Cal Expo readies for November 9 opener

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Watch and Wager LLC will present its eighth season of harness racing at Cal Expo beginning Saturday, November 9.

Beginning the following week, the trotters and pacers will be in action on Friday and Saturday evenings with first post each night set for 6:10 p.m.

Purses for the meeting have been raised 6 percent, after being having been raised 8 percent during the 2018-2019 session.

The horse population looks solid for the upcoming season and qualifying races will be held this Saturday, November 2, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

‘COMET’ STREAKS TO UPSET WIN IN BIG M FEATURE

 By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Hallie’s Comet used some racing luck and a great steer from driver Eric Abbatiello to pull off a major surprise in the featured $22,500 conditioned pace Saturday night at the Meadowlands.

The tote board spoke volumes about how evenly-matched the field was, as the post-time favorite was 3-1 while the fifth choice was 4-1. Americanprimetime moved past early leader Sicily to lead while parked at the quarter, before Sicily retook and led the field past the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23.3.

As Sicily turned for home on the point, Hallie’s Comet was in an extremely tough spot, racing fourth along the rail with no apparent shot.

That’s when the eventual winner got some luck, in the form of a seam between rivals as the horses up front started to weaken.

In midstretch, Abbatiello found enough room with the 5-year-old gelded son of Roddy’s Bags Again-Joyanna to swing to the far outside before charging home to score in 1:50.2 at odds of 44-1. The Ron Burke trainee, who is owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi, paid $91.60 to win as he scored for the 13^th time in 93 lifetime starts. His career earnings stand at $228,711.

Hallie’s Comet hit the wire a head in front of Another Daily Copy while Americanprimetime finished third.

A LITTLE MORE: With Hallie’s Comet scoring in leg one of the Pick-4, the return was $5,083. … Driver Steve Smith scored twice at odds of 17-1 early on the program, helping the Pick-5 return a handsome $6,312. … Driver Tyler Buter, who had four winners last Saturday, tallied three on the card, as did Vinny Ginsburg. … All-source wagering on the 13-race program totaled $1,947,268. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

MELADY’S MONET, MICKY GEE N WIN SATURDAY NIGHT 42G CO-FEATURES

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, October 26, 2019—A second-over Melady’s Monet (Eric Goodell, $10.40) and a grinding favorite Micky Gee N (Jordan Stratton, $4.50) delivered the goods Saturday night (Oct. 26^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s pair of $42,000 Open Handicaps.

It was a 61^st career victory for Melady’s Monet in the week’s marquee trot. From post position No. 6, he stalked 19-10 choice Tight Lines (Jeff Gregory) as that one disposed of The Veteran (Brent Holland) early in the lane.

The Veteran had laid down intervals of :27; :57.1 and 1:25.3, before weakening to fourth. Melady’s Monet prevailed by a half-length over Tight Lines in 1:54.1, with There’sademoninme (Stratton) third.

Icanflylikeanangel (George Brennan) picked off the remainder.

For fourth choice Melady’s Monet, a 10-year-old homebred Revenue S gelding owned by Melady Enterprises and trained by Hermann Heitmann, it was his ninth win (third consecutive) in 23 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $31, the triple returned $146.50 and the superfecta paid $524.

The week’s adult-table pace saw Micky Gee N—from post No. 5 (in one notch after a defection)—settle fourth. Alluneedisfaith N (Jim Marohn Jr.) fronted the fray (:28.2; :57; 1:24.4), but could not stall Micky Gee N.

The one moved toward the lead in earnest down the backside, taking over in and out of the final turn.

Micky Gee N whipped Havefaithinme N (Goodell) by a length, with Alluneedisfaith N, Dancin’ Dragon (Brennan) and The Real One (Pat Lachance) settling for the small change.

For Micky Gee N, a 6-year-old Down Under Bettor’s Delight gelding owned by William Hartt and trained by Lance Hudson, it was his ninth win in 27 ’19 tries. The exacta paid $19.60, the triple returned $38.20 and the superfecta paid $192.

Sometimes Said romps in Vernon feature.

Sometimes Said (John MacDonald) takes the $6,000 featured pace on Saturday (October 26).

Sometimes Said ($5.40) went right to the front and flew to the first quarter in :25.4.  He used a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :55.0.  As they hit three-quarters in 1:23.0 his lead was three lengths.

