PLAYING THE PONIES

Sam Houston Race Park selections for Wednesday, March 6

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). Like my picks in the fifth, sixth and seventh races best of all.

FIRST
7-6-4-5
FUDGE PROUD has an annoying habit of running second but this sets up well

SECOND
6-2-3-5
BYARS MELODIE has a nice debut at Delta and should improve

THIRD
7-5-3-6
HIGH CLASS TASTE gets back in for a tag and that might do the trick

FOURTH
9-5-8-1
ELVIS is a well-bred firster for a high-profile barn

FIFTH
3-10-9-5
KONA KATIE had a sharp win in last and likes this course

SIXTH
3-2-5-4
EASY SO EASY had a troubled trip in last and could improve at a price

SEVENTH
4-2-3-6
ALPHA AND OMEGA has a good record here and should be coming late

EIGHTH
3-1-2-6
THE GINJA NINJA freaked in last and could repeat if form holds up

NINTH
7-1-9-8
MABAS looks solid off sharp debut but the 1 could surprise at a price as well

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After another poor performance from former Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns' season is starting to look like an uphill climb. Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is out for the year, and Cleveland fans aren't too pleased with the way Watson is playing, especially considering the massive contract extension he signed with the team. And we didn't even get to the off the field drama that comes with Watson.

However, Houston fans are invested in the Browns' season outcome as well, with the Texans holding the Browns' first round pick in 2024, and having sent their own first rounder to the Cardinals in the Will Anderson trade.

So each loss for the Browns, means a better draft pick for the Texans!

For Houston, it looks like they have their QB of the future in CJ Stroud. And he'll be on a less expensive rookie contract for the next several years, giving the Texans more cap space to upgrade the roster.

With all of this in mind, is it fair to question if the Texans dodged a bullet when Watson demanded a trade?

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Plus, we're only two games into the season, but Lovie Smith's defense was much better (with a similar roster) than what DeMeco Ryans' defense has shown thus far, and DeMeco has the benefit of Will Anderson rushing the QB.

Are the struggles on defense more about the roster GM Nick Caserio has put together, or does this slow start fall on DeMeco?

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