2026 MEET STATS: 133 - 402 / $769.21 (-$34.79) BEST BETS: 24 - 41 / $78.80 (-$3.20) BEST BET: MANFERNO (1st) SPOT PLAY: SWEET BEACH LIFE (7th) Race 1: $40,000 Claiming Pace (1) MANFERNO changed hands and dominated so now with the rail staying in the same class we expect a chalky repeat. (2) HAMMERING HANK has raced well in all recent starts, especially when drawn well; Laterza charge may be the chief threat to the top one. (3) PEACE OUT POSSE crushed last week on the barn change and was claimed again, but now the new connections protect him by stepping him up; tough task going for three straight. [DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card] Race 2: 3-6YO $30,000 Claiming Pace (3) TOPVILLE SOMEBEACH drops back to the level he's been most successful at, especially with the age restriction on this race. Good spot for Brennan to try for the front. (7) TIN CUP CHALICE has been tearing up Monticello (7 in a row at 1/9 odds is insane) and the Bako trainee gets more of a test here. (4) TELITONTHEMOUNTAIN gets a new driver in Gingras subbing for the absent Bartlett and the Engblom trainee deserves a mention. Race 3: $30,000 Claiming Pace (1) ZEBS KRAFTY seems to have found a home at this $30K level and he's got a chance to rate the action again to make it four of five (and three at YR since coming from Canada). (4) PYRO hasn't done much lately but he drops a bit and gets a fresh set of hands in Gingras. (2) EVER HOPING A draws right outside the top choice and there doesn't look to be a ton of speed in here; can he get away in the pocket? Race 4: $15,000 Claiming Pace (7) OVER THE HORIZON has been popular at the claim box and he's back with Laterza staying at the winning level. I'm not overly concerned with the outside draw as he's overcome poor posts in his last three wins. (3) MAJOR POCKET A was pocketed to the top one last start and was second best; similar spot here. (2) DANCININTHEFIRE drops from $20K claimers to this level and he did finish third twice last month. Race 5: NW16841 in last 5 starts Pace (3) NONE BETTOR A is kind of a sentimental pick as the 13YO is still looking to break through into the win column but he's got legit credentials as he's put in four good efforts in a row since returning to the Alexander barn. Kakaley is back in the bike. (7) CAPTAIN MOORE A has been facing better in all recent including throughout the Borgata; needs to generate some early speed, however. (2) ROCKNROLL GOLD was a winner at The Big M in debut for the Bongiorno barn and we'll see how he fits here. Race 6: $50,000 Claiming Pace (4) BET ON BIG JOE is always consistent and a proven winner at this claiming level; Kelly has a couple of trip options to get it done. (2) KEAYANG TACO A arrived from Indiana and joined the Stratton barn, went off at 62/1 from the inside but didn't race badly at all; he's got a chance to show more. (1) KEAYANG KAMIKAZE A should be ready to go for Pete Tritton/Marohn off a nice second in a needed start last week. Race 7: NW30000 in last 5 starts Pace (7) SWEET BEACH LIFE draws badly again but he's proven capable of overcoming outside posts with his early speed. Considering the company he's been keeping of late he deserves a chance here at an honest price. (4) SOHO FIRESTONE A has also faced top pacers in the Borgata and the Invite (like the top choice) and is a deserving favorite; wouldn't knock anyone for using him on top or as a key. (1) JOEMIKIYOURSOFINE has hit the board in seven of eight with a live chance to do so again starting from the rail. [DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter] Race 8: Invitational Pace Talented field here where five of the six legitimately can win (no disrespect to #6, just a very tough spot). (2) YOUNG BLUEY A has had his moments since arriving from Australia - some good and some bad - and with the move inside this week the Bako trainee will be much more involved. Back to Gingras as well. (1) VERDUN is back at the top level after turning his form completely around. Lachance trainee can never be tossed. (4) CAPTAINHAMMERHEAD A is two-for-two since arriving but unlike last week where he rated on the front I think he'll be rallying from off the pace tonight. Race 9: NW7771 in last 5 starts Pace (4) CARABAO returned from six months on the shelf and was treated to three consecutive eight holes. Hudson trainee deserves a try on the post relief alone. (3) ESCAPE TO AMERICA has been picking up checks recently but not threatening; he too should appreciate class and post relief. (7) T H TYSON was overmatched at the optional $60K claiming level, should fit with these.