Ok Mall, aka "Bert Gordon", I'm gonna have to view "The Hustler" again.

With the Bally's format, I imagine it is good to know precisely where you stand coming home. You should be able to look up at the leader board and decide if you need to eagle number 18 or if playing it safe is the way to go. Risking a driver over the lake can make for some T.V. drama, if they are covering the contest on T.V., but how is that real handicapping? Who comes to the last race and says "Dang, I haven't made enough, I'm sending it in on Mr. High Odds" Kent Meyer may disprove my theory, but I think the Bally's format involves far too much luck. 2 points for a win, 1 point for a place and no requirement that the same horse be selected for both win and place. Force the handicappers to decide when a 4-5 is a winner and when he's a toss. Thats true handicapping. Otherwise it kind of boils down to betting every 20-1 horse with a remote chance and hoping the Good Fortune Gods smile on you for that tourney. I doubt you're gonna see many repeat winners with this format.

That said, the purse money is getting enticing and I may enter next year if they'll let me register as Chuckles the Clown.

:)