"The feedback we've gotten about this tournament is that the social aspect is just as important as winning money and the puzzle element of [handicapping]."

Kelly Spencer was instrumental in implementing the Racetracks of Ontario Marketing & Promotions (ROMP) Handicapping Tournament, and the 2012 edition kicks off tonight with the first of eight Thursday sessions at seven locations across the province. Tracks participating in the ROMP tournament include Clinton Raceway, Flamboro Downs, Hanover Raceway, Georgian Downs, Grand River Raceway, Hiawatha Horse Park and The Raceway at Western Fair District.

As Trot Radio host Norm Borg and Spencer discussed picks in the opening round, Spencer noted that the enthusiasm shown by the host is exactly what makes the handicapping tournament the success that it is.

"It's that excited frenzied talk you just had when describing that race, that's the kind of verbage we like to hear and you hear a lot of that during the tournament: people very excited about the handicapping process and that's exactly what it should be about."

League teams consisting of two to three members will compete against teams at their home track, and the other six facilities. There is a $10 entry amount per team, per week, which entitles the team to three free programs from the harness racing menu (Woodbine, Meadowlands and Rideau).

The team with the top weekly bankroll wins $200. A $500 bonus stands for the team with the highest cumulative bankroll over the course of the eight-week qualifiers. The tournament offers a minimum of $12,000 in prize money, plus three coveted spots in the $25,000 TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship in the fall.

To listen to the full interview with Borg and Spencer, click the play button below.

Episode 247 – Kelly Spencer on the ROMP Handicapping Contest

Audio Format: MP3 audio

Host: Norm Borg

Please note that the opinions expressed in the featured interview are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect Rideau Carleton Raceway and/or Standardbred Canada.