Sam Houston Picks: Magical Soul channels value on February 26

Playing SHRP is essential ... what with their low 12% takeout on wagers like the Daily Double and Pick 3s, 4s, 5, and the Space City 6, there is absolutely no reason to not be. The well-tended John B. Connally Turf Course, in addition to great fields and a solid purse structure, is now running 4 days a week until early April. The team in Houston is trotting out another excellent Meet.

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 5: Rantheredlight #7, 5/2):

Trainer Mindy Willis always has a strong stable, and you know that she is going to do everything humanly possible to get her equine athletes fit to run. She scratched this gelding by the inquisitive Cross Traffic of Spendthrift Farm on Thursday, in order to enter this Oklahoma bred in this spot. That was a MSW race, this one is an MC event. I like the drop down this 3-yr-old is taking, and Alfredo Triana gets his 3rd crack at riding him. Even though this is his 1st time on turf, he should be able to handle this surface switch. If Triana can get his mount to settle, he might be on his way to the winner’s circle.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Commanding Officer #2, 8/1):

I don’t often tip a 1st time starter, but I am this time … I think Ron Moquett’s name is associated with strong horsemanship, and as he says, “I am not training because I failed at something else.” His approach, and the time he takes with maidens is well-known, even if his current numbers do not necessarily reflect that statement. This colt by Union Rags is not only bred to eventually route, but he was quite a price tag--$300k. Gary and Mary West are a pair of owners that invest in impressive runners, and this one is no exception. The best news of all … Ry Eikleberry, Sam’s leading rider, gets the call. He is having a stellar Meet, and that should continue.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 6F, ALLW38k, F&M 4+):

A pair of Texas breds, one from Arkansas, and some Kentucky-types are all-in … it’s ALLW Co. time on a Saturday Night in H-Town. Sprinting at 6F, these older females will try to either get loose on the lead, or come from off of it. Either way, it is going to be a barnburner. Trainer Steve Asmussen uses Sam Houston as a launch pad for all sorts of runners. He has a pair entered in this spot. His Dad, Keith, is the breeder/owner of Stillatune #1, and this mare by Intimidator is lightly-raced considering she is a 5-yr-old. Over at Delta Downs in early January, she rated nicely, and scored in an ALLW34k1x. The speed fig she posted was solid, and I am sure she will take money. Speaking on that subject, we know the other half of the uncoupled entry, Cantata #5, is also going to be well-bet. Asmussen had this filly by Medaglia d'Oro in a similar last time @SHRP, and she just could not get the job done in the end. Stewart Elliott, Asmussen’s go-to rider at the Meet, will try again. I am always wanting to look for value on these Sam cards, and even though both of these entries look tough, I am much more interested in Clint Stuart’s Magical Soul #3. This is a recent claim the barn made off of Austin Gustafson, and he took on some tough company on the grass earlier this month (3rd). That included Tiz Magic and Quick Quick Quick … salty runners in an OC50k. I don’t think switching to the dirt is going to be all that difficult for this filly by More Than Ready, and the drop is welcome. Stuart has a good Meet going on (17/3-3-5, 18%), and I would expect that to continue. Let’s use this one on top as the “Key” horse, rolling under both Asmussens, along with Bret Calhoun’s Fashion Rage #2. This filly by Will Take Charge was certaining game last time in an ALLW37k at Sam Houston. Here is the ticket, in what is shaping up to be a street fight.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 3 w 1/2/5 w 1/2/5 w 1/2/5

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Enjoy some racing from “Deep in the Heart of Texas!” Best of luck on another run at Sam Houston! Be sure to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!