(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 |
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Pos |
Handicapper |
Total Points |
Points Earned |
Overall |
Position |
Points |
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.
Allan Schott
HANA Harness Racing Coordinator
Check out the HANA Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge