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Daily Racing Form

NHC Info

Racetracks, casinos, OTBs: For more information on becoming a qualifying site for the Daily Racing Form / NTRA National Handicapping Championship, contact Michele Ravencraft at mravencraft@ntra.com


NHC XII Previews


XpressBet Beat the Host Championship
Where: XpressBet.com
When: Saturday, March 13
How Much: No entry fee; $40 live bankroll
Field: Limit one entry per person; open only to account holders at XpressBet.com, DelMarBets.com and OakTreeBets.com.
Format: Contestants in the weekly preliminary contests every Saturday in January and February make eight live $5 win wagers. Players keep all winnings, but payoffs are capped at 20-1 ($105 contest points) for scoring purposes. Those beating the designated "host" each week automatically earn a berth in the March 13 finals. Weekly prizes are $1,000 to the winner and $500 to the runner-up. There is no limit to the number of weekly prizes someone can win, but they can only earn one berth in the March 13 finals. If a single person beats the host in all nine preliminary contests, they earn a berth to NHC XII; if there are multiple people who pull off the feat, they split $5,000; if no one beats the host in all eight, then an aggregate $2,000 prize will be awarded to the person(s) who last the longest. In the March 13 finals, the top five finishers earn berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, along with hotel accommodations during the finals plus $500 for airfare. The next two finishers will earn seats in the 2011 Coast Casinos' Horseplayer World Series at the Orleans in Las Vegas. In addition, the top 25 finishers will earn complimentary seats in XpressBet Showdown on April 17-18 (a $300 value).
NHC qualifying spots: 5
Website: http://www.xpressbet.com/tournamentoverview.aspx
Contact: Crystal Bartko (Crystal.Bartko@xpressbet.com, 412-232-6949)



NHCQualify.com One-Day Contest
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, March 13
How Much: $400.
Field: Limited to the first 200 paid entries.
Format: Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. One NHC qualifying spot will be awarded for every 25 contest entries, so a full field yields 8 berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be 20 with rounding).
NHC qualifying spots: 8
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com/rules.aspx
Contact: Crystal Bartko (support@nhcqualify.com, 412-232-6949)



Lone Star Park Handicapping Championship Series
Where: Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas
When: Pre-qualifying tournaments on Saturday, March 13; Saturday, June 19; and Saturday, July 31, leading to the championship final on Saturday, Oct. 16.
How Much: Free; pre-qualifiers are limited to the first 450 entrants; finale is open to the top 50 finishers of each of the three pre-qualifying events
Field: Limit one entry per person; open only to members of the Star Player Rewards program, which is free but must be done by the entry deadline, which is the Monday prior to each pre-qualifying tourney.
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical wagers of the following type: two (2) $50 Win, Place, Show on one horse (total of $300); two (2) $10 Exacta box with three horses (total of $120); two (2) $20 Exacta box with three horses (total of $240); two (2) $5 Trifecta box with four horses (total of $240); two (2) $1 Superfecta box with five horses (total of $240). In the June 19 pre-qualifier, five of the plays much come from races at Lone Star Park with the other five being optional at designated contest tracks; in the other contests, all 10 plays are optional at designated contest tracks. In addition to the top six finishers in the finals earning NHC berths (which also includes round-trip airfare from Dallas-Fort Worth to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations at the Red Rock Resort), prize money is $1,500 for first place and $500 for second through sixth. Click the link below for details on the prize money in the pre-qualifying events.
NHC qualifying spots: 6
Website: http://www.lonestarpark.com/NR/rdonlyres/69345635-9E4D-437E-9569-00391A481E96/0/2010OfficialRules.pdf
Contact: Kim Bordano (kimb@lonestarpark.com, 972-237-1134)



NHCQualify.com One-Day Contest
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, March 20
How Much: $400.
Field: Limited to the first 200 paid entries.
Format: Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. One NHC qualifying spot will be awarded for every 25 contest entries, so a full field yields 8 berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be 20 with rounding).
NHC qualifying spots: 8
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com/rules.aspx
Contact: Crystal Bartko (support@nhcqualify.com, 412-232-6949)



XpressBet Live
Where: XpressBet.com
When: Saturday, March 27
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Field: Limited to the first 400 entrants; limit one per person; open only to account holders at XpressBet.com, DelMarBets.com and OakTreeBets.com.
Format: There are 10 mandatory races. Contestants must place a live $20 win wager on one horse in each mandatory race (failure to do so results in disqualification). For contest purposes, payoffs are capped at 20-1 though contestant receives full payoffs in their account. The top six finishers earn berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, along with hotel accommodations during the finals plus $500 for airfare. The next two finishers will earn seats in the 2011 Coast Casinos Horseplayer World Series at the Orleans in Las Vegas. In addition, the top 25 finishers will earn complimentary seats in XpressBet Showdown on April 17-18 (a $300 value).
NHC qualifying spots: 6
Website: http://www.xpressbet.com/contests/XpressBetLive2010_rules.aspx
Contact: Crystal Bartko (Crystal.Bartko@xpressbet.com, 412-232-6949)



HorsePlayer Magazine NHC Qualifying Tournament
Where: XpressBet.com
When: Saturday, April 3
How Much: $200 entry fee, plus $800 live bankroll.
Field: Limited to the first 200 entrants; limit one per person; must be an XpressBet account member.
Format: Contestants must place a minimum of 10 wagers of at least $80 each (there are no maximums) from races at Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Keeneland, Oaklawn, Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields. All Tournament wagers must be submitted via the Contest Wager Pad. Multiple-race wagers such as place all, doubles, pick 3, pick 4s and pick 6 are not allowed. The top three finishers earn berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, along with hotel accommodations (note: airfare is not included)
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.xpressbet.com/contests/XpressBetLive2010_rules.aspx
Contact: Crystal Bartko (Crystal.Bartko@xpressbet.com, 412-232-6949)



NHCQualify.com One-Day Contest
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, April 3
How Much: $400.
Field: Limited to the first 200 paid entries.
Format: Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. One NHC qualifying spot will be awarded for every 25 contest entries, so a full field yields 8 berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be 20 with rounding).
NHC qualifying spots: 8
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com/rules.aspx
Contact: support@nhcqualify.com



Simulcast Series Challenge Invitational
Where: Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.
When: Saturday, April 10
How Much: $200
Field: Limited to the top 10 finishers from three previous Simulcast Series Challenge qualifiers
Format: Three pre-qualifying tournaments were held at Monmouth during its simulcast season and this is the finals to send the top two finishers to NHC XII at the Red Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including airfare and hotel accommodations. Contestants make a minimum of 10 win or place bets of at least $20 apiece on races from available contest tracks. First place is worth $2,500, with $1,000 for second, $750 for third, $500 for fourth and $250 for fifth.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: http://monmouthpark.com/uploadedFiles/SSC%202-27-10%20Brochure.pdf
Contact: Jeff Lowich (jlowich@njsea.com, 732-571-5580)



$40 Handicapping Contest
Where: Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
When: Friday, April 16, through Sunday, April 18
How Much: $40 with $10 as an entry fee plus a $30 live bankroll.
Field: The three separate finals on Friday are limited to daily winners of the $40 contests held on those days throughout the meet (winners of Friday events compete in the final on Friday, April 16; winners of Saturday events compete on Saturday, April 17; and winners of Sunday events compete on Sunday, April 18, for NHC berths). There is a limit of one entry per person in each final, but players may earn seats in multiple finals.
Format: Contestants must make five $3 win-and-place wagers on Santa Anita races. Players keep all winnings in the preliminary contests, plus there's a $500 daily prize is awarded for first, with $200 for second and $100 for third. In the finals, the winner will receive $2,500 in addition to the NHC berth with second place earning $1,000.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://santaanita.com/specialevent/2009/40-handicapping-contest
Contact: Nate Newby (nnewby@santaanita.com, 626-574-6391)



Surfside Race Place at Del Mar Handicapping Tournament X
Where: Surfside Race Place in Del Mar, Calif.
When: Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18 (additional tourneys with 3 NHC spots to be held July 10-11, Oct. 9-10, and Dec. 26-27)
How Much: $200.
Field: Limited to the first 200 entries.
Format: Contestants place eight mythical $20 win-and-place wagers on the last eight races at Santa Anita each day, with a cap of $42 to win and $22 to place. In addition to playing for the three NHC XII berths at the Red Rock Resort on Jan. 28-29, 2011, in Las Vegas, which includes airfare and hotel accommodations, players will also be competing for prize money (based on a field of 200) with $10,000 for first place, $4,000 for second, $2,000 for third, $1,000 for fourth, $500 for fifth and $200 for sixth through 15th. The high score on the second day will also win $500.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.surfsideraceplace.com/pdf/2010april_rules.pdf
Contact: Eric Canfield (ecanfield@sdfair.com, 858-792-4248)



XpressBet Showdown
Where: xpressbet.com
When: Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18
How Much: $300 entry fee, plus $400 live bankroll.
Field: Limited to the first 300 entrants (including 50 automatic qualifiers: 25 from XpressBets's Beat the Host Championship and 25 from XpressBet Live); limit one per person; open only to account holders at XpressBet.com, DelMarBets.com and OakTreeBets.com.
Format: There are 20 mandatory races, 10 each day. Contestants must place a live $20 win wager on one horse in each mandatory race (failure to do so results in disqualification). The mandatory races will be available on the website by 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 16. For contest purposes, payoffs are capped at 20-1 though contestant receives full payoffs in their account. Canceled wagers result in disqualification. The top nine finishers earn berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, along with hotel accommodations during the finals plus $500 for airfare. The next four finishers will earn seats in the 2011 Coast Casinos' Horseplayer World Series at the Orleans in Las Vegas.
NHC qualifying spots: 9
Website: http://www.xpressbet.com/contests/XpressBetShowdown2010.aspx
Contact: Crystal Bartko (Crystal.Bartko@xpressbet.com, 412-232-6949)



Grade One Gamble
Where: Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.
When: Sunday, April 18
How Much: $3,000 with $2,000 to be used as a live bankroll.
Field: Limited to 36 players.
Format: Contestants make live wagers on that day's live nine-race card at Keeneland. Wagers must be at least $250 (no maximum) and use only the win, place, show, exacta and trifecta pools. If a contestant's bankroll falls below $250, they must go "all-in" and wager their complete remaining bankroll on the next race. In the final race, all contestants must wager at least 50% of their bankroll (failure to do so will forfeit the entire balance, which will be added to the prize pool). There are no caps on payoffs, but any IRS signers will only be worth the net profits after withholding. Players keep their live-money earnings. In addition to playing for the 3 NHC berths, there is also prize money of $15,000 for first place, $8,000 for second, $4,000 for third, $2,000 for fourth, $1,500 for fifth, $1,000 apiece for sixth.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://ww2.keeneland.com/racing/events/calendar.aspx
Contact: Karen King (kking@keeneland.com, 859-288-4260)



Station/Fiesta Casinos DRF/NTRA NHC Qualifier
Where: April finals at Sunset Station in Henderson, Nev. (pre-qualifying tournaments held at all Station and Fiesta casinos in the Las Vegas area)
When: Saturday, April 24 (pre-qualifying tourneys are held on Fridays throughout the month: April 2, 9, 16 and 23)
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Format: In the Friday pre-qualifying tournaments, contestants make 8 mythical win and place wagers, with three races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other five being players choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Entries from all Stations and Fiestas race books are combined in the pre-qualifying tournaments. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. The winner of each Friday tournament will earn a berth in the monthly finals, which has a $200 entry fee. The spots in the NHC finals, to be held Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort, will go to the top two finishers in the April 24 tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: http://www.redrocklasvegas.com/gaming/book.php
Contact: Jason McCormick (jason.mrcormick@stationcasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



NHCQualify.com One-Day Contest
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, April 24
How Much: $400.
Field: Limited to the first 200 paid entries.
Format: Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. One NHC qualifying spot will be awarded for every 25 contest entries, so a full field yields 8 berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be 20 with rounding).
NHC qualifying spots: 8
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com/rules.aspx
Contact: support@nhcqualify.com



2010 Public Handicapper Challenge
Where: Publichandicapper.com
When: April 30 through Nov. 6
How Much: Free online contest
Field: Limited to one entry per person; entrants must have free account at publichandicapper.com by the start of the contest and must be member of the NHC Tour by the start of the contest to be eligible for the NHC berths
Format: Deadline for entry is Saturday, April 30. Other than that, the main requirement is that entrants must play at least 60 contest races between the start of the contest (Kentucky Oaks) until the end of the contest, including all eight Breeders' Cup races on Saturday, Nov. 6 (note: the BC races on Friday, Nov. 5, will not be used). Usually there are four races per weekend. Each contest play is a mythical $2 to win with $2 subtracted from your account for every horse that doesn't win. Points are accumulated based on the pari-mutuel payoff each by your horses, with a cap of $62. In addition to the top three NHC Tour members earning Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship berths to the Jan. 28-29, 2011, finals, including airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations at the Red Rock Resort, first place will receive $500, a trophy, a one-year subscription to Daily Racing Form online PPs, and a publichandicapper.com T-shirt. Second through fifth place earn three months of DRF online PPs and the T-shirt. Sixth through 10 th win the T-shirt. See website below for full details.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.publichandicapper.com/rules-prizes-chal2010.cfm
Contact: Scott Carson (horseplayers@publichandicapper.com)



NHC Tour: Kentucky Oaks & Derby Challenge
Where: ntra.com/nhctour
When: Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1
How Much: Free to NHC Tour members; limit 1 entry per person
Field: NHC Tour members only
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers with five coming on the Kentucky Oaks Day card at Churchill Downs on Friday, April 30, and the remaining five on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 1. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. Tournament wagering closes approximately five minutes before post time. There is no prize money beyond the two berths in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, but airfare and hotel accommodations during the finals are included. The top 30 finishers will also receive NHC Tour points.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.ntra.com/nhctour
Contact: Michele Ravencraft (mravencraft@ntra.com, 859-422-2657)



NHCQualify.com One-Day Contest
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, May 15
How Much: $400.
Field: Limited to the first 225 paid entries.
Format: Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. One NHC qualifying spot will be awarded for every 25 contest entries, so a full field yields 9 berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be 25 with rounding).
NHC qualifying spots: 9
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com/rules.aspx
Contact: support@nhcqualify.com



2010 NTRA/DRF Handicapping Contest Qualifier
Where: Horsemen's Park in Omaha, Neb.
When: Saturday and Sunday, May 29-30
How Much: Free to those who finish in the top 5 of preliminary contests at the track earlier in the year; otherwise it costs $250; limit two entries per person (if someone pre-qualifies, they may purchase a second entry).
Format: The format for the May 29-30 finals mirrors the NHC Finals with contestants making 15 mythical $2 win-and-place bets each day with eight of those being mandatory races that every contestant has to play and the other seven being player's choice. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. The three highest two-days scores win the NHC berths at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including airfare and hotel accommodations. Prize money will also be awarded based on the number of entries.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://63.134.205.142/documents/NTRA-DRF_Qulaifier_Rules.pdf
Contact: Greg Hosch (greghosch@horsemenspark.com, 402-734-8464)



Survival at the Shore
Where: Monmouth Park website
When: Saturday, May 22, through Monday, Sept. 6
How Much: Free online contest.
Format: The Survival at the Shore is an elimination game. The organizers pick 3 races a day, the player picks one horse in each race and needs one of those horses to hit the board in order to stay in the game. If all 3 finish out of the money, the player is eliminated, though each player gets a "Life Preserver" for a second chance to stay alive. Additional Life Preservers will be awarded for those who last until the end of June and then again at the end of July. Players also get a mythical $2 across-the-board on each horse. At the end of the contest, whoever has "survived" the longest is the winner of the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship berth at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, with the highest bankroll being used as a tie-breaker.
NHC qualifying spots: 1
Website: "http://monmouthpark.com/contests.aspx?id=193
Contact: Jeff Lowich (jlowich@njsea.com, 732-571-5580)



Station/Fiesta Casinos DRF/NTRA NHC Qualifier
Where: May finals at Aliante Station in North Las Vegas, Nev. (pre-qualifying tournaments held at all Station and Fiesta casinos in the Las Vegas area)
When: Saturday, May 29 (pre-qualifying tourneys are held on Fridays throughout the month: May 7, 14, 21 and 28)
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Format: In the Friday pre-qualifying tournaments, contestants make 8 mythical win and place wagers, with three races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other five being player's choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Entries from all Stations and Fiestas race books are combined in the pre-qualifying tournaments. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. The winner of each Friday tournament will earn a berth in the monthly finals, which has a $200 entry fee. The spots in the NHC finals, to be held Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort, will go to the top two finishers in the May 29 tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: http://www.redrocklasvegas.com/gaming/book.php
Contact: Jason McCormick (jason.mccormick@stationcasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



NHCqualify.com Two-Round Qualifying Tournament
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Pre-qualifying rounds on Saturday, June 5; Saturday, June 12; and Saturday, June 19; all leading up to monthly finals on Saturday, June 26.
How Much: $100; limit 2 per person.
Field: Limited to the first 300 players to register in each pre-qualifying round. The monthly final on June 26 will be open to those who finish in the top 10 percent of contestants in the preliminary rounds (rounded to the nearest 10)
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on mandatory contest races; check site for designated tracks. All plays must be made online at the site. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. Those who qualify for the monthly finals don't have to pay another entry fee for that tournament, which will have the same format. The top nine finishers in the final that have not already qualified for NHC XII will earn seats in the finals at the Red Rock in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011.
NHC qualifying spots: 9 (based on 90 players in final, 30 from each of the three pre-qualifiers)
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com/
Contact: http://www.nhcqualify.com/



Monmouth/Woodbine Handicapping Challenge
Where: Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.
When: Saturday, June 20
How Much: $100 with $40 as entry fee and $60 as live bankroll
Format: Walk-up registration only between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contestants make a minimum $10 wager (using just the win, place and show pools - any combination can be used) on a minimum of six races (with at least 2 at Monmouth and at least 3 at Woodbine); there are no maximums. Only one horse can be used in a given race. Players cannot withdraw their balance until the final Challenge race is official of they will be disqualified. The person with the highest bankroll will earn a trip to the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship at the Red Rock in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011. Other prizes to be announced.
NHC qualifying spots: 1
Website: http://www.monmouthpark.com/event_detail.aspx?id=486
Contact: Jeff Lowich (jlowich@njsea.com, 732-571-5580)



Station/Fiesta Casinos DRF/NTRA NHC Qualifier
Where: June finals at Boulder Station in Las Vegas, Nev. (pre-qualifying tournaments held at all Station and Fiesta casinos in the Las Vegas area)
When: Saturday, June 26 (pre-qualifying tourneys are held on Fridays throughout the month: June 4, 11, 18 and 25)
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Format: In the Friday pre-qualifying tournaments, contestants make 8 mythical win and place wagers, with three races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other five being player's choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Entries from all Stations and Fiestas race books are combined in the pre-qualifying tournaments. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. The winner of each Friday tournament will earn a berth in the monthly finals, which has a $200 entry fee. The spots in the NHC finals, to be held Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort, will go to the top two finishers in the May 29 tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: http://www.redrocklasvegas.com/gaming/book.php
Contact: Jason McCormick (jason.mccormick@stationcasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



Belmont Park Handicapping Challenge
Where: Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
When: Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27
How Much: $400
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical win, place or show wagers each day at Belmont, Monmouth or Churchill with nine being $20 plays and one being $40; payoffs capped at $32 to win and $18 to place or show; in addition to the NHC berths, the cash prizes (based on 200 entrants) are $35,000 for first, $10,000 for second, $7,500 for third, $5,000 for fourth, $4,000 for fifth, $3,000 for sixth, $2,500 for seventh, $2,000 for eighth, $1,500 for ninth, $1,000 for 10th, $700 apiece for 11th through 15th, and $600 apiece for 16th through 20th.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://nyra.com/Belmont/GeneralInformation/Calendar/Calendar.shtml
Contact: Kathy Locke (klocke@nyrainc.com, 718-659-2373)



Arlington Park Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship Qualifier
Where: Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Ill.
When: Saturday & Sunday, July 17-18, 2010 (Million Preview Weekend)
How Much: No entry fee.
Format: Live-money format. Players establish a $1,000 bankroll and their account balance remains theirs at all times. Players must wager their beginning bankroll (as a minimum) over a minimum of 10 Arlington races, chosen by the player, over the two days of the contest. Players may wager in any open Arlington pool. Winnings can be re-invested as the contest progresses. The objective is simply to amass the highest final bankroll possible by wagering as the player chooses within the rules of the contest. Players keep all money left on their contest wagering card at the end of the contest. First three finishers (contestants with the top three final bankroll balances) are eligible for a berth in the 2011 National Handicapping Championship plus a travel voucher, three night's accommodations at the Red Rock Resort, and prize money. Additionally, prize money is paid through the top 20 finishers. Rules, and more, are available on Arlington's web site.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.arlingtonpark.com/
Contact: M. Scott McMannis (mcmannis@intergate.com, 847-991-3839)

Station/Fiesta Casinos DRF/NTRA NHC Qualifier
Where: June finals at Boulder Station in Las Vegas, Nev. (pre-qualifying tournaments held at all Station and Fiesta casinos in the Las Vegas area)
When: Saturday, June 26 (pre-qualifying tourneys are held on Fridays throughout the month: June 4, 11, 18 and 25)
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Format: In the Friday pre-qualifying tournaments, contestants make 8 mythical win and place wagers, with three races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other five being player's choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Entries from all Stations and Fiestas race books are combined in the pre-qualifying tournaments. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. The winner of each Friday tournament will earn a berth in the monthly finals, which has a $200 entry fee. The spots in the NHC finals, to be held Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort, will go to the top two finishers in the Jun 26 tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: redrocklasvegas.com
Contact: Jason McCormick (Jason.McCormick@StationCasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



Firecracker Shootout at Red Rock
Where: Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
When: Saturday, July 3
How Much: $300; maximum one entry per person
Format: Contestants make 15 mythical win and place wagers each day, with eight races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other seven being player's choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. In addition to the three NHC spots being awarded, 100 percent of entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth, 5 percent for fifth.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: redrocklasvegas.com
Contact: Jason McCormick (Jason.McCormick@StationCasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



Firecracker Handicapping Challenge
Where: Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif.
When: Saturday and Sunday, July 3-4
How Much: $2,000 live money bankroll put on a contest wagering card.
Format: Contestants must wager a minimum of $100 on every Hollywood race on both days of the contest, using only the win, place, show, exacta, quinella or trifecta pools; there are no maximum amount of wagers, but player must have enough on their card before their next bet to stay alive; players keep pari-mutuel winnings at conclusion of contest. The leader after the first day will win $1,000 with the overall champion earning $5,000 in addition to the top three finishers winning NHC packages with round-trip airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: hollywoodpark.com
Contact: George Ortuzar (georgeo@hollywoodpark.com, 310-419-1441)



Station/Fiesta Casinos DRF/NTRA NHC Qualifier
Where: July finals at Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas, Nev. (pre-qualifying tournaments held at all Station and Fiesta casinos in the Las Vegas area)
When: Saturday, July 31 (pre-qualifying tourneys are held on Fridays throughout the month: July 9, 16, 23 and 30)
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Format: In the Friday pre-qualifying tournaments, contestants make 8 mythical win and place wagers, with three races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other five being player's choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Entries from all Stations and Fiestas race books are combined in the pre-qualifying tournaments. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. The winner of each Friday tournament will earn a berth in the monthly finals, which has a $200 entry fee. The spots in the NHC finals, to be held Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort, will go to the top two finishers in the July 31 tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: redrocklasvegas.com
Contact: Jason McCormick (jason.mccormick@stationcasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



Cross Country Handicapping Challenge
Where: Held concurrently at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.; Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn.; and Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wash.
When: Saturday, July 10
How Much: $300 with $100 for the entry fee, plus a $200 live bankroll; maximum two entries per person.
Format: This is the third contest in the country to offer a co-mingled leaderboard between multiple trakcs, and the second to offer NHC spots (after this contest was held last year with Monmouth and Canterbury). The contest will include races 7-12 at Monmouth, races 4-7 at Canterbury and races 1-7 at Emerald. Players must make a minimum of $20 in wagers -- using the Win, Place & Show pools only -- on at least 10 contest races. There is no maximum on the number of races played or the amount wagered. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with all contestants also keeping their live-money earnings. The purse will be $20,000 based on 200 entries (and adjusted accordingly if there are less) with the champion receiving 50 percent (or an anticipated $10,000) and paying through 10th place. The three NHC qualifiers also receive round-trip airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations during NHC XII. NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: monmouthpark.com
Contact: Jeff Lowich (jlowich@njsea.com, 732-571-5580)



Del Mar Online Handicapping Challenge
Where: www.delmarracing.com
When: Wednesday, July 21, through Wednesday, Sept. 8
How Much: Free
Format: Limit one per person in North America. This contest runs every day through Del Mar's summer meeting. It's free with the top finisher winning the NHC berth. Contestants play up to 100 contest dollars to win, place and/or show on each day's selected Del Mar contest race. Standings are based on net won/lost. NHC qualifying spots: 1
Website: delmarracing.com
Contact: Chris Bahr (chris@dmtc.com, 858-792-4294)



NHC Tour Free Online Contest
Where: ntra.com
When: Saturday, July 24
How Much: Free; limit 1 entry per person
Field: NHC Tour members only
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers with payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. Tournament wagering closes approximately five minutes before post time. There is no prize money beyond the two berths in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, though the top 30 finishers will receive NHC Tour points.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: ntra.com
Contact: Michele Ravencraft (mravencraft@ntra.com 859-422-2657)



Claiming Crown Ultimate Handicappers Open
Where: Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn.
When: Saturday, July 24
How Much: $2,000 of which $1,000 goes to the prize pool (100% payout) and $1,000 is used for live bankroll wagers. One entry per person.
Format: Contest races are the six Claiming Crown races that day at Canterbury Park plus the Lady Canterbury Breeders' Cup and one other race on the undercard. Beginning with the $1,000 bankroll, players must wager on at least six of the eight races (with the final contest race being mandatory) and risk at least half their bankroll each time. For example, the first race wagered on, the amount of a player's bets must be at least $500. If the player cashes that race for $2,500, making his current bankroll $3,000, the next race the player wagers on: total bet must be at least $1,500. Any bet offered WITHIN any of the races is allowed. Any combination of bets can be made: win, place, show, exactas, trifectas and superfectas (minimum superfecta wager is $1). At the end of the contest, players keep their earnings. Top three players earn NHC entries, including airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations. Prize money paid as follows: first place is worth 60% of entry fees, second receives 20%, third gets 10%, fourth 6%, and fifth 4%.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: canterburypark Contact: Jeff Maday (jmaday@canterburypark.com, 952-496-6437)



Keeneland Handicapping Challenge
Where: Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.
When: Saturday, July 31
Field: Limited to the first 500 entries; maximum three entries per person.
How Much: $150.
Format: All mail-in entries are due by Wednesday, July 29. If openings exist, walk-up entries will start being taken at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 30. No entries will be taken after 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. Contestants make 15 mythical $2 win-and-place bets with eight races being mandatory and the other seven being player's choice from six tracks simulcast at Keeneland that day. Only one horse allowed per race. Contest prices will be capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. No races will be included that have a scheduled post time later than 5:45 p.m. EDT. Based on 400 entries, first prize would be worth $15,000, with $7,500 for second, $4,000 for third, $2,500 for fourth, $1,500 for fifth, $1,000 apiece for sixth through 10th, $400 for 11th through 15th, $300 for 16th through 20th, $250 for 21st through 25th. Contest gifts will be one per person, not per entry.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: keenland.com
Contact: Karen King (kking@keeneland.com, 859-288-4260)



Del Mar Handicapping Challenge
Where: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif.
When: Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, Aug. 1
Field: Limited to the first 50 players; one entry per person; no partners.
How Much: $6,000, with $1,000 entry fee going to the prize pool and a $5,000 live bankroll. Format: Players are given a wagering card with their bankroll on it. Contest races include the entire Del Mar cards on July 31 and Aug. 1. A minimum of $250 must be bet on each race the two days. There are no maximums. However, if a player's balance falls below the minimum bet per race, they are eliminated. No multi-race wagers allowed; only win, place, show, exacta, trifecta and superfecta. No caps on payoffs and contestants keep all winnings in addition to being ranked by their final bankroll. First place is worth $40,000, second place is $20,000. The top five finishers earn NHC berths, including airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations at the Red Rock Resort during the Jan 28-29, 2011, finals.
NHC qualifying spots: 5
Website: dmtc.com
Contact: Chris Bahr (chris@dmtc.com, 858-792-4294)



Ultimate Handicapping Challenge
Where: Emerald Downs, in Auburn, Wash.
When: Sunday, Aug. 1
Field: Limited to the first 400 entrants.
How Much: $125, limited to two entries per person
Format: Contestants make 17 mythical $2 win and place wagers on the day with the entire Emerald Downs card being mandatory races and the rest being player's choice from any tracks offered at Emerald for simulcasting between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. that day. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. In addition to the top 9 finishers earning NHC berths in Las Vegas, including airfare and hotel accommodations (the champion will be upgraded to a suite at the Red Rock Resort), first prize will be worth $20,000 with $10,000 for second, $3,000 for third, $2,000 for fourth, $1,500 for fifth, $1,250 for sixth, $1,000 for seventh, $750 for eighth and $500 for ninth (all based on 400 entries). The champion will also receive a $500 casino chip for use at the Red Rock with the other qualifiers receiving $100 apiece.
NHC qualifying spots: 9
Website: emeralddowns.com
Contact: Adrian Buchan (adrianb@emeralddowns.com, 253-288-7719)



Suffolk NHC Qualifying Tournament
Where: Suffolk Downs in East Boston, Mass.
When: Saturday, Aug. 7
Field: Limited to 275 entrants.
How Much: $60
Format: Contestants make 15 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on 15 pre-selected races from several tracks including Suffolk Downs, Saratoga, Monmouth Park and Del Mar. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with the first contest race going at approximately 3 p.m. and the final race at or around 6 p.m. In addition to the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship berths to the top two finishers, all entry fees will be returned as prize money to the top 10 finishers.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: suffolkdowns.com
Contact: Christian Teja (cteja@suffolkdowns.com, 617-568-3220)



Saratoga Handicapping Challenge
Where: Saratoga Racecourse in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
When: Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 11-12
How Much: $1,000.
Field: Limited to the first 100 entries
Format: This is the inaugural running of this tournament. First place will be worth $50,000, with $20,000 for second, and $10,000 for third. There will also be a $1,500 prize for the highest score on each contest day. In addition to the top three earning NHC berths for the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, those players will also receive round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations during the finals.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: nyra.com
Contact: Kathy Locke (klocke@nyrainc.com, 718-659-2273)



Dog Days of Summer XIV Handicapping Tournament
Where: Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21-22
How Much: $500 of which $100 is an entry fee and $400 is a live bankroll. Two entries maximum per person.
Format: Beginning with the $400 bankroll, players may wager on all tracks and pools offered at Canterbury Park through the tote system including all straight wagers and all exotics. Contestants must wager at least $200 each day. No maximums with number of races played or the amounts per race. Any money won through tournament wagers can then be wagered in subsequent bets. Tournament ends on Aug. 22 with the final race at Del Mar (even if there are races at contest tracks after that post time). Ending bankrolls will be returned to each player at the conclusion of the tournament. The two players with the largest bankrolls at the conclusion of the tournament earn entries to the NHC, plus round-trip airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations during the finals. Prize money is $2,000 for first, $1,500 for second, $1,000 for third.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: canterburypark.com
Contact: Jeff Maday (jmaday@canterburypark.com, 952-496-6437)



Station/Fiesta Casinos DRF/NTRA NHC Qualifier
Where: August finals at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, Nev. (pre-qualifying tournaments held at all Station and Fiesta casinos in the Las Vegas area)
When: Saturday, Aug. 28 (pre-qualifying tourneys are held on Fridays throughout the month: Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27)
How Much: $200 (or by winning one of the pre-qualifying events, which have a $20 entry fee)
Format: In the Friday pre-qualifying tournaments, contestants make 8 mythical win and place wagers, with three races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other five being player's choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Entries from all Stations and Fiestas race books are combined in the pre-qualifying tournaments. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. All entry fees will be returned as prize money with the winner getting 40 percent, 25 percent for second, 20 percent for third, 10 percent for fourth and 5 percent for fifth. The winner of each Friday tournament will earn a berth in the monthly finals, which has a $200 entry fee. The spots in the NHC finals, to be held Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort, will go to the top two finishers in the Aug. 28 tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: redrocklasvegas.com
Contact: Jason McCormick (jason.mccormick@stationcasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



Monmouth Park Summer Handicapping Challenge
Where: Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.
When: Saturday, Aug. 28
How Much: $600, which includes $400 entry fee and $200 live bankroll.
Format: The $200 bankroll is put on a wagering card and must be used at self-service terminals.
Tournament uses Monmouth, Delaware and Saratoga races only. Contestants make a minimum of 10 live-money contest, at least five of which MUST be at Monmouth, and must bet a minimum of $20 per race (no maximums on number of wagers or on amounts). Win, place, or show wagering only. Only one horse per race. Since it's a live-money contest, players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. The qualifiers also receive airfare and hotel accommodations for the NHC finals at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: monmouthpark.com

Contact: Jeff Lowich (jlowich@njsea.com, 732-571-5580)

NHC Tour Travers Day Online Tourney
Where: ntra.com/nhctour
When: Saturday, Aug. 28
How Much: Free; limit 1 entry per person
Field: NHC Tour members only
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers with payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. Tournament wagering closes approximately five minutes before post time. There is no prize money beyond the two berths in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, though the top 30 finishers will receive NHC Tour points.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: ntra.com
Contact: Michele Ravencraft (mravencraft@ntra.com 859-422-2657)



Thoroughbred Handicapping Challenge
Where: Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke, Ontario
When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28-29
How Much: $330 Canadian (includes $80 bankroll); limit 2 entries per person
Field: Limited to 275 entries.
Format: Place real bets through the tote system using a live bankroll. Each Contestant makes Win and/or Place bets only, in $2 increments. The races will include full cards from Woodbine, Saratoga, Fort Erie and Arlington Park. $5,000 will be distributed to the first three finishers after the first day of the contest. The Contestant in 1st place will receive $3,000, 2nd place $1,500 and 3rd place $500. The remaining money will be paid to the top 10 overall finishers after Sunday's races.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: woodbineentertainment.com
Contact: Sue Clark (sck@woodbineentertainment.com, 888-675-7223 ext 2513)



DRF/NTRA Friday Mini Tournament
Where: Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.
When: Friday, Sept. 10
How Much: $340, with $80 used as a live bankroll (early-bird online entry fee of $320 if paid by Aug. 30; see site below for details)
Field: Limited to the first 50 entries; entrants must also enter that weekend's tourney.
Format: Contest limited to the last 8 races on the Fairplex card. Players make wagers with a contest card on each race with a minimum of $4 per race (no maximum wager as long as there's enough on your contest card) using any single-race wager except for trifectas and superfectas. The two players building the biggest bankroll win an NHC berth on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including a travel voucher for airfare from Ontario, Calif., or elsewhere to Las Vegas (maximum value $250) and hotel accommodations. The third through seventh-place finishers earn free entries into that weekend's two-day tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: fairplex.com
Contact: Bill Baker (baker@fairplex.com, 909-865-4090)



DRF/NTRA Two-Day Weekend Tournament
Where: Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11-12
How Much: $300, with $80 used as a live bankroll; limit 3 paid entries per person (early-bird online entry fee of $280 if paid by Aug. 31; see site below for details).
Format: Contest limited to the last 8 races on the Fairplex card each day. Players make wagers with a contest card on each race with a minimum of $4 per race (no maximum wager as long as there's enough on your contest card) using any single-race wager except for trifectas and superfectas. Prize money, based on 145 entries, expected to be $10,000 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, $600 for fourth, $500 for fifth, $400 for sixth, $300 for seventh, and $200 for eighth. The top three finishers win berths in the NHC finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including roundtrip airfare from Ontario, Calif., or elsewhere (maximum value $250) to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: fairplex.com
Contact: Bill Baker (baker@fairplex.com, 909-865-4090)



DRF/NTRA Friday Mini Tournament
Where: Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.
When: Friday, Sept. 17
How Much: $340, with $80 used as a live bankroll (early-bird online entry fee of $320 if paid by Aug. 30; see site below for details)
Field: Limited to the first 50 entries; entrants must also enter that weekend's tourney.
Format: Contest limited to the last 8 races on the Fairplex card. Players make wagers with a contest card on each race with a minimum of $4 per race (no maximum wager as long as there's enough on your contest card) using any single-race wager except for trifectas and superfectas. The two players building the biggest bankroll win an NHC berth on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including a travel voucher for airfare from Ontario, Calif., or elsewhere to Las Vegas (maximum value $250) and hotel accommodations. The third through seventh-place finishers earn free entries into that weekend's two-day tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: fairplex
Contact: Bill Baker (baker@fairplex.com, 909-865-4090)



Kentucky Downs Handicapping Challenge
Where: Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky.
When: Saturday, Sept. 18
How Much: $150; limit 2 entries per person
Field: Limited to the first 200 entries.
Format: Contest starts at noon and includes $15 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers with eight races being mandatory and seven being player's choice. Prices capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. No race can be used twice and players using more than their allotted 15 plays will be disqualified. The top three finishers receive NHC berths plus roundtrip airfare to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations at the Red Rock Resort during the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: kentuckydowns.com
Contact: John Goodman (270-586-7778 x 265)



DRF/NTRA Two-Day Weekend Tournament
Where: Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19
How Much: $300, with $80 used as a live bankroll; limit 3 paid entries per person (early-bird online entry fee of $280 if paid by Aug. 31; see site below for details).
Format: Contest limited to the last 8 races on the Fairplex card each day. Players make wagers with a contest card on each race with a minimum of $4 per race (no maximum wager as long as there's enough on your contest card) using any single-race wager except for trifectas and superfectas. Prize money, based on 145 entries, expected to be $10,000 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, $600 for fourth, $500 for fifth, $400 for sixth, $300 for seventh, and $200 for eighth. The top three finishers win berths in the NHC finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including roundtrip airfare from Ontario, Calif., or elsewhere (maximum value $250) to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: fairplex.com
Contact: Bill Baker (baker@fairplex.com, 909-865-4090)



DRF/NTRA Friday Mini Tournament
Where: Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.
When: Friday, Sept. 24
How Much: $340, with $80 used as a live bankroll (early-bird online entry fee of $320 if paid by Aug. 30; see site below for details)
Field: Limited to the first 50 entries; entrants must also enter that weekend's tourney.
Format: Contest limited to the last 8 races on the Fairplex card. Players make wagers with a contest card on each race with a minimum of $4 per race (no maximum wager as long as there's enough on your contest card) using any single-race wager except for trifectas and superfectas. The two players building the biggest bankroll win an NHC berth on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including a travel voucher for airfare from Ontario, Calif., or elsewhere to Las Vegas (maximum value $250) and hotel accommodations. The third through seventh-place finishers earn free entries into that weekend's two-day tourney.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: fairplex.com
Contact: Bill Baker (baker@fairplex.com, 909-865-4090)



DRF/NTRA Two-Day Weekend Tournament
Where: Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 25-26
How Much: $300, with $80 used as a live bankroll; limit 3 paid entries per person (early-bird online entry fee of $280 if paid by Aug. 31; see site below for details).
Format: Contest limited to the last 8 races on the Fairplex card each day. Players make wagers with a contest card on each race with a minimum of $4 per race (no maximum wager as long as there's enough on your contest card) using any single-race wager except for trifectas and superfectas. Prize money, based on 145 entries, expected to be $10,000 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,000 for third, $600 for fourth, $500 for fifth, $400 for sixth, $300 for seventh, and $200 for eighth. The top three finishers win berths in the NHC finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including roundtrip airfare from Ontario, Calif., or elsewhere (maximum value $250) to Las Vegas and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: fairplex.com
Contact: Bill Baker (baker@fairplex.com, 909-865-4090)



Monmouth/Woodbine Handicapping Challenge
Where: Monmouth Park in Oceanport, N.J.
When: Sunday, Sept. 19
How Much: $200 with $100 as entry fee and $100 as live bankroll
Format: Signup on-track between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contestants make a minimum $10 wager (using just the win, place and show pools - any combination can be used) on a minimum of six races (with at least 2 at Monmouth and at least 3 at Woodbine); there are no maximums. Only one horse can be used in a given race. Players cannot withdraw their balance until the final Challenge race is official of they will be disqualified. The top two finishers will earn berths in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship at the Red Rock in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including airfare and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: http://www.monmouthpark.com/contest_detail.aspx?id=1985
Contact: Brian Skirka (732-571-6595)



Greenwood Teletheatre Challenge
Where: Greenwood Teletheatre in Toronto, Ontario
When: Sunday, Sept. 26 (this tourney also serves as the finals for the Greenwood Handicapper's League with preliminary rounds held Wednesday, July 7; Wednesday, July 14; Wednesday July 21; Wednesday, July 28; Wednesday, Aug. 4; Wednesday, Aug. 11; Wednesday, Aug. 18 and Wednesday, Aug. 25)
How Much: $300 entry fee; preliminary events have $20 entry fee plus $80 live bankroll for each qualifying date played; limit 2 entries per person
Format: Place real bets through the tote system using a live bankroll. There are no minimums or maximums. Registration each week last from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and only Woodbine races are used in the contest (except for canceled cards in which a substitute track will be offered). Each weekly contest will return 100 percent of entry fees as prize money. In addition to Weekly Prizing, at the end of the League, the top five contestants for the overall League will share in a $5,000 Overall League Champion prize, provided by the League Sponsor. The Overall League Champion is the Contestant with the highest League Balance. Contestants must play in a minimum of four weeks in order to qualify for the Overall League Champion prizing. The top three finishers earn berths in the Greenwood Teletheatre Challenge.
NHC qualifying spots: 2
Website: http://www.woodbineentertainment.com/
Contact: Sue Clark (sck@woodbineentertainment.com, 888-675-7223 ext 2513)



TVG Handicapping Challenge
Where: TVG.com
When: Saturday, Oct. 2
How Much: Free; limit 1 entry per person
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place on mandatory races from TVG member tracks running on the contest day. Tournament wagering closes approximately 5 minutes before post time. The wagers must be made on the same horse to win and place. In the event of a late scratch, contestants will be given the post time favorite. Payoffs will be capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. The top three finishers will earn NHC berths for the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.ntra.com/nhc/tvg/default.aspx?action=rules
Contact: support@ntra.com (support@ntra.com, 918-281-4474)



NHC Tour Online Tourney
Where: ntra.com/nhctour
When: Saturday, Oct. 9
How Much: Free; limit 1 entry per person
Field: NHC Tour members only
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers with payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. Tournament wagering closes approximately five minutes before post time. There is no prize money beyond the two berths in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, though the top 30 finishers will receive NHC Tour points.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://ntra.com/nhctour
Contact: Michele Ravencraft (mravencraft@ntra.com 859-422-2657)



Suffolk NHC Qualifying Tournament
Where: Suffolk Downs in East Boston, Mass.
When: Saturday, Oct. 30
Field: Limited to 300
How Much: $60
Format: Entry fee includes a Daily Racing Form, simulcast program, lunch (12:30-2:30 p.m.) plus door prizes. Contestants make 15 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on 15 pre-selected races from several tracks including Suffolk Downs and others available on simulcast on the contest day. The contest races will be listed at the link below on the day before the tournament. Registration begins at 11 a.m. with the first contest race going at approximately 3 p.m. In addition to the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship berth to the top finisher, all entry fees will be returned as prize money to the top 10 finishers.
NHC qualifying spots: 1
Website: http://www.suffolkdowns.com/events.html
Contact: Christian Teja (cteja@suffolkdowns.com, 617-568-3220)



Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge
Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6
How Much: $10,000 with $2,500 going to the prize pool and $7,500 to be used as a live bankroll; maximum 2 entries per person; limited to first 120 entrants.
Format: Tournament races will include only races from Churchill Downs on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 6, including all fourteen Breeders’ Cup Championships races. Wager types to be permitted are Win, Place, Show, Exacta and Trifecta only. A minimum of $600 must be bet on at least 5 races Friday, Nov. 5, totaling a minimum of $3,000 wagered. A minimum of $900 must be bet on at least 5 races Saturday, Nov. 6, totaling a minimum of $4,500 wagered. The final race of the event is the Breeders’ Cup Classic. There are no maximums – players may bet as much as they want whenever they wish. The player with the largest bankroll after the Classic on Saturday is the Grand Prize winner. The prize money is to be determined by the final number of entries. One hundred percent of all prize pool funds ($2,500 per player) will be awarded as prize money. Based upon 120 players, prize money will be $340,000 with added money included. The top six finishers also earn berths in the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including $1,00 toward hotel/travel expenses. The top 10 percent of finishers also receive NHC Tour points. Contestants also receive additional benefits including: two tickets each day of the Breeders’ Cup Championships; a private, players-only room on-track in the sixth floor Gold Room with buffet each day; discounted hotel rooms; Steuben crystal trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place and a gift bag.
NHC qualifying spots: 6
Website: http://www.breederscup.com/content.aspx?id=45168
Contact: Ken Kirchner (859-621-6817)



TVG Handicapping Challenge
Where: TVG.com
When: Saturday, Nov. 13
How Much: Free; limit 1 entry per person
Format: Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place on mandatory races from TVG member tracks running on the contest day. Tournament wagering closes approximately 5 minutes before post time. The wagers must be made on the same horse to win and place. In the event of a late scratch, contestants will be given the post time favorite. Payoffs will be capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. The top three finishers will earn NHC berths for the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.ntra.com/nhc/tvg/default.aspx?action=rules
Contact: support@ntra.com (support@ntra.com, 918-281-4474)



Aqueduct Handicapping Challenge
Where: Aqueduct Racetrack in Jamaica, N.Y.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13-14
How Much: $400; limit 2 entries per person
Field: Limited to the first 200 entries
Format: Contestants will make 10 win-and-place wagers each day of the two-day event from the contest tracks of Aqueduct, Calder and Churchill with at least five of the plays required to be at Aqueduct. Nine of the plays each day will be $20 to win and place, while the other one will be $40 to win and place. Win payoffs capped at 15-1 (or maximum payoff of $320 on a $20 win bet or $640 on a $40 play), while place and show odds are capped at 8-1 (or a maximum payoff of $180 on a $20 wager and $360 on a $40 wager). In addition to the top three earning NHC berths for the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, those players will also receive airfare and hotel accommodations. All entry fees will be returned as prize money. Assuming a full field of 200, first place will be worth $35,000, with $10,000 for second, $7,500 for third, $5,000 for fourth, and paying down to $600 for those from 16th through 20th. There will also be a $1,000 prize for the highest score on each contest day.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.nyra.com/aqueduct/stories/Aqu_HandicappingChallenge09.shtml
Contact: Kathy Locke (klocke@nyrainc.com, 718-659-2273)



DRF/NTRA Handicapping Challenge
Where: Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.
When: Saturday, Dec. 4
How Much: $150; limit 3 entries per person
Field: Limited to the first 500 entries.
Format: Players will make a $2 win-and-place wager on 15 races of their own choosing (note: the rule was formerly that there would be 8 mandatory races) from five tracks available via simulcast at Keeneland on Saturday, Dec. 4. The contest tracks will be available on the keeeland.com website and at the Information Booth on the 2nd floor of the grandstand by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 1. For scoring purposes, prices will be capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. The top six finishers who have not previously qualified for the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will earn berths to the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations. Based on a field of 400 (and will be adjusted with the actual number of contestants), the cash prizes will be $15,000 for first, $7,500 for second, $4,000 for third, $2,500 for fourth, $1,500 for fifth, $1,000 for sixth through 10th, $400 for 11th through 15th, $300 for 16th through 20th, and $250 for 21st through 25th.
NHC qualifying spots: 6
Website: http://www.keeneland.com/simulcasts/lists/contests/allitemsalt.aspx
Contact: Jim Goodman (jgoodman@keeneland.com); 859-288-4261



DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship Qualifier
Where: Turfway Park in Florence, Ky.
When: Sunday, Dec. 5
How Much: $150 ($48 to be used as a live bankroll with the remainder going to the prize pool); no limit on the number of entries per person
Format: Defending NHC XI champ Brian Troop qualified at this tournament last year. Contestants make $2 win-and-place wagers on 12 different races. Players may use the same horse for both bets or choose to bet one horse to win and another to place. Since it's a live-money format, there is no cap on prices. Placings will be determined by accumulated earnings. In case of a tie, the higher placing will go to the player with the highest percentage of winners selected. In addition to their live-money earnings (which must be cashed out at the end of the tournament on Dec. 5), first place will be worth $7,500, with $4,500 for second, $2,500 for third, $1,000 for fourth, $500 for fifth and $300 for sixth through 10th. In addition to the top three earning NHC berths for the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2010, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, those players will also receive round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: http://www.turfway.com/contests_games.asp
Contact: Wolfgang Kratzenberg (wkratzenberg@tpark.com, 859-647-4818)



5th Annual DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Qualifier
Where: Beulah Park in Grove City, Ohio
When: Saturday, Dec. 18
How Much: $250; limit 2 entries per person
Field: Limited to the first 350 entries.
Format: Contestants will make 15 mythical $2 win-and-place wagers with eight live Beulah Park races being mandatory and the other seven being player's choice. Prices are capped at 20-1 to win ($42) and 10-1 to place ($22). The top six finishers who have not previously qualified for the Daily Racing Form/NTRA National Handicapping Championship will earn berths to the finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations. Sixty-five percent of entry fees will be returned as prize money.
NHC qualifying spots: 6
Website: http://beulahpark.com/, 614-871-9600



NHC Last Chance Qualifier
Where: Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev.
When: Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011
How Much: $500
Format: Contestants make 15 mythical win and place wagers, with eight races being mandatory as selected by tournament organizers and the other seven being player’s choice from a list of eligible tracks running that day. Payoffs are capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. This contest awards the last five NHC berths before the finals at the Red Rock on Jan. 28-29, 2011, with 70 percent of entry fees going to the NHC XII purse. The remaining 30 percent is distributed as prize money to top finishers in the Last Chance Qualifier.
NHC qualifying spots: 5
Website: http://www.redrocklasvegas.com/gaming/book.php
Contact: Jason McCormick (Jason.McCormick@StationCasinos.com, 702-797-7798)



HorsePlayer Magazine NHC Qualifying Tournament
Where: XpressBet.com
When: Saturday, August 14
How Much: $200 entry fee, plus $200 live bankroll.
Field: Limited to the first 200 entrants; limit two per person; must be an XpressBet account member.
Format: Contestants must place a minimum of 4 wagers of at least $50 each (there are no maximums) from races at Del Mar, Monmouth and Saratoga. All Tournament wagers must be submitted via the Contest Wager Pad. Multiple-race wagers such as place all, doubles, pick 3, pick 4s and pick 6 are not allowed. The top three finishers earn berths in NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, along with hotel accommodations (note: airfare is not included)
NHC qualifying spots: 3
Website: www.horseplayerdaily.com
Contact: Crystal Bartko 412-232-6949)



Del Mar $50 Handicapping Contest
Where: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif.
When: Sunday, Sept. 5 (with pre-qualifying contests held on Sunday, July 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.
How Much: $70, with $20 as the entry fee plus $50 to be used as a live bankroll; two entries per person
Format: Players are given a wagering card with their bankroll on it. Contestants in the pre-qualifying contests make five $5 win-and-place wagers on any race on the Del Mar card that day. There are no capped payoffs and players keep all winnings. The top 10 finishers earn spots in the Sept. 5 finals. In addition, the weekly contests award $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, $250 for third, plus the top 10 also received $50 to be used as their bankroll in the Sept. 5 finals. All of the pre-qualifies then face off on Sept. 5, using the same format, to play for the 1 seat to NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, including travel and accommodations.
NHC qualifying spots: 1
Website: http://www.dmtc.com/season/events/index.php?id=47
Contact: Chris Bahr (chris@dmtc.com, 858-792-4294)



Super Derby Showdown Handicapping Tournament
Where:Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.
When:Saturday, Sept. 25
How Much:$275, with $60 to be used as a live bankroll
Format:Contestants makes $2 win-and-place wagers on 15 designated races on Super Derby Day at Louisiana Downs. Plays must be made at contest windows. Only one set of plays (win and place) per race is allowed. Playing multiple horses in the same race or a non-contest race will result in disqualification. There are no capped payoffs. Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings. The top five finishers who have not previously qualified for the NHC finals on Jan. 28-29, 2011, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas will earn seats to the NHC, including hotel accommodations during the finals, plus a $400 travel voucher. In addition, the first-place finisher will also receive a berth in the Horseplayer World Series ($1,000 value) at the Orleans Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas on Feb. 17-19, 2011, plus an additional $400 travel voucher.
NHC qualifying spots: 5
Website: https://www.harrahslouisianadowns.com/
Contact: Travis Stone (318-752-6371)



NHCqualify.com Two-Round Qualifying Tournament
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Pre-qualifying rounds on Saturday, Nov. 13; Saturday, Nov. 20; and Saturday, Nov. 27; all leading up to finals on Saturday, Dec. 4.
How Much: $100; limit 2 per person.
Field: Limited to the first 300 players to register in each pre-qualifying round. The final on Dec. 4 will be open to those who finish in the top 10 percent of contestants in the preliminary rounds (rounded to the nearest 10).
Format: This series of tourneys was added in mid-September. Contestants make 10 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on mandatory contest races; check site for designated tracks. All plays must be made online at the site. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. Those who qualify in the preliminary rounds for the finals on Dec. 4 don't have to pay another entry fee for that tournament, which will have the same format. The top nine finishers in the final that have not already qualified for NHC XII will earn seats in the finals at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011.
NHC qualifying spots: 9 (based on 90 players in final, 30 from each of the three pre-qualifiers)
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com//
Contact: http://www.nhcqualify.com/



NHCqualify.com Two-Round Qualifying Tournament
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, Dec. 11
How Much: $400
Field: Limited to the first 200 paid entries.
Format: This tourney was added in mid-September. Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. The top nine finishers who have not previously qualified for NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, will earn berths in the finals. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be top 20).
NHC qualifying spots: 9
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com//
Contact: http://www.nhcqualify.com/



NHCqualify.com Two-Round Qualifying Tournament
Where: NHCQualify.com
When: Saturday, Dec. 19
How Much: $400
Field: Limited to the first 200 paid entries.
Format: This tourney was added in mid-September. Contestants make 12 mythical $2 win-and-place bets on races selected from two racetracks. Payoffs capped at $42 to win and $22 to place. The top nine finishers who have not previously qualified for NHC XII at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Jan. 28-29, 2011, will earn berths in the finals. Qualifiers also receive hotel accommodations during the finals but not airfare or ground transportation. NHC Tour Points will be available for those finishing in the top 10 percent (expected to be top 20).
NHC qualifying spots: 9
Website: http://www.nhcqualify.com//
Contact: http://www.nhcqualify.com/