Tentative Schedule: January 2, 2014

Now that everyone is sobered up from their Auld Lang Syne-ings, at least we assume, North American Harness Update is ready to begin its fourth season this Friday. Join Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer), Garnet Barnsdale (@gocashking) and Michael Carter (@mcarte1) as they ring in Season 4 with a bang, or a smack to Ray's face.

The trio will discuss the Late Pick 4 from the Meadowlands Racetrack, compete in week four of the Hastycapping contest, and resume the discussion from last week's show concerning the state of the industry and where it's heading.

You can listen at 9pmEDT/6pmPDT with this link.

Tentative Schedule: December 26, 2014

While our buddies up north (you know, the northern part of North American Harness Update) celebrate Boxing Day, and while us Americans continue to engage in fisticuffs for "the fun of it", Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer) and the no-longer-retired Kyle Burton (@PotassiumBoron) will discuss the state of affairs in the industry of harness racing.

While we will look back at the year in the sport, this week is more focused on the analytic aspect of the season, mainly in regards of industry growth, with tons of figures from the "Good 'ol Days" to be used for comparison. We will also have opinions from other insiders in the industry and will discuss those, as well as our opinions on the season.

You do not want to miss this show, especially since it's the last one of 2014. Yeah, remember when this year was going to be a big deal. Hah, nope.

Regardless, you can listen at 9pmEDT/6pmPDT as usual with this link.

Official Schedule: December 19th Show

Well, it happened. Stakes season is over, and North American Harness Update is preparing to survive the winter. With the commencement of our Hastycapping series, as well as fan-submitted requests for races to analyze, this winter's episodes of North American Harness Update will be the perfect ones to gather the family and curl up in a fireplace as you listen this Friday at 9pmEDT/6pmPDT. Of course, it might be safer to gather around the fireplace, but that's just a tip*.

As mentioned, Hastycapping will continue this week, with a minimum of three races to be included in the contest. That number will rise depending on the total amount of fan-submitted race requests.

We will also do the Late Pick 4 from the Meadowlands Racetrack, which carries a $50,000 guaranteed pool. Those races will be broadcasted live alongside Hastycapping.

If a fireplace doesn't suit you, then just tune in to feel the hot air expelling from Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer) as he presents with Garnet "Garnsdale" Barnsdale (@gocashking) and Michael Carter (@mcarte1).

We will also be discussing the Dan Patch Awards this evening.

*North American Harness Update does not advocate the loitering or other stationary action there of within fireplaces

Tentative Schedule: December 19th Show

Well, it happened. Stakes season is over, and North American Harness Update is preparing to survive the winter. With the commencement of our Hastycapping series, as well as fan-submitted requests for races to analyze, this winter's episodes of North American Harness Update will be the perfect ones to gather the family and curl up in a fireplace as you listen this Friday at 9pmEDT/6pmPDT. Of course, it might be safer to gather around the fireplace, but that's just a tip*.

As mentioned, Hastycapping will continue this week, with a minimum of three races to be included in the contest. That number will rise depending on the total amount of fan-submitted race requests.

We will also do the Late Pick 4 from the Meadowlands Racetrack, which carries a $50,000 guaranteed pool. Those races will be broadcasted live alongside Hastycapping.

If a fireplace doesn't suit you, then just tune in to feel the hot air expelling from Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer) as he presents with Garnet "Garnsdale" Barnsdale (@gocashking) and Michael Carter (@mcarte1).

*North American Harness Update does not advocate the loitering or other stationary action there of within fireplaces

Official Schedule: December 12th, 2014

On the latest show of North American Harness Update we have a very action packed show for you! We will be covering the pick 4 sequence from the Meadowlands Racetrack, which carries a $50,000 Guarantee, as well as some of the fan submitted races that they want us to handicap. We will also handicap the Northlands Filly Pace from Northlands Park. Also, we are asking fans for questions they want answered during the show; the subject of kicking will also be a top subject. 

Hastycapping continues this week as Michael Carter and Ray Cotolo try to gun down HANA Handicapping Contest winner Garnet Barnsdale who is in front after last week.

Follow us on twitter!
Michael Carter @mcarte1
Garnet Barnesdale @gocashking
Ray Cotolo @HarnessRaycer

Join us for another wonderful show by listening here!

