Critics hoping star’s arrival drives other sports figure’s to dress better

NEW YORK - U.S. soccer might be hoping for a surge in popularity with the arrival of English star David Beckham, but some fashion critics are also hoping he can teach U.S. sports stars a thing or two about clothes.

“Hopefully it will inspire them to lift their game,” said Adam Rapoport, style editor at men’s fashion magazine GQ. “I think athletes respond to competition well. If someone’s looking better than them, they want to get on par with them.”

Beckham, 31, has signed a $250 million, five-year deal to moved to the United States later this year and play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but even before he has arrived he has graced the covers of U.S. fashion magazines.
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So is the U.S. sports scene in need of a style icon?

“Desperately. And they’re in need of a tailor,” said Wendell Brown, senior fashion editor at Esquire magazine. “I hope Beckham has a major impact.”

Rapoport agreed, saying there had been a fashion void on the U.S. sports scene since the 2003 retirement of basketball star Michael Jordan, who is now one of the world’s wealthiest former athletes with endorsement contracts and business interests.

“I don’t think anyone’s stepped up to the plate since Jordan retired, and I think they could use one. It’s going to be interesting to see if Beckham can be that guy,” he said.

But Beckham’s iconic style status doesn’t appear to have U.S. sports stars shaking in their boots.

“It’s not going to put pressure on me. I’m not competing with him,” Philadelphia Eagles football player Jevon Kearse said with a laugh, while attending the launch of Jared M, a clothing line designed especially for big, tall sports stars.

But he did add that Beckham’s popularity could pressure other athletes to lift their fashion game.

Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Jim Jackson said that although he believed Beckham probably would have an impact on U.S. sports stars fashion, most NBA players were already “dressing the part.”

“They made it mandatory for NBA players to dress up,” Jackson said. “I think guys really accepted that and really took it as a challenge to step up their game.”

In defense of U.S. football and basketball stars, Esquire’s Brown said that for many of them size impeded their style.

“One of the things that nobody really mentions about David Beckham is that the clothing is so geared to his shape,” Brown said. “He is the perfect size to wear Dolce and Gabbana and Versace and Prada and Gucci.”

by: www.msnbc.msn.com

Three of the top four finishers in the Fountain of Youth (FOY) Stakes renew rivalries Saturday in the 56th running of the $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.

Scat Daddy and Stormello, noses apart March 3, haven’t scared away competition. The absence of Nobiz Like Shobiz may be the reason. The son of Alfred the Great, beaten odds-on favorite in the FOY another half-length back in third, opted for the Wood Memorial on April 7 at Aqueduct.

The 10 likely starters in Gulfstream’s showcase race would comprise the 14th double-digit field since Snow Chief defeated 15 others in 1986.

Adore the Gold, a half-length behind Nobiz Like Shobiz, is looking for revenge after his fourth place finish. The son of Formal Gold ducked to the outside at the FOY break and was used to gain position.

He tracked gutsy Stormello with Nobiz Like Shobiz and Scat Daddy behind him. Then he challenged for the lead on the far turn, almost looked Stormello in the eye and battled to the wire before weakening slightly.

There’s also a new, top contender in town, Hallandale Beach, shipping in from California: Notional.

The son of In Excess is undefeated this year and goes for No. 3 in a row at a different track. On Jan. 13, he won the San Rafael by four lengths at Santa Anita and captured the Risen Star by 2 ¼ lengths on Feb. 10 at Fair Grounds.

Notional also wants revenge following his sixth place finish behind Stormello in the Hollywood Futurity on Dec. 16 after losing by only 2 ½ lengths. Add Stormello to the revenge list as he hopes to turn the tables on Scat Daddy after becoming sixth 3-year-old to lose the FOY by a nose since the inaugural in ’45.

If either prevails, the winner would become the sixth coast-to-coast runner to perform the feat since Correlation in ’54. After Snow Chief scored 21 years ago, the charismatic colt captured the Preakness gaining revenge for failing to hit the board in the Kentucky Derby.

