Sam Houston Picks: Friday Night Lights January 14

After a record-setting handle week, SHRP is ready for another 3 days of racing! 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.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action from SHRP! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Do not forget to follow us on Twitter ... @Horseracing_USA ...

Most Likely Winner: (Race 8: Jades Jelly #5, 2/1):

Trainer Karl Broberg is well-known throughout the conditioning circuit as both accomplished and mercurial. That also makes him interesting … When he enters … take notice because there is probably a reason. He recently pulled back his runners from NYRA, and many are now back in Texas. This one by Lea looks promising after she ran against some tough competitors. She brought Broberg his 1st score at Saratoga, and now she comes to play at Sam. I think she will be a bet at 2/1, especially with local ace Ry Eikleberry at the controls.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Texas Red Bel #5, 20/1):

Yep, I am ignoring the Asmussen ace … SHRP always has some plays that you can uncover that will defy the “chalk.” Be on the lookout for them … other pari-mutuel players are! Here is a good one that I think has the ability to score in this spot, but you will have to follow me down the path … it might not be that rosy. This filly by Texas Red, trained by Danny Payne, has not visited the winner’s circle since Lone Star back in May. I think she has not broken well out of the gate, and that makes it very difficult for her to run at her best. Jockey Gerardo Mora gets the call … he is going to have to not miss this golden opportunity. Don’t forget that this dirt sprinter has experience over the MT @SHRP. That can play into Payne’s advantage … look at this box car price!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: 1 Mile 70yds, Clm15kn2L, 4+):

Here is a competitive contest on the Friday Night card that could have some betting value, if you can find an entry who can beat Steve Asmussen’s class dropper—Pa Ma’s Amos #1. This 4-yr-old gelding by Upstart is not a cinch to score. Running at Remington since late August (the last couple in ALLW Co.), he did not exactly blow away the competition. There is no reason to accept 8/5, based on those results … to put it another way. Instead of chalking this one up to Asmussen, I am keen on Frank Lucarelli’s Brock On By #6. The PAC NW trainer came to Texas last year amid all of the COVID closures, and won some nice races in Houston. This gelding by Paynter gets rider Mora, and maybe this time he can do some running. Back in OKC, this runner was just dreary at a higher claiming level, so maybe this tick down is just what he needs. It’s Lucarelli vs Asmussen on the MT in Houston!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 6 w 1

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The SHRP Friday Night lights are on! Best of luck on another run in H-Town!