It has been for a while a tight race up on top of the standings and with a tie for first on Saturday (June 10) evening, Matt Rose managed to move from second to first place in the Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge, with a total of 408.1 points, besting last week’s leader Rusty Nash, who now sits in second with a total of 397.3 points, a difference of 10.8 points.

While Rose grabbed top honours, Megan Maccario has steadily moved into contention. With a sweep of Sunday’s races, she has moved into fourth place with a total of 334.5 points, 18.6 behind third place Russ Adam’s 353.1 points.

On Saturday, Rose and Dennis O’Hara dead-heated for the win as both selected Crazy Wow ($8.20) in the Charles Hill Memorial at Scioto Downs. Sunday, it was all Maccario as she tabbed Trolley ($4.60), Marion Marauder ($6.20), and Dr J Hanover ($7.20) in their respective tilts of the Graduate Series.

Next Up: The Handicappers have a full slate on tap Saturday, June 17 as it is Pepsi North America Cup Night at Mohawk Racetrack. In addition to the North America Cup, the finals of the Armbro Flight, Roses Are Red, Fan Hanover, and Good Times will be contested in addition to a consolation for the North America Cup and a race for Roses Are Red eligibles. After this coming Saturday, there will be a one-week hiatus before the contest resumes on July 1 with Sun Stakes Saturday at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

(HANA Harness)