PLAYING THE PONIES

Fred Faour's Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday

Fred Faour's Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday
It's afternoon racing at SHRP. Courtesy photo

It's midweek racing at the Sam Houston Race Park thoroughbred meet with nine races today. Here are my selections. These are not meant to be in exact order, but merely the four horses I think have the best chance to win. For beginners, I suggest exacta boxes with three horses, using two of mine and one of your own. And you can always pick up a copy of Acing Racing 2016 to learn everything you need to know. (These are the picks and format that are available on the free tip sheet at SHRP). We have been on a bit of a roll of late and feel good about the card.

FIRST

1-6-2-4

CLASSIC SOPO heads a strong entry that should be tough here

SECOND

5-2-10-9

PROUD ITALIAN had trouble in last two and could surprise in this spot

THIRD

1-4-6-7

EXPERIENTIAL is a Mattress Mac runner who should improve

FOURTH

8-1-6-7

LOTTO CAT turns back in distance and should be in the mix

FIFTH

6-8-10-7

COLLATERAL KITTEN should be very competitive in this spot

SIXTH

4-1-6-5

PRINCE ISAAC shifts back to the main track and fits well here

SEVENTH

4-1-6-8

MEDIEVAL MEDICINE disappointed in last but deserves another shot

EIGHTH

4-3-7-1

LAWLESS WEST has faced tough customers and should be in the mix

NINTH

8-7-2-5

COWBOY BLING should be ready off a short break

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The Braves blew the game open against Hader on Monday night. Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images.

When the Astros signed Josh Hader to anchor the back of the bullpen with Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu, we thought the club might have the best 'pen in MLB.

But at this early stage in the season, nobody is confusing these guys with Octavio Dotel, Brad Lidge, and Billy Wager.

Heading into the ninth inning on Monday night, the Astros handed the ball to Hader trailing the Braves 2-1. Instead of keeping the game close and giving the Astros' offense one more chance, the Braves teed off on the closer putting the game out of reach and ultimately winning 6-1.

Hader has one save on the season with an ERA over nine. Which has us wondering, do the Astros have a Hader problem?

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein weigh in!

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