PLAYING THE PONIES
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Friday, Feb. 21
Feb 21, 2020, 6:36 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
6-5-2-1
LAZUR HESS has finished behind a couple of these in the past but looks sharp
SECOND
8-2-3-6
GAME DAY DECISION gets back on dirt and distance should suit him
THIRD
11-12-5-7
MORE THAN STATURE hooked a monster in last; prior race fits well here
FOURTH
1-5-4-6
ROCKNROLL ROCKET was an easy winner in last and could repeat
FIFTH
8-9-7-1
JADE D'ORO just missed in Delta debut and should be in the mix
SIXTH
6-3-4-8
SNEEM has yet to lose at this trip; new barn should keep him sharp
SEVENTH
3-10-4-7
BIG EGYPT is a shrewd claim who has already paid off; could win right back at this level
EIGHTH
5-4-7-6
LEBRON J has every reason to improve in start No. 3
NINTH
6-8-5-2
THREE TIME CHARMER had gate issues in last; better behavior could equal a win
TENTH
3-1-5-10
UNCAIL will be on the lead early and tough to run down
After a historic rookie season for Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, many were expecting the rookie phenom to take another step in his sophomore campaign.
Sadly for Houston fans, that didn't happen. Stroud regressed in his second year, and many believed that OC Bobby Slowik was the main reason for the sophomore slump.
And it looks like the Texans felt the same way. According to sources, Bobby Slowik and the Texans are parting ways.
A major change in Houston: The #Texans are moving on from offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, sources say, after an up-and-down offensive season.
Despite reaching the divisional round, coach DeMeco Ryans hopes for more. OL coach Chris Strausser is also out. pic.twitter.com/UYOdNiADAx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2025
Offensive line coach Chris Strausser will not be returning either. Strausser's exit isn't nearly as surprising as Slowik's, KPRC2's Aaron Wilson reported earlier in the week that Strausser wasn't expected back.
But many didn't believe DeMeco Ryans would let Slowik go after one down season. However, the amount of hits Stroud was taking behind a leaky o-line that repeatedly was unable to pick up simple stunts certainly justifies the move.
Another year of that kind of abuse to Stroud just wasn't sustainable.
Now the team will have to turn their attention to finding a new coordinator and offensive line coaches. Ohio State's OC Chip Kelly is a name that has been discussed because of his past relationship with Ryans.
Aaron Wilson listed some potential internal candidates in the post below, which includes Jerod Johnson, Bill Lazor, and Ben McDaniels.
#Texans internal candidates to replace Bobby Slowik expected to be considered: Jerod Johnson, Bill Lazor and Ben McDaniels.
An outside candidate who makes sense: #Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
Would expect wide-ranging, thorough search@KPRC2 https://t.co/3RrkVVHVbr
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 24, 2025
The outside candidate (Klint Kubiak) he mentioned would make me the most excited!
Either way, the Texans have their work cut out for them in finding the next leader of the offensive staff.