Sometimes Said, who is owned by Ken Weckstein and trained by Gary Messenger, found even another gear as the reached the stretch.  Second place finisher Bay Rum (Howard Parker) made a late bid but never got close as Sometimes Said won in 1:52.0.  Tempster Hanover (Justin Huckabone) was third best.

Sometimes Said is an 8-year-old gelding by Well Said.  It was his seventh win this season.  He now has 22 career victories.

John MacDonald drove three winners on the night.  He now leads all drivers with 116 wins.  Howard Parker and Jimmy Whittemore are tied for second with 85 victories.  Leon Bailey is forth with 46 tallies. Claude Huckabone Jr and Claude Huckabone III are tied for fifth with 37 wins each.

The trainers title is still undecided.  John MacDonald leads with 49 training wins.  Marissa Chadbourne is just three behind with 46 trips to the winner's circle.  Homer Hochtetler and Jennifer Lappe are tied for third with 35 wins a piece.  Claude Huckabone III is fifth with 32 training victories.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (November 1) and Saturday (November 2).  It will be closing weekend at the Miracle Mile for the 2019 season.  Post time for both nights is 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

ROCKNIFICENT, HEN PARTY SCORE IN BIG M’S KINDERGARTEN

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Rocknificent and Hen Party won their respective divisions of the sixth and final leg of the Kindergarten Classic for 2-year-olds Friday night at the Meadowlands, setting up what should be an interesting final for pacing fillies next week.

Rocknificent sat in the three-hole from the start, and when driver Scott Zeron asked for speed nearing the top of the stretch, the daughter of Captaintreacherous-Rocklamation responded in a big way, powering to a 6¾-length win over Courting Marie in a lifetime-best 1:51.1 for trainer Linda Toscano. The 2-5 favorite returned $2.80 to her backers in winning for the fifth time in 10 starts.

Hen Party was permitted to rate a middle half in :58 on the way to an easy score in a lifetime-best 1:52.2 for driver Pat Berry and trainer Ron Burke. The daughter of Roll With Joe-My Lady Day was 1½ lengths clear of Love For Sail at the wire. She’s now won three of 14 starts, to go along with 11 on-the-board finishes. She paid $2.60 to win as the 1-5 public choice.

In other Kindergarten Classic action, El Ideal was dominant in the colt and gelding trot, hitting the wire 6¼ lengths in front of Barley for driver Andy Miller and trainer Ake Svanstedt. The son of Muscle Hill-Courtney Hall completed the mile in 1:54.1 and paid $2.20 to win at odds of 1-9.

Chief Mate pulled off an upset in the colt and gelding pace, scoring at odds of 7-1 – paying $16.20 – with Mitch Cushing driving for trainer Tony Alagna. The product of Captaintreacherous-Heaven Forbid hit the wire three-quarters-of-a-length in front of Force N Fury in 1:50.4, a lifetime best. Captain Barbossa, one of six Alagna trainees among the nine starters in the race, finished third as the 4-5 favorite.

Filly trotter Senorita Rita never had an anxious moment on the way to a 5-length score over Common Sense S in a lifetime-best 1:54. The daughter of Chapter Seven-Lindys Head Nurse, who was driven by Zeron and is trained by Toscano, returned $3.60 to win as the 4-5 favorite.

A LITTLE MORE: The four Kindergarten Classic Finals take place Saturday, Nov. 2, and have estimated purses totaling just over $850,000. … Both Andy Miller and Marcus Miller recorded driving triples on the program. … Trainer Jenn Bongiorno sent three to the winner’s circle. … One lucky player wagering into the Twin Sires hub was the only bettor to last seven legs in the 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 and walked away with $6,302. … All-source wagering on 

JOE FARALDO; MELISSA ARBIA; NAADA WINNERS AT YONKERS RACEWAY ON THURS.

by John Manzi, for NAADA

YONKERS, NY ---Two divisions of the sixth leg of the NAADA Fall Trotting Series is now in the books sfter the judges declared each official, Joe Faraldo and Melissa Arbia walked away with the lions share of their respective $8000 divisions.

Faraldo won his heat with Tough Get Going in 2:02.1 by the shortest of noses while Arbia copped her split after rallying Finich Odair a head triumph in a 1:58.3 clocking.

