 7.50 13.00 21.00 67.00 101.00 101.00 126.00 201.00 251.00 251.00 251.00 1,001.00 1,001.00
GEELONG GWS H AW THORN SYDNEY WEST COAST NORTH MELBOURNE WESTERN BULLDOGS ADEL AIDE COLLINGWOOD MELBOURNE PORT ADEL AIDE RICHMOND FREM ANTLE CARLTON GOLD COAST ST KILDA BRISBANE ESSENDON
SPORTS:UFC
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UFC VS BOXING
M AY WEATHER VS. MCGREGOR has quickly gone
meta. It’s the sort of narrative dead end that people seem to find themselves trapped in when the parts of a story are too big to be ignored, but the story itself barely exists. Will Floyd Mayweather fight Conor McGregor? There’s practically no way it happens, but that’s not the same as a guarantee and when you’re talking about two of the most popular athletes in combat sports today, anything less than a guarantee they won’t fight is news... sort of. The latest person to give (have forced from them) their thoughts on a potential McGregor/Mayweather superfight is longtime boxing announcer Michael Buffer. Here’s what he had to say in reference to the highly improbable: “It’s a very interesting concept and I don’t think it will happen,” Buffer said about a fight between Mayweather and McGregor. “If it were to happen, of course it would be with boxing rules and Mayweather
would dominate the fight. If it were in the Octagon, with MMA rules, of course it would last about, maybe, 15 seconds, with Conor dominating the fight. Because it’s two different sports, very different. But, I just don’t see it happening. But, it would be exciting if it would.” Still, Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd says the fight is going down this September. So, if you’re still holding on to that glimmer of hope, there’s another branch for you to grab onto. But if you’re grabbing be quick to remember what’s media and what’s reality. On one side you have the undisputed, undefeated champion of the world, on the other you have a bloke that was just disgraced at his own art. With no title to fight for, it’s nothing but an exhibition, and one that would only see fit if the $$$ are right. Would you watch it and more importantly should you watch it? The possibility of a fight already has Bookmakers at Ladbrokes excited, they recently released the below market just to get you that little more excited.
* BETTING
INFORM ATION: THE FIGHT MUST BE SANCTIONED BY THE WBA, WBC, WBO OR IBF FOR BE TS TO STAND. BE TS WILL BE REFUNDED IF FIGHT DOESN’T TAKE PL ACE IN 2016 TUE 31/05/2016 USA 5:00 AM
5.50 MCGREGOR 1.15 M AY WEATHER 21.00 DRAW
Eyes
OF THE
EVEN THOUGH TIGER IS BAT TLING INJURIES AND BANKING WATER SHOTS, IT SEEMS HE'S SOMEHOW M AKING HEADLINES ON DERBY DAY. HOW YOU ASK? IT APPEARS EX-GIRLFRIEND LINDSEY VONN & EX-WIFE ELIN NORDEGREN WERE GE T TING COZY OVER SOME CH AMPAGNE ON THE BIG DAY. WHO ELSE WAS MISSING FROM THE PART Y…
Tiger
ELIN NORDEGREN
LINDSEY VONN
CORI RIST
SPORTS:TENNIS
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NOT SO MUCH THE FRENCH OPEN AS THE FRENCH CLOSED
For the first time in 16 years, unrelenting rain Monday washed out a full day of play at the only Grand Slam tennis venue without a retractable roof over its show court, clogging the schedule with unfinished and postponed matches and prompting the frustrated tournament director to plead – again – for a roof as soon as possible. “Our roof is a necessity,” Guy Forget said, as players were sent back to their hotels and thousands of would-be spectators told to apply for refunds for their unused tickets. “I’m a bit annoyed today, to say the least.” Chopped and changed plans to modernize Roland Garros now call for a retractable roof by 2020 over Court Philippe Chatrier, as part of a modernization of the cramped clay-court venue in the west of Paris. But opposition and legal action from local residents and environmental activists has slowed the ambitious project, which would expand Roland
Garros into botanical gardens next door. Tournament organizers hope a ruling expected in September from the Council of State, France’s highest administrative authority, will allow work to proceed. The schedule for Tuesday now has top-ranked Novak Djokovic against 14th-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut in the first match on Chatrier, playing for a place in the quarterfinals. The first men’s quarterfinals are also scheduled: Second-seeded Andy Murray against Richard Gasquet is the third match on Chatrier, and defending champion Stan Wawrinka against Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain is scheduled last on Lenglen. In earlier matches Andy Murray edged his way into the quarterfinals of the 2016 French Open after defeating John Isner 7-6 (9), 6-4, 6-3. Isner’s majestic serve proved to be a difficult obstacle for Murray, but the Scot ultimately overcame the American’s assault to advance.
