Nearly 250 people on more than 80 teams at seven tracks across Ontario are gearing up for the final qualifying leg of the ROMP Handicapping Tournament

Participation in the tournament is up by more than 40 percent over last year’s inaugural tournament offered by Racetracks Of Ontario Marketing & Promotions (ROMP).

Finalists for the (estimated) $16,000 grand prize will be decided following leg eight on March 3. The finals on March 10 will be contested by the top two ranking teams from each of the participating tracks: Clinton, Flamboro, Hanover, Georgian, Grand River, Hiawatha and Western Fair. A new wildcard component allows the next ten overall teams to also advance to the final.

Also new in 2011 is a $500 bonus for the team with the highest cumulative bankroll over the course of the eight-week qualifiers. Grand River Raceway’s Odd Couple Plus One currently holds the title with a bankroll of $431.20.

A weekly qualifying prize of $200 is awarded to the top scoring team. Each team pays a $10 entry fee and all fees are added to the $10,000 grand prize.

The prize distribution for the ROMP Handicapping Tournament Final on March 10 is as follows:

1st - $5,000 + one spot per team member at the 2011 TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship to compete for $25,000
2nd - $2,500 + 25% of added monies (estimated total $4,000)
3rd - $1,200 + 12% of added monies (estimated total $2,000)
4th - $800 + 8 % of added monies (estimated total $1,280)
5th - $500 + 5% of added monies (estimated total $800)

ROMP extends its appreciation to all players who participated in this league — the first of its kind in Ontario — and wishes all teams the best of luck during the final qualifying leg on March 3.

Current team standings are available on the ROMP website.