(October 9,
2017) – In a very tight race for weekly top honors,
Megan Maccario nosed out Gordon Waterstone (119 vs. 116 points) in the second
week of the Red Mile Grand Circuit meet (October 5-8) which were this week’s contest
days of the Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge. With her
victory, Maccario reclaims the top spot in the overall handicapping contest,
unseating Rusty Nash who now trails by a scant 5.70 points.
Five
handicappers earned triple digit points for the week besides the aforementioned
Maccario and Waterstone; Steve Horoky, 107 points; Ray Garnett, 106 points;
Michael Carter, 103.5 points
On
Thursday, Bryan Owen drew first blood claiming the day’s title in great part to
selecting Night Rhythm ($26.80) and Quality Kemp ($26.60) in two splits of the
International Stallion Stakes for 2yo colt and gelding trotters, netting a net
profit of $76.80 and 60 points for the day.
This was followed with Garnett taking the baton Friday with a net total
of $23.80 and 70 points.
On
Saturday, although netting only $10.20, Waterstone had five winners for the day
to earn a total of 75 points. On Closing
Day, with six of nine races selected to earn a net profit of $44.30, Maccario
earned 80 points to grab the lead for the day and week.
Improving
their positions this week was Maccario who moved from third to the top position
while Waterstone continues his climb, moving this past week from fifth to third
place. With five handicappers within 100
points of the top slot, volatility may be expected as the contest heads into
the stretch run with twelve more days to be contested.
.
Standings thru Sunday, October 8, 2017 - Leg
#67
|
||||||
Pos
|
Handicapper
|
Total Points Earned
|
Legs Won
|
Points Back
|
Last Week
|
Streak
|
1st
|
Megan Maccario
|
1,213.90
|
9
|
3rd
|
1
|
|
2nd
|
Rusty Nash
|
1,208.20
|
6
|
5.70
|
1st
|
|
3rd
|
Gordon Waterstone
|
1,186.50
|
10
|
27.40
|
5th
|
|
4th
|
Anne Stepien
|
1,158.82
|
8
|
55.08
|
2nd
|
|
5th
|
Matt Rose
|
1,121.88
|
10
|
92.02
|
4th
|
|
6th
|
Dennis O’Hara
|
1,097.85
|
9
|
116.05
|
6th
|
|
7th
|
Russ Adams
|
1,080.54
|
8
|
133.36
|
7th
|
|
8th
|
Sally Hinckley
|
1,079.98
|
8
|
133.92
|
8th
|
|
9th
|
Steve Horoky
|
1,052.83
|
4
|
161.07
|
9th
|
|
10th
|
Ray Garnett
|
1,011.11
|
6
|
202.79
|
10th
|
|
11th
|
Bryan Owen
|
883.90
|
7
|
330.00
|
11th
|
|
12th
|
Jay Hochstetler
|
822.50
|
4
|
391.40
|
12th
|
|
13th
|
Ray Cotolo
|
748.33
|
4
|
465.57
|
13th
|
|
14th
|
Terry Wilson
|
728.47
|
5
|
485.43
|
14th
|
|
15th
|
Michael Carter
|
716.03
|
3
|
497.87
|
15th
|
|
16th
|
Rich Mattei
|
544.30
|
2
|
669.60
|
16th
|
|
Next Up: After a busy two weeks, the contest slows down a bit with two
days of racing. Thursday (October 12)
featuring The Circle City for three year old filly trotters and pacers.as well
as the Madison County for two year old filly pacers and trotters at Hoosier
Park. Saturday (October 14), Hoosier
Park stake racing continues with the Madison County stakes for two year old
colt and geldings of both gaits, and The Circle City featuring three year old
colt and geldings of both gaits will be contested in addition to the Courageous
Lady at Northfield Park and the $1 million Yonkers International.
The following week, the
Breeders Crown eliminations will be contested over two nights at Hoosier Park.
The 2017 Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge is sponsored by Adam Friedland, DRF Harness,
Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing
and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, Ontario
Harness Horse Association, Red Shores Charlottetown/Summerside, Tioga Downs,
Vernon Downs, Wellbourne Farms, and WEG Entertainment. The contest is administered by HANA Harness,
the harness racing division of HANA, the Horseplayers Association of North
America. Fans may follow the challenge
by visiting the contest site at http;//hanaharnesscontest.blogspot.com.
