Hondo started slowly with South Carolina yesterday but surged beautifully last night with Ohio State and the Giants to slash the deficit to 1,275 samples.

Today, Mr. Aitch will plunge for paydirt with the Jets, Falcons and Lions — 10 units apiece. Also, he expects Cain to raise a chunk of cash for the cause by finishing off the overmatched Tigers — 10 units on San Fran.

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Joe Girardi reportedly called the press box during the playoffs to ask that the PA announcer not mention Alex Rodriguez’s name when Raul Ibanez pinch-hit for him. It’s a good thing the Yankee coddler spared the sensitive slugger’s feelings. If he hadn’t, A-Rod might have lost interest in the game and turned his attention to getting phone numbers of hot women near the dugout.

hondo@nypost.com