Hochstetler retakes in Handicapping Contest

(June 12, 2016) – After losing the lead last week, Jay Hochstetler retook the top spot in 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, thanks to earning 27.2 points this week for a total of 531.6 overall; a narrow lead of 4.6 points over last week's leader Russ Adams.

While Hochstetler once again sits in first, weekly honors go to Bryan Owen who lead everyone with 39.1 points.

Owen managed to earn weekly honors despite only having one winner, Maestro Blue Chip ($15.40), the lone long shot in this weekend's quartet of races. With his selection of the Graduate Trot leg winner, Owen scored 27.9 of his 39.1 weekend tally.

Dennis O'Hara was second for the week with 36.48 points with three winners and a third place finish while Sally Hinckley and Anne Stepien dead-heated for the third position with a total of 33.68.

Here are the standings after this weekend:

June 12 2016 – Leg #22
Pos	Handicapper	Total Points Prior Week	Points Earned This Week	Overall Total Points	Position Last Week	Points Back
1st	Jay Hochstetler	504.40	27.20	531.60	2nd	–
2nd	Russ Adams	507.50	19.50	527.00	1st	4.60
3rd	Mark Deutsch	413.05	24.80	437.85	3rd	93.75
4th	Anne Stepien	395.65	33.68	429.33	4th	102.28
5th	Dennis O'Hara	380.33	36.48	416.80	6th	114.80
6th	Adam Friedland	392.58	18.00	410.58	5th	121.03
7th	Matt Rose	362.93	14.50	377.43	7th	154.18
8th	Rusty Nash	360.38	14.50	374.88	8th	156.73
9th	Ray Cotolo	323.78	23.20	346.98	10th	184.63
10th	Gordon Waterstone	333.58	11.70	345.28	9th	186.33
11th	Bryan Owen	306.13	39.10	345.23	11th	186.38
12th	Ray Garnett	290.83	20.80	311.63	12th	219.98
13th	Sally Hinckley	274.75	33.68	308.43	15th	223.18
14th	Joe Bengston	274.90	27.90	302.80	14th	228.80
15th	Michael Carter	289.70	6.80	296.50	13th	235.10

This coming weekend, featured races of the Grand Circuit challenge are Saturday’s Roses Are Red, North America Cup, Goodtime Trot, and Armbro Flight at Mohawk Raceway plus the Meadows Maturity Trot at The Meadows.  Sunday’s feature race is the Roll With Joe at Tioga Downs.

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