PLAYING THE PONIES

Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday, March 11

Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday, March 11
Coady photography

Here are my selections for Wednesday 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

6-1-4-5

TWO STEPPING DISCO is worth a flyer in a struggling group


SECOND
1-2-6-4
BRIGHTEST was close in stakes company in last


THIRD
6-1-4-5
TROY OUNCE'S last race can be tossed; priors are worth a look


FOURTH
2-1-7-6
SHANGHAI WOMAN struggled in last but can be competitive with best effort


FIFTH
5-10-1-2
D'ROCKETMAN needed last; in the mix if the race stays on turf

SIXTH

6-1-5-3
PASTOR VAN stretches back out and should fare better at this distance


SEVENTH
1-3-5-4
Entry looks tough here; price will be short but either horse could win this


EIGHTH
1-4-8-6
MR TICKLE had his win streak snapped in last; could start a new one


NINTH
8-5-3-4
DECORATED FOR GOLD is consistent for a barn that is running well here


TENTH
9-10-2-6
CAT'S HONOR was in good form in Oklahoma; should be in the mix if ready off break


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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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