Peck: Sam Houston pick four for Sunday, Jan. 28

Big day at Sam Houston on Sunday, with the John B. Connally Turf Cup and the Houston Ladies Classic anchoring a solid card. Here's a look at the late pick four.

RACE 7: Always detest starting any multirace wager with the favorite, especially a prohibitive favorite, but how does one go past SHE'S PRETTY LUCKY in the Bara Lass Stakes? The 81 Beyer Speed Figure she earned in that game stakes score at Fair Grounds last time stands out here, and while she figures to regress some here, she doesn't need to run to that figure to win this.
A's: 3
B's: NONE
C's: NONE

RACE 8: BIG BEND could be the main speed in the 1 1/2-mile John B. Connally Turf Cup, which is a little light on pace. He has two wins at this distance, one when on the lead and one when he was able to come from off the pace. CHICAGO STYLE rallied nicely for the place when last seen, especially considering he was against the race flow; dangerous if ready. BIGGER PICTURE was no threat in the Breeders' Cup Turf, but his prior Beyers very much make him the one to beat.
A's: 3, 7, 9
B's: NONE
C's: NONE

RACE 9: MARTINI GLASS has been turfing but is at her best on the main track; working well since her last start. VALADORNA has won two straight by open lengths; tactical speed a big part of her success. ACTRESS is the one to fear in her seasonal debut, with that most recent effort and figure clearly making her formidable.
A's: 2, 4, 7
B's: NONE
C's: NONE

RACE 10: SUSIE BEE comes off a win at Gulfstream, and the resulting Beyer gives her strong credibility in the Houston Ladies Distaff; this is a class rise, but if she runs to that figure, she looms tough. PERU comes off consecutive near misses, and that last figure puts her in the thick of this. SULLY'S DREAM is a shot at some value; may not be an "A" play, but given her speed, she's worth including on the ticket.
A's: 3, 4
B's: 8
C's: NONE