Robert Barberio of Staten Island, New York won the Last Chance NHHC Qualifier on Saturday, April 10 at Meadowlands Racetrack.
Barberio advanced to the National Harness Handicapping Championship, in which he will compete for $50,000 in prize money and bragging rights as the sport's top horseplayer, on Saturday, April 24.
Players in the Last Chance Qualifier began the tournament with a $100 bankroll and were required to bet a $10 minimum on at least 10 Meadowlands races. Barberio connected with six winners on the chalk-driven card, placing him atop the standings with a $400 bankroll. His key play was a $20 win bet on 16-1 shot Hit Away in the seventh race, which yielded $352. Barberio also cashed with Art Maker ($4.60), Europan Union ($3.20), Pilgrims Toner ($3), Master Stroke ($7) and Yankee Stardom ($5.80).
Registration is now open for the National Harness Handicapping Championship on April 24. Players who did not earn their way into the championship through a qualifying tournament may buy into the final for $800 ($400 entry fee and $400 tournament bankroll). For entry form and more information, click here.
2010 Last Chance NHHC Qualifier Standings
Rank - Name - Bankroll
1* - Barberio, R. - $400
2** - Greenleaf, C. - $354
3** - Chapklin, R. - $341
4** - Dambrosio, R. - $334
5** - Livolsi, M. - $301
6 - Sobel, J. - $280
7 - Doherty, M. - $275
8 - Caemmerer, R. - $233
9 - Albanese, R. - $200
10 - Cioffi, A. - $138
(* receives entry into NHHC; ** receives partial entry)
(Meadowlands)