Weekly Q&A with Doc's Sports Expert Handicapper Raphael Esparza 2/14/2017

by Doc's Sports - 2/14/2017

Doc's Sports expert handicapper Raphael Esparza is one of the best in the game when it comes to horse racing. And while the annual "Run for the Roses" at Churchill Downs is still a couple of months away, in this week's discussion we will get his early thoughts on some up-and-coming three-year olds trying to make a name for themselves on this year's Kentucky Derby trail.

Raphael worked his way through the ranks to become one of the nation's top sports handicappers during a long and successful career in the Las Vegas sportsbook industry. The former Vegas Sports Informer also worked his way to the prestigious position as the Director of the Race and Sports Book for MGM Grand's Aria before retiring from the sportsbook industry in 2013. Since then he has been splitting his time between Las Vegas and the Big Easy in New Orleans running a successful and diverse sports investment service. The following is this week's Q&A with one of Doc's most interesting handicappers.

Doc's Sports: A few weeks back it appeared to be a done deal for the Raiders' proposed move from Oakland to Las Vegas, but some recent issues with stadium financing has put this deal in doubt. What is the word in town for what is really going on with this situation?

RE: I did believe it was a done deal, but when a company as big as Goldman Sachs pulls out, that is going to send some shock waves across the NFL. The other issue that the Raiders are facing is some backlash from Las Vegas itself. Having a NFL team is great, but I am hearing quite a bit of grumbling about the added tax burden as well as the additional gridlock the Raiders would bring to town. I would give this deal 50/50 odds of going through, and if you are looking for a long shot keep an eye on Mexico City, Mexico as an alternative site.

Doc's Sports: The NBA heads into its annual All-Star break with Cleveland and Golden State listed as heavy favorites to meet in the Finals for the third straight season. From what you have seen from the other 28 teams in the league so far, is there anyone else out there that can crash this party by knocking off one of these two powers in the earlier rounds of the playoffs?

RE: Before today I would have said no, but with Kevin Love out for Cleveland at least six weeks with knee surgery, the gap between the Cavaliers and Toronto just tightened up rather dramatically with the Raptors trading for Serge Ibaka in a deal with Orlando.

Doc's Sports: We have been talking about Gonzaga all season long as a legitimate national title contender in men's basketball from a mid-major conference. Are there any other mid majors out there that might be able to make a deep run in this season's NCAA Tournament?

RE: The one true mid major on my list would be the AAC's SMU Mustangs, who are quietly moving up the national rankings behind a few big wins. While technically the next two teams are in major conferences, I would also add the Big East's Creighton Bluejays and the Big 12's West Virginia Mountaineers as a pair of sleepers that are poised to make a big impact come March.

Doc's Sports : While it is way too early to start thinking about the actual field for this year's Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, do you have any promising three-year-old thoroughbreds on your 'watch list' heading into some of the bigger Derby prep races on the schedule in the next few weeks?

RE: For me, the Kentucky Derby handicapping process does not start until next Saturday's Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. There are just too many horses in the mix right now, and the bigger stakes races over the next few weeks have a way of shaking things out. One horse to keep in the back of your mind is Good Samaritan, who is currently listed as a -5000 long shot on the Kentucky Derby futures' list

Doc's Sports: We know that you busy putting together the final touches on this year's top prop picks for the upcoming Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 26, but is there anything else out of the ordinary on this week's betting radar?

RE : This question is perfect timing in light of my recent post on Doc's for this year's Razzie Awards , which will be released the Saturday night before the Oscars. Worst film should go to Batman v. Superman as a -190 favorite, but after watching a number of really bad movies, I would give the Razzie to Zoolander No. 2 as one of the most awful films I have watched in quite some time.

My "best bet" pick for this year's Razzie Awards would be Jesse Eisenberg at -220 odds for Worst Supporting Actor in Batman vs. Superman. There is quite a bit of value in those odds given just how bad he really in his portrayal of Lex Luthor in that film.

Click here to visit Raphael Esparza's Insider's Page at Doc's Sports for more information on his amazingly-profitable sports handicapping picks. Also, get $60 worth of Esparza's member's picks absolutely free - no obligation, no sales people - you don't even have to enter credit card information. You can use this $60 credit for any sport Esparza handicaps. Click here for $60 worth of free picks from Raphael Esparza .

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