Playing the ponies

Fred Faour's selections for Sunday's big stakes day at Sam Houston Race Park

Valadorna headlines today's Sam Houston Ladies Classic. Hodges Photography

It's Ladies Classic day at the Sam Houston Race Park thoroughbred meet with nine races one a rare Sunday card. 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). Several really strong races today in addition to the Classic. Good luck!

FIRST

3-2-1-5

SONG SUNG BLUE should fare better on the lawn

SECOND

7-1-2-5

ORATORY LIGHTS could be ready at first asking

THIRD

7-5-2-10

TACOLA should be in a good spot to compete

FOURTH

1-4-5-2

SMOKING ROMANCE is consistent and should be in the mix

FIFTH

8-5-10-3

DIRECT DIAL has been competitive on some tough circuits

SIXTH

7-5-2-4

HOGY is one of the better horses in the country in this type of race

SEVENTH

3-4-6-1

SHE'S PRETTY LUCKY will be a short price but looks tough here

EIGHTH

7-9-8-3

CHICAGO STYLE should be tough in this spot

NINTH

7-4-2-1

ACTRESS' best effort should be enough in this spot

TENTH

9-4-3-1

JOYOUS THUNDER might have a shot at a solid price

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Jose Altuve is expected to miss significant time. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve was hit by a pitch during Saturday's WBC game between Venezuela and the USA, which put a scare into Astros fans, and caused him to exit the game.

Now we're hearing Altuve with have to miss some time and won't be ready to start the season.

Bob Nightengale is reporting that the pitch broke Altuve's right thumb and he is expected to miss 8–10 weeks.

The Astros have not given an official update on the specifics of the injury.

Editor's note: The Astros have now given an update on Altuve's injury. He has a fractured thumb and will have surgery soon.

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