David Atwell Grabs A Coveted NHC Seat

David Atwell of Pleasanton, CA., entered and conquered the NHC Qualifier on Friday (June 10) on TwinSpires.com. Atwell was one of two winners of a prize package that included a seat to the 2017 NHC tournament in Las Vegas, hotel accommodations and airfare.

Atwell finished the contest with a robust score of $106.40 which was $5.20 more than the 2nd place finisher and $15.40 ahead of the 3rd place finisher in the field of 299 sharp contestants. Atwell, a financial planner, had several key scores along the way which included Goodboycharlie ($9.60) in the 6th race at Gulfstream Park, Belmont Park's True North Stakes winner Joking ($21.80), and also Belmont Park's New York Stakes winner Dacita ($11.80).

When speaking about his strategy throughout the contest Atwell stated "My favorite horse of the day was the last race of the contest" he continued by saying  "I felt I needed to be close going into the last race to give myself a chance to win" And that he did. Connecting in the last race with Right Hand Man ($8.20) in the 5th race at Santa Anita. Atwell sited the trainer, Jeff Bonde, and his ability to get 2 year olds ready to run 1st time out as reasons for selecting that horse to end the contest.  He did remark about past contests that he did not win by saying a string of poor decisions and bad choices at the end of those previous contests led to losing efforts. Obviously, he has certainly shaken off those demons and is now heading to Las Vegas.

In an a very interesting twist to the plot of Atwell and his victory is that this contest win was his first ever. "I have only been playing contests for about a year with my brother who has qualified for the NHC before" explained Atwell, "I played the races and stopped playing for about 20 years and now I have started playing contests with my brother" When asked what he would do if he so happens to win the NHC, "I will probably buy a few horses like my father used to have with the winnings" Atwell will continue to play in contests online and has his sights set for a few on-site live contests at the California racetracks which are his favorite to play.

Always remember to check out the variety of contests offered everyday on TwinSpires.com. Some really great contest action this week including the usual daily cash prize pool contests and a $2,000 prize pool thoroughbred racing contest on Saturday. The harness racing fans will have the daily cash prize pool contests and a pair of $2,000 prize pool contests with races from the Meadowlands and the Pepsi North America Cup at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday. Last but certainly not least, all the daily cash prize pool greyhound racing contests. Get on TwinSpires.com and get in the game!