In a what was a very tight race for weekly top honours, Megan Maccario nosed out Gordon Waterstone (119 vs. 116 points) in the second week of the Red Mile Grand Circuit meet (October 5-8) which was this week’s contest days of the Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge.
Courtesy of her victory, Maccario has reclaimed the top spot in the overall handicapping contest, as she has unseated Rusty Nash, who now trails by a scant 5.70 points.
Five handicappers earned triple digit points for the week besides the aforementioned Maccario and Waterstone: Steve Horoky, 107 points; Ray Garnett, 106 points; Michael Carter, 103.5 points.
On Thursday, Bryan Owen drew first blood, as he claimed the day’s title in great part to having selected Night Rhythm ($26.80) and Quality Kemp ($26.60) in two splits of the International Stallion Stakes for two-year-old colt and gelding trotters (netting a net profit of $76.80 and 60 points for the day). Those wins were followed by Garnett taking the baton Friday with a net total of $23.80 and 70 points.
On Saturday, although he netted only $10.20, Waterstone had five winners for the day to earn a total of 75 points. On Closing Day, with six of nine races selected to earn a net profit of $44.30, Maccario earned 80 points to grab the lead for the day and week.
Improving their positions this week was Maccario, who moved from third to the top position; while Waterstone continues his climb, as he moved this past week from fifth to third place. With five handicappers within 100 points of the top slot, volatility may be expected as the contest heads into the stretch run with 12 more days to be contested.
Next Up: After a busy two weeks, the contest will slow down a bit with two days of racing. Next up will be Thursday (October 12), which will feature The Circle City for three-year-old filly trotters and pacers, as well as the Madison County for two-year-old filly pacers and trotters at Hoosier Park. On Saturday (October 14), Hoosier Park stakes racing will continue with the Madison County stakes for two-year-old colt and geldings of both gaits, and The Circle City, which will feature three-year-old colt and geldings of both gaits. The Courageous Lady at Northfield Park and the $1 million Yonkers International at Yonkers Raceway will also be contested Saturday.
The following week, the Breeders Crown eliminations will be contested over two nights at Hoosier Park.
(HANA)