by Tim Second, for Northville Downs

Northville, MI — This past Friday night (March 24), Northville Downs hosted its first of two qualifiers to the $50,000 World Harness Handicapping Championship, to be held at the Meadowlands on Saturday (April 29).

Contestants started with a $50 bankroll and had to place a $10 minimum win bet on five of Northville’s races. There were three mandatory races that were must plays.

With 32 entrants, the prize pool was $800 for first, plus airfare, accommodations and a seat in the WHHC final; $500 for second; and $300 for third.

It took the entire 12 race program to determine a winner as the leaderboard went back and forth throughout the night with numerous contestants sharing the lead, but when the dust settled after race 12 went official, a winner was crowned.

Steve Wing of Owosso, Mich., was the winner of our qualifier with an ending bankroll of $130. Finishing second in our contest was Jim Hostetler of Farmington Hills, Mich., with a bankroll of $115.50 and Aaron Colley of Rodney, Mich., was third with $110.

Northville Downs will be hosting one more qualifier to the $50,000 WHHC final. The final qualifier will take place on Friday (April 7). Entries are now being accepted at Northville Downs, or you can mail in your entry by sending in the entry form located at www.northvilledowns.com.