Waterstone tops field in challenge

(October 23, 2016) – With eighteen races over the past two days of harness racing , this past weekend may have been one of the last two opportunities to make a run at overall leader Jay Hochstetler in 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.

While, barring a miracle such as the 1969 New York Mets, it appears Hochstetler is home free as the overall leader, there are ten more contest dates remaining; providing handicappers a chance of breaking into the top three allowing them to earn dividends for their standardbred rescues.

While not likely finishing in the top three, Gordon Waterstone put in an effort this past weekend worthy of the best handicappers, commanding top honors for this past weekend scoring 256.4 points, 35 points ahead of Michael Carter (222.98 pts.). Landing third best for the weekend was Sally Hinckley (203 pts.). While Waterstone was shut out Friday evening, he bounced back Saturday at the Meadowlands, selecting eight of fourteen winners on the evening card including Sutton ($15.40) in a Breeders Crown elimination for 3yo trotting colts and geldings and Tori Hanover ($24.00) in an elimination for 2yo pacing fillies. Carter and Hinckley also tabbed eight winners, alas without a longshot.

In the race for the second half award, Matt Rose (1,631.58 pts.) clings to a 13.05 point lead over overall leader Hochstetler who has 1,618.53 points. Hinckley is in third with 1,445.7 points, leaving the others far behind.

For the season-long title, Hochstetler has a commanding lead with 3,407.63 points with Rose far behind with 2,733.63 points. Following the top two, Hinckley is in third with 2,615.58 points with the next contender roughly 580 points further back.

This coming weekend, contest action remains centered at the Meadowlands with the finals of the Breeders Crown and the fifth leg of the Kindergarten Classic being contested, affording handicappers with another chance to make up ground though it will require the cooperation of the racing gods to provide a few bombs for the handicapper to select.

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

Allan Schott

Check out the HANA Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge