Wednesday Racing Picks: Sam Houston Park

PICK: #5 Valiant Appeal (Race 6 - Sam Houston Park)

#5, Valiant Appeal, Lane Luzzi, 2-1

He finished in the money in two of his last three starts, including his last, a maiden special weight triumph here on Feb. 14 in his first try over the surface. This will be his ninth career start (1-1-1). Lane Luzzi is in the saddle for trainer Danny Pish. I went with Lane on Tuesday, trying to make it two straight.

Verdict: The pick.

#6, Kats Second Silver, David Cabrera, 7-5

Today marks his 30th career start (4-7-4) and fourth this year (1-0-1). He has finished in the money in his last two starts, including a third-place finish in his last, a starter optional claiming race here on Feb. 29. A start prior he won a claiming race by a solid five lengths drawing away as the favorite here on Feb. 5. David Cabrera is in the saddle for trainer Karl Broberg.

Verdict: Runner-up.

#2, Game Day Decision, Deshawn Parker, 6-1

This will be his 20th career start (3-1-2) and fifth this year (1-0-1). In his last start, he finished seventh in a claiming race on Feb. 29 and he is looking for his first win since his first start this year in a claiming race on Jan. 11. Deshawn Parker has the mount for trainer Clinton Stuart.

Verdict: Contender.