The scoring is complete, the starter has called for the handicappers. Tonight, 125 of the best harness racing handicappers in Western New York will do battle in a 10-race showdown in the Clubhouse at Batavia Downs Casino.
The contest begins at 6:40 with the first post at Buffalo.
Twenty-six of Western Regional Off-Track Betting’s branches hosted qualifiers during March with over 700 racing fans participating in the free contests. They all had one common goal -- a chance to move on to the Meadowlands Racetrack on April 24 to compete in the 2010 National Harness Handicapping Championship (NHHC).
“The interest we had this year’s contests was amazing,” said Hank Nevins, director of public relations for Western OTB. “We received calls for more information from as far away as Toronto. We expect a full house Friday night.”
In The Downs’ finals, each contestant starts with a mythical bankroll of $1,000. They can wager up to 20 percent of it on each contest race, consisting of races 1-8-9-10-11 at Buffalo Raceway and races 1-5 at Meadowlands.
The winner will receive entry into the NHHC, two nights hotel accommodations and $500 in expense money. The remaining top 10 finishers will receive prize money or casino free play. All finalists receive dinner for two, casino free play and a gift.
For more information, visit www.westernotb.com.
