(June 19, 2016) – Determined to add some distance between himself and his nearest harness racing competitors, Jay Hochstetler was the top handicapper for the week 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 thanks to earning 124.3 points for a grand total of 655.9 points thus far, 66.68 points ahead of second place Russ Adams, who has a total of 589.23 points in the contest. Other strong performers for the week were Gordon Waterstone (115.3 points) and Rusty Nash (110.4).
Leading to Hochstetler's success were his selecting three winners on North America Cup night at Mohawk Racetrack, selecting the winners of the Armbro Flight (Hannelore Hanover, $2.20), Roses Are Red (Lady Shadow, $10.50), and North America Cup champion Betting Line ($4.20) on Saturday night plus sweeping the card on Sunday at Tioga Downs with All Steinem ($20.80), Mcardles Lightning ($2.50) and Roll With Joe winner Rockeyed Optimist ($5.80).
In addition to Hochstetler, Rusty Nash swept the Tioga races, adding 68.25 to his seasonal total.
Here are the standings after this weekend’s racing action:
June 19 2016 – Leg #24 |
||||||
Pos |
Handicapper |
Total Points |
Points Earned |
Overall |
Position |
Points |
1st |
Jay Hochstetler |
531.60 |
124.30 |
655.90 |
1st |
– |
2nd |
Russ Adams |
527.00 |
62.23 |
589.23 |
2nd |
66.68 |
3rd |
Mark Deutsch |
437.85 |
65.40 |
503.25 |
3rd |
152.65 |
4th |
Rusty Nash |
374.88 |
110.40 |
485.28 |
8th |
170.63 |
5th |
Dennis O'Hara |
416.80 |
65.85 |
482.65 |
5th |
173.25 |
6th |
Anne Stepien |
429.33 |
38.90 |
468.23 |
4th |
187.68 |
7th |
Gordon Waterstone |
345.28 |
115.30 |
460.58 |
6th |
195.33 |
8th |
Adam Friedland |
410.58 |
46.93 |
457.50 |
7th |
198.40 |
9th |
Matt Rose |
377.43 |
57.00 |
434.43 |
9th |
221.48 |
10th |
Ray Cotolo |
346.98 |
60.60 |
407.58 |
11th |
248.33 |
11th |
Bryan Owen |
345.23 |
47.88 |
393.10 |
12th |
262.80 |
12th |
Ray Garnett |
311.63 |
51.70 |
363.33 |
13th |
292.58 |
13th |
Sally Hinckley |
308.43 |
36.28 |
344.70 |
14th |
311.20 |
14th |
Joe Bengston |
302.80 |
26.10 |
328.90 |
15th |
327.00 |
15th |
Michael Carter |
296.50 |
30.08 |
326.58 |
10th |
329.33 |
This coming weekend, there is only one feature race on tap; the AJ Cutler Memorial Trot at Meadowlands Gaming and Entertainment. After this week, a full slate of races will be contested during the 4th of July weekend.
For further information regarding the handicapping challenge, visit HANA Harness’ contest website http://hanaharnesscontest.
Allan Schott