Several other confirmed starters that raced on the FOY card are Chelokee, victorious in an allowance contest; Bold Start, runner-up to King of the Roxy in the Hutcheson; and Boogie Boggs, second in an allowance race.

The most exciting Florida Derby I’ve seen in person was in ’95 pitting favored Suave Prospect against Thunder Gulch. It was a rematch following their exciting duel in the Fountain of Youth that Thunder Gulch won by a neck when the distance was 1 1/16 miles. The winner paid a handsome $11.40.

In the Florida Derby, Suave Prospect was part of a three-horse entry that was favored over Thunder Gulch on my birthday, March 11. Jerry Bailey, back aboard Suave Prospect, was hotter than the summer South Florida heat and his horses scored repeatedly. Mike Smith returned on Thunder Gulch.

Both horses stalked the pacesetters to the far turn. Then Bailey gunned Suave Prospect from fourth to the lead in the upper stretch by 1 ½ lengths. Under strong handling, Thunder Gulch closed the gap, wore down Suave Prospect and prevailed by a nose.

However, Bailey set the record on my 60th birthday for most victories by a jockey in a Gulfstream afternoon – seven.

After finishing a disappointing fourth in the Blue Grass Stakes, Thunder Gulch went off at 25-1 and, with Gary Stevens aboard, edged Tejano Run, ridden by Bailey, in the 121st Kentucky Derby.

Suave Prospect, with Julie Krone in the irons, ran 11th after a very wide trip, followed by Talkin Man, ridden by Smith.

By BookMaker Racebook

Korea’s Kia Motors agreed a deal to become the official automotive partner of the Chinese men’s and women’s national football teams in a deal brokered by the Infront agency.

Kia Motors Corporation, part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, is pursuing an active, global policy of investing in football. It is already a top tier FIFA sponsor, with an agreement which includes the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.

As the official automotive sponsor of Team China, Kia will provide the CFA with the latest vehicles from its model line-up in addition to financial support. The vehicles will be supplied from Kia’s domestic plants and the Dongfeng Yueda Kia factory in China. With the sponsorship agreement, Kia also secures strong, visible presence during the Team China Football events through various onsite advertising opportunities.

Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation, commented, “This sponsorship of Team China further cements Kia’s commitment to football. Our increasing presence in the world’s favourite sport will strengthen the Kia brand among huge audiences and serve as an efficient platform to reach our self-confident, adventurous and young-at-heart target customer base.”

Kia said its decision to support Team China in the run up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and South Africa in 2010 is an acknowledgement of the importance of
football to Chinese consumers.

Infront has a far-reaching partnership with the CFA which goes beyond the commercial arena. It includes a technical development programme to help build the national team by providing training, coaching and development opportunities of the highest international standard, as well as friendly matches against quality opposition.

By www.sportbusiness.com

The Americans are coming! The Americans are coming! To Dubai for the 12th running of the world’s richest race – the World Cup worth $6 million American.

Horses from the Americas or those thoroughbreds bred in foreign lands that run in the United States are being lured across the Atlantic by the richest day in racing that exceeds $21 million for a half-dozen Grade 1 events on March 31.

Several arrived early like Premium Tap, who won the 1 ½-mile Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup, a quarter-mile shorter than the World Cup. The 5-year-old son of Pleasant Tap captured Saudi Arabia’s premier race by 2 ¾ lengths on March 16.

“We were worried about whether his journey over from America may have unsettled him as he was delayed for two days,” said Frank McGovern, general manager for new owners Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and his sons. “But he showed what a good horse he is, and we won’t be scared of taking on Discreet Cat and Invasor.”

Invasor, the 36th Eclipse Awards’ Horse of the Year for 2006, took the Breeders’ Cup Classic by a length over 3-year-old champ Bernardini while Premium Tap was another 2 ½ lengths behind in third.

The Argentine bred captured Gulstream Park’s Donn Handicap on Feb. 3 and has worked well since. The son of Candy Stripes suffered his only loss in 11 starts finishing fourth to Discreet Cat in last year’s $2 million United Arab Emirates Derby at 1 1/8 miles when both were 3-year-olds.