He’ll face Richard Gasquet in the last eight after the last remaining Frenchman defeated Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Whilst reigning French Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka booked his place in the quarters after defeating Viktor Troicki 7-6 (5), 6-7 (7), 6-3, 6-2. He’ll face Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who shocked No. 8 seed Milos Raonic with a straightsets win. According to reports, the 55th-seeded Ramos-Vinolas is the lowest-seeded quarterfinalist since last year’s Wimbledon. He’s also the first unseeded player to reach the final eight at the French Open since 2011. Raonic was his own worst enemy. He collected seven aces and 41 winners but committed four double-faults and 38 unforced errors. The world No. 9 also allowed Ramos-Vinolas 14 break-point opportunities, five of which Ramos-Vinolas converted.
L A S T R O U N D 4 R E S U LT S
* BETTING
RESULTS ALBERT RAMOS-VINOLAS (ESP) DEF. MILOS RAONIC (CAN)[8]
6-2, 6-4, 6-4
STANISLAS WAWRINKA (SUI)[3] DEF. VIKTOR TROICKI (SER)[22]
7-6 (5), 6-7 (7), 6-3, 6-2
ANDY MURRAY (GBR)[2] DEF. JOHN ISNER (USA)[15]
7-6 (9), 6-4, 6-3
RICHARD GASQUET (FRA)[9] DEF. KEI NISHIKORI (JAP)[5]
6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
MEN’S SINGLES CONFIRMED QUARTER FINALS
1.44 4.00 8.00 21.00 29.00 81.00 101.00 101.00 101.00 151.00 151.00 301.00
N DJOKOVIC A MURRAY S WAWRINKA D THIEM R GASQUE T D FERRER A RAMOS-VINOL AS D GOFFIN T BERDYCH E GULBIS R BAUTISTA-AGUT M GRANOLLERS
MATCH
DATE
TIME
STANISLAS WAWRINKA (SUI)[3] VS. ALBERT RAMOS-VINOLAS
TUESDAY, MAY 31
1 P.M. BST/8 A.M ET
ANDY MURRAY (GBR)[2] VS. RICHARD GASQUET (FRA)[9]
TUESDAY, MAY 31
1 P.M. BST/8 A.M ET
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR
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WARNINGS
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SPORTS:SURFING
→
SURFING
REWIND
ROCKING RIO
At times throughout the RIO event I had to double check my WSL browser hadn’t defaulted to a local Brazilian competition. No Taj, No Kelly, No Owen, No Mick, No Parko, No Bede, who are these guys? The brazilian strom felt inevitable, but with world titles on the line it was Hawaii’s favorite son John John Florence who rose to the top. In Rio everyone in the Top 10 was eliminated before the quarterfinal. But this wasn’t a continuation of what happened in Australia. Quite the contrary. It was nature doing its rebalancing. Florence arrived in Rio still licking wounds. The sea of fresh-faced rookies and battle-tested replacements took their toll on him in the first few events. He was dealt two early-round losses at the hands of rookie Caio Ibelli, and didn’t make it past the quarterfinals in any of the three events. It was hardly the start of a world title contender’s run. True champions know how to bounce back, however, which is the challenge Florence now faces in 2016. Consistency has never been his
forte, but it’s something he knows he needs if to make a world title run a reality. Now with a win over rookie Jack Freestone in Rio, he has his best chance at a world title run yet.
FA S T F O R W A R D
Now with Rio completed, the title races are heating up and now the tour heads to Fiji for the most anticipated to stop on tour. The men’s event waiting period will commence June 5th.
GE T IN THE KNOW FOR THE FIJI PRO
WHO: The Men’s WSL Top 34 + 2 wildcards WH AT: The 2016 Fiji Pro – stop number 5 of the 2016 WSL Championship Tour WHEN: Men’s Fiji Pro is June 5-17, 2016 WHERE: Tavarua Island & Nomotu Island, Fiji INJURIES: Bede Durbidge (pelvis) and Owen Wright (concussion) are the only surfers who have withdrawn from the event on the men’s side thus far. They have been replaced by Stu Kennedy and Sebastian Zietz. Which is great news after many of the top 34 failed to show in Rio, casting doubts over the credibility of the event.
WILDCARDS: Taj Burrow, who retired following the Margaret River Pro, has been given a wildcard for the event. Tevita Gukilua will be this year’s local wildcard after earning his spot with the world’s best. .
