Longtime racing fan Jim Valleau is the next featured Canadian finalist in the World Harness Handicapping Challenge.
Valleau was the winner of the COSA/WEG sponsored HPI contest and has secured himself a spot in the WHHC coming up this weekend at the Meadowlands. The Pickering, Ont. resident has been a racing fan for over 45 years, but will make his first trip to the Big M this Friday.
Valleau took his early lessons in handicapping as a teenager, from his father who would take him to Greenwood Raceway. His interest in harness racing grew and in the late '80s and '90s, Valleau owned a few standardbred horses that raced in Ontario. He no longer owns horses, but still continues to attend live racing four to five times a month at Woodbine Racetrack or Mohawk Racetrack.
Valleau, a retiree-turned entrepreneur, tries to make it out to the track at least once a week. He prefers Mohawk, and his favourite driver is Jody Jamieson. Valleau offers a bit of insight into his picks: “I look for a change in driver or trainer and odds from past races to explain the change. I look at the final quarters, position at the half and the final times.”
If Valleau manages to take home the WHHC winner’s cheque, he’ll be Vegas-bound the week after to relax and think about where he’ll travel from there.
The 2013 World Harness Handicapping Championship will bring together horseplayers from across North America to compete for $100,000 in prize money this Saturday. The WHHC is a partnership between the Meadowlands and the United States Trotting Association formed to create the industry’s ultimate tournament experience. Standardbred Canada supports the project by facilitating the participation of Canadian racing and wagering outlets.
Limited to just 100 spots, the WHHC is a one-day tournament, with a welcome reception and warm-up event the evening prior. Players must earn a seat in the WHHC through a qualifying event at a partner wagering outlet.
The player with the highest bankroll based on wagering from 10 races will be the winner. Prize money will be awarded to the top 10 finishers, and all players will keep their winnings.
To take a look at the format of the event and players who have qualified, click here.
Fast Facts:
Favourite stake race
• The North America Cup
Favourite horse of all time
• Cam Fella
Biggest ticker ever cashed
• $3,500
Lucky numbers
• 2-1-7
Good luck charm
• Still trying to find one