Discreet Cat is unbeaten in six starts, but hasn’t raced since winning the Cigar Mile last fall. Although he never traveled beyond that distance, he has been training super, says Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

The son of Forestry was supposed to race March 1, but developed a fever and was withdrawn from the prep. “He will have no fitness problems March 31,” Crisford vowed.

Another World Cup contender is Storm Mayor, purchased by Saudi Arabian interests. The Argentine champion won the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini on the turf for the second time on Dec. 15, but captured a Group 1 stakes on the dirt last year in Buenos Aires.

Among the horses descending on Dubai is Lava Man, repeat winner of the Santa Anita Handicap on March 3. But he hasn’t hit the board in four races on the road, including a seventh place finish last year in the BC Classic.

So the son of Slew City Slew will try the grass where he scored a pair of easy victories last year at Hollywood Park. He goes in the $5 million Dubai Duty Free at 1 1/8 miles over the Nad Al Sheba grass course.

Lava Man will face Miesque’s Approval, the BC Mile winner; Host, Chilean Horse of the Year that was fourth in the ’06 race; and English Channel, third in the BC Turf who set a Gulfstream grass course record of 1:44 2/5 for the 1 1/8 miles, just two ticks off the world mark.

The top three finishers in the ’06 BC Sprint will renew rivalries in the $2 million Golden Shaheen at six furlongs: Thor’s Echo, Friendly Island and Nightmare Affair.

Others campaigners include Bishop Court Hill, a Grade 1 winner that captured Aqueduct’s Paumonok Handicap on Jan. 27; Harvard Avenue, second to Friendly Island in Santa Anita’s Palos Verdes Handicap on Jan. 20; and Kelly’s Landing, ninth in the BC Sprint.

By Greg Melikov

AQUEDUCT

Devilshire: Bumped after break, raced fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, launched rally nearing stretch, caught in traffic dropping to sixth in stretch, recovered and grabbed third losing by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on March 14.

Birdie Run: Raced fifth early, dropped to last more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide in sixth for drive, rallied from third to make up nearly four lengths and lost by a neck at a mile and seventy yards on March 1. (Raced third early, dropped to fourth

More than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside to second, but couldn’t catch winner; returned $9.60 for place.)

Native Hall: Stumbled at start, bumped, dropped back to fifth early, moved up inside to fourth 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied turning for home, made up 5 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by a neck at six furlongs on Feb. 22.

Today’s Charmer: Raced 17 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced wide to sixth in stretch, made up nearly 11 lengths and lost by a half-length and a neck at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

Gimme Getme: Roughed up between rivals after start, raced eighth more than 8 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung wide entering stretch, rallied from sixth to make up 7 ¼ lengths and finished fourth beaten less than 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Feb. 10.

Bold Mon: Bumped after start, steadied, raced eighth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied inside into stretch, closed from fifth to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and lost by 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Jan. 27; ran final quarter in 23 3/5. (Raced fifth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out in upper stretch and rallied to gain second by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 28.)

FAIR GROUNDS

No Net Needed: Raced wide down backstretch, trailed by more than 9 ½ lengths after a half-mile, rallied from eighth to fourth in stretch, made up nearly six lengths and lost by a head at 1 1/16 miles on March 16.

Preside: Reared at break, walked out of gate, spotted field several lengths, trailed by more than seven lengths after three-eights of a mile, saved ground inside advancing from seventh to fourth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on March 1.

Haunted Waters: Raced more than 10 lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, advanced to sixth in stretch, closed fast to make up 5 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 24.

Wrzeszcz: Broke from outside post, trailed early, moved up to sixth more than six lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled out turning for home, rallied from fifth to make up more than 3 ¾ lengths and lost by 1 ½ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Feb. 10.

Circle of Fire: Broke last, trailed by more than 11 ½ lengths after a half-mile, closed fast from sixth in stretch to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and lost by three-quarters of length at 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 2.

