For Opinion, click here for View from the Racetrack Grandstand

Monday, October 2, 2017

Stepien Makes Move in Hambletonian Society GC Handicapping Challenge

(October 2, 2017) –  In an explosive move, handicapper Anne Stepien leapfrogged from seventh to second place, just 14 points away from first place in the Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge as week one (9/28-10/1) of The Red Mile Grand Circuit, supplemented with races from Harrah’s and Northlands Park, ended.  In the overall standings, Rusty Nash maintains his hold on the stop spot for the third week in a row.  

Four handicappers earned triple digit points for the four days.  Stepien earned a total of 180 points to earn weekly honors with Ray Cotolo finishing second with 152 points.  Jay Hochstetler’s 137 points was good enough to land the show spot with Megan Maccario completing the superfecta with 111 points.

On Thursday, Sally Hinckley drew first blood with her selection of Seven Iron ($26.80) in the second division of the Bluegrass for 2yo colt and gelding trotters and Moosonee, whose second-place finish in a later division earned her an additional $34.40 dividend to cruise to victory.  Despite Stepien having six winners on Friday, the day’s top spot belonged to Ray Garnett whose three winners were coupled with Baby Wants, whose third place finish in the Simpson  paid $76.40 to show.

Saturday, Cotolo’s three winners was good enough to grab the top slot, edging Maccario by $1.70. Saving the best for last, Stepien tabbed seven winners on Sunday to grab daily honors.   Among her winners were Mike’s Z Tam ($27.60) and International Moni ($10.60). 

In the year to date battle, Nash maintains his lead with 1,111.2 points, just ahead of the surging Stepien (1,097.82 pts.).  Moving back into the top three is Maccario with 1,094.9 points.  Matt Rose (1,073.88 pts.) and Gordon Waterstone (1,070.5 pts.) round out the top five, within striking distance.

.   
Standings thru Sunday, October 1, 2017 - Leg #63
Pos
Handicapper
Total Points Earned
Legs Won
Last Week
Streak
1st
Rusty Nash
1,111.20
6
1st
3
2nd
Anne Stepien
1,097.82
8
7th

3rd
Megan Maccario
1,094.90
8
4th

4th
Matt Rose
1,073.88
10
2nd

5th
Gordon Waterstone
1,070.50
9
3rd

6th
Dennis O’Hara
1,036.85
9
6th

7th
Russ Adams
1,003.04
8
5th

8th
Sally Hinckley
1,001.98
8
8th

9th
Steve Horoky
945.83
4
9th

10th
Ray Garnett
905.11
5
10th

11th
Bryan Owen
802.90
6
11th

12th
Jay Hochstetler
763.50
4
12th

13th
Ray Cotolo
720.33
4
14th

14th
Terry Wilson
700.47
5
13th

15th
Michael Carter
612.53
3
15th

16th
Rich Mattei
476.30
2
16th



Next Up: The Red Mile meet concludes with the contesting of the International Stallion, Allerage Farms TVG, Glen Garnsey Memorial, Tattersalls, Kentucky Futurity and Kentucky Filly Futurity stakes.  The following week, Hoosier Park’s Circle City and Madison County stakes will be contested along with the Yonkers International Trot on Saturday, October 14.


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.