Connecticut Man Wins Handicapping Contest

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For the second year in a row William Jackson, of Cortlandt Manor, New York took the lead after the first day of the $100,000 Sports Haven Handicapping Challenge only to lose in the final races
of the two-day contest.

Charles Carito, of Danielson, CT, cashed three tickets Sunday to win the contest with a mythical bank roll of $11,430. Jackson was second with $11,340. J. Philip O'Brien of Pampano Beach, Florida was third (10,080) and Harry Ellam of Trumbull, CT, was fourth (9,970).

The top four finishers qualified for the Daily Racing Form/ National Thoroughbred Racing Association Tournament to be held in Las Vegas in 2002.

Carito, a 59-year old nursing home administrator, won the first place prize of $40,000. Jackson won $15,000 for second.

A total of 340 players from 19 different states and Canada converged on New Haven to participate in the fifth annual Challenge. Players had to make ten $200 wagers each contest day on races from Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita.

Carito, who was ninth after the first day with $5,840, won Gulfstream's ninth race with Dillonmyboy ($31.40) and Santa Anita's seventh race with Reba's Gold ($23.40). Jackson, a 62-year old retired police officer, won Aqueduct's eighth race with Laken ($8.80) and Santa Anita's sixth with Kiznitti ($14.80).

Jackson had a $20 lead with one bet left, while Carito had two bets
remaining. Carito bet $150 to win and $50 to show on Lethal Instrument in the San Antonio Stakes from Santa Anita. Lethal Instrument finished second, returning $4.40 and giving Carito $110.

Both players failed to win their final bets.

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