Best Bet: CAM’S LUCKY SAM (9th) Spot Play: CELEBRITY STIMULUS (2nd) Race 1 - $10,000 Guaranteed Survivor Pick Nine Pool MEET STATS: 35 - 106 / $201.30 (-$10.70) BEST BETS: 6 - 9 / $19.10 (+$1.10) Race 1 (4) DR C’S Z TAM is a classy veteran dropping in for a claiming tag. His form isn’t great but I’m expecting a top effort with a reasonable likelihood he’ll be claimed. (5) TERROR OF THE NITE rallied well in each of his last two starts. If you dig deeper into his PP lines, he does have some early speed in his arsenal and this is a good spot to bring it out. (1) NOT MY FIRST RODEO has some form from Maine; hard to say how it will transfer here. (7) FLY’N WITH ROYALTY seems likely to be on the engine; using underneath. Race 2 (7) CELEBRITY STIMULUS is getting a major driver change. The last two times a catch-driver was in the bike behind this guy, he won both races. The previous time he was at The Meadowlands in this class, he was second. (3) GOLD MEDAL SWAN dropped to this level and had no excuse for squandering a three-length lead in the lane. That said, he’ll probably be the favorite in here again. (2) MIDFIELD MAGIC also picks up a new driver; should show more. Race 3 (3) REAL DJ HANOVER moves to the inside portion of the gate and gets to drop to the easier Amateur division. I’ll be very surprised if we don’t see a top effort. (5) DNIEPER finally stayed flat last week, so that is a step in the right direction. He is going to wake up sooner or later. (4) MASS BALANCE gets a key trainer change. I’m not sure how I feel about Harmon in the bike; maybe. (6) BOLD FRESH comes off a decent try here last time. Race 4 (6) ESPIRIT DE KAYJAY A has won five straight and catches what looks like a soft field tonight. (1) SALEVSTER STALLION draws inside this week and don’t be shocked if he finds some early speed. He can make some noise at a price. (2) MUST BE THE BUNNY is off a win and should be close to the action. (10) ISE THE BY BOY went a big mile last time and has been in form for quite some time. Race 5 (1) WILD SMILE was left with a monumental task at the head of the lane last Thursday and couldn’t make up that much ground. Starting from the inside there are no excuses. (3) NO RECESS has been keeping some good company out of town and should prove very dangerous in here. (5) ON THE PODIUM has early speed and form with the top amateur of 2017 in the bike. (2) MONTALBANO BI looks great on paper if new driver Harmon can keep it going. Race 6 (6) WALKS OF LIFE hasn’t been in a pari-mutuel race since July, but if he is on his game he clearly projects as the best in here. I’ll take my chances unless his odds fall below 2-1. (1) FOX VALLEY CADET has been racing well while having some trouble getting to the wire first. (4) MAY I CRUISE WEST swept by the field in the stretch last time; threat again. (2) HEY DALI found himself in a strange spot on the engine and tired; new tactics now? Race 7 (8) DULL ROAR is way down in class this week and doesn’t appear to be in bad form as much as he has been a victim of overland trips. (5) CITY PIE passed almost the entire field last week and seems worth a look here. (10) CALVIN B is clearly the best horse in the race if on his game, but post 10 and the lack of an edge lately is a big negative. (1) WHATAORSE comes off a decent mile and can be a player. Race 8 (8) PURITY kept his act together last week and perhaps that is a sign that he is ready to go on a run. (4) CHARMING HILL faces a similar field to the one he defeated last time; one to beat. (1) BARYNYA A is back at The Meadowlands at a reduced level and off a confidence building win. (7) DOUBLE JOY gets a driver switch to Allard. Race 9 (1) CAM’S LUCKY SAM was unable to rally last week versus slightly better. The class drop tonight means there are no more excuses. (8) MAJOR BUDDY A arrives for a barn that tends to send them here ready. (7) BUCKLE UP rallied well last week from post 9. (5) EMPEROR MONTANA N seems like a fit here if he can awaken. [DRF HARNESS NEWSLETTER: Sign Up for the FREE DRF Harness Newsletter. Fresh content and insights delivered each Thursday.]