Mike Grasso of Carteret, New Jersey grabbed the top cash prize and a seat in the 2011 National Harness Handicapping Championship at Meadowlands Racetrack's latest qualifying tournament held on February 19

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The tournament required players to bet 10 Meadowlands races, with a $20 minimum, $100 maximum per race. Wagers had to be Win, Place (or combination WP) and on one horse per only.

Grasso churned his $200 starting bankroll into $1,438, earning him $4,540 in prize money plus an $800 entry into the National Harness Handicapping Championship on July 9 at the Meadowlands. Runner-up Gary Machiz, who was recently profiled in The Horseman And Fair World Magazine, Nicholas Montemurro (third) and Joseph Citro (fourth) also earned seats in the 2011 NHHC.

Upcoming qualifiers for the 2011 NHHC include Buffalo Raceway (March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 9), Maywood Park (March 25), Balmoral Park (March 26), Meadowlands Racetrack (March 26), Vernon Downs (April 30), Tioga Downs (May 13).

February 2011 NHHC Qualifier Standings

Rank, Player, Bankroll, Prize
1, Michael Grasso, $1438, $4540 (plus $800 NHHC seat)
2, Gary Machiz, $1352, $3650 (plus $800 NHHC seat)
3, Nicholas Montemurro, $1038, $2760 (plus $800 NHHC seat)
4, Joseph Citro, $612, $980 (plus $800 NHHC seat)
5, Frank Claps, $536, $890
6, Ira Sobel, $500, $356
7, Jeff Gordon, $488, $356
8, Frank Palmer, $468, $356
9, Henry Karsen, $460, $356
10, John Spinello, $430, $356

(The Meadowlands)