PLAYING THE PONIES
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Saturday, Feb. 15
Feb 15, 2020, 6:55 am
Here are my selections for Saturday 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
1-4-2-6
UPTOWN FLYING FLYNN just missed in last and could get it done
SECOND
1-3-2-4
Three-pronged entry could easily sweep the top three spots here
THIRD
4-3-2-1
MADIBA deserves another look shortening up from an OK effort at a mile
FOURTH
5-8-7-2
SWISS DOT likely needed last; past efforts are good enough to win this
FIFTH
5-7-8-9
GILES was a beaten favorite in last but similar effort could get it done
SIXTH
2-5-3-7
LITTLE CODE has some solid efforts and should be in the hunt if race stays on the grass
SEVENTH
8-3-1-2
PRINCE JET gets Lasix off a speed and fade debut; should be tough to catch
EIGHTH
8-4-9-1
COMPLETE SENSE should be in the mix if she goes; if not KERTARA looks solid
NINTH
4-5-2-1
TAKE CHARGE WOMAN has solid works for debut and could be ready
TENTH
2-5-10-3
MO AMERICAN is a son of Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh; should be tough
How Astros can look to silver lining solutions coming out of the Break
Jul 14, 2025, 3:49 pm
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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