(October 2, 2017) – In an explosive move, handicapper Anne Stepien leapfrogged from seventh to second place, just 14 points away from first place in the Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge as week one (9/28-10/1) of The Red Mile Grand Circuit, supplemented with races from Harrah's and Northlands Park, ended. In the overall harness racing standings, Rusty Nash maintains his hold on the stop spot for the third week in a row.

Four handicappers earned triple digit points for the four days. Stepien earned a total of 180 points to earn weekly honors with Ray Cotolo finishing second with 152 points. Jay Hochstetler's 137 points was good enough to land the show spot with Megan Maccario completing the superfecta with 111 points.

On Thursday, Sally Hinckley drew first blood with her selection of Seven Iron ($26.80) in the second division of the Bluegrass for 2yo colt and gelding trotters and Moosonee, whose second-place finish in a later division earned her an additional $34.40 dividend to cruise to victory. Despite Stepien having six winners on Friday, the day's top spot belonged to Ray Garnett whose three winners were coupled with Baby Wants, whose third place finish in the Simpson paid $76.40 to show.

Saturday, Cotolo's three winners was good enough to grab the top slot, edging Maccario by $1.70. Saving the best for last, Stepien tabbed seven winners on Sunday to grab daily honors. Among her winners were Mike's Z Tam ($27.60) and International Moni ($10.60).

In the year to date battle, Nash maintains his lead with 1,111.2 points, just ahead of the surging Stepien (1,097.82 pts.).  Moving back into the top three is Maccario with 1,094.9 points.  Matt Rose (1,073.88 pts.) and Gordon Waterstone (1,070.5 pts.) round out the top five, within striking distance.

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Next Up: The Red Mile meet concludes with the contesting of the International Stallion, Allerage Farms TVG, Glen Garnsey Memorial, Tattersalls, Kentucky Futurity and Kentucky Filly Futurity stakes.  The following week, Hoosier Park’s Circle City and Madison County stakes will be contested along with the Yonkers International Trot on Saturday, October 14.

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. 

Allan Schott

HANA Harness Racing Coordinator

allan@hanaweb.org

Check out the HANA Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge