Monday, July 25, 2016

Hochstetler Juggernaut Roles on in Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge


(July 25, 2016) – Another week, another impressive performance by Jay Hochstetler in the 2016 Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge sponsored by DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, The Raceway at Western Fair District, Red Shores Charlottetown Driving Park, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs, as Hochstetler padded his overall lead with 310.23 points, good for a seasonal total of 1,481.45.  With the weekend’s action concluded, this leaves Hochstetler 511.13 points ahead of his nearest competitor, Russ Adams who sits in second place with a total of 970.33 points.

While Hochstetler topped the field for weekly honors, second place honors for the weekend goes to Joe Bengston whose 248.75 points moved him from last to 12th place.  Show honors belong to Russ Adams with 126.25, nosing out Anne Stepien’s 121.2.

The tone for the weekend was set Friday evening (July 22) when Bengston and Hochstetler both tabbed Kindergarten Winner Muscles Jared ($80.40).  While Hochstetler had three winners on the evening’s program to Bengtson’s two, the latter added Sunshine Delight ($25.60) to his winning tally allowing him to win the evening 208.05 to 205.05.   Continuing his hot streak, Hochstetler was a perfect four for four Saturday (7/23) evening allowing him to add another 72.8 to his tally while Adams responded Sunday night (7/24) nailing three of six at Vernon Downs, including Zweig Filly Stake Champion Flower N Songs ($18.40), adding another 87.75 points to his total.

At the conclusion of the weekend’s racing action, here are the standings:

July 24, 2016 - Leg #33
Pos
Handicapper
Total Points
Prior Week
Points Earned
This Week
Overall
Total Points
Position
Last
Week
Points
Back
1st
Jay Hochstetler
1,171.23
310.23
1,481.45
1st
 -
2nd
Russ Adams
844.08
126.25
970.33
2nd
         511.13
3rd
Rusty Nash
769.40
80.65
850.05
3rd
         631.40
4th
Adam Friedland
722.30
61.88
784.18
5th
         697.28
5th
Mark Deutsch
725.35
58.60
783.95
4th
         697.50
6th
Gordon Waterstone
701.90
68.23
770.13
6th
         711.33
7th
Dennis O'Hara
664.20
78.55
742.75
7th
         738.70
8th
Michael Carter
637.60
95.50
733.10
8th
         748.35
9th
Anne Stepien
602.40
121.20
723.60
11th
         757.85
10th
Bryan Owen
613.73
83.13
696.85
9th
         784.60
11th
Matt Rose
606.63
61.90
668.53
10th
         812.93
12th
Joe Bengston
412.90
248.75
661.65
15th
         819.80
13th
Sally Hinckley
554.03
78.75
632.78
12th
         848.68
14th
Ray Cotolo
506.28
50.53
556.80
13th
         924.65
15th
Ray Garnett
469.38
68.60
537.98
14th
         943.48


As the mid-way point of the contest approaches on August 14, it looks like Hochstetler will easily be the first half champion, earning his rescue a $250 award.

Contest action resumes Friday (7/29) and Saturday (7/30) with Adios weekend at The Meadows with multiple tilts of the Arden Downs plus the Adioo Volo and The Adios in addition to Reynolds action for 3yo colt and gelding trotters at the Meadowlands.  The contest then moves on to August 6 for the Hambletonian Day card at the Meadowlands.


Racing fans may continue getting the handicappers’ selections and other contest-related information from HANA Harness’ contest website  http://hanaharnesscontest.blogspot.com.