from HANA Harness

After a week where Richard Scott found his lead in HANA Harness’ 2013 Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge, sponsored by the Hambletonian Society, Chicago Harness, IHHA, Meadowlands, Tioga Downs, and Vernon Downs, being seriously threatened, he opened some daylight on second place handicapper Garnet Barnsdale in the first week of racing at The Red Mile.

While Scott’s $116.10 profit for the week is relatively modest, he was helped by Barnsdale showing a loss of almost $400 for the week after having a spectacular showing the week before. However, credit must be given to Scott. While his profit was modest, he was the only handicapper to break into the black this week.

As the handicappers head into week two of the famed Grand Circuit meet at The Red Mile, time is beginning to favor Scott as there are only 16 contest dates remaining so handicappers may find themselves in a position of being pressed to change their ‘A’ game in an effort to find themselves in the top three positions on Dec. 15, earning their designated horse rescues prize funds. Therefore, look for some bold wagers, which if successful, will result in some big payoffs.

Here are the contest standings at the conclusion of action on Sept. 29, 2013.

Position-Name-Week Gain-Net Profit-Behind-Last Week- Days Missed
1. Richard Scott-$116.10-$415.14-X-1st-4
2. Garnet Barnsdale-($391.80)-($197.74)-($612.88)-2nd-8
3. Ann Stepien-($128.00)-($639.35)-($1,054.49)-3rd-1
4. Rusty Nash-($108.20)-($650.70)-($1,065.84)-4th-3
5. Dennis O’Hara-($414.90)-($1,011.00)-($1,426.14)-5th-2
6. Earl Paulson-($310.50)-($1,462.10)-($1,877.24)-6th-7
7. Mark McKelvie-($182.00)-($1,893.49)-($2,308.63)-7th-6
8. Gordon Waterstone-($224.40)-($2,010.30)-($2,425.44)-8th-4
9. Ray Garnett-($153.30)-($2,048.80)-($2,463.94)-10th-3
10. Sally Hinckley-($271.20)-($2,158.65)-($2,573.79)-9th-0
Ten grace days permitted. After ten days, there is a penalty of $30 per race.

Key Hits

Richard Scott-$10 WPS (total $30) wagered on the second division of the Bluegrass for 2-year-old filly trotters paid $104.00, $11 exacta box ($22) on the second division of the Bluegrass for 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters paid $122.10.

Contest schedule this week (all purses estimated)–all races at The Red Mile

Thursday (Oct. 3)–$300,000 (div.) International Stallion Stake 2-year-old filly trot

Friday (Oct. 4)-$300,000 (div.) International Stallion Stake 2-year-old colt and gelding trot, $300,000 (div.) International Stallion Stake 2-year-old filly pace

Saturday (Oct. 5)-$350,000 (div.) Glen Garnsey Memorial 3-year-old filly pace, $400,000 (div.) International Stallion Stake 2-year-old colt and gelding pace, $600,000 (div.) Tattersalls 3-year-old colt and gelding pace

Sunday (Oct. 6)-$75,000 (est.) Allerage Farm Pace (filly and mare Open pace), $75,000 (est.) Allerage Farm Trot (filly and mare Open trot), $180,000 (est.) Allerage Pace (Open pace), $180,000 (est.) Allerage Trot (Open trot), $350,000 (est.) Kentucky Filly Futurity (3-year-old filly trot), $600,000 (est.) Kentucky Futurity (3-year-old Open trot)