GULFSTREAM PARK

Dr. Eli: Raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lacked room behind rivals around turn, angled out for drive, closed fast from fifth to second making up five lengths and lost by a length a mile on March 16.

Trueheart: Steadied in early going, raced 10th more than 6 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, angled out for room in stretch, closed with late rush, made up more than 4 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length and a neck at five furlongs on March 3.

Navarre Light: Broke on top, taken back to fifth, lacked room behind rivals along backstretch, raced more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, made up nearly 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and lost by neck and three-quarters of a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Feb. 25.

Eight Mile Rock: Broke slowly, trailed by more than 7 ½ lengths after a half-mile, launched bid five wide on turn, rallied belatedly from fourth to make up 3 ¾ lengths in stretch and lost by 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on Feb. 18.

Hay Cheif: Broke slowly from outside post, raced ninth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped back to 10th when blocked behind wall of foes leaving far turn, found room while advancing in stretch, rallied from fifth to make up more than 1 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Feb. 11.

Elninodemisojos: Hit gate at break, trailed early, raced sixth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced outside to fourth in stretch, made up more than 3 ¼ lengths and lost by three-quarters of a length at a mile on Feb. 3.

Fearless Vision: Raced eighth early, advanced to fifth less than a length behind after a half-mile, bumped with winner at eighth pole, dueled remainder of stretch and lost by a neck at seven furlongs on Feb. 17. (Chased pace three wide 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, took over by a head entering stretch and drew off by four lengths at a mile on March 10.)

Dream Rush: Raced third early, steadied behind leader on backstretch, boxed in around turn into stretch, angled out and lost by three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Jan. 20; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Hustled to lead after breaking a step slow, set pace inside and drew off to win by 3 ½ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Feb. 10.)

HAWTHORNE

Show Me the Doe: Trailed inside by more than five lengths after a half-mile, moved to third in stretch, steadied behind rivals, recovered and gained second by a length at six furlongs on March 11.

Quill Play: Broke last, trailed early, raced sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out for drive, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and gained second by 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Feb. 23.

LAUREL

Theoneilove: Raced four wide in fourth 9 ½ lengths behind after three-eights of a mile, launched advance midway on turn, made up more than 6 ½ lengths in stretch and was nosed out at five furlongs on March 11.

Golden Hottie: Chased pace in third two lengths behind after a half-mile, hemmed in nearing quarter pole, bumped off stride in mid-stretch and recovered to gain second by 1 ¾ lengths at 5 ½ furlongs on Feb. 22.

Magic Maker: Raced fourth early, dropped back to fifth seven lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out four wide entering stretch, rallied from third to make up six lengths and lost by a half-length at seven furlongs on Feb. 17.

Indy Pleaser: Raced 15 lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced outside to fifth near mid-stretch, closed willingly to make up more than six lengths and lost by 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/8 miles on Feb. 4.

Skip the Crowd: Bobbled breaking awkwardly, steadied in traffic entering first turn, advanced from sixth to third more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up inside 1 ½ lengths behind in stretch, hit rail after checking on heels of winner near sixteenth pole and held second by 2 ½ lengths at 1 1/8 miles on Jan. 25. (Cleared early, led inside by 2 ½ lengths after a half-mile, opened up by eight lengths when roused in stretch and coasted to 4 ¾-length victory at a mile on March 9; returned $16.40 to win.)

OAKLAWN PARK

Commander Pat: Raced seventh more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out three wide into the lane, lacked room in fourth in deep stretch, recovered and finished third beaten a neck and 1 ¼ lengths at a mile on March 17.

Miss Elsie: Bumped at break, raced three lengths behind in third after three-eighths of a mile, rallied to second in stretch making up nearly three lengths and lost by a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on March 3.

More Than Tricky: Raced more 1 ½ lengths behind in third after a half-mile, dropped back to fifth before the drive, angled out a bit while mounting a challenge in mid-stretch, altered course when hole closed at eighth pole, but finished willingly beaten a neck and a head 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 23.

Lighthouse Jim: Raced ninth more than 11 lengths behind after a half-mile, roused late on far turn, rallied from fifth in stretch to make up two lengths and finished third beaten a length and a neck at 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 10.

Sweetdownthelane: Broke slowly outward, raced seventh more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split rivals heading home, bothered foe, made up 4 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a head at six furlongs on Jan. 26. (Stalked pace in third more 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, took command from outside past furlong marker and drove clear by 2 ½ lengths at six furlongs on. Feb. 10)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Top of the Town: Trailed by more than 5 ½ lengths after a half-mile, moved up wide on far turn from eighth, rallied from fourth to second in stretch, made up more than two lengths and lost by a half-length at a mile and 70 yards on March 13.

Cabo Rojo: Raced seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up inside to fifth in stretch, made up more 2 ½ lengths and lost by a half-length at six furlongs on Feb. 17.

Speechifying: Raced fourth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, launched bid off rail into far turn, bumped steadying into lane, bothered again at eighth pole dropping from third to fifth, recovered to third and lost by a neck and 1 ½ lengths at a mile on Feb. 4.

SANTA ANITA

Doppio: Raced eighth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, in tight off heels of rival heading home, came out in stretch, rallied from sixth to make up more than 3 ¼ lengths and lost by 1 ¼ lengths at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf March 15.

Isipingo: Broke slowly, trailed by more than 3 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced outside from eighth to fifth in upper stretch, crowded off heels of rival, forced further out for room, finished well making up more than three lengths while bumped late between foes and lost by a nose and a half-length at a mile on the turf March 1.

Tonkins: Raced fourth more than 2 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, split rivals into turn, lost ground to fifth in stretch, rallied outside to make up 2 ½ lengths and was nosed out at 5 ½ furlongs on Feb. 11.

TURFWAY PARK

Satin Song: Bobbled at break, raced fourth more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, raced four wide losing ground on turn, rallied late from fifth to make up nearly five lengths and finished third beaten a head and neck at 6 ½ furlongs on March 15.

Itseverclear: Steadied entering first turn, recovered to advance from fifth to fourth more than 1 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, waited for room on far turn, lacked room in mid-stretch, altered course at sixteenth pole, closed with a burst to make up two lengths and lost by a head at a mile on Feb. 24.

Esprit Du Roi: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, worked way to fifth in three path, closed outside to make four lengths and lost by a head at a mile on Feb. 17.

Poe Reef: Broke last, trailed early, advanced to ninth more than eighth lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied nearing three furlong marker, angled out for drive, rallied from seventh in stretch to make up 9 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length and a half-length at 6 ½ furlongs on Feb. 10.

Subtle Approach: Raced more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground to fifth angling out for drive, made up 2 ½ lengths in stretch and lost by a neck at a mile on Feb. 2.

By BookMaker Racebook

Provided By BetCRIS Sportsbook

Basic Training Vital When Beginner’s Luck Fades

People that frequently go to the racetrack, but lack the basic knowledge when it comes to handicapping and wagering always puzzle me.

I excuse first-timers that lack expertise while wanting to experience racing. I’ve taken quite a few friends to South Florida and Texas tracks, who had a great time, especially when they experienced beginner’s luck.

But I recall several occasions when I came across horseplayers, including veterans, that didn’t know what was going on at the track.

I recall a woman being asked by her elderly mother why two horses were favored over her daughter’s selection. The daughter thought briefly and replied, “I don’t know.”

I couldn’t help volunteering the answer: “The track is sloppy and the pedigrees of the other two horses indicate they’ll run better on an off track than your daughter’s pick”

They both did.

“Not everybody knows that,” the daughter said. “That’s really valuable information.”

It’s not like such information isn’t available to all. Racing websites and publications list what thoroughbreds have done on wet, sloppy and muddy surfaces.

I especially remember an older man wondering what exactas were. And he was no novice. I had seen him often in the press box at South Florida tracks.

“How many horses do you play?” he asked.

“As many you want,” I explained. “But two must run first and second.”

He explained the procedure to his wife and they bet the last race on the program. I played the same contest, boxing the 2-5-9. The winning exacta: 2-5.