H E AT D R A W
2016 MEN’S FIJI PRO ROUND 1 M ATCH-UPS
HEAT 1: John John Florence, Conner Coffin, Alejo Muniz HEAT 2: Filipe Toledo, Davey Cathels, Ryan Callinan HEAT 3: Gabriel Medina, Jack Freestone, Jadson Andre HEAT 4: Matt Wilkinson, Stu Kennedy, Keanu Asing HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira, Josh Kerr, Alex Ribiero HEAT 6: Adriano DeSouza, Miguel Pupo, Tevita Gukilua HEAT 7: Julian Wilson, Wiggolly Dantas, Matt Banting HEAT 8: Mick Fanning, Jeremy Flores, Kai Otton HEAT 9: Nat Young, Adrian Buchan, Taj Burrow HEAT 10: Jordy Smith, Michel Bourez, Adam Melling HEAT 11: Joel Parkinson, Kolohe Andino, Kelly Slater HEAT 12: Caio Ibelli, Sebastian Zietz, Kanoa Igarashi
* BETTING
Markets for Fiji at yet to open at the time of print, with epic swells hitting the region of late there's high anticipation for great conditions. Kelly is always a favorite at cloudbreak and should be in all fantasy teams as well as on top of punters books if the price is right. Can he finally break the drought? As a longshot I have to put Josh Kerr at the top of my list, he has come so close in Fiji in the past and with an ordinary start to his 2016 campaign will be relying on a big result here. I expect him to be around the $31 mark and be right there in the finals.
2016 MEN’S WORLD CHAMPION 4.00 4.50 7.00 9.00 11.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 17.00 17.00 67.00 67.00 101.00 101.00 101.00 151.00 201.00 201.00 251.00 251.00
JOHN JOHN FLORENCE GABRIEL MEDIN A JULI AN WILSON M AT T WILKINSON ADRI ANO DE SOUZ A ITALO FERREIRA JOEL PARKINSON JORDY SMITH FILIPE TOLEDO KELLY SL ATER ADRI AN BUCH AN CAIO IBELLI JEREMY FLORES MICHEL BOUREZ WIGGOLLY DANTAS N AT YOUNG BEDE DURBIDGE JOSH KERR KAI OT TON KEANU ASING
S P O R T S : O LY M P I C S
→ RIO OLYMPICS WH AT ARE THE POTENTI AL IMPACTS OF ZIKA AND THE OLYMPIC GAMES…
The 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil could cause a “full-blown public health disaster” because of the Zika virus unless the event is postponed, relocated or canceled, according to a new report published in the Harvard Public Review. Dr. Richard E. Besser, ABC News chief health and medical editor, highlighted five things that report author Amir Attaran identifies in defense of such a drastic recommendation: Rio’s proximity to the disease; the dangers associated with this particular strain; the
increase in tourism that will risk spreading the Zika virus to other countries; the short amount of time health officials will have to develop control measures; and, finally, what Attaran calls the irresponsibility in placing sports above public health. “As a public health person,” Besser said, “the last thing you want during an outbreak is a lot of people coming in because it will spread it faster.” Besser went on to cast doubt on the likelihood that Attaran’s recommendations would be followed, and suggested that pregnant women not attend the games. Other spectators, he said, should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Attaran, a professor in the School of Public Health and the School of Law at the University of Ottawa in Canada, claimed in his commentary that the Zika infection is “more dangerous, and more extensive” than scientists had recently believed. So he advises postponing, relocating or canceling the games. Brazil is typically considered Zika’s “ground zero,” and the disease causes cases of severe birth defects in infants, as well as high fever and muscle pain in adults.Attran’s study was published earlier this month. The World Health Organization is expected to release a statement advising travel precautions related to the Olympic Games soon.
WILL THE OLYMPICS FOLLOW THE GRADE SE T BY M AJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL…
The reality of the situation for athletes, fans and committee members is very serious. Just take the MLB for example. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins last month canceled a twogame series in Puerto Rico because of fears associated with the Zika virus. With baseball taking notice of the threat the virus poses, it’s fair to wonder if this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be impacted as well. “Baseball players have been the most outspoken about Zika, even as the Rio Games dawn with nearly 5,000 Brazilian babies suffering from microcephaly, a birth defect that leads to smaller heads and
is linked to Zika. While fans have altered plans to travel to Brazil, no Olympic athlete has withdrawn from competition. The effect baseball’s Zika-related decisions have on the Olympics, as well as future international competitions, go beyond influencing other athletes.” As this point, no athletes have pulled out of the Olympics yet, but with just fewer than 100 days to go before the opening ceremonies, withdrawals could be coming. The United States Olympic Committee has already given American athletes the green light to pull out if they choose to do so.
are shaping up to be a disaster of epic proportions. It’s probably too late for the International Olympic Committee to move the games to another site, but it’s certainly not too late for countries to pull their athletes out.
With Zika, the lack of finished facilities, a host country in the grip of massive economic and political crises and sewage flowing into some aquatic venues, the 2016 Olympics
The Olympics will likely go on as planned this summer, but the IOC has to learn a lesson from awarding the games to an unstable nation like Brazil.
The problem for potential participants is that many of them train for four years to get one shot on the Olympic stage. Would they be willing to surrender that one opportunity because they fear for their safety? I doubt it. Most of them build their entire lives around competing for Olympic glory.
