Adams takes the lead in Handicapping Contest

(June 5, 2016) – For the first time since this year's edition of 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 began, a new leader, Russ Adams sits on top of the harness racing leaderboard with a total of 507.5 points, a scant 3.1 points ahead of former leader Jay Hochstetler's 504.4 total.

For the third straight week, Adams was the top handicapper, scoring 39.75 points by selecting three of the four winners on the contest ticket. Adams correctly tabbed Betting Line (6th race – $2.80), Lyons Snyder (8th – $5.10), and Freaky Feet Pete (9th – $2.20) with his 5th race pick Honor And Serve finishing third.

Second for the week was Gordon Waterstone (35.55 pts week, 333.58 pts – 9th place overall) who had the same three winners as Adams with his pick running out of the money in the 5th race. Show honors went to Mark Deutsch (28.38, 413.05 – 3rd) with two winners while former leader Hochstetler, who dropped to 2nd place overall was fourth for the week with 27.35 points.

This coming week, the handicappers face a double header with the Meadows Maturity Trot (The Meadows) for 4yo trotting mares and the Charlie Hill Memorial (Scioto Downs) for older trotters on tap for Saturday evening with Sunday afternoon featuring the third leg of the Graduate series for 4yo pacers and trotters at Tioga Downs.

After last night’s races, the standings are as follows:

June 4, 2016 – Leg #20
Pos	Handicapper	Total Points Prior Week	Points Earned This Week	Overall Total Points	Position Last Week	Points Back
1st	Russ Adams	467.75	39.75	507.50	2nd	–
2nd	Jay Hochstetler	477.05	27.35	504.40	1st	3.10
3rd	Mark Deutsch	384.68	28.38	413.05	3rd	94.45
4th	Anne Stepien	369.85	25.80	395.65	5th	111.85
5th	Adam Friedland	376.18	16.40	392.58	4th	114.93
6th	Dennis O'Hara	359.25	21.08	380.33	6th	127.18
7th	Matt Rose	346.13	16.80	362.93	7th	144.58
8th	Rusty Nash	334.55	25.83	360.38	8th	147.13
9th	Gordon Waterstone	298.03	35.55	333.58	10th	173.93
10th	Ray Cotolo	311.08	12.70	323.78	9th	183.73
11th	Bryan Owen	282.50	23.63	306.13	11th	201.38
12th	Ray Garnett	277.13	13.70	290.83	13th	216.68
13th	Michael Carter	278.20	11.50	289.70	12th	217.80
14th	Joe Bengston	267.10	7.80	274.90	14th	232.60
15th	Sally Hinckley	252.78	21.98	274.75	15th	232.75

For further information regarding the handicapping challenge, visit HANA Harness’ contest website  http://hanaharnesscontest.blogspot.com, where you may find the handicappers’ selections and results, updated standings, as well a schedule of upcoming contest races.

Allan Schott

 

HANA Harness Racing Coordinator

 

allan@hanaweb.org

 

 

 

Check out the HANA Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge