R4 Delta Downs · Claiming $4,000

1. 1Whiskey and EasyJ. Melancon · D. WardMelancon · WardB75 79 65▲+6@trip 798-1Fair 15-16%▲ Up +675 79 65@trip 79B

   Card model 6% · Fair odds 15-1 · Our #10 · Tier B · Form ▲ Up +6 · Best fig at today's trip 79 (3 tries) · Last 3 figs 75 79 65

   Jockey Jansen Melancon 33% career 6-for-34 on dirt this meet (18%) · Trainer Derrick Ward 36% career 1-for-2 on dirt this meet

   Also today · Jockey R1: Madoria 5-2, R2: Allons Betta Lee 5-1, R6: Macho Beanie 10-1, R8: Copy This 20-1

   60D LAYOFF

   Changes barns, from Richard L Mocklinjr to Derrick Ward. Was running in $5,000 claiming; today's $4,000 claiming is an easier level on paper.

   PACE CHALLENGE Has to fight for the lead against company, and the fractions may cost it late. (early-speed points: 6)

   WORKS SHARP Fit-looking prep next to these rivals: 1 work in 30d, last 10d ago

   RECORD Jansen Melancon from post 1 here: 16 wins, 36 top-3 in 101 rides · 14% wins from all posts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   8/28	EVD	6f D	Clm 5k n2y	4th/8	75	6.1-1	b L	Ins;drv1/8;drft;caught
   8/7	EVD	6½f D	Clm 4k b	Won/6	79	3.1-1	b L	Pace; roused; ran on
   7/18	EVD	6½f D	Clm 5k b	6th/10 -1L	65	9.1-1	b L	3w bid3/8;weaken1/8

2. 2Blue Cheese▼LSC. Del · R. AverettDel · AverettC58 61 69▼▼-11@trip 7820-1Fair 15-16%▼▼ Big drop -1158 61 69@trip 78C▼ Age 5+ at a price, figures fall as the distance risesLS

   Card model 6% · Fair odds 15-1 · Our #4 · Tier C · Form ▼▼ Big drop -11 · Best fig at today's trip 78 (3 tries) · Last 3 figs 58 61 69

   ▼ Age 5+ at a price, figures fall as the distance risesLS

   Longshot read: 20-1 on the morning line, and the model has it at 6% against a line of 3%. A read, not a bet.

   Jockey Cid Erick Del 0-for-3 on dirt this meet · Trainer Ronnie Averett 30% career 2-for-16 on dirt this meet (12%)

   Also today · Jockey R1: Flora Bound 12-1, R2: My Other Half 20-1, R3: Money Drop 12-1 · Trainer R1: Flora Bound 12-1

   ★ FASTEST WORK

   Figures have slipped: 69, 61, 58 over its last three. Ronnie Averett takes over the training from Samuel Breaux.

   PACE HELPS Several horses want the lead, which is the early heat a closer is looking for.

   TROUBLED TRIP Swung wide; no response last out; the speed figure already reflects it.

   WORKS SHARP 3f in :36.00 on Jul 11 was the best time at that distance that morning; 1 work in 30d

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   9/4	EVD	6½f D	Clm 5k b	8th/9 -7½L	58	24-1	L	Swung wide;no response
   7/31	EVD	6f D	Clm 5k n2y	8th/9 -3½L	61	10-1	L	No factor; outrun
   6/25	EVD	6½f D	Clm 5k n2y	7th/9 -5L	69	8.9-1	L	Passed tiring rivals

3. 3Order UpC. Perez · J. CanoPerez · CanoC60 67 72▼▼-1120-1Fair 30-14%▼▼ Big drop -1160 67 72C

   Card model 4% · Fair odds 30-1 · Our #8 · Tier C · Form ▼▼ Big drop -11 · Last 3 figs 60 67 72

   Jockey Carlos Perez 32% career 1-for-51 on dirt this meet (2%) · Trainer Juan Munoz Cano 31% career 1-for-27 on dirt this meet (4%)

   Also today · Jockey R1: The Get Out 4-1, R5: Billy's Got Issues 15-1, R7: Solidify 12-1 · Trainer R5: After Party 15-1, R7: Solidify 12-1

   CLASS DROPJky 10/58 from post 3

   Class relief: $5,000 claiming last time, $4,000 claiming today. 5th last time, 5½ lengths back, in a field of 5.

