2025 MEET STATS: 369 - 1203 / $2,011.98 (-$394.02) BEST BETS: 61 - 117 / $199.74 (-$34.26) BEST BET: WALKINSHAW N (12th) SPOT PLAY: CALICOJACK HANOVER (5th) Race 1: NW10000 in last 5 starts Pace (1) IMTHEBLACKFLASH N is yet another fresh face from Down Under who is very likely to make an immediate impact. This barn has done very well with these types, especially when teamed up with Bartlett, who was in the bike for that winning Big M qualifier. (4) TEN TOTHE DOZEN A was a nice winner upon arrival and does step up a notch but should still be a major presence again; Todd McCarthy picks up the catch drive. (6) TWIN B DELUXE hasn't been at his sharpest lately but overall it's been a solid last two seasons with over $250K earned and he seems to outclass the rest. [DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card] Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace (4) BET ON BIG JOE was a winner upon arrival for the Burke barn and lands in a similar spot tonight. (2) SOUTHWIND PETYR was my pick last week on the dropdown and swept from post eight at a big price; sharp veteran is back up in class but moves back inside. (5) CUT N RUN N was a good second in debut for these connections off the claim; Bartlett drives again. Race 3: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #1 (4) CAPTAIN ALBANO has been a legit player as a 4YO with the top aged horses in North America and was a sharp winner over the added distance when last at Yonkers. (3) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR was not involved in last week's FanDuel final but dominated the start prior here and is clearly the main threat. (2) JAMACIAN ROCK A is off a bit of time with a sick scratch but qualified fine and this import may have the goods to compete at the top levels; could need a start here. Race 4: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace (4) CARABAO A has been hinting recently at a return to the winner's circle and he looks to have found the winning spot here in this rather soft field; not much value, however. (5) SANTANA HANOVER gives up a post edge to the top one but does look next best; Todd McCarthy with the catch drive. (6) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N steps back up off a loss but closed well from a similar spot two back. Race 5: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #1 (1) CALICOJACK HANOVER arrives from Mohawk where he's not only a contender in their top levels but he was a Breeders Crown finalist. I'll take a shot that the 4YO will be comfortable here and can trip out. (8) REDWOOD HANOVER has been awesome for the top trainer/driver and post eight may not slow him down much unless he gets torched early. (2) SOHO FIRESTONE A likewise has been great at these top levels and figures to be ready off the qualifier. Race 6: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace (4) THONG CONTROL got into the win column two back then bumped up to this level and was a decent third. Lachance may be looking at a live covered trip and could be freshest late. (1) ALWAYS B ELITE N is the one to beat but he figures to take a ton of money so is probably an underlay on the win end. (2) MYSWEETBOYMAX is logical having drawn inside again; looks to repeat on the step back up in class. Race 7: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #1 (2) COACHES CORNER is crying out for a win after always being in the hunt and this finally looks like the spot; down the road. (5) DESPERATE MAN outclasses the rest but is off some time with a sick scratch. Still, he's a stakes-caliber horse. (3) VERDUN is the King of the locals and never misses a check; 23 for 32 in the money this year for Lachance. Race 8: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace (2) ROYAL DESIRE needs a smooth, possibly ground-saving trip but I think he's capable with these and figures to be third or fourth choice. (6) THIS IS THE PLAN is a sentimental pick but is still a contender; maybe he has a path to the front, though it depends on #5 leaving. (1) BLANK STARE steps up a notch looking for two straight and he's the most logical in here. Race 9: MGM Grand Prix Pacing Series Leg #1 (2) EL REY hasn't hit the board through five tries in what is unfortunately a lost season for the talented Harris trainee. That said he draws well and picks up Bartlett, who won with him in a qualifier back in September. (5) SPRING INHIS STEP A can spring off the gate and he's been a solid fringe stakes player this year. (1) MIKI SHAN N has something to prove against these but he's certainly got the speed. Race 10: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace (3) LOU HILL invades from Ohio and joins the Engblom barn looking to improve on that ugly 1 for 21 seasonal record, with that initial win coming in his last start. Maybe he'll fit well here. (4) CHRISTOPHER DANCE N powered off last week upon arrival, gets a free ride in this class as he fits the NW12 condition, and importantly keeps Bartlett. (6) NONE BETTER A has loads of back class and the 12YO is actually racing very well now. Maybe he can sneak in there at a price [DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter] Race 11: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace (3) JUST ENUFF STUFF was quickly reclaimed by the Forte barn after getting roughed up last out. He won his prior two by open lengths for these connections. (1) HAMMERING HANK returned locally now in the Burke barn and was very game in defeat. Moving to the rail he's got a live chance. (4) THE MASKEDCRUSADR N lost the battle with #1 and ultimately the war last week; he may have to revert to off-the-pace tactics now. Race 12: $30,000 Claiming Pace (4) WALKINSHAW N gets a hard-to-miss driver change to Bartlett and with the drop in class the teenager is eligible to wake up in a big way. (3) ROCKIN N TALKIN stepped up to $40s off the claim and didn't fire in two starts; back to the right level. (2) CASINO ACTION N and (1) SADDLE UP should both be close to the action by virtue of their draws.