There was little movement in the $500 Leamington Handicapping Challenge this past Sunday, as the rival handicappers remarkably chose nine of the same top picks.
Leamington track announcer Nathan Bain did gain five more points on Ontario Racing handicapper Nicholas “Ace” Barnsdale, however, when his pick in race 3, Cantcountmeout, finished second and Barnsdale’s top choice, Jetset Charmer, finished out of the money after breaking stride going into the first turn.
In the nine races with identical top selections, the two handicappers chose five winners and four place finishers. Bain now holds a 38-point lead, with 756 points to Barnsdale’s 718. With only two cards remaining on the Leamington schedule, Barnsdale is going to need to make a move next week if he hopes to zoom by late for the win.
The Leamington Handicapping Challenge is co-sponsored by the Canadian chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) and online Standardbred marketplace HoofBid. It is contested every week to the final day of the 2020 Leamington Raceway meet on October 25, with $300 awarded to the winner and $200 to the runner-up. Check out Nick's selections at "Tips from the Pros" at ontarioracing.com and Nathan's picks on the Leamington Raceway website (lakeshorehorseraceway.com). Leamington is now open to up to 100 spectators who contact the track ahead of time to reserve their spot. The live races can be viewed on the website, and online wagering is available via HorseplayerInteractive.com and TwinSpires.com.
(USHWA Canada chapter)
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