by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Bragging rights, congratulations and $2,500 belong to Matthew Sanchez, who won Saturday night’s final of the free online handicapping contest, sponsored by Yonkers Raceway and the Standardbred Owners Association of New York.

Sanchez earned $346 from his mythical $20 win bet on eight races Saturday. He defeated 29 other final-round participants, including Karl Dilcher ($287) and a dead-heat between Harry Varteresian and Gary Arceci ($219 each).

Sanchez also earned $500 for winning the first preliminary round.

Dilcher earned $1,000 for his runner-up effort in the final, with Varteresian and Arceci winning $250 each.

The $10,000 contest, a joint venture between the Raceway and the SOA and coordinated through TrackMaster proved quite popular, with more than 1,300 handicappers signing up.

About the only snag was provided by Mother Nature, who snowed out the final two rounds of a scheduled five-round event. Thus, the final had 32 qualifiers (top 10 finishers in each round, plus deadlocks), with 29 making selections.