The scoring is complete and the starter has called for the handicappers. This Friday night, 125 of the best harness racing handicappers in Western New York will do battle in a 10-race showdown in the clubhouse at Batavia
Downs.
Twenty-six of Western Regional Off-Track Betting’s branches hosted qualifiers during March with over 700 racing fans having participated in the free contests. They all had one common goal: a chance to move on to the Meadowlands Racetrack on April 24 to compete in the 2010 National Harness Handicapping Championship.
“The interest we had [for] this year’s contests was amazing,” said Hank Nevins, director of public relations for Western OTB. “We received calls for more information from as far away as Toronto. We expect a full house Friday night.”
In Batavia’s finals, each contestant will start with a mythical bankroll of $1,000. They can wager up to 20% of it on each contest race, consisting of Races 1, 8, 9, 10 and 11 at Buffalo Raceway and Races 1 through 5 at the Meadowlands. The contest begins at 6:40 p.m. with the first post at Buffalo.
The winner will receive entry into the NHHC, two nights' hotel accommodations and $500 in expense money. The remaining top 10 finishers will receive prize money or casino free play. All finalists receive dinner for two, casino free play and a gift.
For more information, visit www.westernotb.com.
(Batavia Downs)