Summer handicapping contests at starting gate

There will be three big-money handicapping tournaments this summer.

The Gold Coast Summer Classic runs July 26 to 28. The entry fee is $400, and the top 10 finishers qualify for the 2008 Horseplayer World Series in January at The Orleans.

The $100,000-guaranteed Wynn Las Vegas Race Handicapping Challenge is Aug. 10 and 11. This is a high-risk, high-reward tourney with a $2,000 entry fee.

Pick the Ponies XXXI is Aug. 16 to 18 at the Las Vegas Hilton. Early bird entries (through Aug. 13) are $400. Afterward, the fee is $500.

There will be three weekly contests in town. Two of them are on Saturdays beginning July 21 at Jerry’s Nugget and the Hilton.

The Del Mar Handicapping contest at Jerry’s Nugget is offering $500 in prize money with a $5 entry fee. SuperBook Saturdays at the Hilton offer $500 plus all entry fees, which are $30 each. The South Point Pick 5 contest will be on Thursdays starting July 26, based upon races from Saratoga and Del Mar.

Station Casinos will have a $20,000 Last Man Standing contest starting Wednesday, Opening Day at Del Mar. The rules are simple. Pick one horse per day at Del Mar to finish in the money to keep your entry alive. The fee is $25. Buy three entries and receive a fourth for free.

Also, Station Casinos and Leroy’s are offering twin quinella wagering.

• NEW FRONTIER — The New Frontier race book, and the entire casino, will close Sunday. Thanks to Tony Neville and his staff for providing excellent customer service all these years.

Richard Eng’s horse racing column is published Friday. He can be reached at rich_eng@hotmail.com.