Races are arguably
the most competitive in horse racing in 2016
EAST RUTHERFORD , NJ Meadowlands has always
offered handicappers some of the most attractive wagering opportunities of the
season. A look at the numbers so far in 2016 show that this year has provided
some of the most competitive races not only in harness racing, but also when
compared to the major thoroughbred tracks.
Post-time wagering favorites
have won just one-third of the races at the Meadowlands
so far in 2016, winning 28 of 85 races contested. That 33-percent strike rate,
a major factor that determines racing competitiveness, is actually lower than
the winning favorite percentage at five of the premier thoroughbred tracks in
the country – Santa Anita, Laurel Park and Fair Grounds (35%), Gulfstream Park
“It is obvious we are getting
some thoroughbred players to cross over right now,” said Meadowlands
CEO/GM Jason M. Settlemoir. “33 percent winning favorites this year compares
favorably with all the great thoroughbred tracks. We went head to head with NFL
football, Winter Storm Jonas and a billion dollar Powerball drawing and still
averaged $3,018,024 per night in total handle and $213,036 in per race handle
in January.”
The nightly average handle of
more than $3 million makes the Meadowlands
the most popular nighttime wagering product of any breed. Additionally, the Meadowlands consistently offers the largest wagering
pools and field sizes in harness racing. For example, the average exacta pool
is $61,448 and trifecta pool is $45,040. These two factors are major drivers of
handle amongst serious horseplayers.
“Our field sizes of 9.68
horses a race, our large exotic pools and our great finishes have demonstrated
that competitive harness racing can still captivate the night time gambling
audience,” said Settlemoir. “After football concludes in two weeks, we think a
segment of players that watch football and play fantasy sports will start
watching and playing The Meadowlands .”
Those interested players have
easy access to the Meadowlands
product thanks to a successful partnership with TVG, known as America Racing Network. Racing
at the Meadowlands is featured
prominently on the television network that is available in more than 30 million
homes nationwide and accepts wagers
on the Meadowlands via its advance
deposit wagering platform.
Free deluxe program pages for
the late Pick Four every racing night with an average pool size of $65,034 are
complimentary and available courtesy of Track Master at www.ustrotting.com
and www.playmeadowlands.com.
Live racing takes place
Friday and Saturday nights with 14-race programs beginning at 6:35 p.m.
For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.
