Handicapping with Gordon

The Horseman And Fair World’s Gordon Waterstone is hoping the third time is a charm as he gets ready for his third try in the National Harness Handicapping Championship at the Meadowlands Saturday, April 21. Waterstone wants to write his own headline: “Gordon Waterstone Takes Handicapping Title.”

“I am feeling quite optimistic for my chances this year, although things may be getting started on a slow note. I’m not sure whether it’s my allergies, which have been exacerbated by living in what I consider the “pollen capital” of the world here in Lexington, Ky., or an oncoming cold, but whatever it is that has led to a very sore throat and ears, I hope it goes away before the contest. I also hope that this weekend’s nasty weather forecast comes and goes before next Friday, but I’ve already heard another unstable pattern could develop.

“If weather becomes a factor, it wouldn’t be the first time. Two years ago, in the inaugural contest, high winds at the Meadowlands led to the cancellation of the live card and the scrambling of contest officials to find substitute races. I didn’t do so well that year, but last year a string of winners midway through the contest thrust me into contention, although I faded a bit in the stretch and just missed cashing.

“I’m already getting fired up to play and there will be no excuses—except for maybe poor handicapping. But I feel good, especially after recently finishing eighth in a Thoroughbred handicapping contest (of about 140 entries) at Keeneland and cashing in for a small prize, and also earning a bonus entry into a live contest this past Wednesday at that Thoroughbred track.

"When I hit a $24.80 winner midway through that contest I found myself fourth, but with only a couple small place payoffs later adding to my mythical bankroll, I had to settle for a no-factor finish somewhere in the high 20s or low 30s. But it made me even more determined to put on a good showing at the Big M.

"I’ve already started to keep a closer eye on the races at the Meadowlands and am planning on staying home both Friday and Saturday nights to watch the cards on TVG and make notes. I’ll hopefully find a hidden winner or two or three that I can mark down for next Saturday. As for the mandatory betting races at Balmoral, Cal Expo and The Meadows—Help, anybody!!

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