Twenty-four teams of horseplayers from across Ontario will duke it out for more than $16,000 in cash and prizes in the finals of the 2012 ROMP Handicapping League
on March 8. This is the third annual tournament offered by the Racetracks Of Ontario Marketing & Promotions (ROMP) group.
Eighty teams consisting of 220 handicappers at seven tracks across Ontario have spent the last eight Thursday nights handicapping 10 selections from Woodbine, Rideau Carleton and the Meadowlands in an effort to advance to the finals. Finalists represent the top two teams from each of the participating tracks: Clinton, Flamboro, Hanover, Georgian, Grand River, Hiawatha and The Raceway at Western Fair District. The tournament’s wildcard component allows the next 10 overall teams to also advance to the final, for a total of 24.
The following list represents the 24 teams advancing to the finals, and their total bankrolls from the qualifying rounds:
GRAND RIVER
Gustomeisters - $439.60
Canadian Pickers - $367.90
CLINTON
3 Aces - $307.30
Wawanosh Girls - $304.00
GEORGIAN
ABC Pundits - $355.10
Steelers - $335.10
HIAWATHA
Risky - $ 302.50
Trotter, Loonie & Vibes - $260.50
HANOVER
Hot Rods - $386.80
Team Geisel - $329.80
WESTERN FAIR
San Diegos - $408.20
Turnip Truck - $319.20
FLAMBORO
Jett-Setters - $372.20
Wynn Partners - $340.10
Wildcard (next 10 teams):
Lionelstoners - Georgian - $332.30
BCJM - Grand River - $318.10
Race Jocks - Hanover - $318.10
BBHK Stable - Hanover - $314.00
The Three Stooges - Flamboro - $313.30
Parked 3 Wide - Western Fair - $308.60
Williams Conncection - Georgian - $301.50
KenBo - Hanover - $299.40
Pats Boys - Clinton - $294.70
Joylin Stables - Western Fair - $288.20
Last year’s champs, the San Diegos from The Raceway at Western Fair District, are the top team advancing from the London, Ont. track, and second overall. The team with the highest cumulative bankroll over the course of the eight-week qualifiers was Gustomeisters from Grand River Raceway with $439.60. The team earned a $500 bonus for the accomplishment.
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 Trot Canada National Handicapping Championship National in Fall 2012 (date/location TBA) to compete for $25,000
2nd - $4,000 ($2,500 + 25 per cent of added monies)
3rd – $1920 ($1,200 + 12 per cent of added monies)
4th - $1280 ($800 + 8 per cent of added monies)
5th - $800 ($500 + 5 per cent of added monies)
ROMP extends its appreciation to all players who participated in this league and wishes all teams the best of luck in the finals. Complete standings are available on the ROMP website
(ROMP)