NJ Horseplayer 101 (as in Post #101)

Amazingly I've had a lot to say about nothing since entering the blogosphere this year -- very Seinfeld-ian...

Alan "Skipper" Hale's
albatross; NJ Horseplayer's
has been picking winners at
Monmouth Park in '11

This weekend will be active in terms of tournament action for me, namely Sunday's NHC Tour Summer Online Challenge, open to anyone who forked over the $45 annual membership fee.  The Top Three finishers (a tough task in an event that draws more than 3,000 players) win berths to the NHC Tour Championship in Las Vegas; my best effort was 16th-place in last year's Kentucky Derby contest.

At quick glance over lunch, the 10-race card is tough, featuring three races each from Del Mar and Woodbine, and two apiece from The Spa and Monmouth, the latter of which has been a handicapping albatross for me this season. Plus, tournament organizers included a bunch of maiden events, which should make for a wide-open result where pedigree players certainly will be at an advantage (not my strong suit).

Saturday's action will focus on the Public Handicapper, where I am 3-for-27 this season but at a $22.80 profit, good enough for 333rd-place in a contest with nearly 3,500 players and a big lead over Red Rock or Bust for annual bragging rights and fine dining at Vic's in Bradley Beach.

Meanwhile, and maybe I missed this because of my affinity for the Daily Racing Form, but I realized that Equibase offers free contests; this week's features four races each from Saratoga and Del Mar, with the Top Five finishers (looks like 1,500 or so compete regularly) either earning small cash prizes ($75-$300) or premium past performances for three months.  Good practice at no cost, regardless of my result.

Finally, tonight I'm giving it a shot in a $50 online contest run by HorsePlayersQualify.com, where up to 150 paid contestants get a shot at winning upwards of $2k for accruing the highest notional bankroll ($2W/P bets) through the 8-card program at Del Mar.  I had been hoping all week to head over to Monmouth Park for the late-afternoon portion of the card today, but alas the entire slate was cancelled due to the oppressive weather here in the Garden State. So, hopefully, the power will stay on, the AC will kick and my picks will pan out while handicapping and watching TVG from the couch.

Saturday I'm going to be kicking it at Avon By The Sea with my son and two of his friends, but I hope to weigh in on Sunday morning with some thoughts about the NHC Tour Summer Online Challenge.

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