good luck dt crew.. 2 of the top 10 are ladies...and the guy that makes all the twinspires pool plays is in the 490s..:rolleyes::zz:lol im sitting pretty at 1190s.

How does this work? Do they only take from the top 150 that don't already have an entry or do they take those with an entry out of the equation and take the top 150 without after that. Hoping Billy hangs on....

Within the top 150, that haven't yet qualified. So maybe 30-40 of those in the top 150 haven't qualified?

Edit, just counted 37 in the top 150 with no star yet.

A question for those that have accumulated points in the top 300 or so. How many days/weekends have you played qualifiers? If it's not to personal, a ballpark estimate of money spent to get where you are.

LOL, it's a tale of two years for me. Last year I ended up I think around 190 (missed Qualifying by a few hundred points) and played 25-30 events maybe. Just burned money. I did qualify for some events via feeders (HT.com), but I also paid for a lot full price. Guessing last year I paid several thousand with nothing really in return.

This year I said screw that, its not worth it. I played the very first NHCQ one for $165, then I played some HT feeders and qualified for a couple. I know I played two feeders for the tourney that I qualified for the NHC in on HT.com ($34). I also got points in two of the four free tourneys, one I finished 8th so picked up a $hit ton of points. I also drove down to Surfside and got 5th (top 4 got paid:mad:), and that tourney was $300. I played one more HT tourney (full price) to try and pick up points to see if I could make a push for the top 20 ($155). So this year I've paid about $600-$700 bucks in tourney's where I got NHC points. Almost half being the surfside one, which I can win real money and you keep your ticket winnings since it's a real money tourney. Hell, I think I walked out with $300 just on other races I won on.

Last year was my first year doing tourneys and using HTR, so there were a couple learning curves I was fighting. This year, I felt more comfortable with both. I've played way more Cash tourneys this year and have done pretty well. I will probably take the same approach next year. Try to qualify with feeders only, or on free tourneys (NHC, PH, Del Mar, etc.). If by Oct. I still haven't qualified, I will see if I want to pursue it further or not.

Interesting and thank you for your detailed response.

Thanks Jim....I am debating whether to play 12/12 contest as I will be on the road early and without internet access until around 5:30 or 6. I'm at 143 now and 200 points from the bubble. I will be studying the plays tomorrow but most likely will wait until the 12/19 contest. Good luck to the rest!

The 12/19 contest is cheaper, will have more entries, thus more chances for points. All you really need is a few points to lock it up...

Thanks. Probably TMI but I guess my point is don't chase the points. It sucks cause if you don't win a spot, you get no cash and those tourneys for the most part are min $155. At least on HT, you can play feeders. NHCQ is more of a rip since they rake more and give less out for "travel". HT gave me $1100 "for travel" plus the seat.

I guess if I was in Casper's position right now, or in the top 200, it probably makes sense to chase the points in December because the prize is so valuable. Counting the consolation tourney, 70 people got at least $1K last year. This year, the top 10% will cash in the main, if top 20 cash in the consolation, roughly 80-90 will get at least $1K + a free trip to Vegas and the experience (this is my first so can't wait).

took a shot today a few seconds cost me ..but thats the the brutal game of this..ended up 24..cubs fever next year..:zz::rolleyes::wf

Updated Standings

http://www.ntra.com/nhc/files/NHC%20...B%20121515.pdf

Casper moves up to 114th! Should be safe for sure now. Nice work!

Thanks for the support Ken!! Hope to meet you in Vegas!

You the man Billy!!

I will be starting an NHC Prep thread in the Contest forum sometime today. The goal will be the practice picking optional races from the projected tracks for the next several weekends up until the NHC week. I am currently grabbing historical scores and projecting what the target daily scores need to be to make day 3, and will incorporate that into a "fun" contest of sorts, but more for practice and to try to get myself thinking the way I imagine I will need to while in vegas.

I may try to incorporate the mandatory aspect of it as well.

Not sure how useful past scores will be. This will be the largest field ever and by far. That could make scores higher.

But, this is the first ever event where we play races from Thursday and Friday. No weekend means no stakes and smaller fields. In fact, finding eight tracks running on Thursday will be a challenge let alone much quality or field size. This figures to lower scores.

Tough to say what the cut off will be.

My own advice, do not worry about prior anything. Set a personal goal for day one ($70-$100 probably puts you right in the mix) and go from there.

By the way, I love the enthusiasm. Enjoy the experience.

Paul

I would imagine there's only going to be 6 tracks on Thursday with Tampa dark. The only ones that can be used are AQU-GP-FG-OP-SA-GG and we better hope for good weather!

Just got an email from them, those are the tracks for Thurs, add TB for Fri and Sat. Subject to change it says (of course).

Different kettle of fish this year as other posters have pointed out.......Thursday means shorter fields and less tracks......rule changes mean more races to play on Thursday and Friday.......2 1/2 x bankroll gets you where you need to be.

ps......take a look at the track line-up for Wednesday's last chance on Jan 27

Who is in? Personally Im not a fan of the Thursday start as I loved the 2nd day being Sat and all the great racing that brings us. Let's one of us bring the title back to Derby trail as a tribute to our leader!

In X 2. I actually like the Thursday-Friday. IMO...smaller field sizes = less big overlays = horses that seem to be more in my normal comfort range (5-1 / 10-1). Bomb chasers may struggle which I feel works to my advantage. Just one guys thoughts. Oh, I also like being home for Monday A.M.. Makes for a normal week. Best of luck to all the Derbytrailers!