Mike Petruccelli of Haworth, N.J., captured the World Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier on Saturday (Dec. 2) presented by DerbyWars.com at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Petruccelli had $131 to win on 12-1 Starznheaven in Race 12. He cashed for $1,716, earning him the $756 top cash prize and a $1,000 seat in the WHHC Final April 28, 2018 at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Guy Gerber of New City, N.Y., also qualified for the April 28th Final with his second place finish in Saturday’s contest. Geber cashed on two plays with his largest score of $655 coming off a $50 win wager on Starznheaven.

The $200 Qualifier required contestants to place at least ten $10 minimum win wagers on Meadowlands races.

The top five contest finishers were:

Place - Name - Bankroll - Prize $

1. Mike Petruccelli - $1,716.10 - $756 + $1,000 WHHC Seat
2. Guy Gerber - $904 - $396 + $1,000 WHHC Seat
3. Alan Hirschberg - $664 - $306
4. James Sidor - $625 - $216
5. Eric Rampolla - $537 - $126

The WHHC presented by DerbyWars.com is a one-day tournament [April 28, 2018], with a welcome reception the evening prior. Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,000. The WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of six Meadowlands races, plus four designated mandatory races from partner tracks. Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Prize payouts are to the Top 10, with a guaranteed prize pool of $75,000.

DerbyWars.com is currently hosting regular online Qualifiers for the Final. For more information on the World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com can be found at The Meadowlands' website.

(Meadowlands)