   EVEN PACE Lands behind the duel without having to be part of it.

   WORKS SHARP Posted the morning's best 5F on May 7; 2 works in 30d

   RECORD Carlos Perez from post 3 here: 10 wins, 25 top-3 in 58 rides · 8% wins from all posts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   9/22	LAD	6f D	Clm 5k b	5th/5 -5½L	60	14-1	b L	Step slow;4w 1/4;tired
   9/14	LAD	6½f D	Clm 7k b	DNF	—	18-1	b L	Bad step;pulled up;van
   8/29	EVD	1m D	Clm 5k bc	6th/8 -1½L	67	7.2-1	b L	Brief lead; gave way

4. 4Izzy's Baby BoyJ. Nava-Marin · R. UrbinaNava-Marin · UrbinaA72 64 79►@trip 797-2Fair 8-111%► Steady72 64 79@trip 79A

   Card model 11% · Fair odds 8-1 · Our #11 · Tier A · Form ► Steady · Best fig at today's trip 79 (2 tries) · Last 3 figs 72 64 79

   Jockey Jose Nava-Marin 34% career 0-for-6 on dirt this meet · Trainer Ruperto R Urbina 0-for-2 on dirt this meet

   Also today · Trainer R7: Purple Heart 15-1, R7: Beach Blanket 10-1

   3/5 board here

   Has won 5 of 12 going today's distance. Finished 3rd in a 6-horse $5,000 claiming race at LAD, beaten ½ length.

   PACE CHALLENGE One of several that want the lead, so the early work will cost something. (early-speed points: 5)

   WORKS LIGHT Light on works against these rivals (1 work in 30d, last 21d back)

   RECORD 2 wins, 3 on the board from 5 starts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   9/30	LAD	6f D	sClm5000b	3rd/6 -½L	72	2.7-1	L	Duel inside;caught 2nd
   9/8	LAD	1 1/16 D	sClm5000b	4th/7 -½L	64	2.8-1	L	Btwn foes turns;even
   8/24	LAD	6½f D	Clm 5k b	3rd/7 -1½L	79	11-1	L	Dueled; 2w; faltered

5. 5Huey DueyA. Castillo · D. GomezCastillo · GomezC57 71 63▼▼-12@trip 7615-1Fair 20-14%▼▼ Big drop -1257 71 63@trip 76C

   Card model 4% · Fair odds 20-1 · Our #9 · Tier C · Form ▼▼ Big drop -12 · Best fig at today's trip 76 (1 tries) · Last 3 figs 57 71 63

   Jockey Alexander Castillo 30% career 0-for-27 on dirt this meet (0%) · Trainer David C Gomez 28% career 0-for-1 on dirt this meet

   Also today · Jockey R3: One Grand Slam 15-1, R5: Eligio 10-1, R7: Essay 6-1, R9: Global Heat Wave 15-1

   60D LAYOFF

   Back after 100 days away; fitness is the question and the works are the evidence. New trainer: Joseph M Foster had it last time, David C Gomez now.

   PACE CHALLENGE One of several that want the lead, so the early work will cost something. (early-speed points: 5)

   WORKS SHARP Fastest work of the morning on Jul 14 (4F in :47.20), 2 works in 30d

   RECORD Alexander Castillo from post 5 here: 1 win, 10 top-3 in 57 rides · 5% wins from all posts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   7/22	LAD	6f D	Clm 5k b	7th/8 -11L	57	15-1	L	Saved ground; no bid
   6/16	LAD	6f D	Clm 5k b	4th/10 -5L	71	26-1	L	Chase ins3/8;5w;evenly
   5/26	LAD	5½f D	Clm 5k b	4th/8 -2¾L	63	2.7-1	L	Stmbld;5w;no final bid

