Playing the Ponies
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Friday, Jan. 24
Jan 24, 2020, 6:41 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). We will be broadcasting live with the Blitz from 4-7 p.m. so please drop by.
FIRST
4-3-2-9
UPTOWN WTF romped in first start in Texas and could repeat
SECOND
6-7-1-2
NOLA'S SUGARPLUM might not have liked the Delta surface; fits well if she handles this
THIRD
2-6-8-3
MORO CHARLIE switches back to the main track and should contend
FOURTH
8-1-3-4
MUCHO DINERO has solid connections and should be in the mix
FIFTH
10-12-6-9
RAMAH had some quick works early and should be ready for debut
SIXTH
4-9-8-2
STUMBERG has a couple nice starts and Fair Grounds and fits well here
SEVENTH
5-3-6-1
WILD MOMENT shortens back up and should fare better at this distance
EIGHTH
1-8-9-4
GILES will be a short price but looks tough to handle here
NINTH
4-1-10-8
STARLING has a start over the surface and should improve
TENTH
7-5-4-10
BAZOOKA has been in could form and could upset the favorite
Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia are back on the mound, but can they actually help the Houston Astros this season?
Javier made his first rehab start in the Florida Complex League (FCL), his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery, and the results weren’t promising.
He struck out two but gave up three runs and reported some elbow soreness afterward. He’s expected to use his full 30-day rehab window.
Meanwhile, Luis Garcia had a slightly better outing, striking out four in his own FCL appearance. But with the Astros dealing with a wave of long-term pitching injuries, fans are left wondering: Are these arms just rusty, or not ready at all?
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein break down both pitchers’ status, what their timelines look like, and whether Astros fans should have hope or concerns about their returns.
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