Astute punter Clare Cressman scooped the top three spots in Grand River Raceway’s Geek Squad Spring Handicapping Championship tonight

, to the tune of $870.

The 80-year-old harness fan also won a coveted spot in the $25,000 TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship on October 30 at Georgian Downs.

Cressman earned three of 120 available spots in the final during 12 previous qualifying rounds. He ignored jeers from his track pals and made duplicate selections on all three entries in the seven-race challenge. His ringer was a 20-1 shot with Striking Diva in the third race. A trainer change on the four-year-old trotting mare convinced Cressman to take a leap that secured his $71.70 winning bankroll.

Jack Kearney and Ray Rowarth rounded out the top five respectively.

Grand River ’s next Geek Squad Handicapping Tournament kicks into gear on June 7 and runs Monday and Wednesday nights through July 12.

(Grand River Raceway)