As the 2011 harness racing season heads into the final week, the total handle on Canadian racing, year-to-date, is surging. The bet per race is now 8.48% over 2010, while the overall handle is rapidly approaching last year's level, despite 1,757 fewer races having been run in 2011

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According to SC data, the total amount wagered on Canadian harness racing year to date is at $426.5 million, off 0.27 percent (or $1.1 million) from the 2010 total of $427.6 million. The total number of races contested, through December 22, is 20,036 vs. 21,793 in 2010.

Until the end of the month, SC will offer daily picks and free past performance programs for all Canadian tracks. Our goal is to help stimulate wagering and bolster the handle on the Canadian product.

For the final two weeks of 2011, Standardbred Canada is encouraging the industry, its fans and horseplayers, when given the choice, to "Bet Canadian." Visit the Bet Canadian page for daily picks and past performance programs.