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The Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet is published daily and provides consolidated analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.
Welcome to a competitive Sunday card at Sam Houston Race Park. Today’s eight-race lineup offers a mix of racing surfaces and breeds, kicking off with an Arabian allowance followed by seven Thoroughbred contests. The card features a blend of maiden special weights, allowances, and claiming events, highlighted by a strong turf sprint in the finale.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast: Sunday, February 8, 2026 Conditions: Mostly Clear and Pleasant Temperature: High of 76°F / Low of 57°F Wind: Southeast at 10-12 mph
Track Surface: Dirt: Fast. The main track at Sam Houston has been playing fair, though early speed often holds an advantage in 6-furlong sprints. Turf: Firm. With the rail out at 18 feet, expect the course to play firm and fast. The temporary rail setting often favors speed and horses that can secure position before the first turn.
Track Bias Analysis
Dirt Sprints (6 Furlongs): Sam Houston’s dirt surface typically favors horses with tactical speed. While not a pure speed highway, it is difficult for deep closers to make up significant ground unless the pace melts down. Inside posts generally perform well at this distance.
Turf Routes (1 1/16 Miles): With the rail at 18 feet, the course becomes narrower with sharper turns. This creates a specific bias where horses drawing inside (posts 1-4) have a distinct advantage. Horses hung wide on the clubhouse turn often lose all chance.
Turf Sprints (5 Furlongs): The outside rail setting usually helps front-runners as the run into the turn is short. Speed is king here; horses that can break sharp and cross over to the rail often wire the field.
Race 1 – Arabian Allowance
Distance: 6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt
Pace Analysis: The pace scenario here is somewhat murky given the mixed form, but Majd Storm and Wma Madjic Slippers have shown flashes of early foot. Expect Majd Storm to try and control the race from the inside rail.
Key Contenders
Baseqanator (3) is the class of this field. As a 6-year-old gelding with significantly higher speed figures in previous campaigns compared to his rivals, he fits this allowance condition perfectly. Trainer Nicole Ruggeri places him well here, and the weight is manageable given his back class.
Majd Storm (1) is the main danger. Drawing the rail is a huge advantage for this 4-year-old colt. His recent form suggests he is improving, and the allowance conditions are suitable. If he breaks cleanly, he could lead them a long way.
Secondary Choices
Burning Hess (6) is an 8-year-old veteran who knows his job. While he may have lost a step of elite speed, he is consistent and picks up checks.
Longshots
Aa Burning Tenacity (2) has been inconsistent but occasionally pops a decent effort.
Race 2 – Allowance
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf (Rail at 18 Ft)
Pace Analysis: Austin Cruise and Courageously likely show speed here. With the rail out, the break is critical. Expect Austin Cruise to send from the outside to clear the field before the first turn.
Key Contenders
Curlins Incharge (2) represents the powerful Asmussen barn. This 6-year-old gelding has the tactical speed to sit just off the pace, which is the perfect trip with the rail adjustment. Drawing post 2 allows him to save ground on both turns.
Courageously (1) draws the rail and has speed. If he can hold his position into the first turn, he becomes very dangerous. He may not need the lead to win, but his inside draw forces the jockey to be aggressive.
Secondary Choices
Mohaymen Holiday (3) is a consistent turf runner who rarely runs a bad race. He sits a nice mid-pack trip and should be running on late.
Longshots
Austin Cruise (7) is the wild card. If he clears the field early, he could steal it on the front end, but the wide post is a concern with the rail setting.
Race 3 – Claiming $7,500
Distance: 1 Mile Dirt
Pace Analysis: Claiming races at this level often feature erratic pace. Falcon Quest has speed and should be forwardly placed. Rickie Roooo Ster also has shown early zip.
Key Contenders
Falcon Quest (2) drops into a very winnable spot for Asmussen. This horse has back class that exceeds this tag. Stewart Elliott riding is a major signal of intent. He should sit close and take over at the top of the lane.
Secrecy Is Evil (3) has been knocking on the door. He handles the mile distance well and should find the pace setup to his liking if the leaders duel.
