How One Player Won $25,000 In Contests In 24 Hours

Guest Blogger, Josh Frederick, plays DerbyWars under the name Derbyduet, with his fiance, Colleen. Josh took some time to talk to last week's $20K Saturday game winner, Edward "Ted" Hanna (Sulemark). Check out the in-depth interview here, and find out Hanna's advice for contest players as well as the origin of his username!

This week’s guest on Inside the Wars is Edward Hanna. Ed has been handicapping for years and years but this weekend was the by far the greatest. He took home two huge Derby Wars tournaments, the Saturday $20K  and the Sunday $5K, though neither of his wins came with ease. The presence of adversity loomed large, but the presence of Edward Hanna was greater.

When most of us finally get off work on Friday, we look forward to gates flying, thundering hoofs and photo finishes. Relief, excitement, anticipation, we’re full of it. It’s time to sit back, relax and handicap. Then, the highly dreaded Monday morning rolls around. Sometimes our efforts were to no avail, but hey, there’s always next week. Other times, we wake up feeling like Edward Hanna, nearly ten grand richer and having plenty to call home about.

You are coming off of your biggest week ever in handicapping. You won the Derby Wars Saturday $20,000 Game and the Sunday $5,000 Game. Aside from some really great handicapping, what would you attribute these wins to?

“I would attribute these two wins mainly to learning how to play handicapping contests by watching and playing with great players on Derby Wars. I also have burned myself several times by changing gut picks. I told myself I would be disciplined, and I focused on that.”

By winning the Saturday $20,000 Game you took home $7,125 in cash and an entry into the Derby Wars July $100,000 Game. Did you ever consider taking Sunday off?

“I never considered taking Sunday off. I have played in three Sunday $5k tournaments and had a 3rd and a 4th place finish.  I was determined to win that one.”

On Sunday, four of the top six finishers had Crucero ($42.00) in the fourth contest race. This was by far the biggest price of the contest. You and Anthony Trezza (youare2020) were the two that did not. After that race, what was your plan to catch the leaders?

“Much like Saturday, after Crucero had won, I thought I had blown it because I switched from Crucero at the last second. I thought I blew my chance. I was furious at myself, but thought to myself that I had the same thing happen to
me the day before (when he switched off of Sly Tom at Belmont costing him over $26), and I will use the same approach, patience.  I couldn't wait for Monmouth and Belmont to end since I found handicapping those sloppy track a little bit tiresome.  Just like on Saturday, once it was all Santa Anita, I was able to put a string of wins together.”

Winning big tournaments like these often require overcoming some serious adversity. You were behind in stages of both tournaments. At what moment were you able to really turn things around, especially when you were down in the "$20k"?

“When you miss a big payout, it is almost instinct for most players to start jumping to cap payoff horses even if there is no logic or angle behind them. I learned to be comfortable playing from of the pace and not be in a rush to get to the top. Just like in horseracing, in these contests the leader at the start isn't usually the leader at the end. It is also easier playing without a bullseye on you.  I feel like I turned my tournaments around just by hitting the board. I just wanted to get to one logical pick away from having a shot at the end. I didn't try to do it all in one race.”

What really got you into handicapping contests and what is your ultimate contest goal?

“My brother in law’s brother was in the business and encouraged me to come out. After contending for the first time, I was hooked.   My ultimate contest goal is to win a life changing amount of money at a national contest.  Of course I would love to be a professional and make it my full time job, but I think I'm a long way from that still.”

What would you tell someone playing a contest for the first time?

“If I was to give a first timer any advice, it would be to be as different as possible with your handicapping, while still choosing within the boundaries of logic.”

The last part of our Q&A is called Final Furlong. I’ll ask some quick questions about your general experience in horse racing. Here goes…

You have some background in harness racing. In 2000 you were actually an owner of a horse. What was this like and can you see yourself doing it again?

“Owning a horse was a kick!  Unfortunately, our horse was a pretty mean horse, so we couldn't get to close to him, but everything about ownership was a lot of fun (except for the bills!)”

Favorite Race Track?

“My favorite track to go to is of course Arlington.  I can bet the Chicago circuit in my sleep. Unfortunately, the racing quality has really dropped in recent years. Arlington is a beautiful track and it is where I made my first ever bet. (Arlington) is also where I have learned a lot from Scott McMannis (An icon at Arlington and one of the nation’s best handicappers).”

All Time Favorite Horse?

“My most favorite horse is the first horse I ever won a significant amount of money on and because of that, it is strictly sentimental.  His name was SULEMARK.”

Most Memorable Experience at the Track?

“My most memorable experience is when I took 2 30 -1 shots, and did a Trifecta wheel with them to come in 1-2, and they did!”

Breeders Cup or Kentucky Derby?

“I enjoy the Kentucky Derby more than Breeders Cup, because you have time to really dissect the race.   In Breeders Cup, I feel overwhelmed with the amount of handicapping and very tough decisions to make in a short amount of time.”

If you bought a horse today what would you name it?

“If I owned a new horse I would name him "sule" something. Like I said, it's just sentimental.”

Ed makes some great points involving determination and patience. Typically it is extremely difficult to have both, but he proves it is incredibly beneficial when you do. When Ed talks about getting behind in contest play he uncovers a monumental truth: when you get down, get on the board. Easier said than done, but if you ever want to catch the leader you have to amount a rally. A rally is comprised of many events, not just a solo home run or a nice fade away jumper. Keep the runs coming in, knock down your free throws, string your solid picks together and get back in the game. You don’t want to be that closer that leaves himself fifteen lengths at the top of the stretch. Positioning is everything in contest play. Next time you’re down, get on the board. You’ll be glad you did.

Congrats on the big wins Ed!

You can follow Josh Frederick on Twitter @DerbyDuet.