SPORTS:HORSERACING
→ HORSE RACING REWIND
EXAGGERATOR ENDS NYQUIST’S TRIPLE CROWN BID
A record 134,000 sodden race fans crowded into a rain-shrouded Pimlico Race Course in Maryland to watch the 141st Preakness. Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist sought to take the next step forward in the hunt for the Triple Crown. But it wasn’t to be, as Exaggerator, runner-up in the Derby, got revenge and won the Preakness going away. Nyquist, Exaggerator, and the other 9 horses in the race had to negotiate a soggy, sloppy track, running 1 3/16 miles for a $1.5 million prize to the winner. Nyquist broke early to set a strong pace. Uncle Lino held the quarter-mile lead, but Nyquist retook the lead in the back stretch.
Exaggerator, ridden by jockey Kent Desormeaux, was as far back as 13 lengths, but began making a move in the back stretch. Coming out of the final turn, Exaggerator rode the rail as Uncle Lino and Nyquist battled for the lead. In the stretch, Exaggerator took the lead. Nyquist broke to the outside but was unable to catch up, and Exaggerator won the day, defeating the previously unbeaten Nyquist for the first time in five races. You’ve got to feel a bit for the Preakness. By its very slot on the Triple Crown schedule, the race has only one of two possible outcomes: heightened anticipation or wait-tilnext-year disappointment. There’s a ceiling to the celebration, but no floor on the heartbreak. Since 1963, it’s crushed the dreams of 29 of the 50 Derby winners who entered.
Nyquist entered the race at 3-to-5 odds, with Exaggerator following at 5-2, Stradivari at 8-1, Collected at 16-1, and Cherry Wine at 17-1. Earlier in the day, a single $80,000 bet briefly vaulted Stradivari into the top spot, but as the day wore on, the odds re-settled and Nyquist reclaimed the lead. Every horse for the foreseeable future will be compared to American Pharoah, last year’s dominant Triple Crown winner. American Pharoah won the Preakness in similarly sloppy conditions in 2015. This year’s Preakness began on a tragic note. Two horses died in the day’s first four races, and one jockey was hospitalized with a broken collarbone. Homeboykris died after winning the first race, apparently suffering a heart attack after
* BETTING
BELMONT STAKES ODDS TO WIN 11-10 13-2 15-2 15-2 10-1 12-1 12-1 14-1 20-1
leaving the winner’s circle. In the fourth race, Pramedya broke her leg and was euthanized on the track. Pramedya’s jockey, Daniel Centeno, was thrown to the muddy track and injured. The deaths came 10 years after Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro suffered mortal injuries at the Preakness. The final race of this year’s Triple Crown will be the Belmont Stakes, set for June 11 at Belmont Park in New York.
FA S T F O R W A R D
THE BELMONT
The race, nicknamed The Test of the Champion and The Run for the Carnations, is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown and will take place on June 11. After Exaggerator finally vanquished Nyquist in the Preakness in the fifth meeting between the two horses
attention immediately turned to a possible rematch June 11 at the Belmont Stakes. It appears horse racing fans won’t get to see that rematch next month. Nyquist suffered a setback in his recovery from the Preakness, and will sit out the Belmont, trainer Doug O’Neill confirmed in a text message last Tuesday. The blood work trainers took from the horse Monday came back with an elevated white blood cell count. The colt was battling a 102-degree fever Monday morning. Before the blood results, the trainers were planning on having Nyquist back on the track Thursday at Pimlico. Both trainers, Keith Desormeaux (Exaggerator) and Doug O’Neill (Nyquist), initially said that their respective horses would race at Belmont Park after splitting the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
EXAGGERATOR SUDDENBREAKINGNEWS CHERRY WINE STRADIVARI DESTIN BRODY’S CAUSE L ANI UNIFIED CREATOR
Exaggerator was already back on the track at Pimlico Race Course on Tuesday. He will return there Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, after walking Thursday. Then, he will ship to Belmont Park on Sunday after what his trainers hope is another smooth week. “It’s been pretty easy with this horse,” assistant trainer Julie Clark said. “Often you have a little something — they’re not eating, or they seem down, or there’s something to worry about. With him, there hasn’t been, so it takes a lot of pressure off and you can really just enjoy it for a change.” So he’s made it real easy on everyone. The only other horse expected to participate in all three legs of the triple crown is Lani, he finished 9th in the Derby and 5th in the preakness and will jump at 12-1.
TRAVEL
MANCATION
DESTINATION ROYAL ASCOT Attended by The Queen, Royal Ascot is one of the gentry’s social events of the year, as famous for who is wearing what, especially on Ladies Day, as the racing itself. Running from June 14 to 18 in 2016, racing highlights include the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and the Gold Cup . If your a race fan, it’s a racing carnival that must be experienced at least once in a lifetime, we’re here to nudge you in the right direction for the 2016 edition of the racing world’s most prestige week.
