PLAYING THE PONIES
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Friday, Feb. 14
Feb 14, 2020, 6:45 am
PLAYING THE PONIES
Here are my selections for Friday night at Sam Houston Race Park. 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
5-4-3-8
IZA DADDY has been super consistent and should contend here
SECOND
7-8-4-2
D'ROCKETMAN has a win over the local surface and some nice tries at Remington
THIRD
4-9-1-5
STORMY DEPENCIER struggled in last but barn usually has them ready
FOURTH
8-7-2-1
INSURRECTION ran into trouble in last but prior start puts him in the mix
FIFTH
8-4-3-1
HEADLINING showed some life in Kentucky in last start and could get it done here
SIXTH
4-1-10-7
WHENTHEPENNYDROPS could be a nice fit in this spot
SEVENTH
9-2-7-5
TRUE CONFESSION has been off since July but faced tough runners
EIGHTH
7-8-3-5
YOUNG PHILLIP has been close against some very talented fiels
NINTH
2-10-8-1
BELLE STRIKE should improve with the stretch-out, surface change and second start
TENTH
4-10-9-7
CONTENDRESS showed some life in last and might be coming around
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!