Handicapping Contest Update

Published: October 2, 2017 01:12 pm EDT

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 honours 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 two-year-old 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.

On Saturday, Cotolo’s three winners was good enough to grab the top slot, as he edged Maccario by $1.70. Saving the best for last, Stepien tabbed seven winners on Sunday to grab daily honours. Among her winners were Mikes 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.

Next Up: The Red Mile meet will conclude 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.

(HANA Harness)

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