Sam Houston Picks: Connally Turf focus Friday January 21

SHRP is ready for another weekend of racing! 10-races this Friday Night ... With low takeouts at 12% for wagers like the Daily Double and Pick 3s, 4s, 5, and the Space City 6, there is absolutely no reason to not be playing at "Sam." With the excellent John B. Connally Turf Course, great fields, and a solid purse structure, the team in the Bayou City is ready to trot out a fabulous Meet. It was some record-setting weeks as far as handle, so let's see what is in-store this time around!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Queen of the Lane #5, 8/5):

Think JR Caldwell and Lane Luzzi make for a formidable team, and they are looking to get a win with this mare by Algorithms. It was on Opening Weekend that she skimmed the dirt, and just missed winning a Clm event going 7 furlongs. Caldwell makes the decision to switch to the green, and that could help her. We know she is fast, and with Luzzi’s ability to press the pace, it could be an easy score. Watching this one develop is going to be interesting, especially with such surface versatility.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Alternate Time #5, 5/1):

A 5-yr-old gelding, this one is in for a tag $20k. The Reeds bred and own this one, and I think she might end up being a steal. Last out at the Fair Grounds, the gelding was up against some tough competition in Isolate (winner) and Verb (place horse). Dropping into this spot seems like a solid plan, and do not be fooled by her lack of effort in that last race. This is a much better runner than you might think. Trainer Bret Calhoun regularly comes over from Louisiana this time of year, and he knows where to spot members of his barn. I like the angle, and the riding ability of Richard Eramia. What a claim this one will be … Here is to hoping his price drifts towards 6/1 or higher!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile, AOC30k, 4+):

I am hoping that this “feature” is not taken off-the-turf. It is a little over a week until the Houston Racing Festival, and they might be inclined to protect the Connally Turf Course. If this does run as planned, then there is sure to be a bit of “give” when it comes to the surface. As for a favorite, that is going to be interesting … to say the least. Out of these 10, the betting public could easily be backing Karl Broberg’s Quarky #8. The gelding is by The Factor, and that sire has a strong history of producing turf prodigies. His conditioner had him up at Remington in that last cycle, and the, then-5-yr-old, was pretty tough against “Non-G” Co. With Ry Eikleberry continuing to look strong at the Meet, the Jerry Namy-owned gelding could be really tough. The one concern is that all of those races were state bred races … not the same as open company. When it comes to tip top selection, I am eager to back another JR Caldwell turfer in Conviction Trade #4. The 6-yr-old was claimed from Mike Maker, and most H-Town T-bred followers will recall he was entered in the Grade 3 Connally Turf Cup last year. He is without question the classiest runner entered in this spot, and is a definite professional. Once again, Lane Luzzi gets the call, and I would be shocked if this entry is anywhere near 15/1. Rounding a Superfecta ticket, where Caldwell’s horse is the “key,” I also like Newport Beach #5 and Colloquist #7 … both are logical, and should be in the mix late in the game. All I can say … what a salty contest!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 4 w 5/7/8 w 5/7/8 w 5/7/8

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Enjoy some racing from “Deep in the Heart of Texas!” Best of luck on another run at Sam Houston!