Steel Artist Paints Winning $15,000 Game on DerbyWars

 

As Moreno streaked to victory in the Whitney, Mike Elsass was cashing in with DerbyWars' $15,000 Saturday Game!

Elsass (brushbeforebrain) had hit two well-priced horses before picking Moreno in the Whitney to key his winning ticket. 

"All of a sudden I had to 'sit up in the buggy'," he said. "Mental toughness comes in and knowing what lies ahead in the remaining races. I then attempted to 'stay in the moment', analyze options and play multiple tickets. Fortunately I was able to use position to my advantage and still enjoy the experience without second guessing."

Elsass, an artist based in Dayton, Ohio, was all-in for a day of 'capping Saturday, as he competed in three different tournaments simultaneously! 

"I was at the Wynn (Las Vegas) $200,000 Challenge and love the opportunity to be in a beautiful setting and play in your tournaments," said Elsass. "It is really fun being 'bunnied in' with forms, iPads, excitement and all."

The mental toughness paid off with scores in the final four races of the DerbyWars game, for a final score of $94. Elsass won $6,000 cash and a spot in the $100,000 Game coming Labor Day weekend. 

"The day presented an opportunity for good racing and 'being in the moment' at the sports book. I was able to pick up a second (in a TwinSpires contest) but went in a different direction at the Wynn. It was chaos, with Saratoga & Del Mar going off and a great opportunity to make memories," he said.

Runner-up Anthony Trezza (youare2020) picked Whitney runner-up Itsmyluckyday in the feature race. Trezza won the $15K game last week, and has finished in the top 2 in every $15,000 Saturday game this summer!

 

Rounding out the top 4 were Dennis Loo (sasha7) in third place with a final score of $79.50 and Thomas Molloy (charlieboym) with $75.30 for fourth place. The top 4 finishers won a guaranteed spot in the $100,000 Game over Labor Day weekend!

"I try to analyze 'what ponds hold big fish' and then stay calm with a mix of long, mid and possibly short (priced horses)," Elsass said of his contest strategy. "I have been handicapping since the early 90s and love being at the track but (have enjoyed) playing online. Preparation is key, along with patience. Also having an attitude that anything can happen."

What about that screen name?

"I am a full time artist who paints on weathered, recycled steel and hope to become the #1 steel artist/handicapper in the world. I do classes called 'brush before the brain' and relate that to the chaos of handicapping tournaments."

Check out Mike's unique artwork at his site here!