2024 FINAL MEET STATS: Too embarrassing to publish…let’s just say it was my worst year in over a decade. Grateful for the fresh start! 2025 MEET STATS: 0 - 0 / $0.00 (+$0.00) BEST BETS: 0 -0 / $0.00 (+$0.00) BEST BET: SWEETHOMEALABAMA N (3rd) SPOT PLAY: MORNING HAS BROKEN (9th) Race 1: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace (3) ROYALTYS DREAMER proved that she fits nicely with this group with that solid try in her 2024 finale; mare draws reasonably enough and picks up Gingras. (4) GINGER TREE LIZ is the only horse in here who made a start after Yonkers was done so maybe that slight recency edge works in her favor. (2) THUNDRA was put on the front last out and tired; I think she's better off in a stalking spot. [DRF HARNESS: Get Harness Eye PPs for this card] Race 2: NW5000 in last 5 starts Pace (3) UNDRTHSOUTHERNSUN N was claimed by these connections for $40K and has been disappointing, but was also a victim of some bad posts. Laterza trainee drops to the basement level and draws better here. I guess there's nowhere to go but up. (2) JUDDY DOUGLAS A is another one with a start out of town (from the same barn as race 1) and he was second best at a big price in his last at Yonkers. (5) MASON'S DELIGHT N hails from top connections but he's been inconsistent and likely isn't worth the short price on top. [DRF BETS: Wager on tonight's Yonkers card at DRF Bets.com!] Race 3: 3-6YO winners of 2-4 races or $60,000 lifetime Pace (2) SWEETHOMEALABAMA N won his last two in decisive fashion and the recent import undoubtedly has more to offer. (1) CUPID SHUFFLE was a winner in his last Yonkers try and the Burke trainee is reunited with Gingras. (3) ICACO HANOVER has been close in all recent starts and switches to Bartlett. Race 4: NW11621 in last 5 starts Pace (1) BE DAZZLED LOU A is one of three in here coming out of the same race last week at The Meadowlands and with the rail draw Bongiorno figures to be taking an aggressive stance and try rolling down the road. (5) TEDDY DISCO A ships in for Cullipher and can be tighter off that recent try. (2) ALWAYS A THRILL faces mostly more seasoned foes but he does get major post relief after consecutive eight holes. Race 5: NW7500 in last 5 starts Pace (7) OPTICAL ILLUSION N is back after a successful 2024 season which saw him earn over $100K and though he's just been racing evenly of late this feels like an easier spot, despite the outside post. (3) VULCAN STAR N hit the board at Philly on New Year's Eve and should fit well here. (2) KARLOO BRADLEY N was favored in $40K claimers not too long ago, can wake up here. Race 6: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace (5) TYRA MAKES BANK had a decent season here mostly at this level after arriving from Delaware; she does have early speed and the benefit of a recent qualifier. (1) DANDY'S SHOWTIME has not been particularly sharp but she did race okay at The Big M a couple of weeks ago and she lands the rail for leading connections. (4) MIKILOB ULTRA makes her 4YO debut and she raced well in her last two finishing third at big prices. Race 7: F&M $25,000 Claiming Pace (4) REAL LADY SADIE faltered in her 2024 finale when forced to make two moves from the eight hole but she was solid in most prior efforts and she's got the speed to make the front. As with many of these horses, keep tabs on how their barns have been performing up to now. (1) CHASE YOU and (2) NIKASA N are both major players from their inside posts. Race 8: NW15000 in last 5 starts Pace (3) SMIFFY'S TERROR N is a fresh import from the connections who bring us Leonidas A and that certainly was a willing qualifier up at Monticello. If he feels "live" in the wagering then I'll be hopping on board. (1) LUCAPELO N is another recent import and this Bongiorno trainee already has two wins. He steps up again while clearly having the potential for more. (6) BRUTALLYHANDSOME A is a proven talent for the Cory Stratton barn and he did win three races at Yonkers last year. Four back he set a U.S. mark with a 1:50 2/5 win at The Meadowlands. [DRF HARNESS: Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter] Race 9: F&M $50,000 Claiming Pace (3) MORNING HAS BROKEN hasn't been in a pari-mutuel event since last July but she's kept busy recently with a couple of qualifiers up at Monti and it wouldn't surprise me to see this classy mare ready to fire. (6) IDEALINFUN has done nothing wrong over her last few starts with a win and a second sprinkled in; Yannick picks up the drive here and should offer plenty of value coming from off the pace, unlike (7) YS SENSATIONALCITY, who is a speed player looking for three straight but has to overcome the seven hole. Race 10: F&M $20,000 Claiming Pace (4) ONEDERFULBEACH finished a close third and a close second the last two times Jordan drove for his brother and he's a proven fit at this $20K level; should offer value in competitive finale. (2) BEANTOWN BABE jogged four back at 1/9 odds but burned money at odds-on in two of her last three and she may be favored again. (1) NUTTINBUTHEBEST won going away in her seasonal finale and is obviously set up here for another score starting from the pole position.