Playing the Ponies

Sam Houston Race Park selections for Friday, March 8

Fred Faour
Mar 8, 2019, 6:31 am
Coady Photography

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). Lots of chalk in the picks tonight so never crazy about that but it looks like a chalky night.

FIRST
4-5-1-2
PRESSING LUCK will be a short price but is a good fit in this spot


SECOND
2-1-7-6

BEVOLUTION just missed in last; will be short but some price horses could run in with him

THIRD
3-5-1-6
BLOWIN SMOKE was a beaten favorite in last but should make amends

FOURTH
2-7-8-5
ROGER BROWN should have a pace advantage and will be tough to catch

FIFTH
4-3-2-8
STANTON C is in solid form and likes this track

SIXTH
1-3-7-4
ARMY QUEEN heads an entry where both horses should improve

SEVENTH
7-6-4-1
OKLAHOMA LINE is consistent and might finally be in a spot to break through

EIGHTH
6-12-10-3
SILVER COIN gets back in with maidens and could pull off a mild surprise

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How Dusty Baker plans to attack Mariners in must-win game for Astros

Michael Brantley will start in left field in the finale against Seattle. Composite Getty Image.

It all comes down to this. If the Astros are able to come away with a victory on Wednesday night, they control their own destiny moving forward. But if they fall to the Mariners, they will likely have to sweep Arizona and get some help from the Rangers to have a chance at the postseason.

The Astros are currently a half game up on Seattle, but a loss tonight would push Houston out of the final wild card spot and give the Mariners a leg up.

How will Dusty deploy his hitters in the biggest game of the season?

Tonight's lineup is missing several key pieces to the Astros' offense. Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz. McCormick might be out of the lineup due to getting hit by a pitch on Tuesday night. And Diaz's only shot at playing was hitting DH, with Martin Maldonado catching for Framber Valdez as he has done all season.

In what could be a silver lining, Michael Brantley has returned to play left field, with Yordan Alvarez sliding over to the DH spot. And once again Dusty Baker is sticking to his guns with Jose Abreu hitting 5th once again.

Let's hope Framber Valdez has one of his classic performances, because runs could be tough to come by if the top 4 guys in the lineup don't come through with big performances.

Let's go get this one! Go Astros!


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