PLAYING THE PONIES
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Tuesday, March 17
Mar 17, 2020, 6:16 am
PLAYING THE PONIES
Here are my selections for Tuesday 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
3-6-4-1
CONTENDRESS was solid in meet debut and could move forward
SECOND
3-5-4-2
PEPPERMINT MATCH should improve off claim
THIRD
5-1-6-2
CURTSEYTOTHEKITTEN should improve in this spot
FOURTH
5-1-6-7
JESSICA'S ARCH popped at a big price in last and can repeat
FIFTH
1-4-10-6
WHENTHEPENNYDROPS should be set up for a nice effort
SIXTH
4-8-5-11
SNEEM could turn the tables in this spot
SEVENTH
8-6-1-4
APPROVETHISMESSAGE should improve with move back to main track
EIGHTH
3-5-4-7
SPUN LINE switches back to dirt and should respond
NINTH
5-3-4-2
RUNNINGWSCISSORS has been racing on tough circuits
TENTH
2-12-11-1
CADDO FOX has chased some tough ones and might break through
When: Thursday, 8 p.m. EST
Where: Houston, TX
BetMGM Line: Rockets -10; Over/Under 219
BOTTOM LINE:
The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to end a four-game skid as they take on the Houston Rockets, who have established themselves as a force in the Western Conference this season.
The Rockets (17-9) currently sit third in the West and boast one of the league's best rebounding units, led by Alperen Sengun. Houston has dominated within the division, posting a 4-1 record against Southwest Division opponents. Meanwhile, the Pelicans (5-22) have struggled mightily, especially within their division, where they remain winless at 0-3.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR:
RECENT FORM:
INJURY REPORT:
KEY MATCHUP:
Alperen Sengun vs. the Pelicans' Interior Defense
Sengun’s ability to dominate the paint with his rebounding and passing could be a deciding factor. Without Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans’ defense will be shorthanded and at risk of being overpowered by Houston’s size and depth.
PREDICTION:
The Rockets are heavy favorites for a reason. With no major injuries and a strong rebounding game, Houston should control the tempo and exploit the Pelicans’ lack of offensive firepower. Expect Houston to extend New Orleans’ losing streak in convincing fashion.
Final Score Prediction: Rockets 114, Pelicans 98
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