East Rutherford, NJ — Jaime Ortiz, of Staten Island, N.Y., captured the Jan. 22 World Harness Handicapping Championship Qualifier at The Meadowlands Racetrack.

Ortiz cashed in big on his first contest wager, a $100 win wager on Dina Bolt N, earning $580 and catapulting to the top of the leaderboard. He cashed in on four more of his wagers solidifying his win, finishing with $748 and earning a $1,000 seat into the World Harness Handicapping final.

William Alempijevic, a veteran WHHC participant, Karen Fossli, of Yorktown, N.Y., and Joe Barre of Waretown, N.J., also qualified into the WHHC final with their second, third and fourth place finishes.

The $400 qualifier required contestants to place at least 10 $20 minimum win, place, and/or show wagers on Meadowlands races.

The World Harness Handicapping Championship is a one-day tournament (Sept. 10). Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,000. The $1,000 entry fee includes a $400 bankroll, with the remaining $600 going to the prize pool. The WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of seven Meadowlands races, plus three designated mandatory races. Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Prize payouts are to the top 10.

For more information on how to become a WHHC partner outlet or sponsor, contact Rachel Ryan, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (raryan@playmeadowlands.com) or 201.842.5015.

The next onsite WHHC qualifier is Saturday (Feb. 19). Contest details can be found here.