Playing the Ponies

Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday, March 20

Coady Photography

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).

FIRST
3-1-4-6
FIFTEEN GOLDEN will be a short price but looks tough here


SECOND
6-4-1-7
BIG BAD ZIN has had a lot of chances but should be well spotted here


THIRD
1-6-5-7
KYRA was a big winner in debut and should be in the mix again


FOURTH
4-7-8-6
TIZ A MELODY faced a tough crew in last and should be in the mix


FIFTH
2-5-3-8
TOO MUCH IRISH is bred to run early and trainer sends them ready


SIXTH
7-1-5-6
ALLITERATIVE has been on some tough circuits and should thrive here


SEVENTH
3-4-1-6
CAT'S ETERNAL FLAME has some sharp efforts at Delta and should be in the mix


EIGHTH
1-9-10-2
FINDING VALUE should be a decent price and fits better on the lawn

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Michael Brantley will start in left field in the finale against Seattle. Composite Getty Image.

It all comes down to this. If the Astros are able to come away with a victory on Wednesday night, they control their own destiny moving forward. But if they fall to the Mariners, they will likely have to sweep Arizona and get some help from the Rangers to have a chance at the postseason.

The Astros are currently a half game up on Seattle, but a loss tonight would push Houston out of the final wild card spot and give the Mariners a leg up.

How will Dusty deploy his hitters in the biggest game of the season?

Tonight's lineup is missing several key pieces to the Astros' offense. Chas McCormick and Yainer Diaz. McCormick might be out of the lineup due to getting hit by a pitch on Tuesday night. And Diaz's only shot at playing was hitting DH, with Martin Maldonado catching for Framber Valdez as he has done all season.

In what could be a silver lining, Michael Brantley has returned to play left field, with Yordan Alvarez sliding over to the DH spot. And once again Dusty Baker is sticking to his guns with Jose Abreu hitting 5th once again.

Let's hope Framber Valdez has one of his classic performances, because runs could be tough to come by if the top 4 guys in the lineup don't come through with big performances.

Let's go get this one! Go Astros!


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