After starting from the three hole Faraldo ducked to the pylons and was content to allow Joe Pennacchio and Cheeky Little Miss to cut the fractions. Once on top Pennacchio was unhurried and got his trotter by the quarter in soft :30.2 and the half in 1:02.1 despite keeping Glenferrie Dreamer (Paul Minore) on the limb.

Meanwhile Faraldo sat chilly with Tough Get Going until the top of the lane where he rallied his trotter and both he and Pennacchio's Cheeky Little Miss charged to the wire.

“We won it but it was by the shortest of noses. In fact it was so close that I wasn't sure my horse won until they posted the order of finish on the infield tote board “I'm telling you it (the victory) couldn't have been by more than an inch,” Faraldo explained.

Even with his overland trip Glenferrie Dreamer took home the show dough.

Tough Get Going is owned by Faraldo and Richie Banca and trained by Banca. For Faraldo who was National Amateur Driver of the Year in 2000 it marked his sixth victory this season.

The first event was nearly a carbon copy of Faraldo's victory. In that one Arbia and Finnick Odair benefited by a two-hole trip as Paul Minore and Wygant Prince kept Bob Hechkoff and Five Towns parked from the three-eighths as they raced one-two until the three quarters when Five Towns began to tire.

After traveling along in the two-hole while using the leaders for cover, when Arbia asked Finnick Odair for more the veteran trotter responded and got-up in the final strides for a head triumph over Wygant Prince. Five Towns hung on for third money.

The winner, a 4-year-old altered son of Cantab Hall, is co- owned by his driver along wuth Joe Bongiorno and Jennifer Bongiorno. The latter is the horse's trainer.

Meadowlands First WHHC Qualifier Set for November 2nd

The first of six Meadowlands Qualifiers for the World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com is Saturday, November 2. 

Next Saturday’s qualifier has a $100 total fee ($50 entry plus a $50 real-money bankroll).  The format requires players to place $5 win wagers on any ten Meadowlands races.  The top two finishers will earn spots in the WHHC with prize money to be paid out to the Top 10 finishers.  Players can register on-site Saturday up until 7:15pm. More information is available at http://playmeadowlands.com/contests.aspx?id=193

The remaining Meadowlands qualifier schedule is:

• Saturday, December 21- Free Handicapping Contest – 1 seat
• January 3, 2020 – March 28, 2020: Free Online Survival Challenge – 3 WHHC seats
• Saturday, January 11: $400 Qualifier with 4 WHHC seats
• Saturday, February 22 - $200 contest with top 2 WHHC seats
• Saturday, March 7- $200 contest with 2 WHHC seats

DerbyWars will host regular online Qualifiers for the WHHC every Saturday night beginning September 21.  Players can qualify for as little as $22.    Complete DerbyWars Qualifier information can be found at DerbyWars.com.

The $150,000 World Harness Handicapping Championship Final is set for April 18^th, 2020.  The World Harness Handicapping Championship presented by DerbyWars.com is a one-day tournament, with a welcome reception the evening prior.  Players that did not earn a seat through a qualifying event can directly buy-in for $1,300.  The $1,300 entry fee includes a $300 bankroll, with the remaining $1,000 going to the prize pool.  The WHHC contest format requires players to bet 10 races: their choice of seven Meadowlands races, plus three designated mandatory races.  Players keep all pari-mutuel winnings.  Prize payouts are to the Top 10. 

For more information on how to become a WHHC partner outlet or sponsor, contact Rachel Ryan, Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment (raryan@playmeadowlands.com) or 201-842-5015.  For online qualifying on DerbyWars.com, players may contact support@derbywars.com.

EARLY POST NEEDED TO FIT IN HUGE ACTION AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – They’ll be plenty going on at the Meadowlands both this weekend and next with the Big M’s race office carding competitive, big fields along with an abundance of high-powered stakes events being simulcast to the mile oval. So that racing fans can get in on all the action, post time at the Meadowlands will be 10 minutes earlier than usual on Friday (Oct. 25) and Saturday (Oct. 26) at 7:05 p.m.

On track this weekend finds the sixth and final leg of the Kindergarten Classic for 2-year-olds on both the pace and trot on Friday night, while Saturday will have an ultra-competitive card with the big fields Meadowlands' fans love as bettors will have the opportunity to wager on one 8-horse field, two with 9 horses and 10 with full 10-horse fields.

