Best Bet: EVER AGAIN (5th) Spot Play: SAMIS ROLIN STONE (3rd) Race 2 - $25,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool Race 7 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool CHAMPIONSHIP MEET STATS: 13 - 39 / $71.40 (-$6.60) BEST BETS: 4 - 4 / $12.20 (+$4.20) Race 1 (2) HURRIKANE EMPRESS had a useful qualifier after four weeks on the sidelines and should be able to handle this crew. (3) HYPNOTIC TALE has returned from winter break in good order and looks like a clear threat if the top pick shows any signs of weakness. (5) CRUZINFORAVICTORY ships up from Rosecroft off a pair of good performances. Race 2 (2) STITCH IN TIME got caught in a fast mile last week making his sixth-place finish seem worse than it was in reality. The inside post should give him every chance to score for capable amateur Bob Davis. (8) MULTITASKR HANOVER is capable of racing well from on or off the pace. In a field without a standout, he should be competitive. (5) INUCHUK CHUCK finally gets post relief and also drops down a few notches. You have to think a big effort would be possible. Race 3 (1) SAMIS ROLIN STONE raced evenly chasing Manchego in her latest qualifier. That trainer Minor reached out to a catch-driver is a good sign for tonight. (4) OCARINA HANOVER sprinted home in 27 3/5 last time as she seems to be better now with trotting hobbles added. (5) DIAMONDSTONE US has been racing well and has some early speed. Race 4 (5) LIMA NOVELTY went a nice steady mile in her 2018 debut at Yonkers and can build on that with some early speed stretching out on the big track tonight. (1) ZEPHYR KRONOS uncorked a huge final quarter to win his first start of the year. Son of Ready Cash seems like he is still a bit green but there is talent here. (2) PERFETTO has some skills but threw in another break most recently; mixed feelings. Race 5 (4) EVER AGAIN aimed over his head in the Hot Lead series last week and now falls to a condition where he should take charge. (2) MISTER INDIANA ships in from the Hoosier state with credentials that say he could give the top pick a bit of trouble. (7) RING WARRIOR has some early speed and decent form; using underneath only. Race 6 (2) FOR A DREAMER & (1) EUROBOUND are tough to separate off of their qualifiers. I’m giving the slight edge to the former due to the presence of a catch-driver. (7) LOVELY LYNNLY could be a player in this race if she flashes early speed. Race 7 (9) WINGS OF ROYALTY came up with a strong effort in his first start since December while showing off his class. With that race under his belt perhaps he can wire this field. (7) MONTALBANO BI caught a tough foe last week. He isn’t overly sharp right now but certainly capable of winning. (8) GOLD MEDAL SWAN remains sharp despite the eighth-place finish last time. (4) CHECKMATE TIME is fast enough to win. This field is much better than the one she bested last time. (10) DOUBLE L LINDY gets class relief. Race 8 (5) THE FIRE WITHIN is back at The Meadowlands and in for a lower claiming tag. Against this dull field, I have to believe a big effort is coming. (1) FRANKANDJOANNE can flash speed from the cones and be in striking range if he brings his best game. (7) KINGS BARNS didn’t do much last time as the leader ran away and hid. If Gingras can fire him up early, he has an upset chance. Race 9 (7) FEARLESS LEADER N returns to The Meadowlands were he picked up his only win of the year and his lifetime mark. Against a formless field like this one, I’ll overlook his recent performances and hope he turns the corner on the big track. (3) SUPER S YZERMAN went too fast on the engine last time. With better rating he could score. (2) MYSTERIOUS MOMENT is more of an underneath player in my book, but he can save ground and get a nice piece. Race 10 (7) CHEAP THRILLS finished up OK with Lasix added in her qualifier. Four-year-old comes in for Bamond, who usually only starts here in stakes races; interesting. (5) LET’S FALL IN LOVE is clearly the one to beat on paper but hasn’t separated herself in terms of time. (1) DANCE BLUE showed some late pace in her recent qualifier. (3) LONELY DAYS also qualified well, finishing just behind a nice horse in Band Stand. [DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]