Bill Porter’s combination of handicapping experience and a keen eye helped to secure an early stronghold in tonight’s finals of the Spring Handicapping Tournament at Grand River Raceway

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Porter emerged the victor against his 109 rivals with a staggering bankroll and won the lion’s share of the $1000 prize and a spot in the $25,000 (est.) TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship.

The Elora, ON resident kicked off the six-race competition with a $196.50 boom in race three when he picked 74-1 shot Spanish Mama. Securing both win and place money, Porter was tied with eventual runner-up Schmelling Ramlall.

“I made sure I was here early enough to watch her warm up,” Porter said of the three-year-old filly which left from outside post eight and was morning-lined at 10-1. “I always like to watch the trotters workout and the Walkers are always a good bet with trotters.” Trained and driven by Rob Walker, Jr., Spanish Mama captured her first career win from three starts in 2:02.1 for Walker Racing Stable Inc.

Porter pulled ahead of Ramlall with two more winning selections and a pair of seconds for a total of $229.30.

Grand River Raceway’s next $2500 Geek Squad Handicapping Tournament starts Wednesday, June 8 and runs Mondays and Wednesdays through June 18 with the finals on June 20.

(Grand River Raceway)

To view results for Monday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Monday Results – Grand River Raceway.