Official Schedule: November 28 Show

The whole gang returns to North American Harness Update this week after the mayhem of the Breeders Crown. We ensure, to all of you, we WILL be streaming live this week!

Join Ray Cotolo, Garnet Barnsdale, and Michael Carter as they handicap Friday's Late Pick 4 from the Meadowlands. The trio will also analyze the Open Championships at the Meadowlands on Saturday, November 29. They will also look at the $49,000 Three-Year-Old Colt Pace feature on the undercard.

Before all the stakes action, though, they will discuss the Progress Pace Preview at Dover Downs on Sunday, November 30.

Listen to the show at 9:00pmEDT/6:00pmPDT from here.

Official Schedule: November 21, 2014

This week North American Harness Update is pleased to cover the Breeders' Crown from the Meadowlands Racetrack.  We will cover all 4 of the Crown races on Friday night LIVE and go in depth on Saturday nights program.  Join us at 9 EST/ 8 CST as we cover the biggest event of the year in Harness Racing!  We will also have pick 4 tickets for the pick 4 on Friday night!  You can listen to our show at this link!

Presenters this week include Garnet Barnsdale (@gocashking) and Michael Carter (@mcarte1) as Ray Cotolo is at the Meadowlands covering!  I (Michael) have dug out of the snow to help with the show Friday so check us out!

Official Schedule November 14, 2014 Show

Tonight on North American Harness Update we will continue from last weeks show in covering the Breeders Crown from the new Meadowlands Racetrack! Six eliminations take place tonight and we will recap the first four and have two LIVE on the show tonight!

Race 7 begins the Late Pick 4 at the Meadowlands and we will also be covering that tonight. Presenting tonight will be Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer), Michael Carter (@Mcarte1), and Brandon Valvo (@Bvalvsracing).

Listen tonight to the show with this link.

Official Schedule: November 7th Show

Because of next weekend being the Breeders Crown eliminations at the Meadowlands, and Dover Downs has already contested the eight divisions of Matrons, this week's edition of North American Harness Update will be part one of three episodes devoted to the Breeders Crown.

Presenters Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer), Garnet Barnsdale (@gocashking), Michael Carter (@mcarte1), and Brandon Valvo (@BValvsRacing) will be analyzing the twelve divisions of standardbred, including horses to watch heading into the Breeders Crown eliminations.

The quartet will also cover the late pick four from Woodbine Racetrack, providing tickets and broadcasting the feed from the Canadian oval.

Listen to the show at 9pmEDT with this link.

**As of 6:12pmEDT on November 7th, Michael Carter scratched off this week's show**

Official Schedule: October 31st Show

Hours after day one of the Breeders' Cup, North American Harness Update will feature a minor show, with only eight races on tap.

The Late Pick 4 from Woodbine Racetrack will be covered, which features a $.20-minimum base.

Vernon Downs hosts the Muscle Hill mare trot, the Artiscape mare pace, and the Kindergarten finals for both genders of two-year-old trotters.

This week's presenters will be Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer) and Kyle Burton (@PotassiumBoron).

Listen to the show at 9pmEDT with this link.

Official Schedule: October 24th Show

This week's North American Harness Update will cover three big nights of racing action spanning across three different tracks in North America.

The Dayton Pacing Derby and Dayton Trotting Derby at Dayton Raceway are the featured events on Friday night, featuring aged pacers and aged trotters. These two will be aired and analyzed on the show.

Yonkers Raceway hosts a super night of racing on Saturday, October 25th, consisting of the Yonkers Trot, Messenger Pace, Hudson Filly Trot, Lady Maud, and the renewal of the International Trot. Sophomore trotters and pacers, as well as aged trotters, will be showcased.

Woodbine Racetrack carries this year's Fall Final Four events, which consist of the Goldsmith Maid, Valley Victory, Governor's Cup, and Three Diamonds. These races will feature the freshmen division.

This week's presenters will be Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer), Garnet Barnsdale (@gocashking), and Michael Carter (@mcarte1).

Official Schedule: October 17th Show

Another edition of North American Harness Update is set to air this evening, with live content highlighting tonight's analysis.

