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Sunday, May 28, 2017

Nash Takes Lead in Hambletonian Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge

(May 28, 2017) –   Rusty Nash has taken the lead in the Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge this past week with a point total of 376.3, 12.7 points ahead of Matt Rose’s 363.6.  Russ Adams, who was in the lead as of the last report, has dropped back to 3rd place, not far off the pace with 337.1 points. The big mover this week is Megan Maccario who has moved up three slots from 7th to 4th place. 

With most of the recent legs consisting of few races won by favorites, it has been hard for any handicapper to put together a string of victories with the winner’s share of 50 points.  Often, lion’s share of points had to be split between multiple handicappers tying for the day which has precluded any big moves.  However, with the passing of Memorial Day weekend, the Grand Circuit kicks into high gear so there will be plenty of multi-race legs ahead for handicappers to take advantage of. 



Standings as of Sunday, May 28, 2017 - Leg #20
Pos
Handicapper
Total Points Earned
Legs Won
Overall Net Profit
1st
Rusty Nash
376.3
5
52.80
2nd
Matt Rose
363.6
4
7.00
3rd
Russ Adams
337.1
5
(15.50)
4th
Megan Maccario
260.5
3
(70.90)
5th
Gordon Waterstone
239.8
3
(64.50)
6th
Dennis O’Hara
220.5
3
(66.50)
7th
Sally Hinckley
219.0
3
(86.50)
8th
Ray Garnett
210.9
2
(34.60)
9th
Steve Horoky
202.4
2
(77.60)
10th
Jay Hochstetler
201.8
2
(44.10)
11th
Bryan Owen
201.2
2
(67.20)
12th
Michael Carter
172.4
2
(99.30)
13th
Terry Wilson
165.5
2
(104.10)
14th
Adam Friedland
157.8
1
(44.30)
15th
Ray Cotolo
140.0
1
(43.80)
16th
Anne Stepien
138.5
2
(118.60)



Next Up:  This Saturday (June 3), the Grand Circuit Handicapping challenge visits Northfield Park for the Battle of Lake Erie while Mohawk Racetrack hosts divisions of the Somebeachsomewhere as well as legs of the Graduate Series for 4yo trotters and pacers.  The following week has the Charlie Hill Trot on Saturday evening while Tioga Downs hosts pacers and trotters in the Graduate on Sunday.

The 2017 Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge is sponsored by Adam Friedland, DRF Harness, Green Acquisition Corporation, The Hambletonian Society, Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, Northfield Park, Ontario Harness Horse Association, Red Shores Charlottetown/Summerside, Tioga Downs, Vernon Downs, Wellbourne Farms, and WEG Entertainment.  The contest is administered by HANA Harness, the harness racing division of HANA, the Horseplayers Association of North America.  Fans may follow the challenge by visiting the contest site at http;//hanaharnesscontest.blogspot.com