Sebastian K’s defeat in the Maple Leaf Trot broke many a handicappers’ heart, but Anne Stepien managed to play the race right. As a result, Stepien is the weekly champion in HANA Harness’ Grand Circuit Handicapping Shoot-Out Contest by having a net profit of $479.06 for the weekend, moving from 12th place to tenth.

Rusty Nash was second-best with a net profit of $260 won in the Lawrence B. Sheppard at Yonkers Raceway. The win moved Nash up one slot to 13th place. Although showing only a $5 profit for the week, Bob Zanakis remains in first place with an overall net profit of $2,860.70, $517.20 ahead of second place Brandon Valvo.

There were several key hits for the weekend. Ray Garnett managed to break even for the weekend thanks to his three-horse $10 Exacta Box ($60 total) in the Battle of Lake Erie, which paid $240. Derick Giwner managed a symbolic $2 profit for the weekend thanks to his $80 Win wager in the ‘Sheppard,’ which paid $252.00. Rusty Nash’s second-place finish came as a result of his $100 Win, Place ticket in the Sheppard which rewarded him with a $510 dividend. Stepien managed to earn her victory by wheeling Sebastian K in a $4 Key Exacta Box with eight horses ($64), which earned her $619.40. Bob Zanakis made a $5 profit thanks to his $50 Win, Place ticket ($100) in the Yonkers stakes event which paid $255.00.

Here are the standings after Saturday night’s action.

The Grand Circuit Shoot-Out will visit the Meadows this weekend on Saturday, July 26, for the $400,000 Adios, $150,000 Adioo Volo, and the Arden Downs for two-year-old pacers and three-year-old trotters of both sexes.

(HANA)