2025 MEET STATS: 133 - 414 / $805.40 (-$22.60) BEST BETS: 20 - 37 / $68.70 (-$5.30) BEST BET: DIEGO N (7th) SPOT PLAY: FAMILY RECIPE (9th) Race 1: $50,000 Claiming Pace (6) KOPI LUWAK crushed his foes first off the Engblom claim and despite facing better here and drawing another outside post if he repeats that effort it may be lights out again. (1) CURBSIDE PICKUP was a good second after cutting the mile in this class two back; also back inside. (3) PEACE OUT POSSE has been a pretty good claim for the Stratton barn and the 10YO veteran is more than capable of making an impact. [DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card] Race 2: $40,000 Claiming Pace (2) CENTURY ENDEAVOR has been a solid player at this level all season long for multiple barns and he's now back with Stafford off the reclaim last week. Veteran has been most effective on the lead and I'm hopeful Holland can get him to the top and stay there. (4) RICARDOSHILYSHALLY is perfect in three starts since the Engblom claim and switch to Bartlett; he faces better here in a definite class test. (1) LYRICAL GENIUS A moves to the rail off a good closing effort last week; unproven at this level on top but certainly an exotic candidate. Race 3: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace (3) BULLVILLE FRANK hasn't done much here in the past but he's been a different horse since being claimed by Engblom and he returns from Pocono while arguably in career form; gelding goes for three straight. (1) THAT DOG WILL HUNT seemingly has tailed off some but from the rail he can carry his speed a long way. (4) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH ships in from Saratoga off some just okay recent efforts but he picks up the leading driver. Race 4: $40,000 Claiming Pace (2) MULLINAX has been a non-factor in his last few but this is one of the softer $40K claiming fields we've seen and he does have a closing kick with the right setup. He should offer some value despite his 7/2 on the ML. (3) TUFFENUFTOWEARPINK moves to the Bongiorno barn via last week's claim and he picks up Bartlett on the catch drive; safe to say this guy will be the favorite and he's got a legit chance. (6) TWO FACED is 0 for 13 this year but he's got a bunch of seconds and thirds. Race 5: MGM Borgata Pace Leg #5 (1) COACHES CORNER looked like one of the stronger entrants leading up to the Borgata and he hasn't disappointed with two wins and two narrow defeats. Tonight he draws the rail in the final prelim and will almost certainly be setting a rated pace up front. (6) HELLABALOU limps into the 5th and final preliminary leg and it's safe to say there won't be a Borgata three-peat. I'm still hopeful he can get away from the gate in good order and finally sit a good trip. (7) FOR ONCE INMY LIFE is perfect through three legs, all on the front end. From the outside draw the tactics may change tonight. Race 6: MGM Borgata Pace Leg #5 (1) MOSSDALE BEN N is a half-length shy of being a perfect 8 for 8 since arriving for Pete Tritton. The only thing we haven't seen from this import is early speed. Will Stratton two-move for control tonight? (4) CHASE H HANOVER is a bonafide speed player who came from off the pace last week to score. Tonight he looks to have a very clear path to the front. (2) AARDIES FLASH N has been unable to replicate his first-leg win but has raced pretty well regardless. Race 7: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace (1) DIEGO N finished willingly from a bit too far back in his North American debut but now the latest Pete Tritton import moves to the rail, giving Stratton plenty of options. He's clearly the one to beat and will probably get hammered at the windows. (3) LEONIDAS A is still a competitive mid to upper-level contender and he won from a similar spot two back. (5) SWEET BEACH LIFE was uncovered into a rated pace upon arrival; smoother trip can land him a piece. [DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter] Race 8: MGM Borgata Pace Leg #5 (4) DESPERATE MAN was desperate for a win last week and came through with a solid front-end score. Alexander trainee is more than talented (and fast) enough to repeat and coast into the final. (1) VERDUN was used early to secure the pocket to the top choice last out and chased second best. This guy never puts in bad effort and Lachance should be set up with another live trip here. (5) HUNTINTHELASTDOLAR may be at a bit of a tactical disadvantage again leaving outside of the top two. We'll see how aggressive Bartlett is in the early stages as he also gears up for the final. Race 9: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace (3) FAMILY RECIPE is not a prolific winner but he gets an interesting driver change here to Bartlett (as Brennan opts for #8) and though he moves up in class this isn't the strongest of fields. I think we see him try for the front. (4) ULTIMAROCA always gives an honest effort and also figures to be forwardly placed. (1) WINDSUN RICKY is capable with this type, especially when drawn well. Ground-saving trip can land him a piece.