Louisiana Downs Pick 4 for Sept. 24

Saturday’s Pick 5 at Louisiana Downs is a jackpot, so venture into that if you think you have the lone ticket to cash. I’ll dive into the Pick 4 starting in Race 5, and if you are looking to cash the Super Pick 5, consider using the longest prices on the tote board with this ticket.

50-cent Pick 4 = $6

Race 5, 5 1/2 furlongs, Clm 12500(12.5-10)N2L, 3-year-old & up statebreds

Let’s fade #7 Sunset War (5-2) who will likely be a single for many. Here’s the scoop: he beat Helaire. Everyone has beat Helaire. Yes, a next-out winner, but that was after switching barns.

#1 Rodessa Flash (7-2) has kept his form since the maiden win, but has not been able to get over the second-win hump. Drops in against statebreds and switches surfaces. #2 Ourquickdrawmcgraw (5-1) looked sharp breaking the maiden in just the third start, but then Joe Duhon has had this runner on the shelf. The works show me he is fit and all he needs to win is the logical progression from his last.

Of the two Patrick Moutons, I like the longer price #6 My Heavy Son (8-1). He was ambitiously placed against allowance company for a stretch, and today he makes his second start off a layoff, which is Mouton’s big edge (23%) versus his other entry making his third start off a layoff (9%). 

Race 6, 7 1/2 furlongs on turf, Clm 12500(12.5-10)N2L, 3-year-old & up statebreds

#1 Paynted Lover (30-1) has the pedigree to win going two turns on the turf. Now's the time to swing. #8 Candy Shopper (8-1) is a maiden special weight winner who makes the second start for Jeffery Reeves who took the blinkers off when this Twirling Candy five-year-old came into his barn. The longer distance should suit him.

Race 7, 6 1/2 furlongs, Fall Roll Tide S., 3-year-old & up Alabama-breds

To win this Alabama-bred stakes race for non-stakes winners, you’ll have to go through trainer Ronnie Ward who sends out three in here, and previously trained two others. Of those I like #1 Uncle Brad (2-1) and #1A Kellys the Boss (2-1). Uncle Brad is a three-year-old gelding who has worked six times since his last race and takes the blinkers off, including a Sept. 6 bullet. Kellys the Boss has early speed and three wins under her belt. #5 Fired Up Tiger (1-1) has the early speed to wire this field, and her Brisnet Speed figures top the field. Note fillies, mares and geldings entered in this one.

Race 8, 1 mile on turf, Clm 12500(12.5-10)N3L, 3-year-olds & up

There’s a lot of early speed signed on for the last leg, so I’m looking for a horse who can stay near the front early, not get cooked, and turn on the late-running jets. Let’s go with #7 Oneforvivi (4-1). A neck shy of three wins in a row, this three-year-old American Pharoah gelding has kept his form since returning to the racetrack in May for Alan Klanfer. Single for the score.