Playing The Ponies
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Friday, March 15
Mar 15, 2019, 1:47 pm
Courtesy photo
Here are my selections for Friday. 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
6-1-3-2
BIG BEN AA will be a short price but this is his softest spot in a while
SECOND
4-2-5-1
JAY ISKEY offers nice value on the stretch out and picks up Parker
THIRD
5-3-4-8
ZABETTE will be a short price but looks very solid in this spot
FOURTH
1-4-2-7
GET THE BLING might not have liked the off track in last; deserves another shot
FIFTH
7-5-6-2
CLEAR AS DAY had a decent effort in last against some tough runners
SIXTH
8-1-3-2
TOO TALL TONY stretches out off a pair of sharp efforts and might surprise
SEVENTH
2-5-7-4
NOBLE LOVE shortens up off some solid efforts in New Orleans; top four look tough here
EIGHTH
2-3-5-6
LUCKY LIGHTENING would not need to improve much to take this down
NINTH
7-2-1-4
IMALLABOUTIT is well bred for the grass and might pop at a price
Astros pitching shines in extra-innings win over Mariners
Apr 9, 2025, 12:47 am
The Braves added to their bullpen depth on Tuesday night by acquiring right-hander Rafael Montero from the Houston Astros along with $7.7 million that will cover just over 70% of his remaining salary.
Atlanta will send the Astros a player to be named.
Montero, 34, has a 4.71 ERA in 11 seasons. Of his 324 career games, only 30 came as a starter, including none since 2017. He allowed two runs and three hits over in four innings this season.
Montero made his major league debut in 2014 with the New York Mets and has pitched the last five seasons for Houston.
Montero is owed $10,696,237 from his $11.5 million salary in the final season of a $34.5 million, three-year contract. Houston will pay Atlanta $3.85 million each on May 1 and July 1.
Astros ownership handed Montero his surprising contract while operating without a general manager following their split with James Click in 2022. The deal sent shockwaves not just through Houston’s fanbase, but across the entire league, reshaping the relief pitching market.
Montero has a 3.81 ERA in 187 games with the Astros. He has 30 career saves, including 14 for Houston in 2022, when he contributed to a World Series championship.
Montero had a 2.51 ERA in 15 postseason games with Houston.
Houston will recall left-hander Bennett Sousa from Triple A Sugar Land to replace Montero on the active roster.
The Braves did not immediately announce a roster move for Montero, who is expected to join the team on Wednesday.