Sam Houston Race Park Picks: Twice the Price could bring that on March 23

Regional racing along the Southwest Circuit is exceedingly vibrant. 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. There is absolutely no reason not to be playing "Sam."

With a solid purse structure, the track is now running 4 days a week until Closing Day in early April. This Saturday 26 March, Texas Champions Night is ready to fly! 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 winners!

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 4: Twice the Price #6, 3/1):

Here is a Cal bred that is shipping to Texas from Arkansas. The last time we saw this sprinter take to the track it was at Oaklawn Park earlier this month. The Violence colt did not run poorly, ending up 2nd behind Karl Broberg’s Blame George. That MC event was for $20k, and this one at Sam Houston is for $50k. Don’t forget that running in Hot Springs means that you are up against some of the best in the country. If this 4-yr-old can be in-the-money there, then he can win at SHRP. I think his level of fitness is strong, and maybe he can beat Screenplay #4 at his own game. This is going to be a heck of a race …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Talk of Texas #6, 6/1):

Here is another MC contest that is sure to bring some value … we have Texas breds going 5½F on the Main Track. With 9 approved, I think I want to try and beat Mindy Willis’ Grami’s Boy #3. This 3-yr-old gelding is dropping down from MSW Co., and it might not be such a cinch. Instead, I landed on a son of Saturday Launch that continues to develop for Brent Davidson. He is having a good Meet, and this entry is lightly-raced. With just 3 career starts (all @SHRP in ’22), I am just waiting for this one to break through. The cutback in distance from his last race of 7F is a positive, and so is the switch to rider Freddy Manrrique. He too is applying his trade well in Houston, and I expect that to continue. This will not be an easy step in class, but I trust in Davidson’s conditioning ability.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, 6F, ALLW37kn2L, 3+):

The “feature” on what could be a wet Wednesday in H-Town, is this steady-as-she-goes ALLW Co. contest. It is going to be a “blow and go” kinda race, and those that make the lead have a distinct advantage, especially when the top of the lane arrives. I have witnessed a pretty fair set-up these past few months, and I cannot say that a “Golden Rail” or outside speed have necessarily been biases that we can point to. I am sure that M/L oddsmaker Nick Tammaro has it right with Austin Gustafson’s Cost Average #5 (2/1) and Robertino Diodoro’s Silver Ratio #4 (5/2) going 1-2. They both continue to knock on the winner’s circle door, and I would not be surprised if either one scored. I want to use them in a couple of different horizontal wagers, but not on top. That nod is going to Shawn Davis’ Speight and Malice #7. This 4-yr-old gelding by Speightstown did not care for the stretch out against this kind of company last time at Sam Houston (he had to pull up). It is safe to say that his bloodline enjoys the shorter distances. He is going to get another shot in this spot, and I like the angle. Davis is a solid conditioner, even if his numbers are not equal to the Gustafsons and the Caldwells of this Meet. With the addition of Jose Alvarez, I like the investments that owner George Sharp makes. If this speedster can sit on or close to the lead, he should have a great shot at a score. The price is more than right, hovering around 8/1.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 7 w 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 !!!