Matt Laman, 25, became the second youngest person to ever capture a handicapping tournament at Meadowlands Racetrack when he beat the field in the WHHC qualifier held on February 23.

Laman built his $200 bankroll into $1,113, earning him the $4,720 top cash prize and an $1,000 seat in the World Harness Handicapping Championship on April 13 at Meadowlands Racetrack. Contestants in the qualifier had to bet exactly 10 of the 13 races on the Meadowlands card, with a $20 minimum per race. Wagers had to be win, place (or combination WP) and on one horse per race.

The thirteenth and final race was the pivotal play for Laman. He bet $50 to win on Buckeye In Charge ($42.80) and cashed $1,070.

The next Meadowlands WHHC Qualifier is scheduled for Saturday, March 23. Visit MeadowlandsRacetrack.com for complete details.

Tournament Standings – February 23, 2013
Rank, Name, Bankroll, Prize
1, Matthew Laman, $1,133, $4,720 (Plus $1,000 WHHC seat)
2, Ira Sobel, $970, $2,360 (Plus $1,000 WHHC seat)
3, Sidney Zweigbaum, $886, $1,770 (Plus $1,000 WHHC seat)
4, Stan Lubowicki, $706, $1,180 (Plus $1,000 WHHC seat)
5, Ira Sobel, $694, $590
6, Carmine Lavia, $684, $236
7, Robert Chapklin, $636, $236
8, William Meisel, $529, $236
9, John Motusesky, $387, $236
10, Garrett Hoffman, $297, $236

(Meadowlands Racetrack)