Q&A With Billy Blake, 23-Year-Old National Handicapping Championship Contestant

Billy Blake, who grew up attending the races at Saratoga, will compete in the National Handicapping Championship this weekend. (Photos courtesy of Billy Blake)
At age 23, Billy Blake will be one of the youngest contestants in this weekend's NTRA/DRF National Handicapping Championship (NHC) at Treasure Island in Las Vegas. Only 519 people qualified and Blake, a product of Albany, N.Y. who started playing in qualifying tournaments for the NHC last July, is among the most humble and unassuming.
In a Q & A with America's Best Racing's Dan Tordjman, Blake shares some of his thoughts, fears and expectations about the event that he calls the horse racing equivalent of the "World Series of Poker". Blake also tells us how he got involved in racing and what he thinks might hook younger fans on the sport, and eventually handicapping.
1. When were you first exposed to horse racing?
Family trips to Saratoga as a kid. I still have the pictures of when I was a baby by the picnic tables. 2. What was it about racing that got you hooked on the game?
The beauty of the horses and overall atmosphere at the race track. There's something magical about horse racing, particularly at Saratoga. I'm fortunate to live so close and be able to go several times every summer.
3. You recently qualified for the $2-million NTRA National Handicapping Championship (NHC). How did you qualify?
NHCQualify.com. I finished sixth in a tournament where the top six players earned a berth into the NHC. 4. You'll definitely be one of the youngest players in the tournament. Are you scared at all?
Right now, it's a mix of being excited and nervous. There are a lot of firsts for me with the NHC: first time in Vegas, first live tournament ever (I've only played online so far), first NHC, etc. So, it's a big pill to swallow. I just hope I find a winner early on Day 1 to build some confidence. 5. What will your approach be, assuming you're willing to divulge your strategy?
My main approach deals with the mental aspect of the tournament. A bad beat or inquiry/disqualification can crush a handicapper's mentally, but in the NHC there's no time to dwell on it. If that happens to me, I have to take a deep breath and move forward. Another part of my strategy is putting the work in to handicapping. There's tons of things to do in Vegas, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. But putting the time in to go over the races beforehand is paramount. 6. What does it mean to you to be going up against some of the best horse players in the world in the NHC?
It's an honor. Everyone at the NHC obviously knows the game extremely well and to be in the same room as them and get a first-hand look at their style will be fun for me. I will try to absorb as much as I can from the other contestants.
7. What have you told your friends, who might not know much about racing or the significance of the NHC?
I equate it to the World Series of Poker. The NHC is the biggest stage for horseplayers, and everyone wants to be a part. Similarly, poker players want to strut their stuff at WSOP and make the November Nine. 8. What's the single most important thing horse racing can do to reach more people your age to not only get them interested in horse racing but handicapping, as well?
Great question. I'd say highlight the horse's journey to the race track. There's a unique story with every single Thoroughbred, and I think bringing that to light will keep younger fans around. Some people view horse racing as just another way to gamble, but it's so much more than that. Deeper stories about these magnificent animals will not only attract a younger fan base, but it will keep them invested in the long run. 9. "Rapid-Fire Round" starts now. What's your favorite racetrack and why?
Saratoga. History and tradition is unmatched.
10. Who's your favorite horse of all time?
Secretariat. I wish I saw him run in person. 11.  Paper or plastic?
Plastic.
BLAKE WITH TOM DURKIN
12. Who was, or still is, your horse racing idol?
Tom Durkin. Hearing him call the races made me an even bigger fan of horse racing. Plus, I would like to give race track announcing a try. 13. Your biggest cash win or loss at the track? (Whichever is more interesting)
I won the Pick 3 on Belmont Stakes Day 2014. Coffee Clique won by a nose in the last leg of my wager, although I thought for sure the photo finish wasn't in my favor. Only thing that would have made that day better was seeing California Chrome become a Triple Crown winner.  14. What are some of your aspirations in horse racing, both on the handicapping side and as a young race fan who wants to see the sport grow?
On the handicapping side, my goal is to continue to evolve. You can never settle or get complacent when handicapping because that's when you might miss something. I'll continue to hone my skills probably for the rest of my life. As a young fan, I want to see people genuinely invest their time in the game and not treat the racetrack like another casino.