WHERE TO STAY
THE RUBENS AT THE PAL ACE rubenshotel.com
ten lavish suites, and two private and cozy apartments available, The Rubens at the Palace assures that guests are completely satisfied through their utmost attention to details and décor.
The Rubens at the Palace, situated at the prime location of Buckingham Palace, is a wondrous and surreal hotel, acclaimed for treating guests with utmost respect, attentiveness, and royalty. Located just moments from Victoria Station, guests will have unlimited options to choose from and the expedient location guarantees that guests are constantly exposed to the beauty of this city. Victoria station has a direct link to Ascot to make transportation to the races easy, whilst enjoying the comfort and tradition that the heart of London has to offer. The serenity and exceptional hospitality of this hotel will pleasantly surprise guests and the mix of historic décor and contemporary technology will ensure that guests experience an unforgettable stay.
The Rubens at the Palace offers guests a huge selection of dining options including two restaurants, two bars, and a separate lounge. The wide range of availabilities ensures that any desired occasion is suitable. The Old Master’s Restaurant’s extensive and refined buffet will satisfy all types of cravings and guarantee a truly memorable dining experience. The sophisticated and formal Library Restaurant exclusively offers impressively refined classics with a range of exquisite and exotic wines. Guests can unwind by enjoy an exceptional and widely acclaimed afternoon tea made to the utmost perfection while overlooking the picturesque Royal Mews.
Facing the Royal Mews, guests will awaken with a pleasant scenic view and a highly rejuvenating feeling. The range of rooms offered to guests are designed to personally cater towards each guests’ comfort and expectations. With 143 deluxe rooms, eight royal rooms,
This sophisticated, wondrous, and elegant hotel will delightfully impress guests and the cordial and knowledgeable staffs will guarantee that guests experience a perfect and memorable stay with the Rubens at the Palace.
GUIDE TO ROYAL ASCOT The Royal Ascot races are only a few weeks away, when horse racing’s finest from all over the world will come together in a bid to win the 6.58m prize money. The five day event, from 14 to 18th June 2016, takes place at Ascot in Berkshire, England, and features six world-class races, the finest fashion and plenty of schmoozing. Not to mention an appearance from The Queen. Although you will be able to catch all the action live on TV, if you do long to experience the races it isn’t too late to pick up tickets. Below we’ve got everything you’ll need to know about getting tickets, getting to the racecourse and what you should wear. There are a number of ticketing outlets that still have Ascot tickets available across all five days. Tickets are priced from £34 for admission to the Windsor enclosure to group tickets for up to 8 people for £235.
All children under 18 will get free admission on all race days as long as they are accompanied by a paying adult.
WHERE IS IT? The Ascot Racecourse is located in the pretty Berkshire countryside, not far from Windsor Great Park. • Rail: There’s easy access to the course via regular trains from London Waterloo, Guilford and Reading via South West trains. You can book your rail tickets ahead of time via Trainline.com or Raileasy.co.uk. • Car: The M4 and M3 offer direct routes towards Windsor via the A332 Windsor by-pass. On site car parking can be pre-booked and will cost from £30. • Coach: National Express are running select services to and from Ascot throughout the five day festival. You can check prices and availability online.
THE CALENDAR Tuesday will see the start of group one races, including the Queen Ann Stake (named after its founder). On Wednesday attendees will get to enjoy a slightly more relaxed atmosphere as the Prince of Wales Stakes gets underway. The historic and prestigious Gold Cup will take place on Thursday, and it is also a chance to see everybody decked out in their finest dresses and hats. Friday will welcome a traditional set of races including the Coronation stakes. The finale on Saturday when the Diamond Jubilee stakes will take place is considered the one of the world’s greatest sprint races
ROYAL ASCOT ST YLE GUIDE - WH AT TO WEAR ON RACE DAY There’s no better excuse to get dressed up to the nines than if you’re heading to Ascot. So ditch the scruffy shoes and mis-matched suit in favour of top hats and elegant attire. Here’s a quick breakdown of some important style dos and don’ts: • Do wear a top hat • Don’t dress for a wedding, keep it slick but stylish • Do wear your finest black shoes. • Don’t wear a white suit • Do wear a traditional cut, the bow tie’s back • Don’t hold back, bring your best!
BE T TING GUIDE
TIP : Do your research, to avoid lines try place bets before you reach the track. Nothing worse than spending the entire day queuing up for bets, beers and bathrooms. There’s a william Hill outlet right next to victoria station, about 2 minute walk from the Rubens hotel.