Maywood Park hosts the Abe Lincoln Pace, Cinderella Pace, Galt Trot, and Windy City Pace, all of which, time allotting, will air on the show. A total of five races will air from the Illinois oval, with the Cinderella Pace drawing two divisions.

Woodbine Racetrack hosts two eliminations, four in all, for the Valley Victory and Governor's Cup on Saturday, October 18.

Yonkers Raceway has five races to cover, with eliminations for the Messenger, Yonkers Trot, and Lady Maud. Two elims will go for the Yonkers Trot and the Lady Maud. All will go on Saturday, October 18.

Finally, Batavia Downs hosts the $50,000 Robert Kane Invitational, an interesting stake event on Saturday, October 18.

Overall, 15 races, 5 of which will air live, will be analyzed by our presenters, Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer) and Kyle Burton (@PotassiumBoron).

Tentative Schedule: October 17th Show

This week's edition of North American Harness Update features a lot of live action, as well as eliminations for some of the finest races we'll see this fall.

Maywood Park hosts its annual Grand Circuit fest of races, which includes the Abe Lincoln for 2yo colt pacers, the Cinderella for 2yo filly pacers, the Galt Trot for 3yo colt trotters, and the Windy City Pace for 3yo colt pacers. All these events will take place on Friday, October 17, and should be broadcasted live.

Opening for its winter meet, Woodbine Racetrack will host the elims for the Fall Final Four, yet only two of the four races' eliminations will be covered on the show. The Valley Victory eliminations for 2yo colt trotters and the Governor's Cup eliminations for 2yo colt pacers are said events, which will occur on Saturday, October 18.

Also on Saturday, October 18, Yonkers Raceway prepares for a stakes-filled card next week with eliminations for the Yonkers Trot and Messenger Pace. The Lady Maud and Hudson Filly Trot are also on tap.

This week's presenters are Ray Cotolo (@HarnessRaycer), Kyle Burton (@PotassiumBoron) and Garnet Barnsdale (@gocashking).

**This schedule is subject to change**

Official Schedule: October 10th Show

Tonight, Friday, October 10th from 9:00pmEDT to 11:00pmEDT, Ray Cotolo and Garnet Barnsdale will preview this weekend's stakes action, highlighted by the American Nationals on Saturday, October 11th.

The items on the agenda this week:

The consolations and finals of the American Nationals at Balmoral Park. Totaling in 11 races, the Grand Circuit events will be first in tonight's discussion.

Following them, the eight super finals of the Ontario Sires Stakes at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday, October 11th. Those finals cover all the 2yo and 3yo divisions.

Time allotting, the Historic events at Harrah's Philadelphia will conclude the show. The Goshen Cup for 2yo Colt Pacers and Harriman Cup for 2yo Colt Trotters features five divisions in all, three for the pacers, two for the trotters.

In all, 24 races will be analyzed this evening.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for FREE past performances (PPs) for the tracks covered this evening. We'll also notify our followers on Twitter (@NAHarnessUpdate) when the PPs have been posted.

Don't forget to follow our presenters on Twitter: @HarnessRaycer and @gocashking.

Tentative Schedule: October 10th Show

North American Harness Update returns to the airwaves this week after taking a week off (thanks, football). Ray Cotolo and Garnet Barnsdale (Garnsdale) are the planned presenters this week.

On the handicapping smorgasbord:

The American Nationals at Balmoral Park on Saturday, October 11, consisting of 2yo Filly Pacers, 2yo Colt Pacers, 3yo Colt Pacers, 3yo Colt Trotters, 3yo Filly Pacers, 3yo Filly Trotters, Open Pacers, and Open Trotters--eight divisions in total.

The Goshen Cup and Harriman Cup will feature 2yo colts (pacers in the Goshen Cup, trotters in the Harriman) at Harrah's Philadelphia on Sunday, October 12.

The Ontario Sires Stakes Super Finals for all 2yo and 3yo divisions will take place at Mohawk Racetrack on Saturday, October 11.

Show time is slated, as usual, for 9:00pmEDT on Friday, October 10th. You can listen then by clicking this link.

**The schedule listed above is subject to change**

2yo = two-year-old, 3yo = three-year-old, etc.

