A field of more than 1,000 handicappers descended on the Horseshoe Las Vegas for one final opportunity to earn a spot in the field for the 27th annual National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in the NTRA Last Chance/First Chance tournament on Thursday, March 12. The contest winner was Michelle Mount of Glendora, Calif., who took home a first prize of $30,130 and qualified for the NHC main event starting on Friday.
Tag: Gambling
Kentucky Derby Futures: Assessing the Field as Odds Shift in Early Spring
Quite a lot has changed on the future-book front for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve since the first edition of this blog for 2026 was published Jan. 15.
Noel’s Weekend Winners: Cashing at Colonial Downs on Virginia Derby Day
Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
National Horseplayers Championship Preview: Best of the Best Convene This Week in Vegas
The NTRA’s National Horseplayers Championship [NHC] is ready to re-convene in Las Vegas for the 27th time with the finals set for Friday through Sunday, March 13-15. The NHC handicapping tournament is the culmination of a year-long series of contests that crowns the next Handicapper of the Year as honored at the 2026 Eclipse Awards.
