Sam Houston Picks: Intimidation a bet in R7 on February 23

You must play SHRP ... 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. 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 H-Town is trotting out another stellar Meet.

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action from SHRP! It's a good time for some of the best racing in North America has to offer. If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Wednesday 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 2: Gushing Oil #6, 3/1):

A former participant in the Remington Park Springboard Mile $400k (2020), this lightly-raced 4-yr-old that is trained by Austin Gustafson looks right. After a long break, he came back to the Sam oval earlier this month, and ended up 2nd in a Clm15k. That was just a “freshening” as far as I am concerned. Now, it is time to get down to some real running. I do not think this spot came up particularly tough, and expect jockey Freddy Manrrique to be able to break well from that outside post. This son of Dialed In should have no trouble steering clear of traffic. If we get 3/1 at post time, then consider that a deal. Bet Gustafson; he is a conditioner with some nice stock.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Cha Cha Mission #4, 6/1):

Trainer Shawn Davis has a pair of wins during this SHRP Meet, but he is looking for more. I don’t see why this filly by Noble Mission (GB) cannot come to H-Town and score. This one is 1st off-the-claim, and shipping in from Tampa. Not only does she have a sire and dam that are strong when it comes to running on the turf, but she should be able to make the jump from MC into MSW Co. Jockey Jose Alvarez gets the call, and given the right set-up, he should be able to work out a trip. Maybe he can get new owner George Sharp, a victory right from the word “go.”

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 1 Mile, ALLW37kn2L, 3+):

On the Sam MT, a course that is quite forgiving when it comes to horses running back, we have a 2-turn extravaganza that looks pretty inviting. For 3-yr-olds that have never won a pair of races, I am looking for a “key” horse that is peaking at the right time. That nod goes to trainer Bret Calhoun’s Intimidation #3, who he also co-owns with his wife, Sara. This gelding by Curlin has the ability to stretch out, and has exhibited such versatility in the past. The last time he ran @SHRP, it was at this level, going 6F … the result was a miss, but only by a head. Jockey Richard Eramia is astute, and will not let that happen again. When it comes to rounding out a Superfecta ticket, I also like the look of 3 others, HB Johnson’s Moro Tap #2, John Ortiz’s Silent Disco #4, and finally, Steve Asmussen’s Caerus #5. Johnson should have his charge in much better condition this time around, and I like the addition of Iram Diego. If you are not familiar with Ortiz, you have been living under a rock. His Oaklawn Stable is red-hot right now, and this shipper could be very dangerous. And of course, last but not least, Asmussen’s entry is coming in from Turfway after being done early in a tough ALLW63k contest. Also by Curlin, the colt should find this company to be more to his liking. Let’s take Calhoun’s runner, and roll the others underneath. This has the makings for a massive score … let’s go racing Sam fans!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Superfecta Wheel, 3 w 2/4/5 w 2/4/5 w 2/4/5

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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 !!!