A huge congratulations to friend of this blog Harry Seaman who finished fifth ($30,000) in the National Handicapping Championship this weekend! Former Penn State quarterback John Sacca finished 25th while last year’s champ Stan Bavlish ended up 119th. Richard Goodall took home the $500,000 first-prize, with a total of $272.30—exactly $78 higher than his closest competitor.
Just for fun, I played along at home—the eight mandatory races and seven elected races from select tracks each day (Friday and Saturday). On Friday, I had Temporary Saint ($18.40, $9.90) in the eighth at Aqueduct, Hots is Hot ($3.60) in tenth at Tampa Bay and Rector ($15.00, $7.80) in ninth at Fair Grounds; in the elected races, I had Go Michelle ($4.60, $2.60) in the first at Aqueduct, Identical ($3.40, $2.40) in the sixth at Gulfstream, and Humor Her Along ($9.40) in the second at Golden Gate. On Saturday, I had Pygmalion ($6.40, $4.50) in the fourth at Aqueduct, Tiger Monarch ($12.20, $6.20) in the fifth at Oaklawn, Autobahn Girl ($7.20, $4.00) in the ninth at Fair Grounds, and Savo Island ($6.80) in the eighth at Golden Gate; for the elected races I was lazy, opting just to select from the Magna 5 races and a couple big races—only had Dearest Trickski ($3.60, $3.00) in the fourth at Santa Anita and Art Show ($8.80) in the tenth at Laurel. If I had really put some effort into it, boy…
Friday total: $77.10.
Saturday total: $62.70.
Two-day total: $139.80
Hey, that would have been good for 38th place! Of course, if I had actually been in Vegas, I almost certainly would have second-guessed myself to death and attempted every longshot bomber…and failed miserably. Still, as a “Jill-come-lately” to this whole handicapping thing, I am pretty darn proud of my effort. Watch out next year!
3 comments:
A very respectable at-home finish, Valerie. Hope to see you in Vegas next year ...
Way to go, Valerie!
Valerie, Thanks for the "congrats" at the NHC, I found when I was in Vegas, that the NHC qualifiers this year will get very interesting. There is going to be alot more avenues to qualify for the Tournament. Just like Poker took off (I mean we all grew up with Poker, but the youngins' are just learnin), the NHC I think will get bigger and bigger. I mean who wants to bet Football, when not only do you have to make a pick, you give points, juice, and then you get even money!!! When was the last time you bet a Horse for even money?---Forego maybe. Alot of people commented on the Public Handicapper six month Handicapping when I was in Vegas. Very complementary, and I really enjoy the Public Handicapper, your going against ( + - ) 5,000 Horse players who love the game. Plus it's on the weekend, and the races that are picked are the most interesting of the day, the trick with the Handicapper is to never give up, those who drop out do not get the advantage of keeping a spreadsheet (which the Handicapper does for you with details of your picks), not to mention the Guest Editors are good Handicappers that always give you another angle that maybe you didn't think of. Anyway long story short, you made some great picks on NHC day. And your right, the trick is ---do not tout yourself off your Horse. Take Care, and Good Luck this weekend, and every weekend, see you in Vegas---Race
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