ROYAL ASCOT H ANDICAPS There are numerous handicaps at Royal Ascot, usually although not exclusively after each showpiece race each day. Most handicap favourites are horses who have won on their last start or have been performing impressively throughout the season. It’s not just punters that notice these performances, it’s also the handicapper. As a result, horses who have won or placed in the weeks or months leading up to Royal Ascot may be subject to a rise in the handicap. Although each horse is different, many of these horses end up being poor value at Royal Ascot with so much money placed on these particular horses. As the bookmakers shorten and shorten these popular horses, you can take advantage of the lengthening odds on horses who have good form from last year or have performed well at the track before. These horses may have avoided being raised in the handicap and as a result can remain well-handicapped on older form which isn’t spotted by the majority of punters. Remember, any handicap with 16 or more runners pays four places, so always look for the each-way value. Some firms may even pay fifth place!
ROYAL ASCOT T WO YEAR OLD RACES As a general rule, horse racing trainers don’t have their horses fully tuned up to win on their debut, or even
second run. Some trainers like to bring their horses along slowly, so don’t be put off if you see a horse with the form figures 41 or 21 and another horse with 11. If trainers have highlighted Royal Ascot with a certain horse, they may train them to peak on the day of the race. This could offer another value angle, given a lot of punters like to bet on unbeaten horses, even though it doesn’t mean a great deal in terms of form. Aidan O’Brien is a trainer who likes to bring his horses along slightly slower. His horse Waterloo Bridge had form figures of 6321 before winning a Group Two at Ascot at 12/1.
ROYAL ASCOT JOCKEYS Royal Ascot 2015 saw the rise of Moore-O-Mania. Now retained by O’Brien, Moore was landing more and more winners and as a result his rides became over bet. Found is one such example from Royal Ascot 2015 where his mount probably returned at a shorter price than it should have. This opens up plenty of betting angles for punters, both win and each way at much better odds away from the popular options.
FOLLOW SPORTSBE T As always Sportsbet will be bringing to your our best bets daily as well as all you need to know on the day to back a winner. Follow us on social media @sportsbetmag for all the latest betting trends and updates. Tag us in your picture to win a $50 free bet.
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MANSCAPING
101:
With the advances of the 20-inch back shaver and the painstakingly waxed leading men of Hollywood, you’d think we were in the midst of an all-out war on body hair. Not the case. What we have entered is an age in which men want to avoid looking like Chewbacca in the bedroom and at the beach. And while we applaud your efforts (indeed, much manscaping is being done right), there’s still a great deal of don’ts out there. We’re here to set the record straight.
MANSCAPING DO’S
BUY THE RIGHT TOOLS
A disposable razor and some shaving cream won’t cut it. The truth is, if you’re really covered in a carpet, you shouldn’t be shaving anyway. Instead, grab an electric trimmer with a guard that has adjustable settings for length. The big brands have recently repackaged these gadgets specifically for manscaping activities, but they’re really just their tried-and-true best beard trimmers with a different image on the box. That’s what you want.
TRIM YOUR CHEST
No one needs to see a tuft of tresses creeping over your shirt collar, or worse, a complete carpet at the beach. Use that electric trimmer to thin things down to a fairly uniform density. How low you go is a personal preference, but avoid pruning yourself into massive five o’clock shadow.
CLEAN UP YOUR UNDERARMS
There should be some hair there, but a full-on forest isn’t recommended. Groom the grass down to a length slightly longer than the surrounding countryside. Ultimately, they should look like pits without looking like the pits. Wax your back and shoulders There are places that should glide
like a Slip ‘n Slide — namely, your back and shoulders. Get them waxed by a professional every six weeks or so. If you’re a member of the more hirsute set or prone to breakouts, look into laser hair removal.
MOW DOWN THE BUSH
You need to maintain your manhood, too. A little less lawn makes the tree appear taller. Make it look natural. Your manscaping efforts shouldn’t look manufactured. Trimming your pubic hair into a triangle, for example, is a definite no-no. Bottom line: If it’s too perfect, we’d file that as a fail.
MANSCAPING DONT’S
USE AT-HOME WAXES OR SPRAYS
DIY is fine for arts and crafts or caulking a tub. But when it comes to removing body hair with a drugstore depilatory, taking matters into your own hands will likely end in blood, sweat and a nasty rash.
CLEAN-SH AVE YOUR CHEST, ARMS OR LEGS
Attempting to clear cut what God gave you isn’t just wholly unnatural, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and unsightly (think prickly patches with a healthy dose of razor burn). If you’ve been blessed
with body hair, you should own it along with that electric trimmer we told you to buy.
LEAVE ANY DEFINED LINES
An artificial boundary of where hair ends and smooth skin begins isn’t exactly attractive. This typically happens when one has elected to partake in an unapproved method of manscaping, like, say, clean-shaving a body part with a razor. Stick with a trimmer, and you’ll never have to worry about doing this don’t.