6. 6Luv to Win▲K. Roman · A. Ramirez-RodriguezRoman · Ramirez-RodriguezA88 68 83▲▲+19↕2-1Fair 9-219%▲▲ Big jump +19 · career best88 68 83 ↕A▲ Last fig 88 at/above par 803

   Card model 19% · Fair odds 9-2 · Our #3 · Tier A · Form ▲▲ Big jump +19 · career best · ↕ Up-and-down figures 56–88 · Last 3 figs 88 68 83

   ▲ Last fig 88 at/above par 80

   Jockey Kevin Roman 33% career 6-for-46 on dirt this meet (13%) · Trainer Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez 36% career 1-for-11 on dirt this meet (9%) ★ hot

   Also today · Jockey R3: Guitar Man 5-2, R8: Louisiana Sis 20-1, R9: Film At Eleven 10-1 · Trainer R9: Captain Junuh 2-1

   180D+ LAYOFFCLASS DROPWON LAST

   Tops the field on speed figures, an 88 against 81 for the next best. 232 days since the last start, the longest layoff in here, so it needs the works to say it's ready.

   PACE CHALLENGE Has to fight for the lead against company, and the fractions may cost it late. (early-speed points: 7)

   SHARP LAST OUT Last time the chart read: Vied inside; ridden out.

   WORKS LIGHT Few works lately, 1 work in 30d and the last 20 days ago

   RECORD Kevin Roman from post 6 here: 7 wins, 20 top-3 in 65 rides · 8% wins from all posts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   3/12	OP	6f D	Clm 8k v	Won/8	88	2.9-1	b L	Vied inside;ridden out
   11/13	DED	5f D	OC 15k n3l	9th/10 -8½L	68	10-1	b L	Speed; faded inside
   10/9	RP	5½f D	Clm 10k	Won/9	83	3.7-1	b L	Duel; 2w; drew off

7. 7Saint Peter's BayJ. Rodriguez · I. GonzalezRodriguez · GonzalezB66 78 74▼▼-10@trip 795-1Fair 6-114%▼▼ Big drop -1066 78 74@trip 79B1

   Card model 14% · Fair odds 6-1 · Our #1 · Tier B · Form ▼▼ Big drop -10 · Best fig at today's trip 79 (2 tries) · Last 3 figs 66 78 74

   Jockey Jose Luis Rodriguez 34% career 5-for-30 on dirt this meet (17%) · Trainer Isai V Gonzalez 31% career ★ 8-for-39 on dirt this meet (21%) ★ hot

   Also today · Jockey R3: Dirty Deal 4-1, R5: Go Easy 12-1, R7: Yockey's Drivethru 20-1 · Trainer R3: Dirty Deal 4-1

   Was 5th of 5 at the first call last time. Worked 3F in :36.60 on Apr 15, 2nd of 6 at the distance.

   PACE HELPS Hot early fractions are likely, and that sets up a late run.

   WORKS Routine prep: 1 work in 30d, last 9d ago

   RECORD 0 wins, 1 on the board from 4 starts here

   RECORD Jose Luis Rodriguez from post 7 here: 7 wins, 31 top-3 in 103 rides · 11% wins from all posts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   9/22	LAD	6f D	Clm 5k b	4th/5 -8½L	66	1.2-1	b L	Broke back;lil impact
   9/4	EVD	6½f D	Clm 5k b	3rd/9 -1L	78	2.1-1	b L	5w bid; couldn't gain
   7/30	EVD	1m D	Clm 4k b	3rd/6 -1L	74	0.7-1	b L	Rallied 4w; bid;hung

8. 8Stroller BoyA. Birzer · H. Guillory Jr.Birzer · Guillory Jr.C75 56 65▲▲+14@trip 788-1Fair 12-18%▲▲ Big jump +1475 56 65@trip 78C

