Sam Houston Race Park Picks: Long shot Tahitian Breeze in Race 4
Racing continues at Sam Houston... Their Meet has a few weeks to go! Our turf man has you covered with his selections for the whole card and specific analysis for the races. If you're looking for a different track, check out all of our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below...
Most Likely Winner: (Race 6: Simple Pleasure #4, 1/1):
Picking a “Most Likely Winner” that is not trained by Steve Asmussen is in no way easy. I think I found one though. Matt Hebert is a trainer who does not get a bunch of press, but his entries are well-prepared. This one, a mare out of Super Saver, looks to be the best classed in here. Simple Pleasure #4 has heart, and a recent go over the track, so she is a deserving favorite considering the company. She had such a great second-half of the year in 2020, that it looks like it is time to get back to those winning ways. She can do it, and with the smart Reylu Gutierrez aboard, it should happen.
Wager: $100 Win, #4
Favorite I Am Against: (Race 3: Payster #5, 9/5):
Tom Amoss’ Payster #5 out of California Chrome, is going to be favorite for this little claiming event. However, it is really only because he is coming from tracks like CD/FG/OP… That does not mean he is necessarily going to score. In fact, in a Waiver Claiming last time at OP, he wasn’t very good at all. Instead, I want to back Joe Roberts’ Jonathan Who #4. Here is a seasoned sprinter who not all that long ago was running in some competitive New Mexico fields. Those races are not regarded by eastern bluebloods, but they should be… This son of El Padrino did not run poorly in AOC comp the last 2 races at SHRP, so in this spot, he should end up being a square price.
Wager: $100 Win, #4
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 4: Tahitian Breeze #3, 20/1):
Second chances are not unwarranted… nice mantra. For that reason alone, I want to back Tina Hurley’s Tahitian Breeze #3. Last out, the filly failed miserably, and finished 10th, as she moved into ALLW Co. That might look like a dark mark, but to me it was a try, and those are always valuable. Now, moving to the dirt, shortening up a bit, and adding first-time Lasix, might be just the right combo. She is going to be an enormous price at over 20/1, so let’s load up on a true long shot. I like Hurley’s thinking, and I hope it will lead to a big score!
Wager: Bankroll: $100, Graduated Wager WPS, ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 5F, AOC30k, 4+):
Speeding along on the grass is one of my favorite types of a races when it comes to 5F. This race has a well-matched field, and lots of potential wagering opportunities. My top selection is Mindy Willis’ J C’s Nightcap #3, since the seasoned gelding continues to be a model of consistency. Switching to the turf last time a Sam yielded a nice 2nd place finish 2-lengths behind Scott Young’s Grab the Munny #7. I want to give this entry another chance with Sophie Doyle riding for Willis. The 2 of them pair for some good attempts on the grass. Maybe they can turn the tables on Young, and I like it when a sprinter on the turf breaks from the outside post. It allows them to be positioned nicely when the top of the stretch arrives.
Wager: $1 Trifecta Wheel, 3/7 w 3/7 w 1/2/4/5/6/7/8/9
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Enjoy the racing from Sam Houston Race Park! Best of Luck!