PLAYING THE PONIES

Sam Houston Race Park selections for Tuesday, March 26

Horse racing
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Here are my selections for Tuesday. 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
3-2-1-6
MS RED ROCKETTE did not show a lot in debut but should improve here


SECOND
7-8-3-2
SOUTH TEXAS DRAWL comes off a sharp effort against slightly better


THIRD
6-1-7-2
GIANT BLOSSOM has been just OK on tough circuits but should like the move to turf


FOURTH
7-1-2-8
SENATOR ROBERT has a pair of sharp efforts and should be in the mix


FIFTH
9-2-1-5
REAL GLITTER has been facing some tough runners and should do well here


SIXTH
3-1-8-5
GET THE BLING is in a good spot here and best effort should get it done


SEVENTH
5-2-3-1
TOMMY GROSSMAN was dull in last but should improve in this spot


EIGHTH
5-7-3-8
SUPER SIMPLE was a beaten favorite in last and should bounce back


NINTH
4-1-7-2
SARABI freaked in last and similar effort should get it done

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The Braves blew the game open against Hader on Monday night. Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images.

When the Astros signed Josh Hader to anchor the back of the bullpen with Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu, we thought the club might have the best 'pen in MLB.

But at this early stage in the season, nobody is confusing these guys with Octavio Dotel, Brad Lidge, and Billy Wager.

Heading into the ninth inning on Monday night, the Astros handed the ball to Hader trailing the Braves 2-1. Instead of keeping the game close and giving the Astros' offense one more chance, the Braves teed off on the closer putting the game out of reach and ultimately winning 6-1.

Hader has one save on the season with an ERA over nine. Which has us wondering, do the Astros have a Hader problem?

Don't miss the video above as ESPN Houston's John Granato and Lance Zierlein weigh in!

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