Seven tournaments deep, The Skinny has grown tired of the By the Book Preview.

It's time for a little change.

For this week's Samoset Open in Rockport, ME-- which begins Thursday--I've decided to follow the Horses for Courses theory.

Literally.

Thanks to a late night crash course in horse betting, I've taken the same principles used to separate Secretariat from Mr. Ed and applied them to this week's field of 101.

Potential win, place and show prospects, odds and payoffs--each with a twisted Skinny lingo.

And I've also thrown in brief Spark Notes type bios of each thoroughbred.

Just call me Ty Law, I've got you covered. So get your read on, do your homework and don't forget to place your wagers to media@clevelandgolftour.com.

As an enticement to play, anyone who correctly picks the top 2 finishers will receive a check for $1.95 from my personal bank account.

Honest to God.

 WIN CANDIDATES: THE JACK NICKLAUS COLLECTION

Thoroughbred: Mike Harris
In the stall: Has bagged six wins in last 12 starts; pocketed 196,148.75 during that stretch; T21ST in PGA TOUR’s Bell Canadian Open; Canadian Tour order order of merit champion; exempt through 1st stage of PGA TOUR Q School
Odds: The way Harris has been racking up the wins, his odds of victory are almost even. A comfortable 3-1 pick.
Payoff: Hopefully he can help me with my car payment.

Thoroughbred: Eric Egloff
In the stall: Samoset champion in '03,04; less than three weeks removed from a dominant, five shot win at Captain's in which he tallied 18 birdies and an eagle against just four bogeys; reigning Mass. Open champion
Odds: 2-1 he makes an appearance on CGT TV
Payoff: CGT TV doesn't pay guests. But maybe we'll pick up a sponsor.

Thoroughbred: Geoff Sisk
In the stall: Won second of two events held at Samoset in '04; captured Springfield Pro-Am last week; seven top 10s in as many events; three-time CGT POY; 2nd on season long points race
Odds: Sisk has sniffed contention more times than the Atlanta Braves during the 90s. Let's just say I wouldn't bet my Fidra fleece that he doesn't leave Rockport, ME with an oversized check.
Payoff: No. Sisk isn't paying me to pad his ego.
  
PLACE CANDIDATES (1ST OR 2ND): THE NEW YORK YANKEES FINISH IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST EVERY YEAR SINCE I CAN REMEMBER


Thoroughbred: Rob "Land O' Lakes" Oppenheim
In the stall: Current CGT money and points leader; two-time winner this season (Atkinson, NH Open); second in scoring average among active players (69.14); seven top 16s in as many events
Odds: With three events remaining, Oppenheim holds a slim lead over Sisk for the points title. Check the line of the most comparable showdown of thoroughbred rivalries. Affirmed versus Alydar in the 1987 Triple Crown comes to mind. (Thank you, horseracing.about.com)  
Payoff: $4,500, the PGA TOUR Q School check Oppenheim will receive from the CGT if he can hold off Sisk for the points title

Thoroughbred: Marc Lawless
In the stall: six top 11s in as many events; captured first professional victory at Blackstone National Open; T1 in par 4 performance (21-under);
Odds: I bet he'll agree with this:
Payoff: Considering he's practically Eli Zackheim's travel manager, he could use the extra cash if he wins.


SHOW CANDIDATES (1, 2 OR 3): A TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD'S BEST SITCOM, THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR

Thoroughbred: Noah Zelnik
In the stall: Once he discovered Q School Pre-qualifying had been cancelled, allowing him to play this week, he's been on a roll, closing with 69-72 at the NE Open and recording a top 10 at the Springfield Pro-Am; third at second event at Samoset in '04.
Odds: His game has been so up and down this season, some weeks he's 2-1 to contend. Others, he's 2-1 to miss the cut. Will the real Noah Zelnik please stand up?
Payoff: Just $1,491 in his last four events, including three emcees. Oops, wrong MC.