   Card model 8% · Fair odds 12-1 · Our #6 · Tier C · Form ▲▲ Big jump +14 · Best fig at today's trip 78 (1 tries) · Last 3 figs 75 56 65

   Jockey A E Birzer 32% career 2-for-21 on dirt this meet (10%) · Trainer Henry Jr Guillory 14% career 0-for-2 on dirt this meet

   Also today · Jockey R1: Little Miss Jess 8-1, R2: Basile 12-1, R5: Saint Robert's Row 10-1, R6: Cajun Mitole 12-1 +1 more

   WON LAST

   Last start was a win, in a 9-horse $7,500 claiming race at PRM at 99-1. A big drop, $7,500 claiming to $4,000 claiming, and worth asking why.

   EVEN PACE Can sit just off the early fight and pick up whoever tires.

   WORKS Steady, unremarkable work pattern: 1 work in 30d, last 8d back

   RECORD A E Birzer from post 8 here: 5 wins, 26 top-3 in 55 rides · 10% wins from all posts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   9/24	PRM	6f D	Clm 5k b	Won/9 by 3	75	99-1	b LB	Split 2p 1/8;drove clr
   9/12	PRM	6f D	sClm6250b	6th/8 -7¾L	56	24-1	b LB	Wide upper;no impact
   8/28	PRM	6f D	sClm5000	4th/7 -5L	65	11-1	b LB	Wide upper;mild imprve

9. 9Fast Verdict▼▼M. Alvarez · E. NelsonAlvarez · NelsonC61 63 62▲+3@trip 6820-1Fair 50-12%▲ Up +361 63 62@trip 68C▼ Best fig 68 is 5+ under today's par 80▼ Age 5+ at a price, figures fall as the distance rises

   Card model 2% · Fair odds 50-1 · Our #12 · Tier C · Form ▲ Up +3 · Best fig at today's trip 68 (2 tries) · Last 3 figs 61 63 62

   ▼ Best fig 68 is 5+ under today's par 80▼ Age 5+ at a price, figures fall as the distance rises

   Jockey Misael Alvarez 34% career 1-for-31 on dirt this meet (3%) · Trainer Eric R Nelson 33% career 0-for-5 on dirt this meet ★ hot

   0/4 board here

   A 68 is the high figure lately, short of the 80 par. Carries 112 pounds, 6 less than last time.

   PACE CHALLENGE One of several that want the lead, so the early work will cost something. (early-speed points: 2)

   WORKS LIGHT Thin work schedule next to this field: 1 work in 30d, last one 14d ago

   RECORD Not on the board in 4 starts here

   Last three races

   Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
   9/30	LAD	6f D	sClm5000b	6th/6 -5½L	61	23-1	L	Finished early inside
   9/9	LAD	7f D	sClm5000b	2nd/3	63	3.7-1	L	Vied btwn;clr;nailed
   8/25	LAD	6f D	sClm5000b	4th/6 -6½L	62	21-1	L	Ins;3-6w upr;imprvd

10. 10Flotation StationE. Barrera · R. MorrisBarrera · MorrisB75 60 71▲+5@trip 738-1Fair 10-110%▲ Up +575 60 71@trip 73B2

    Card model 10% · Fair odds 10-1 · Our #2 · Tier B · Form ▲ Up +5 · Best fig at today's trip 73 (2 tries) · Last 3 figs 75 60 71

    Jockey Elio J Barrera 32% career 7-for-51 on dirt this meet (14%) · Trainer Rowdy Morris 23% career 0-for-1 on dirt this meet

    Also today · Jockey R2: Pot's Paycheck 10-1, R5: After Party 15-1, R6: Misdeal 15-1, R7: Beach Blanket 10-1 +1 more

    Comes off a turf start and tries the dirt here. Shortens up to 6½ furlongs after going 7½ furlongs.