Convenient Wagering

Outside of the racing world there aren't many places for a member of the general public to easily place bets on racehorses. Besides OTB’s, tracks themselves, and online betting services such as HPI and TwinSpires, horse racing lacks public accessibility. The industry greatly needs a medium outside of racing’s inner circles where the average Joe can plunk down $2-$20 and walk away; all while paying for his gas and grabbing a quick snack.

Attempts over the years to put horse racing into convenience stores have failed. Most floundered because we wanted to put the racetrack into the corner store, instead of putting the corner store experience into horse racing. We shouldn't put a betting and live stream terminal into a convenience store and expect people to play. For one, their stop is quick and targeted—good luck getting them to read over a program and select a horse. The average person, however, will place a ‘bet’ on the Super 7 or Lotto Max; either through randomly generated "quick-picks", or by using their own numbers which they regularly play.

Racing, in its current form, is too complex for those looking to get in and out of stores as quickly as possible. Our new motto for successfully getting into convenience stores should be “If we can’t beat them, join them” and we should gear ourselves towards matching our competitors simplicity.

One idea to simplify our product offering is an original take on the very popular Pro-Line sports betting service offered by government lottery corporations across Canada. Other jurisdictions have similar products. Pro-Line allows people to bet on the outcomes of their favourite sports teams and users must select at least two combinations (single sports betting is illegal in Canada, but may become legalized soon). All odds are predetermined by the corresponding lottery corporations and are presented when purchasing your Pro-Line ticket. As with horse racing, betting more (up to $25 per Pro-Line transaction) will help increase your payout if your ticket is a winner.

Pro-Line also offers another type of bet where you can wager on which athlete will receive the most points. In the photo above, which I took before Game 5 of the most recent Stanley Cup finals, Pro-Line offered a player match-up between centers Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks) and Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins). If Toews received more points at the end of the night, and I had pegged him to do so, I would receive 1.90-times my initial bet. Because both players are almost evenly matched, ALC decided that both players would payout at 1.90-times the initial bet if they were chosen. If both players end the night with identical scores, and I thought ahead of time that they would, 2.70-times my initial wager would be returned.

Horse racing could easily enter a similar scenario. Imagine betting on which horse would beat the other, instead of buying a win ticket on the horse you thought would win. You could head to the corner store and put down $2 on Foiled Again beating Sweet Lou. The "Six Million Dollar Man" could finish ninth, but as long as he was ahead of Lou, you would cash. A move like this would help open a whole new realm of possibilities for horse racing, and expose the sport to gamblers already betting other sports.

Adding horse racing to Pro-Line is a simple task. It’s a few additional lines on a sports sheet and some collaboration between the lottery corporations and racetrack secretaries.

Betting horses from a brick and mortar store isn't a crazy idea. Across the pond, I've seen terminals in Sweden and Norway that do just that. It's a popular option for easily placing bets and it helps drive some of racing's biggest pools in those countries. Horse racing in corner stores is a great idea to broaden our mass appeal. It's a bet we should be roaring to make.

October 3rd Show Cancelled

Due to a prior engagement on my end, this week's edition of North American Harness Update, which would have covered the concluding events of Grand Circuit action at The Red Mile, has been cancelled.

Ironically, I will be attending a football game, but for purposes of the high school band. So, instead of talking horses, I'll be playing British pop music that perhaps utilized groans and moans from a neighborhood crypt as a means of background singing.

I'll likely tweet about the races that afternoon (@HarnessRaycer), and you can always follow the show (@NAHarnessUpdate), as well as our beloved Garnsdale (@gocashking).

We'll be back next week, October 10th, for our American National show. The planned presenters, at this point, will by Garnsdale and myself.

New Blog

After long consideration, the team at North American Harness Update have decided to establish a blog, which will feature the happenings from both the show, which airs on Fridays at 9:00pmEDT, and on the show's presenters, Ray Cotolo and Garnet Barnsdale (Garnsdale).

This blog will also be used as a means of recapping our shows, in regards to the results of our handicapping. We hope to have a variety of material on this blog for your viewing pleasure, as well as for racing aficionados and interested pupils of the harness racing spectrum.

With that being said, welcome!