PLAYING THE PONIES
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Monday, April 29
Apr 29, 2019, 6:14 am
Hodges Photography
Here are my selections for Monday. 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). Rough start to the quarter horse meet but it will come around.
FIRST
3-4-7-6
RACEY BLAZE exits a tough heat and fits well here
SECOND
6-3-4-5
LA RAPID CHIRONOMY draws a favorable post and has been close a few times
THIRD
2-3-6-4
JESSCOMARUNNING should be in a good spot for win No. 3
FOURTH
3-7-4-5
RAYO TO THE TOP might finally be in the right spot for a win
FIFTH
8-1-3-6
RM DASHIN DEAL should improve with a start over the track
SIXTH
3-5-4-6
JESS ELEVEN OR SEVEN already has a win at this condition
SEVENTH
4-6-7-5
IS EL TRECE has been close in Louisiana and could break through
EIGHTH
4-9-8-2
MALALA STOLIS was close against a nice runner in debut and should improve
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Astros get just enough but lose a key contributor late
Jun 12, 2025, 11:22 pm
NFL analyst Albert Breer isn’t buying the quiet offseason surrounding the Houston Texans. In his view, the buzz — or lack of it — isn’t reflective of what this team actually is: a legitimate AFC contender that should be taken seriously in 2025.
Much of the skepticism, Breer believes, comes from surface-level narratives. The Texans went 10-7 in the regular season last year, a step back from the lofty expectations set after C.J. Stroud’s electric rookie year and Houston’s dramatic playoff push. And while the offense didn’t maintain its early-season explosion under Bobby Slowik, people seem to be overlooking how that same Texans team ended the year: as one of the last four teams standing in the AFC — alongside the Chiefs, Bills, and Ravens.
In Breer’s eyes, Houston belongs in that group. The defense is championship-caliber, with rising stars and playmakers at every level. And offensively, the switch to Nick Caley as offensive coordinator could be just what the unit needs. Caley brings a fresh voice and perspective, and paired with a fully settled-in Stroud, the Texans are well-positioned to take another leap forward.
One moment Breer points to as underrated: Houston’s Divisional Round game against Kansas City at Arrowhead. While most remember the Texans bowing out of the playoffs there, many forget they were trailing by just one point going into the fourth quarter — toe-to-toe with the defending Super Bowl champs in one of the toughest environments in football.
The Texans’ current win total is set at 9.5 by oddsmakers — a line Breer believes is too low. His expectation? Twelve wins and another deep playoff run. To him, the narrative that Houston is being “slept on” will disappear soon enough — likely around the time the Texans remind everyone why they’re still a problem in the AFC.
You can watch the video below for the full conversation.
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*ChatGPT assisted.
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