James Scully

James Scully is a passionate sports analyst who grew up traveling to various sporting events around the country. James follows the NFL and NCAA, but also plays golf and other sports as time allows. Whether it be pro or college football, basketball, baseball…James can share solid insight with actionable information. When James isn’t watching sports, he can be found handicapping horse racing and playing golf. Twitter: @James_Scully111

Stone Age (green silks) finished second to Rebel's Romance in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Scully: Belmont at Aqueduct Spot Plays for Oct. 1

Sat Sep 30 2023James Scully

The New York Racing Association moved Saturday’s card to Sunday due to heavy rainfall in the area, and the 11-race program features four graded events, including the 70th running of the $400,000 Woodward (G2).

Wagering

Poblano broke her maiden in a romp at Ellis Park (Photo by Coady Photography)

Scully: Singles bookend Pick 4 play on Downs After Dark program

Fri Sep 22 2023James Scully

James Scully recommends a Pick 4 play on Saturday's Downs After Dark program.

Wagering

Arcangelo at Travers Day (Photo by Coglianese Photography/Credit to Chelsea Durand)

Breeders' Cup Classic Preview: Pacific Classic, Travers reinforce early projections

Thu Sep 07 2023James Scully

We previewed the major role three-year-olds were poised to play in our first installment of the Breeders’ Cup Classic preview last month, and Arabian Knight and Arcangelo established themselves as the probable top two betting choices with respective wins in the Pacific Classic (G1) and Travers (G1).

Breeders Cup

Flameaway wins 2018 Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs (Photo by S V Photography)

First-crop sires: Flameaway passing speed to offspring

Mon Aug 21 2023James Scully

Unheralded when entering stud in 2020, Flameaway has made an immediate impact with his first crop, putting himself among leading freshman sires.

Pedigree

Forte (left) gets up to win the Jim Dandy (Photo by Angelo Lieto/Coglianese Photos)

Three-Year-Olds rule early Classic projections

Wed Aug 16 2023James Scully

The Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) landscape changed when the presumed favorite, Cody’s Wish, faltered on the stretch-out to 1 1/8 miles in the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga, checking in fourth at odds-on. Three-year-olds appear poised to play a serious role in the Classic outcome.

Breeders Cup

(Photo by EquiPhoto)

Training to Win: Mutli-race ticket construction with James Scully [VIDEO]

Tue Aug 15 2023James Scully

When it comes to multi-race bets, also known as horizontal wagers, good ticket construction involves budget and strategy.

Education

(Photo by Benoit Photography)

Training to Win: Graded Stakes race analyzation with James Scully [VIDEO]

Tue Aug 15 2023James Scully

Graded stakes are specialized races - the highest levels in Thoroughbred racing - and bettors have many factors to consider when handicapping.

Analysis

Belmont Park (Photo by NYRA/Coglianese Photography)

Scully: Pick 3 plays with Belmont Derby

Fri Jul 07 2023James Scully

The $750,000 Belmont Derby (G1) heads four stakes at Belmont Park Saturday, and I’m keen to play English invader The Foxes, who cuts back to a favorable 1 1/4-mile trip in his U.S. debut.

Wagering

Scully: Handicapping All-Stakes Pick 4 on Stephen Foster Day

Thu Jun 29 2023James Scully

Newly reinstated to Grade 1 status, Saturday’s $1 million Stephen Foster (G1) drew a fine field of eight, including seven graded winners this year, and serves as the third leg in an all-stakes Pick 4 that kicks off in the eighth race.

Racing

Arcangelo paddock schooling May 27, 2023 (Photo by Coglianese Photos/WalterWlodarczyk)

Scully: Playing against favorites in Belmont Stakes

Sat Jun 10 2023James Scully

Four-time Belmont winner Todd Pletcher will send out the top two morning line choices in Saturday’s $1.5 Belmont (G1), Forte and Tapit Trice, and I’ll take a stand against both at short odds.

Belmont Stakes

Forte training at Belmont Park 2023 (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Brisnet Speed Rating Report for 2023 Belmont Stakes

Fri Jun 09 2023James Scully

Post positions for the 155th running of the $1.5 million Belmont S. (G1) will be drawn Tuesday, and nine are considered probable for the 1 1/2-mile “Test of the Champion.” Let’s examine their credentials and Brisnet Speed ratings.

Belmont Stakes

Pretty Mischievous with Tyler Gaffalione riding wins the Kentucky Oaks (Photo by Horsephotos.com)

Scully: All-Stakes Pick 4 play Friday at Belmont Park

Thu Jun 08 2023James Scully

The $600,000 New York (G1) for turf distaffers kicks off an all-stakes Pick 4 sequence at Belmont Park on Friday, and I will put together a ticket on a reasonable budget, taking a stand by singling a pair of races.

Wagering

Scenic photo of Belmont Park turf (NYRA/Coglianese Photos/Susie Raisher)

Scully: Wonder Again anchors Thursday Pick 3 play at Belmont Park

Wed Jun 07 2023James Scully

Thursday kicks off Belmont Stakes week, and the $200,000 Wonder Again (G2) highlights a pair of stakes on the 10-race program. I single both stakes in a Pick 3 ticket.

Wagering