Secondary Choices
Rickie Roooo Ster (5) is a threat if he can get loose, but he faces pressure.
Longshots
Guard of Honour (6) is a deep closer who needs a pace meltdown.
Race 4 – Maiden Special Weight (Fillies)
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Pace Analysis: Speaker Baby from the rail and Tiffany Tap likely vie for the lead. In maiden races with young fillies, the break is everything.
Key Contenders
Tiffany Tap (3) looks ready to graduate. Trainer Shane Wilson has his horses running well, and this filly has shown speed in the mornings. Drawing near the inside helps her chances.
Purly Dialed In (5) runs for J.R. Caldwell, a barn that excels with maidens. The Dialed In progeny usually take to the dirt well, and she should be fit for this debut or second start.
Secondary Choices
Speaker Baby (1) has the rail but that can be a trap for inexperienced horses if they don’t break well. If she gets away clean, she is a threat.
Longshots
Free to Be Me (2) could improve significantly off her previous efforts.
Race 5 – Claiming $15,000
Distance: 1 1/16 Miles Turf
Pace Analysis: Down the Islands and Quality Style have speed figures that suggest they will be forward.
Key Contenders
The Cajun Gatsby (1) is the pick. Drawing the rail in a turf route with the rails out is a massive advantage. He can save all the ground while others work hard. He fits this class level perfectly.
Quality Style (4) is a consistent runner for Danny Pish. He should be in the mix throughout and has a strong finishing kick.
Secondary Choices
Party At Jays (5) often finds trouble but has the talent to win if he gets a clean trip.
Longshots
Eternal Mischief (7) is interesting at a price. He needs a perfect trip from the outside but has some back class.
Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Pace Analysis: Shanghai Charlie and Cool Agent look like the speed of the race.
Key Contenders
Shanghai Charlie (3) runs for Bret Calhoun, a high-percentage trainer with maiden sprinters. The workouts suggest he is live, and he finds a field that doesn’t look overly intimidating.
Slamin Sammie (1) draws the rail. If he breaks well, he can use the inside path to his advantage. Trainer Gelner is capable of popping with a first-timer.
Secondary Choices
Look No Mo (6) has experience and that education counts for a lot against first-time starters.
Longshots
Texas Hunk (7) is a bomb who might pick up the pieces if the pace collapses.
Race 7 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Distance: 6 Furlongs Dirt
Pace Analysis: Yoda Winner and Naval Woman are fast. Expect a duel up front.
Key Contenders
Yoda Winner (1) is a speedball who has been facing tougher company. The rail draw forces the jockey to send, and she might just wire this field.
Naval Woman (4) is the stalker who benefits if Yoda Winner goes too fast. She has a strong late kick for this distance.
Secondary Choices
Glee (3) runs for Asmussen and Elliott. Never discount this connection. She fits well here on speed figures.
Longshots
Bling Baby (7) loves Sam Houston and often outruns her odds.
Race 8 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Distance: 5 Furlongs Turf
Pace Analysis: This is the feature of the day. Speed is abundant with High Front, Helladic, and Empire of Gold. The 5-furlong distance on this tight course demands early speed.
Key Contenders
High Front (1) is the horse to beat. Trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by Stewart Elliott, he has elite turf sprint form. Drawing the rail is perfect for a 5-furlong dash; he can secure position immediately and hold off challengers.
Bad Beat Brian (6) is a class act. A veteran of tough turf sprint stakes, he has a devastating turn of foot. His concern is the 18ft rail; if he gets forced extremely wide on the turn, he may have too much ground to make up on High Front.
Empire of Gold (3) is incredibly fast and classy. While known more for dirt, his speed transfers. He will ensure the pace is honest.
Secondary Choices
Jackman’s Ride (9) is in raging form, but the outside post at 5 furlongs on this course configuration is a major hurdle. He will have to use hard energy early to cross over.
Longshots
Ooey Gooey Chewy (4) is a capable turf sprinter who could sneak into the trifecta at a big price.
