Sam Houston Race Park Picks: Texas Champions parades on March 26

Travelling down I-45 along the Southwest Circuit is a glowing Thoroughbred experience! With low takeouts, SHRP has an industry-low 12% for wagers like the Daily Double and Pick 3s, 4s, 5, and the Space City 6.

With a solid purse structure, the track is now running 4 days a week until Closing Day in early April. Texas Champions Night is upon us, as the Lone Star State's very best "breds" take to the track with a loaded 10-race stakes card!

Join track announcer Nick Tammaro, and his partner, Trey Stiles of NHC fame, for "SHRP-e Time," as they rundown all of their selections. In addition, our own turfwriter, J.N. Campbell, will have his selections featured on the simulcast feed as a bonus ... Let's get some scores!

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 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 4: Chief Brady #5, 3/1):

The last time we saw Mindy Willis’ gelding by Bradestar (who stands at Valor Farm near Dallas), he was winning the Jim’s Orbit S. on 19 Feb. Beating Pinky Ring Bling was an accomplishment, and he comes into Texas Champions Night with a ton of ability. Now, 2/2 in his career, you have to think that he has yet another shot to score in a spot like this one. His barn is doing well this Meet, and that should continue all the way to the conclusion. Willis is a tried-and-true conditioner, and she does it right. I am not sure anyone in this field can take him on, even with the discrepancy when it comes to weight (122 v. 117).

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #5

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Keep the Bling #2, 8/1):

Trainer Robertino Diodoro has a runner in his midst that hails from one of the best sires in all of Texas History. Too Much Bling, who is also at Valor, produces progeny that are some versatile runners. Turf routing is included, and I like the look of this 4-yr-old filly. Coming into the San Jacinto Turf S. $100k, she is going to have to be at her best. The mountain of grass to climb is not insurmountable though, and we know that Diodoro knows how to pick them. I liked the effort this one gave last out against ALLW Co., where she exhibited a strong late turn-of-foot. Marshalling that once again could net her this “Non-G” … and a trip to the SHRP Winner’s Circle for Ry Eikleberry, a place that he has come to know quite well during the Meet!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 6F, Yellow Rose S., $100k, F&M 4+):

One of the many highlights on Texas Champions Night is this race named for that secret spy from the Lone Star State’s Revolution against Mexico. A race for older females, this year’s edition has a good group of sprinters that are set to take their mark. Track announcer Nick Tammaro, who makes out the M/L, gave Robertino Diodoro’s Boerne #5 (named for a TX town in the Hill Country) the nod with an 8/5 designation. That is probably correct, considering that she was 4th back in the Ms Bluebonnet $75k on 19 Feb. The best news for those that like to back her at the windows is that she is getting back on a surface (dirt) that has treated her well. With a ton of early speed, she is going to be difficult to catch. The Lane Luzzi Fan Club continues to build strength, and he gets the call over Ry Eikleberry. One of the Meet’s leading jocks was already consigned to Karl Broberg’s Ima Discreet Lady #1 anyway, so he wasn’t going to be on Diodoro’s entry. Broberg has reaped the benefits from this mare by Discreet Cat, and she has won over $414k in career earnings. With 33 starts, her 10 wins have been few-and-far-between in 2021—2022 … But lest we forget, she is the defending champion in this race, and she won nicely in an ALLW Co. prep. Eikleberry is going to have to make some choices right from the start … to send or not to send her? That is the question … I like both of these entries, but when it comes to a top selection my choice is simple … Lady Ave #2. This is an extremely talented mare by Bind with Pulpit in the blood background, and I think she has what it takes to get the job done for Steve Asmussen. Since Caden Arthur moved her from the Gustafson Barn, she has done almost everything right. When you look at her consistency, 8 wins in 9 starts, that is pretty impressive. The jump in class is a question, but with Stewart Elliott at the controls, I think she is going to do very well. If I could get 3/1 on this 5-yr-old, then it would be a dream. I am doubtful that it will happen because bettors are bettors, and they see all those “1s” on the form. You have to know why … Here is how I want to construct this wager. Tally ho …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Loaded Wheel, $100, 2 w 1/5

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Enjoy Texas Champions Night 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 !!!