Sam Houston Race Park opens for live racing tonight with nine races and nine more on Saturday night. Here are my selections for Friday night's card. 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).

FIRST 

5-6-2-3

SPRINGTIME MOJO shortens up and should be a factor late

SECOND

2-7-3-5

FLAT OUT GITTIN IT drops back in for a tag and fits well here

THIRD

6-8-5-1

KATIES SHADOW comes off a nice effort and has been well bet in all 3 starts

FOURTH

8-6-4-1

SPANISH COYOTE might be a factor in this spot

FIFTH

1-6-5-2

AREED leads a solid Broberg entry and should be tough

SIXTH

5-3-6-9

CLASSIC SOPO ships in from Fair Grounds off a sharp effort

SEVENTH

7-1-5-4

ONEMOREFASTDANCE has been consistent and should be in the mix

EIGHTH

8-2-5-1

GAME LOADING should bounce back here and offers nice value

NINTH

6-7-5-10

NO SUPERVISION rates a slim edge in a competitive group