    PACE CHALLENGE Has to fight for the lead against company, and the fractions may cost it late. (early-speed points: 5)

    WORKS LIGHT Light on works against these rivals (1 work in 30d, last 17d back)

    RECORD Elio J Barrera from post 10 here: 4 wins, 12 top-3 in 35 rides · 13% wins from all posts here

    Last three races

    Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
    9/30	LAD	7½f T	Clm 7k n2y	6th/10 -3½L	75	35-1	L	2nd flight btwn;empty
    9/8	LAD	6½f D	OC 10k	6th/6 -4¾L	60	20-1	b L	Forward 4w;little left
    7/17	FMT	5½f D	Alw n1x	2nd/6	71	2.5-1	b L	Pace inside;relented

11. 11Drewmazing▼H. Hernandez · E. SchwandtHernandez · SchwandtC69 68 71▼-3≡@trip 6812-1Fair 20-15%▼ Down -369 68 71 ≡@trip 68C▼ Age 5+ at a price, figures fall as the distance rises

    Card model 5% · Fair odds 20-1 · Our #7 · Tier C · Form ▼ Down -3 · ≡ Steady figures 68–77 · Best fig at today's trip 68 (1 tries) · Last 3 figs 69 68 71

    ▼ Age 5+ at a price, figures fall as the distance rises

    Jockey Harry Hernandez 38% career 10-for-57 on dirt this meet (18%) · Trainer Emile Schwandt 26% career

    Also today · Jockey R5: Beaudreaux 5-1, R6: Behemah Star 12-1, R7: Fiesty Fist 9-2, R8: Mo Cantharus 15-1 +1 more · Trainer R9: Struck Out 6-1

    60D LAYOFF

    A longer trip: 5½ furlongs last out, 6½ furlongs today. Winless in 14 starts at this distance.

    EVEN PACE Lands behind the duel without having to be part of it.

    WORKS Steady, unremarkable work pattern: 1 work in 30d, last 13d back

    Last three races

    Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
    8/22	EVD	5½f D	Clm 5k b	4th/7 -4½L	69	16-1	b L	Evenly; no threat
    8/7	EVD	6½f D	Clm 4k b	4th/6 -2½L	68	6.6-1	b L	4wd bid; outfinished
    6/26	EVD	5f D	Clm 5k b	4th/7 -4½L	71	4.2-1	b L	2nd flight 3w;no punch

12. 12West IslandA. Ramos · M. HibdonRamos · HibdonA76 53 68▲▲+10↕4-1Fair 7-112%▲▲ Big jump +1076 53 68 ↕A

    Card model 12% · Fair odds 7-1 · Our #5 · Tier A · Form ▲▲ Big jump +10 · ↕ Up-and-down figures 53–77 · Last 3 figs 76 53 68

    Jockey A B Ramos 34% career 2-for-11 on dirt this meet (18%) · Trainer Mark N Hibdon 35% career ★ 5-for-25 on dirt this meet (20%) ★ hot

    Also today · Jockey R1: North Lake Kate 9-2 · Trainer R1: North Lake Kate 9-2, R2: Lee Circle 4-1

    ★ FASTEST WORKWON LAST

    Winner of an 8-horse $4,000 claiming race at DED last time. Posted the fastest 4F work of the morning on Aug 2, in :49.00.

    EVEN PACE Lands behind the duel without having to be part of it.

    WORKS LIGHT Light on works against these rivals (0 works in 30d, last 44d back)

    Last three races

    Date	Trk	Dist	Class	Finish	Fig	Odds	Eq	Trip
    10/9	DED	7½f D	Clm 4k n1y	Won/8	76	5.5-1	b L	Speed; held on well
    5/30	LEG	7f D	Alw s	6th/6 -1¾L	53	5.6-1	b LB	Failed to sustain bid;
    5/16	LEG	5½f D	Clm 5k bc	Won/9 by 2	68	4.3-1	b LB	Stlkd;4w bid;driving

▲ / ▼ angle for / against · ★ best figure at the trip · LS longshot read · 1 2 3 = our top three · A B C tiers · ▲ ► ▼ form · ≡ ↕ steady / up-and-down. Tap a row for its notes, a name for the horse's page. Analysis only. Pace: fast and contested (7 early types). Helps stalkers and closers.