The man asked me if he’d won, showing me two tickets: 2-7 and 5-9.

“You would have,” I replied, “if you had boxed all four on the same ticket.”

I’ve overheard conversations like this at tracks:

“I should have played that horse.”

“I thought you liked him.”

“I did, but I went for the other one.”

You must have faith in your picks. Doubt leads to waffling. The more you change your mind about selections, the less chance you’ll cash tickets.

Remember that beginner’s luck seldom lasts very long.  Handicapping is a serious business, but isn’t so difficult if you master the basics.

One key aspect of handicapping begins right after the race ends — professionals take stock of results pertaining to past records of each combination of horse, rider and trainer.

I also notice that much too often the more some people win, the more they bet even if they don’t really have an opinion in succeeding races.

“I feel lucky,” they say.

When you’re hot, you’re hot, but luck isn’t always a lady, especially when you press it without handicapping.

For those who try to recoup when they’re on an extended losing streak, I advise: Cut your losses, go home and come back another day.

By BookMaker Racebook

BookMaker.com Sportsbook has all you need to get ready for the Big Dance, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight & Final Four with NCAA college basketball betting odds and the 2007 March Madness Bracket Contest.

Be part of this exciting basketball tradition with the NCAA basketball tournament of the year at BookMaker.

Make nothing but winning picks by getting the latest scores, college basketball news & excellent betting options.

NCAA basketball betting odds are available for every game with a huge variety of wager types. Spice up your March Madness experience by betting on your college basketball favorites, underdogs, totals going over or under & money lines.
BookMaker 2007 March Madness Bracket Contest
To receive an entry, contestants must have opened a new account at Bookmaker.com and have made a deposit of US$300 or more. (or currency equivalent.) Or, by re-loading their existing betting account with US$300 or more.

For every $300 deposited, a customer will receive one (1) free contest entry.

For example, a US$600 deposit will earn the customer two (2) free contest entries. A US$900 deposit will earn the customer three (3) free contest entries.

Additional entries can be purchased for US$10 each. Customers may enter as many times as they like. Only active players are eligible to receive any prize money. An active player is defined as having at least US$300 worth of sports wagers as of the end of Round 2 (March 18, 2007). Contestants who fail to meet this requirement will only be awarded 15% of the listed cash prize amount only.

How to Play
Contestants must pick the winners of the 63 games in the 2007 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. Points will be awarded for each correct pick. Entries must be completed online before the contest deadline on March 15, 2007. Once the bracket has been submitted, it is final. Bracket picks cannot be changed once the bracket has been submitted. Games will be graded and the bracket updated at the end of each round.

Point System
Prizes are awarded based on point totals earned according to the following chart:

Round …………Point Value
1 ………………………1
2……………………….2
3 (Regionals - The Sweet 16) …4
4 (Regionals – The Elite 8)……..6
5 (National SemiFinals – The Final Four)…8
6 (National Championship – The Big Dance) ..10

You must also predict the Grand Salami (the combined total amount of points that will be scored in both games of the National Semi-Finals – The Final Four on March 31st, 2007 PLUS the total amount of points that will be scored in the National Championship game on April 2, 2007), which will be used in the case of a tie. Players will be able to check their point totals by logging into their accounts. Point totals will be updated after every round. Points are non-transferable.

Prize Structure
Prizes will be determined by correct picks in the bracket and the cumulative total of points scored by each contestant. In the event of a tie, the position winner will be the contestant who most closely predicts the Grand Salami (the combined total amount of points scored in both games of the National Semi-Finals – The Final Four on March 31st, 2007 PLUS the total amount of points that will be scored in the National Championship game on April 2, 2007). In the case that more than one contestant correctly predicts the Grand Salami; the winner will be determined by the earlier entry date and time. Only one winner per position will be allowed.

Winners will be notified by E-mail. It is the sole responsibility of the entrant to keep his/her E-mail information in their account up-to-date and accurate. If after thirty (30) calendar days the winner fails to acknowledge their prize, their winning entry will be forfeited.

