Couple of questions as I am thinking of entering my first Handicapping contest here at Arlington Park. Rules seem pretty cut and dry and I am not sure if other contests at other tracks are run in the same manner. Rules below....
\"The AHC contests closely replicate a day at the races. Each contestant funds a $100 contest wagering account and tries to run up the biggest balance he or she can, just like every day at the races. The highest account balance on a contest Saturday wins a trip to Las Vegas for the HWS. The next four finishers each Saturday win cash prizes.
The mechanics of the contest have also been simplified. The contestant signs in at the Members Services Center on the second floor of the grandstand on the day of the contest. There is no entry fee. The contestant exchanges $100 for a contest wagering card (limit, two entries). The card is a plastic voucher that is used for contest wagers and makes it easy to keep track all contest wagering. The balance on the contest wagering card always remains the property of the contestant.
The contest wagering card can only be used at self-service terminals. Since such terminals are available throughout Arlington, contest players can participate from anywhere in Arlington's main building plus adjacent areas such as the paddock, park, terrace, or the like.
Each of the first six Saturday contests of the AHC series will determine a winner to go to the 2012 HWS. Additionally, a seventh trip to the HWS will be awarded to the fan who builds the highest cumulative account balance over the course of the summer AHC series without winning one of the first six Saturday contests.
Each Arlington Handicapping Contest will be preceded by a handicapping seminar conducted by McMannis. The seminars, which are free just like the contests, will be held in the Starting Gate Theatre located just north of the Members Services Center. The seminars will begin approximately one hour before first post, and McMannis will remain in the area to answer questions and more.
If you are going to bet at least $100 on a Saturday afternoon, you should enter the free contest. There is nothing to lose, but gain the potential to win a trip to Las Vegas and the chance to win more money at the HWS.\"
I looked up the last 5 meetings and the winners balances were $580, $1181, $1236, $904 and $3982. Does not look like going into the last few races I would have any clue as to where my opponents will be?
Any insight or advice I can get on contests would be appreciated. I do have experience with handicapping contests just not in Horse Racing. Also is there anyone here who frequents Arlington Park?