Playing the Ponies
Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday, Feb. 27
Feb 27, 2019, 7:08 am
Here are my selections for Wednesday. 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 rain in the area so if the races come off the turf, ignore those picks.
FIRST
7-6-3-1
EASTER SNAP
Might turn the tables on the favorite with the longer distance
SECOND
1-7-5-4
GET FOXY
Needed last off the shelf and class drop might get her home
THIRD
2-3-5-10
HEAT FLASH
Should fare much better in this spot than in the last
FOURTH
1-6-2-4
CHI TOWN CHIEF
Gets one more chance off a non-threatening second
FIFTH
2-10-7-1
MOLLYWARMFLASH
Firster is bred for the grass for Asmussen and the price is fair
SIXTH
7-6-1-3
CORNELIUS SPRINGS
Big class drop might be they key to victory for this one
SEVENTH
4-1-5-2
GET THE BLING
Sharp winner in last should handle step up in conditions
EIGHTH
6-7-5-1
AUDACIOUS ANGEL
Been sharp last two and should be in the hunt again
NINTH
4-8-5-7
CAPTIVE KITTEN
Shocker - yet another Kitten's Joy offspring who loves the turf
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The Astros know how to win these games, and it shows
Jun 29, 2025, 4:28 pm
Kyle Tucker launched a three-run homer and matched a season high with four hits against the team that traded him in December, and the Chicago Cubs routed Houston 12-3 on Saturday night to stop the Astros' five-game winning streak.
Tucker also scored four times to pace a Cubs lineup that pounded out 15 hits, including three by Dansby Swanson. Seiya Suzuki, Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner also went deep.
Chicago hit three homers in an inning for the second time this season during a seven-run fourth. Busch and Hoerner had back-to-back solo shots to put the Cubs on top 3-2, and Tucker’s drive made it 7-2.
The offensive outburst came in support of Colin Rea (5-3), who allowed two runs and five hits over five innings. The only blemish on his line was rookie Cam Smith’s two-run homer in the third, which briefly gave the Astros a 2-1 lead.
Smith, part of the package Houston received for Tucker, finished with two hits and has homered in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
Lance McCullers Jr. (1-3) came off the injured list and allowed eight runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Isaac Paredes, also part of the Astros' trade return for Tucker, hit his 17th home run.
Key moment
Tucker’s three-run homer in the fourth that put the Cubs ahead 7-2.
Key stat
McCullers has a 10.89 ERA in five home starts this season, but hasn’t allowed an earned run in three road starts.
Up next
Houston LHP Framber Valdez (8-4, 2.88 ERA) opposes RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 4.77 ERA) when the series concludes Sunday.