By Rusty Nash
for HANA Harness
August 10, 2015 –
After the Hambletonian leg of the 2015 HANA Harness Grand Circuit Handicapping
Challenge presented by the Bellino Stables, DRF Harness, Hambletonian Society,
Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, Tioga Downs, and Vernon
Downs, Sally Hinckley has firmly placed her handicapping sulky back in front of
Mark McKelvie. She did it by selecting five winners in the twelve race
marathon and posted an impressive 1,966 total contest points. Mark
McKelvie remains very close and is a mere 52 points behind. Gapped back
in third is our early pace setter Bob Zanakis.
The real action
occurred back in the pack where thirteen positions changed. The biggest
mover of the day was Earl Paulson and his super computer. The computer
and its ace programmer led all handicappers on the day with seven wins and 554
points earned. Earl moved up seven positions from eleventh to fourth.
Dennis O’Hara was
a close second on the day amassing 537 points on six winners. He was the
only other handicapper to correctly pick 50% winners on the day. His key
was Flanagan Memory at $21 which earned him 231 of his points. He moved
up the most positions from thirteenth to fifth.
The best
individual pick of the day went to Brandon Valvo who selected D’One at
$31.40. The European invader won with a thrilling come from behind effort
to upset Bee A Magician. It was that race, plus the Cane, where Wiggle It
Jiggleit faded after a speed duel that tripped up most of the contestants.
Next week the
handicapping tour visits Northfield Park for the Carl Milstein Memorial.
The handicappers will appreciate the short work week to rest up for the
following weekend that sees us visiting seven tracks and puzzling through 18
scheduled events.
