Eighty teams consisting of 220 handicappers at seven tracks across Ontario are gearing up for the final qualifying leg of the ROMP Handicapping League

. This is the third annual tournament offered by the Racetracks Of Ontario Marketing & Promotions (ROMP) group and the 2012 event is shaping up to be the richest yet, with nearly $20,000 in cash and prizes.

Last year’s champs, the San Diegos from The Raceway at Western Fair District, currently lead the charge with a hypothetical bankroll of $371.50. Should they maintain their stronghold following next week’s final qualifying leg, the San Diegos will win a $500 bonus for the team with the highest cumulative bankroll over the course of the eight-week qualifiers.

Finalists for the (estimated) $16,000 grand prize will be decided following leg eight on March 1. The finals on March 8 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. The wildcard component allows the next 10 overall teams to also advance to the final, for a total of 24 teams.

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 8 is as follows:

1st - $5,000 + one seat per team member at the 2012 TROT Canada National Handicapping Championship to compete for $25,000
2nd - $2,500 + 25 per cent of added monies (estimated total $4,000)
3rd - $1,200 + 12 per cent of added monies (estimated total $2,000)
4th - $800 + 8 per cent of added monies (estimated total $1,280)
5th - $500 + 5 per cent of added monies (estimated total $800)

ROMP extends its appreciation to all players who participated in the 2012 league and wishes all teams the best of luck during the final qualifying leg on March 1.

Current standings are available on the ROMP website.

(ROMP)