Standings scrambled in Handicapping Challenge

(July 31, 2016) – While Jay Hochstetler remains firmly ensconced in the lead of the harness racing 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, the 18 race smorgasbord known as Adios weekend at The Meadows scrambled the rest of the leaderboard with handicappers exchanging positions below the top spot. One of those handicappers, last year's champion Sally Hinckley moved from 13th to 6th place by virtue of her 318.65 points, to earn the title of 'best handicapper' for the week

Other handicappers making big moves this weekend were Adam Friedland whose 312.63 points moved him up 2 slots from 4th to 2nd place and Michael Carter whose 255.3 points moved him from 8th to 5th. Of note are other handicappers who scored 200 plus points this weekend, Rusty Nash (203.4) and Matt Rose (213.73).

Hinckley was prolific both days, scoring 170.2 points on Friday with 5 out of 6 winners including Youvegotwhatittakes ($15.60) and Muay Hanover ($17.40) following it up with 7 winners on Saturday good for 148.45 points. While Friedland's performance was unremarkable on Friday, Saturday was another story tabbing 8 out of 12 races for the day which earned him 276.9 points.

At the conclusion of Adios week, here are the standings:

July 30, 2016 – Leg #35
Pos	Handicapper	Total Points Prior Week	Points Earned This Week	Overall Total Points	Position Last Week	Points Back
1st	Jay Hochstetler	1,481.45	155.08	1,636.53	1st	–
2nd	Adam Friedland	784.18	312.63	1,096.80	4th	539.73
3rd	Russ Adams	970.33	91.28	1,061.60	2nd	574.93
4th	Rusty Nash	850.05	203.40	1,053.45	3rd	583.08
5th	Michael Carter	733.10	255.30	988.40	8th	648.13
6th	Sally Hinckley	632.78	318.65	951.43	13th	685.10
7th	Dennis O'Hara	742.75	199.80	942.55	7th	693.98
8th	Gordon Waterstone	770.13	168.40	938.53	6th	698.00
9th	Mark Deutsch	783.95	113.05	897.00	5th	739.53
10th	Matt Rose	668.53	213.73	882.25	11th	754.28
11th	Bryan Owen	696.85	119.00	815.85	10th	820.68
12th	Joe Bengston	661.65	125.63	787.28	12th	849.25
13th	Anne Stepien	723.60	57.20	780.80	9th	855.73
14th	Ray Cotolo	556.80	116.98	673.78	14th	962.75
15th	Ray Garnett	537.98	110.30	648.28	15th	988.25

The Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge moves to the Meadowlands on Saturday afternoon for its Hambletonian Day extravaganza with the Hambletonian (3yo Open Trot), Hambletonian Oaks (3yo Filly Trot), Cane Pace (3yo C&G Pace), Shady Daisy (3yo Filly Pace), Jim Doherty Memorial (2yo Filly Trot), Peter Haughton Memorial (2yo C&G Trot), Fresh Yankee (Filly and Mare Trot), John Cashman Memorial (Open Trot), Lady Liberty (Filly & Mare Pace), and US Pacing Championship (Open Pace).

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

Allan Schott

HANA Harness Racing Coordinator