Arlington Handicapping Challenge

Note: Significant rule changes were made on May 1, 2008. See official rules for complete details.

Arlington is proud to introduce its first live money handicapping contest series in 2008. The inaugural Arlington Handicapping Challenge will feature cash prizes and the ability to qualify for the Championship round on Saturday, September 13. All you need to do to participate is purchase a $100 contest wagering card at the Twin Spires Club the day of the contest.

Players will compete for a qualifying contest prize pool of $875 and qualification to the Championship. Players that qualify for the Championship will compete for bragging rights as "Arlington Park Handicapper of the Year", a prize pool of $13,000, and one NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Contest berth and berths in Coast Casino's Horseplayer World Series. Each qualifying contest will award three berths in the Arlington Handicapping Championship Contest. Players are encouraged to play in as many qualifying contests as possible as their bankroll totals at the end of each contest will be combined for a season score. The top 125 players who fail to win automatic berths into the finals, will qualify for the Championship contest and compete for its prizes.

The contest will be organic to the typical day at the track, meaning that you will have the flexibility to wager in all available pools and have freedom to participate from any location within the track as there is no need for assigned contest wagering windows. All wagers must be made using the contest card at any self service terminal. Players must play a minimum of five races from Arlington Park, and play a minimum of $100 on the day. However, they may invest winnings into wagers. For instance, if you wagered $20 to win on a horse in the first race that paid $50, you would have the option of betting an additional $50 on your next race.

In order to put the emphasis on handicapping, contest standings will not be updated during the contest day, but instead posted at the conclusion of the day. Posting contest standings throughout the day shifts the focus of the contest to achieving a number score, that often results in players saving wagers for late races and selecting horses that with a high price to try and jump over leaders. This contest focuses on being organic to the player's normal day at the track, where standings are not posted, and a player is naturally trying to maximize his/her money through effective handicapping. The player who can turn his/her $100 starting bankroll into the largest amount at the end of the contest wins.

Click here for official rules.

OFFICIAL RESULTS (Click date below for full results)

Winners may collect their prizes from the Twin Spires Club Center.

SEASON LONG STANDINGS

Click here for season long cumulative standings for qualification into the championship round.