FORGE T ABOUT YOUR BACKSIDE
Most men’s rears aren’t exactly follicle free. Since we’re serious supporters of a waxed back, you’ll need to make sure (with the help of a mirror, yoga classes and that handy trimmer) that there isn’t a heap of hair waiting below the waistline.
GO BARE DOWN THERE
You’re a man, right? Feel free to tidy up the place (in fact, we highly recommend it), but please don’t turn yourself into a prepubescent boy. Sorting out your manscaping strategy shouldn’t include a whole host of tools or an unhealthy desire to look like a second-rate stripper. All you really need is a basic beard trimmer and enough sense to know that hairless legs are for swimmers and 6-year-olds.
MANTELLIGENT DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Too many young men are starting their professional lives without a clue as to how to dress. This needs to change. Young men are the future leaders of society, and dressing sharp is the first step towards becoming a professional. Let me be clear. Clothing does not make the man……however. The right clothing can give a young man precious seconds to make his case and influence others. A young lawyer, consultant, medical professional, or salesman needs to understand this. That being said, it’s important to note that it is worth paying attention to your clothing as a young man even if you’re working in a field without strict dress codes. Tradesmen, welders, carpenters, and construction workers must know that our clothing still matters as it introduces us and tells our story before we open our mouth. Crisp, clean, and well fitted clothing, wherever you are at in the world, encourages others to take you more seriously. Heres our top Mantelligent tips to impress and breed success.
TIP - DRESS YOUR FOOT WEAR UP
Starting from the ground up, appropriate-fitting footwear is the first step to dressing sharp. A traditional school of thought that’s still alive and well claims you can judge a man by his shoes. If you’ve never owned really good shoes before, brace yourself and get ready to pay a significant amount of money for well-made, classic footwear. You may be shocked at the sticker price for well-crafted shoes, but the quality and comfort pay dividends down the road. A good pair of dress shoes will last you years and stay good-looking with nothing more than some light cleaning and the occasional shine. Quality leather footwear isn’t a luxury for the excessively rich it’s a necessity for any man.
TIP - DRESS TO LOOK OLDER
The way you dress is the way you are perceived. If you’re still wearing clothes that scream “student days” you’re going to be treated like a boy with no experience in the real world. Buck the trend, age your look a little, and get the respect you deserve from older men. That means raiding your wardrobe and getting rid of the majority of your ultra-casual clothes: T-shirts, cargo pants, jean shorts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, baseball hats, and athletics. Save a few for yard work and exercise, but donate the rest of it to charity and start replacing it with dressier clothes that speak to your maturity.
TIP - IGNORE FASHION TRENDS
Main-stream fashion trends change too fast to make useful wardrobe staples. Most young men don’t have the budget to buy new pants every month or two, so
stay away from pants that are only presentable during an “in” season. Distressed or bleached jeans are a great example; several different designer labels briefly managed to sell the image on the public, and then the fad changed and left a lot of people with very expensive jeans too beat-up to wear in public. Stick to classic clothing staples for the core of your wardrobe and avoid anything that’s too far out on the cutting edge, even if you see something that makes it look good.
TIP - TAKE CARE OF YOUR CLOTHING
Generally speaking, being young means having less money to throw around. If you’ve shelled out for a few pieces of good quality clothing, a custom suit, a pair of expensive dress shoes, what have you it’s worth a few bucks more to keep the clothes in good shape. That means using good hangers for your suits, shoe trees for your shoes, and a little tender loving care with the washing machine. Some of your clothes can come from thrift shops, if you’re lucky enough to have a reasonably common body type and some well-to-do neighborhoods nearby. A few adjustments from a tailor can turn a five dollar thrift-store suit into your dress wardrobe staple. Just take care of it and protect your bigger investments with some proper maintenance. That's just being Mantelligent!
GRILLERS’ CORNER THE ULTIMATE FISH TACO Memorial Day marks the start of the serious grilling season, and there’s no better time to bolster your grill-master game. Honing your outdoor culinary skills can take a lifetime, but it’s equally as important to remember to reinvent your style. We’re here to bring you some easy recipes to wow your friends and make the neighbor jealous.
G R I L L E D F I S H TA C O S W I T H C H I P OT L E - L I M E D R E S S I N G W H AT Y O U N E E D M ARIN ADE
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons lime zest 1 1/2 teaspoons honey 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™ 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or to taste 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into chunks
DRESSING 1 (8 ounce) container light sour cream 1/2 cup adobo sauce from chipotle peppers 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons lime zest 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay™ salt and pepper to taste
TOPPINGS 1 (10 ounce) package tortillas 3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 bunch cilantro, chopped 1 small head cabbage, cored and shredded 2 limes, cut in wedges
HOW TO
1. To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning, black pepper, and hot sauce in a bowl until blended. Place the tilapia in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the fish. Cover, and refrigerate 6 to 8 hours. 2. To make the dressing, combine the sour cream and adobo sauce in a bowl. Stir in the lime juice, lime zest, cumin, chili powder, seafood seasoning. Add salt, and pepper in desired amounts. Cover, and refrigerate until needed. 3. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate. Set grate 4 inches from the heat. 4. Remove fish from marinade, drain off any excess and discard marinade. Grill fish pieces until easily flaked with a fork, turning once, about 9 minutes. 5. Assemble tacos by placing fish pieces in the center of tortillas with desired amounts of tomatoes, cilantro, and cabbage; drizzle with dressing. To serve, roll up tortillas around fillings, and garnish with lime wedges. 6. Last but not least, do not disrespect a Mexican. Serve with a side of Mexican delight. We typically recommend Pacifico or Corona.
