Mark Deutsch is the top handicapper for the week of November 6, as he bested Gordon Waterstone (58.65 vs. 54.95) in the 2016 Hambletonian Society Grand Circuit Handicapping Challenge, as the handicappers took their shot at the Matron Stakes at Dover Downs and the TVG Finals at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
With only three more contest dates remaining on the slate, Jay Hochstetler continues on his victory lap, as he is the top overall handicapper in the competition, leading the rest of the handicappers by over 617 points.
While the champion is a foregone conclusion, there is still a race for second half honours and the $250 prize for the leader’s Standardbred rescue as Matt Rose leads Hochstetler by 69.24 points.
Although Hochstetler will win the championship, the race for second and third is still being contested as those who finish in those positions earn prize funds for their rescues. At the present time, Rose has a comfortable lead in the place spot while Sally Hinckley has a 130-point lead over the rest of the field in third place. While it would require an extraordinary effort coupled with Hinckley faltering, Gordon Waterstone and Adam Friedland do remain in range of the third spot.
The contest moves to Woodbine Racetrack for the Final Four stakes for two year olds (Governor’s Cup, Goldsmith Maid, Three Diamonds, Valley Victory) on Saturday, November 19. Afterwards, the contest returns stateside for the final two stakes of the season, the Courageous Lady at Northfield Park (Nov. 26), and the Progress Pace at Dover Downs (Nov. 28).
(With files from HANA)