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AT&T Race Break: Darlington preview

by Mike Harmon

Mike is a contributor for the FOXSports.com fantasy group. Read his blog for more analysis. Have a question or comment? Send them, and the best ones may appear in his show or column.

Updated: May 7, 2008, 11:44 AM EST Comment

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Sometimes, it pays not to over-think things. Last week in this space, I jumped aboard the hot hand and picked Kyle Busch to post another monster run in Richmond.

Yeah, I know. I was on the chalk. It worked in the Kentucky Derby this week, didn't it?

Busch produced another top-tier ride with his second-place finish at the track, although he didn't make any friends along the way. That's fine. Fantasy owners who dived at the chance to start Busch last weekend earned a mountain of points.

AT&T Fantasy Dominator

I'm following the same strategy with my selection of Jeff Gordon as my AT&T Fantasy Dominator . He ended a three-race mini-drought with a fabulous run-up of 19 slots to capture ninth place at Richmond. Gordon has been one of the top performers at Darlington historically, posted a mind-boggling 15 top-five finishes in his 27 career starts at the track. He's claimed four poles and has found victory lane seven times. I have a gut feeling that the No. 24 team is about to go on a tear, and I'm jumping on the bandwagon for a monster run at Darlington.

AT&T Fantasy Longshot

For my longshot pick this week, I'm turning to a blast from the past. Bobby Labonte recently signed a new deal, and he's been running well of late. Labonte has produced two top-15 finishes in his past three starts, and that has me optimistic that he can provide a lift in the fourth slot for fantasy participants this weekend. He's raced to five top-20 finishes in his past six Darlington starts, including three top 10s. I know we can't turn back the clock a decade to when Labonte was a fixture in the top 10. I can hope for the stars to align, if only for an afternoon.

Harmon's picks: Darlington
Category	Driver
AT&T Fantasy Dominator	Jeff Gordon
AT&T Fantasy Longshot	Bobby Labonte

Here's hoping that your paint trading is kept at a minimum and that your engines stay sound.

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