Sam Houston Race Park Picks: Twirling Diamond Goes Dirt to Turf in Race 6
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 7: Moro Said Ready #2, 8/5):
J.R. Caldwell’s SHRP Meet has been nothing short of meteoric. His numbers are gaudy, and with a Win total of 25%, and a WPS of 57%, he is money. Once again, he brings in a favorite, and I am guessing that Moro Said Ready #2 is ready to roll after a 3rd place finish last time in a St.Opt.Clm event. Can Caldwell be beat? I don’t think so, this time.
Wager: $100 Win, #2
Favorite I Am Against: (Race 8: Khalid #1, 9/5):
The rookie trainer, Rylee Grudzien from So.LA is coming to Sam Houston with the hopes of scoring another victory in her young career. She is in her lower 20s, but appears to be a pro already. She started conditioning as a teenager, and not only gets them ready but also owns them. Though I like Khalid #1, I want to try and beat her gelding since they both will be a short price. Instead, let’s back Brent Davidson’s Ryder Rocket #4 because he retains the services of hot jock Leandro Goncalves. The rider came to town with a colony open to some new faces, and he has taken full advantage of the situation. His mount will be a major price, so let’s take full advantage!
Wager: $2 Exacta Cold, 4 w 1
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Atomic Candy #6, 10/1):
If you think Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez is an underrated pilot, then clap your hands. I have uncovered a major overlay here in entry, Atomic Candy #6, who is switching back to the dirt after running on the turf. The thing is, he can handle the swap in surfaces, and the class in this race. Most are going to look to Broberg’s St. Louie Guy #5 or the #1/#1A coupled entry. Don’t… This is the play because he has the talent, and with a jockey like this one, it should be a major score.
Wager: Bankroll: $100, Graduated Wager WPS, #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Turf, 5F, OC30k2nx, F&M 4+):
The Sam “Spotlight” race is a 5 Furlong speed duel on the John B. Connally Turf Course. This is not an overly large field, but it does have some interesting angles you can play. The logical move on top is just give Summer Sangria #5 the nod. Steve Asmussen and Stewart Elliott have already run away with the trainer and jockey titles, and the SHRP Meet still has 3 weeks left. I don’t want a price like 5/2, so instead what about an entry like Bret Calhoun’s More #6? He is coming off the shelf after running in some swift track events last year. Calhoun’s numbers are not too shabby when it comes to 90+ away, and I like the decision to let Ry Eikleberry ride this 5-yr-old mare. One other that looks sharp to me is Dallas Keen’s Twirling Diamond #2. Even though this daughter of Twirling Candy has not been on the grass in some time, she makes up for that in early speed. Transitioning to grass for these bloodlines is not an issue. Last out, she was stellar and smart in ALLW Co. SHRP contest. Using her is essential. Maybe an Exacta Box is in order with these 3 runners. Load up…
Wager: $2 Exacta Box, 2/5/6
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Enjoy the Wednesday Sam Houston card! Texas Champions Day is right around the corner this Saturday! Best of Luck!