SUNDAY, JUNE 7 and MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2026 STATS: 4-8 / $21.80 (+$5.80) – Almost comically both of my top choices on Monday were scratched (the only two scratches on the card)! Sunday, June 7 Race 2: NW2 races or $10,000 Lifetime Pace We all know how difficult it is to win out of the eight hole (just one winner so far during the meet) but one major positive is the value and price you can get when they connect. (8) FLEET COMMANDER has seven lifetime wins, a solid lifetime mark and he's been competitive recently with mostly tougher stock in Kentucky. The gelding moves into a high-percentage barn and picks up one of the leading drivers on this circuit in Russell Foster. He's off a bit of time but I don't think that's a major concern. (4) ROCKET'S FINAL ACT is just 2 for 36 lifetime but one of those wins came in his last start, a wire-to-wire effort at Rosecroft. Justin Vincent drove that night and he's listed again. He's the one to fear if the top choice can't overcome the post. Race 9: Winners over $5,000 in last 4 starts or $100,000 Lifetime Pace (4) ROCK SMART steps up significantly but he's been so good disposing of his rivals over his last couple of races that I'm hoping the "sharp horse moving up" angle is in play here. (2) STARSHIP is back inside after a no-chance trip last week; very logical. (7) METALLICA has a gaudy career record but also not a ton of early speed, which can severely hamper his chances, like it did in his last start; I'll slot in underneath. Monday, June 8 Race 7: NW3501 in last 4 starts, Opt. $10,000 Claiming Pace (2) GAITWAY GUY has just one win over each of the last two seasons but he's been live since the move to this barn and after finishing third in each of his races since arriving at Ocean he's primed and ready to score. (4) BARON MICHAEL was a winner four back with Carter in the bike and he'll be a closing threat, and conversely uncoupled barnmate (1) THORN TOAD is a speed player from the rail. Race 8: Winners over $5,000 in last 4 starts or $100,000 Lifetime Trot (3) PORTNOY steps up to the top trotting level off a strong uncovered score in his Ocean return, and that’s three wins in his last four local races. He faces a tough one in (6) VICTOR LASZLO but I'm hoping Carter can use the post edge to his advantage and work out a live pocket trip. [DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter]