PLAYING THE PONIES
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Friday, Feb. 21
Feb 21, 2020, 6:36 am
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
Sunday night matchups don't get much exciting than this, as the Houston Texans host the Detroit Lions in prime-time at NRG.
The Lions come into this game on a six-game winning streak looking every bit of the best team in football. Houston on the other hand has lost two of their last three games with a struggling offense unable to protect their quarterback.
CJ Stroud has only one passing touchdown over this span, and is clearly having trouble adjusting to life without Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins.
If Houston is going to come away with an upset victory, they will need big performances from Tank Dell and Joe Mixon. After catching 4 passes against the Colts two weeks ago, Mixon not only failed to catch a single pass against the Jets, but he wasn't even targeted.
Considering the Texans' offensive line issues, choosing not to use Mixon as a pass catcher is hard to fathom. Especially since he and Dell are the team's top 2 playmakers.
What's working in the Texans' favor?
They play this game at home, where they are undefeated this season. A lot of the team's protection issues have popped up on the road, so communication should be easier for the offense on their home turf.
Bulls on Parade
We have good news and bad news about the defense this week. On the positive side, Azeez Al-Shaair and Jimmy Ward have returned to practice. If they're able to contribute on Sunday night, that would give the defense a lift.
And now for the bad news. Will Anderson has yet to practice this week after rolling his ankle in the Jets game. If he is unable to practice on Friday, it's hard to imagine he'll be active against Detroit.
X-factors
The Texans have to show some improvement on the offensive line this week.
Houston must lean on Joe Mixon again, as Nico Collins isn't expected to play.
Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he does most of his damage from the slot. If the Texans continue to deploy Jalen Pitre against premier receivers in man coverage, St. Brown is going to light up the scoreboard.
What would a win over the Lions mean to Houston?
The Texans are no longer considered a true championship contender because of their losses to the Packers, Vikings, and Jets. In fact, the Bills are the only team with a winning record that the Texans have beaten.
An upset win over the streaking Lions would change that narrative.
What does Vegas think?
The Lions are currently favored by 3.5 and the total is set at 49 points.
Don't miss the full preview of Texans-Lions in the video above!
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