Matt Baiungo of Henderson, NV and Brian Chenvert of Rogers, MN, were the top two finishers on day one of the 13th annual Del Mar Handicapping Challenge. Baiungo finished the day with $16,373 and Chenvert was second with $15,170. Both participants will receive an entry into the Del Mar November Challenge, a $4,000 buy-in on November 12 & 13. Both of the leaders are also eligible for a $1 million bonus if they win the Del Mar Handicapping Challenge and the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) at Santa Anita in November.
Players started the day with a $5,000 live money bankroll in the two-day Challenge. Baiungo catapulted into the lead in the last race with a $1,100 win bet on 5-1 shot Shazara.
More than $200,000 in prizes are at stake. First Place takes home $75,000 including a $10,000 entry in the BCBC, a $2.5 million National Handicapping Championship (NHC) entry plus all bankroll winnings. The top five finishers receive BCBC entries and top eight receive NHC seats.
| 1 | Matt Baiungo | $16,373.00 |
| 2 | Brian Chenvert | $15,170.00 |
| 3 | Wade White | $13,436.50 |
| 4 | Roger McDow | $12,902.00 |
| 5 | Vic Stauffer | $12,510.00 |
| 6 | Wayne Tam | $12,333.30 |
| 7 | Charles Davis | $12,170.00 |
| 8 | Todd Cady | $10,526.00 |
| 9 | Andy DiRado | $10,368.00 |
| 10 | Stephen Thompson | $10,151.20 |
| 11 | Brad Blackmore | $9,970.00 |
| 12 | Dennis Decauwer | $9,950.70 |
| 13 | Brian Herrity | $8,522.80 |
| 14 | John Manni | $8,363.00 |
| 15 | Ed Robinson | $8,314.00 |
| 16 | Jose Arias | $7,808.50 |
| 17 | Douglas Draper | $7,753.30 |
| 18 | Tom Quigley | $6,990.00 |
| 19 | Rob Rosette | $6,620.00 |
| 20 | Greg Bone | $6,588.00 |