Health IS YOUR
Wealth FITNESS TRENDING
Cryochambers? Matcha? Meditation? So 2015. If you haven’t tried an infrared sauna, dandelion coffee, or a sound bath, don’t worry, just about no one has. But they’re the workout and nutrition trends you need to know right now.
STATUS SPORT
2015: Surfing 2016: Rock climbing
Golf was the default way to mix work and play until surfing-obsessed Hollywood types combined taking meetings with tackling swells. Now, thanks to bouldering’s popularity with the start-up set, indoor climbing is about to become the go-to “sweatworking” sport. Last year, five new climbing gyms opened in the trendy Southern California market alone, and spots like San Francisco’s Dogpatch Boulders are the hot places to be seen.
RECOVERY METHOD
2015: Cryo-chambers 2015: Infrared saunas
Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a frequent guest on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, has been singing the sauna’s praises to the influential UFC commentator, fitness nut, and cryotherapy early adopter. It relaxes muscles, increases circulation, and can burn calories and mimic cardiovascular conditioning. And infrared saunas, whose heat penetrates more effectively than that from traditional hot boxes, are becoming popular with the CrossFit crowd.
PICK-ME-UP
2015: Matcha 2015: Dandelion coffee
The coffee alternative you’re about to see in health stores everywhere (or are already ordering at fashionable L.A. spots like Kitchen Mouse and Amara Kitchen) is simply a powder of roasted dandelion root steeped in hot water or milk. The slightly bitter drink has numerous uses—weightloss aid, stomach soother, liver cleanser, even a possible cancerfighter. One brand, Dandy Blend, is already in 1,000 retail locations nationwide.
BACKLASH
2015: Low fat 2015: Paleo
The “science” behind Paleo is looking increasingly questionable. A recent piece in the New York Times suggested that eating carbs helped humans jump to the top of the food chain, and the World Health Organization labeled all red meat “probably carcinogenic” in October. Further proof: The Instagram account @girlswithgluten, fetishizing attractive women enjoying bready goodness, has more than 53,000 followers.
HEAD CLEARER
2015: Meditation 2015: Sound bath
The Integratron dome in Joshua Tree, California, is famous for mindfulness sessions in which singing bowls are amplified in a special acoustic chamber. The method, which also uses chimes and gongs, dates back to Buddhist practices throughout Asia. Now spas, retreats, and hip mindfulness workshops like the Santa Monica studio Unplug Meditation and Brooklyn’s Maha Rose Center for Healing are bringing it into the mainstream.
Gifts
FO R YO U R
Girl
TOM FORD NEROLI PORTOFINO FORTE (EDP, 50ML 250ML) £195.00 Neroli Portofino Forte is a bold, exhilarating intensification of TOM FORD’s iconic Neroli Portofino. The classic Eau de Cologne is rarefied with rich, sublime depth as the double concentration of its floral core is lavishly heightened to utmost opulence. With the bold and impassioned introduction of coastal Italian woods and smooth leather in its composition, Neroli Portofino Forte marks an exquisite monument in the Neroli Portofino collection.
BOLD. SENSUOUS. OPULENT.
scot this year A l ya ro to d e d a e h e ’r If you hat better way w r, e n rt a p ct e rf e p r u with yo ing attire than n n u st r e h t n e lim p m to co nce from Tom ra g a fr l fu ti u a e b , ch ri with a your winners in g in sh ca e b ’ll u o Y . Ford the track! it h u yo re fo e b ts e ck ti
DATI N G D EEDS GETTING HIGH…ON A TRAPEZE
As we continue to chase after the notion of the perfect date- something fresh, fun and creative we now bring to you the Trapeze. No, we’re not clowning around, cities all over the world now have equipped themselves with aerial and circus training centers for non-circus folk and everyone is flocking to them. Think of how much fun you had as a child swinging from trees, and now you can do it from even greater heights. It’s not only such an energetic social environment, it caters to all fitness and athletic levels, builds trust and is obviously a perfect icebreaker. You’ll get some serious dating deeds points by lining up this adventurous outing that will be that memorable experience filled with a lot of laughs. Learning to fly together.
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