Leamington Raceway track announcer Nathan Bain increased his lead in the $500 Hiawatha Horse Park Youth Handicapping Challenge in racing action on Saturday, Aug. 7. Bain outscored Barnsdale 55 points to 43 on what was a tough day for both handicappers, and Bain’s overall points lead bulged to 60 points – 566 to 506.

Bain clicked with four of his top selections while Barnsdale had three top picks report home first. All of Barnsdale’s winners – Zarconia Seelster in the 4th, Shadow Tail in the 8th and Dover Seelster in the 9th were common picks with Bain so no ground was made up in those races. Both handicappers chose Dinner At The Met as their Best Bet in Race 5 and when he was beaten, the opportunity to score bonus points was squandered. Barnsdale is going to have to get moving as there are now only six race cards left in the Challenge.

The contest – for which the $300 first prize and $200 second prize is supplied by Hiawatha Horse Park – runs every Saturday and concludes when the last race is run on closing day, September 18th. Follow Bain's (@NBainracing) and Barnsdale's (@AceBarnsdale) weekly Hiawatha selections on Twitter every Saturday afternoon. Barnsdale's selections also appear on the Ontario Racing "Tips from the Pros" page. Try your luck as well: Hiawatha Horse Park is available for online wagering via Horseplayer Interactive and other ADWs.

(USHWA)