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Sports Columns

Bettors ‘crazy’ about young Cubs ahead of season

No longer is a bet on the Cubs’ future a foolish expense. It appears Joe Maddon has the most talented team in the major leagues, and Maddon also might be the best manager in baseball. So, maybe this is the year.

Boeheim, Syracuse have books feeling edgy

Not all underdog stories are heart warming for the masses. For many, Jim Boeheim coaching Syracuse to another Final Four makes skin crawl. His enemies call him a cheater and whiner. His friends just call him a whiner.

Jayhawks lead parade of favorites to window

Not every day of the NCAA Tournament is a surprise party. It is possible for teams to continue to advance in March without much stress or sweat.

Busy racing weekend includes California Chrome at Dubai

The $10 million Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, has a star-studded field of 12, headed by California Chrome, the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner. Two Kentucky Derby preps also will be run Saturday.

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Bet Altman, Ducks to oust Duke in Sweet 16

A majority of bettors are banking on Oregon being better than Duke, and Dana Altman getting the better of Mike Krzyzewski, in an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 matchup Thursday. Around 65 percent of the spread wagers are on the Ducks as 3-point favorites.

After topsy-turvy weekend, most Sweet 16 dreamers ushered to exit

With a full beard, unique name and rock-solid game, Thomas Walkup was set to be in the media spotlight in the Sweet 16. Central Casting could not have picked a better tough guy to put on screen.

#VegasMadness betting blog: Jesperson’s shot makes bettors go berserk

There are 16 games today, presenting more entertainment and more opportunities to make money. The bad news is the most recent 16 games put a lot of bettors in a money pit. But bouncing back is part of this exercise.

Smoking now banned at the Westgate sports book

Sports bettors are known for blowing smoke when it comes to exaggerating wins and downplaying losses. But blowing smoke is not permitted at the Westgate anymore.

Kentucky Derby contenders Mohaymen, Nyquist to meet April 2

Mohaymen remains my top colt for the Kentucky Derby. The Fountain of Youth winner has a date with my second horse, Nyquist, in the Florida Derby on April 2 at Gulfstream Park. Seldom do we see such a clash of titans before the Derby at Churchill Downs.

No. 12 seeds lucrative as NCAA Tournament party begins

March is a star search. It’s about buzzer-beating shots, comebacks, giant killers and teases. A short time after two No. 5 seeds were chopped down, top-seeded North Carolina was clinging to a one-point halftime lead. And then Arizona was blown out. Welcome to the NCAA Tournament.

Las Vegas set to party with NCAA Tournament

Betting on the NCAA Tournament in Las Vegas is a supersized version of the Super Bowl. Instead of one big game, this is an unpredictable 67-game tournament staged over three weeks. A total of 32 games tip off Thursday and Friday with another wild 48 hours to follow.