2025 MEET STATS: 293 - 979 / $1,627.58 (-$330.42)
BEST BETS: 50 - 96 / $164.82 (-$27.18)
BEST BET: COACHES CORNER (4th)
SPOT PLAY: ROCKMYSTER N (6th)
Race 1: NW20000 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) CAPTAIN MOORE A has burned money in a couple of starts since transitioning from the NW lifetime ranks but both races were solid efforts when he was trying to chase down leaders in quick back halves. Post relief should equate to an easier trip and I think he gets it done. (4) COMBUSTION steps back down a notch in class and figures to be put in play at some point. (6) AMERICAN DEALER N is just 2 for 20 this season but has been second and third 11 times. Outside post probably relegates him to a smaller share again.
[DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card]
Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(6) SLING SHOCK has been racing well against optional $60K claimers including a win vs. that type three back. Gelding drops back to $40's and was a dominating winner when last at this level. Plenty of early speed. (4) SHAKESPEARE gets a moderately improved post in his second start off the DiDomenico claim and he figures to be more involved. (2) GOLIATH HANOVER also drops back to the $40K level and the Burke trainee beat this class two back. Mark MacDonald catch drives again from a good post.
Race 3: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace
(2) CHICKEN N DICE missed a head last week after cutting the mile and with Holland on the return drive and another good post he may be looking to take control again; deserves another chance. (3) LYONS BENJAMIN has been burning money recently as he failed as the favorite in three of his last four but tonight he lands in the category of "value player" and should be forwardly placed. 4YO is proven with this type. (4) ALL ALONE is back to DiDomenico via reclaim and was second best for these connections two back.
Race 4: Invitational Handicap Pace
(7) COACHES CORNER has been a legit player all season with the top aged pacers in the land despite the win column not really reflecting that. Engblom trainee is back in an overnight event and is clearly the one to beat despite his outside post assignment. (2) SWEET BEACH LIFE steps up to the top level on the strength of two straight wins and with his speed and good post he can be in line for a perfect trip. (5) MOSSDALE BEN N has been a non-factor since returning from vacation but we know the Borgata champ is capable of explosive efforts. Note the barn change here as Pete Tritton's import moves to the Cushing barn. New driver as well...interesting.
Race 5: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) THE GREEK FREAK arrived from Canada to join the Travis Alexander barn and he blew away a NW5000 field. Faces better here but deserves every chance to repeat. (1) MYULTIMATEBAXTER N drops, moves inside, has Bartlett again. Main threat. (3) CAVIART SARGENT was a non-factor recently when in for a $60K tag; he should be competitive back in with this type.
Race 6: $40,000 Claiming Pace
(3) ROCKMYSTER N has quietly been pretty good recently for a lower-percentage barn as he's used early speed to get into play and appeared willing late. The likely favorites here have some question marks so maybe this gelding is worth a play at 10/1 ML. (1) JUST ENUFF STUFF steps up in class off the Engblom claim after a couple of tough beats and Bartlett drives again. Just 2 for 28 this year, however. (6) CUT N RUN N essentially triple-dropped last week and just missed in a good try. Recent Dilloian Jr. import steps back up 25% in price and can be counted on for an honest effort.
[DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter]
Race 7: NW12339 in last 5 starts Pace
(2) ROCK THE BELLES was aggressively handled in his last couple when down in class but faltered a bit late; Daguet trainee drops down another notch, draws inside, gets a new driver in Kelly. Time to improve on that 1 for 21 seasonal record. (4) SOHO SANTORINI A has been 'okay' in his two North American starts; also gets a new driver in Bartlett, faces softer and looms the one to beat as the likely chalk. (1) SLIP THE HUNDY N was a good second last week after sitting close up and he's got another chance at a live stalking trip here.
Race 8: 3-6YO Open Pace
Looks like these connections have another Down-Under killer with (3) CATALPA RESCUE A. Scott Blackler trainee steps up to the co-top level looking to remain perfect through four races. (1) DUNKIN' gets assigned the rail in this handicap race and he's proven more than capable of beating this type. (4) HOWLENTHEHILLS paced a good back half to get close last week and he's always in with a chance vs. these.
Race 9: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace
(4) ROYAL DESIRE fits the mold of the classic "sharp horse moving up" type as he's looking for a fourth straight after winning in NW5000, NW7500 and NW10000. I think he's proven it's no fluke. (1) WATTSUP SUNSHINE A take a needed drop and was a winner when last at this level. Starting from the rail probably makes him the favorite. (5) MY ULTIMATE BYRON A also drops back down to a level he's much more competitive at.