The National Horseplayers Championship

The cannon battles in front of TI won’t generate the biggest roars this weekend as a record 570 horse racing handicappers cheer their picks home in the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship. The annual event, in its 19th year, will offer a record $3 million in prize money, $800,000 of which will go to the winner of the three-day contest beginning Friday. Contestants join the NHC Tour for a one-time annual membership fee of $50, which entitles them to play in any of a yearlong series of handicapping contests that offer prize money and qualifying berths to the big event, the NHC. At least nine locals will attempt to keep the handicapping crown where it rightfully belongs...