Distanced, eased

As the Gridiron Guide always says, "There's no future in the prediction business," which I proved again with my futile debut Saturday in the NHC contest. I had only two winners (paying $8.80, $5.20 and $5, $2.40) in 10 races to wind up in a tie for 493rd place with a grand total of $21.40. My lock of the day, War Monger, never looked like a winner and finished a distant third at even money in the Kilmore Mile Handicap on the grass at Santa Anita. At least I didn't put any real money on him because his odds were too low. Amid disappointment, you have to get into what's good.

I missed a few logical winners in contentious races and couldn't have come up with Highly Honored ($61.20), Frankbillnjason ($56.60) or Everafriend, who outran War Monger and paid $20.60. Some geniuses (lucky stabbers?) hit at least one of those bombers, though, because the top three finishers accumulated $140.40, $137 and $136.20 and earned spots in the NTRA/Daily Racing Form National Handicapping Championship next January in Vegas. I'll take another shot April 5 in the NHC's next online contest.

At least I didn't oh-fer, though, unlike the 69 clowns who couldn't get even one horse to finish second. It's always nice to have somebody to look down upon. Thank you, losers, you made my day.