Prizes
Cash prizes awarded are in US dollars or currency equivalent.

Position …..Prize
1st ………….$5,000 + 50” HD Plasma TV
2 …………….$2,500 + 50” HD Plasma TV
3rd…………..$1,500 + 50” HD Plasma TV
4th to 100th $100 freeplay – no roll over

The Phillips 50” HD Plasma TV prizes awarded to the top 3 winners will be awarded in the form of a gift card for the retail value amount of the television as determined by Bookmaker.com. Plasma TV prizes are only available to US winners. If any winner is unable to redeem the gift card for any reason, he/she may opt for the cash equivalent. Non-US winners will receive the cash equivalent of their prize in their national currency. Only one (1) prize per customer, household and IP address.

All cash and bonuses awarded will be in the national currency of the winner’s account. Bookmaker.com reserves the right to replace the prizes with products of similar value for any reason and in the event of unforeseen problems with product availability, timings, dates or distribution.

The deadline for registering and entering submissions for the contest is March 15, 2007 at 1 minute prior to the start of the first game of the college tournament. The sole determinant of time for the purposes of the Contest will be the Contest server machine(s). Contestants entering picks close to the posted deadline do so with this information in mind.

For more information visit:  March Madness Bracket Contest

Bill Frist, then Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate and now ex-would-be presidential candidate, designed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (”Prohibition 2.0″) to cover Internet poker.  He defined “bet or wager” as including risking something of value on the outcome of a contest, sports event “or a game subject to chance.”

Is there any game, even chess, that is not “subject to chance?”

But Frist, whose arrogance was matched only by his incompetence, actually created the greatest explosion of creativity in the poker industry that I have ever seen.  Everyone wants to be the next PartyPoker.com, to figure out a way to spread legal poker games online.

The cleanest way to run a traditional Internet poker site that does not violate any federal or state law is to be licensed by a state and limit players to people who are physically present in that state.

Even in this situation, it is possible the federal Department of Justice might say there is a violation of the Wire Act, since a phone line might pass temporarily into another state.  But the DOJ would lose this argument for many reasons.  The sole purpose the Wire Act was enacted in 1961 was to help the states enforce their public policy, which, at the time, was prohibition.  What could possibly be the justification for preventing a state, like Nevada, from allowing its residents to bet with its own state-licensed poker sites?

The main obstacle to every state licensing, regulating, and of course, taxing, their own Internet poker sites is politics.  Utah is not the only place where legislators would hesitate to authorize even the most limited form of online gaming.  In Nevada, the problem is the opposite: there are already so many (landbased) licensed poker rooms that it is difficult to work out the details for sharing the new online revenue, and there is fear of diverting players away from the existing gaming floors.

In general, the answer is “skins.”  Players will log on to Caesars Palace’s future online poker room and choose which game they want to play, say $5 - $10 Hold’em.  They then are placed at a table that has a Caesars Palace logo on it.  They probably will not know, or care, that other players may see different logos because they signed up through different casino websites.  Computers ensure that each casino gets its correct share of the table’s revenue.

But there are at least three other ways to have legal online poker.  All gambling requires prize, consideration and chance.  Eliminate any one, and it is not gambling.

A site could charge money, even for games of chance, so long as it does not give valuable prizes.  Bragging rights don’t count.  So, someone could start a contest for the world’s greatest poker player, if all they win is a trophy, no cash.

Some poker sites allow players to play for free.  For example, at BetZip.com (one of my clients), anyone from more than 20 states can enter by merely mailing in a hand-written card.  This is not gambling, even though players can win up to $10,000 cash.  Since there is no consideration, it does not violate federal law or the laws of most states.

Others are looking at showing that poker is a game of skill.  I am writing a Legal Opinion for one of the biggest operators that at least tournament poker is predominantly skill, and therefore legal under federal law and the laws of most states.

There may or may not ever be lawsuits on the issue.  After all, is there any government lawyer who wants to be made a public laughingstock by claiming that poker is a game of chance?

By http://www.eog.com