Arlington Fans Revel in Las Vegas

Last year Arlington Park offered an increased number of innovative handicapping contests. As a result, 24 Arlington fans won trips to Las Vegas to compete in the two premier handicapping tournament championships of the year, the DRF/NTRA tourney as well as the Coast Casinos World Series.

I have accompanied teams to Las Vegas for the big-tournament competition and I can assert, everyone has a great time. It's a challenge to compete, no doubt about it, but every tourney player enjoys the experience. In fact, the summary statement made by all who compete in the Las Vegas tournaments is, "I can't wait to get back there and do it again."

And why not? You earn distinction just by winning a berth in either major tournament. Then, by participating at the national level, you have the opportunity to win major money. Would winning a few hundred thousand dollars change your life?

Best of all, Arlington will essentially pay for you to go and compete. For example, this spring, on every Saturday in March and April, Arlington Park will offer a handicapping contest at one of its OTB parlors. First prize each week is a paid entry, worth $1000, into the Coast Casinos World Series handicapping tournament to be held in Las Vegas in early 2010. Included in the prize package are a travel voucher, hotel room, and $200. For more information, read my previous blog post, "Coming: Co-Education, Contests, Camaraderie."

Last month Arlington sent 15 winners of our 2008 contests to Las Vegas to compete in the most recent Coast Casinos World Series. Three of those fans finished high enough to win cash from the tournament. Earning special congratulations are:

• Dave Sellner of Palatine who won $6,800 for finishing 10th
• Dennis Lindbergh of Midlothian who earned $3,400 for finishing 20th
• Otto Yahnke of Chicago who picked up $1,020 for finishing 66

Some of our 15 delegates to the World Series played as members of informal teams, helping fellow team members by exchanging ideas throughout the tournament. Some played solo. Some made the trip alone while some journeyed with friends and spouses, making the venture a "working vacation."

I have spoken to several of our World Series participants and learned of their experiences. My original thought was to write a story compiling their reflections on competing in Las Vegas.

However, I'm going a different route. I'm asking the contestants to come on to this blog and post their own stories. There is no format, it is free wheeling.

In the interest of getting started, here are some questions I would ask of a tournament player:

1. How did you win your way to the tournament - which contest did you win, what was your point total, did you score with exactas, etc.?

2. What was the high point of the Vegas tournament for you?

3. Did you have a hit that put you high in the standings at some point? How was that experience?

4. Were you consistent in your performance throughout the contest?

5. Did you swing for the fences?

6. Did you play "solo" or did you play as part of an informal "team"?

7. Did you go to Vegas by yourself, or with somebody?

8. What advice would you give future tournament players?

9. Are you anxious to get back to Las Vegas to compete again?

10. What else would you like to share?

NOTE: This discussion is not limited to those who went to Las Vegas last month. Other tourney players can contribute, and fans are encouraged to post, ask questions, and take part.

Start now. Thank you.

Scott