Simulcast fans know that when the stakes are high, the Big M is the place to catch the races. This weekend, Woodbine Mohawk Park will host all 12 championship events of the Breeders Crown.

During the 48-hour span at Canada’s top venue, all horses who are in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown Top 10 Poll – with one exception (Lather Up, who has been retired) – will be in action. Shartin N, Greenshoe, Bettor’s Wish, Warrawee Ubeaut, Real Cool Sam, Southwind Ozzi, McWicked, Atlanta and Manchego are all scheduled to compete.

The Breeders Crown takes place Friday and Saturday. Post time at WMP is 7 p.m.

DRINK FROM THE CUP: Next week, Santa Anita Park will be the center of the Thoroughbred – and simulcast – racing universe as the 2019 edition of the Breeders’ Cup will take place with five races on Day One and nine more on Day Two, featuring the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.

On Friday, Nov. 1, post time at Santa Anita is 1:45 p.m. EDT while the first Breeders’ Cup event takes place at 4:12 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 2, post time for the first race is 1:07 p.m. The first Cup race is at 2:55 p.m. with the Classic scheduled for 8:44 p.m.

Watch and wager on the Breeders’ Cup at the Meadowlands.

THEY BET LIKE PROS: Last Friday’s 50-cent Pick-5 had a carryover of nearly $21,000 coming in and ended up with a total pool in excess of $150,000. Two of the races during the sequence were for amateur drivers and the betting public showed no hesitation in stepping up to the windows, betting a total of $520,372 on the two events.

Speaking of the Pick-5, those sharp enough to hit the “all” button in Leg 4 – where Princess Holly N returned $81.80 – cashed in for just over $3,000 after the other legs were won by four haveable contestants: two favorites, one second choice and one third choice.

Because of the wager’s low 15 percent takeout, players had a big edge when pumping green into the pool in the form of positive takeout. The way the math panned out, there was $130,782 paid out even though there was only $129,247 in “new” money put in the pot.

The $25,000 guaranteed 50-cent Pick-5 (Races 1 through 5), as well as the Big M’s signature bet, the 50-cent Pick-4 (8 through 11) that features a $50,000 promise, will both be offered – as always – this Friday and Saturday. Free program pages are available at ustrotting.com and playmeadowlands.com.

FREE POKER FRIDAY: Not only is live racing back for just its third week of the meeting, so are “Free Poker Fridays” at the Meadowlands.

For those 21 years of age and older, free Texas Hold’em tournaments will be conducted in the Gallery, hosted by World Free Poker.

Players can pre-register or walk-up. Games begin at 7 p.m.

BET (WORLD) SERIES-OUSLY: Games 3, 4 and 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros take place this Friday (Oct. 25), Saturday (Oct. 26) and Sunday (Oct. 27). First pitch for all three of the games is 8:07 p.m. (Game 5 will be played only if necessary)

Bet on the World Series – and all National Football League games on Sunday and Monday (Oct. 27) – at the Big M in the FanDuel Sportsbook or in the track’s Victory Sports Bar.

Flavors of Greece on the Friday Pink Buffet

Book a table at the Meadowlands Racetrack’s Pink Buffet this Friday, Oct 25^th and treat your taste buds to the flavors of Greece.

The Friday buffet is just $29.95 and features butternut squash salad, Tuscan kale and sausage soup, curry pork loin and “It’s all Greek to me” station with hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and spanakopita.

The $39.95 Saturday buffet features another delicious menu with jumbo crab rigatoni, chicken Milanese with a basil and white wine sauce and roast strip steak. 

The Friday buffet themed stations continue each week:

• November 1^st: Comfort Food – mini meatloves, rich mashed potatoes and green bean casserole
• November 8^th: Havana Nights – traditional Cuban sandwiches with ham, roast pork, pickles and cheese, rice and beans and plantains
• November 15^th: Polish Festa – pierogis, sauerkraut and kielbasa
• November 22^nd: All American – sliders, grilled hot dogs and fries
• November 29^th: Make Your Own Mac & Cheese  - top with your choice of bacon, scallions, chicken tomatoes and ham

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (201) THE-BIGM and the complete menus can be viewed at http://playmeadowlands.com/dining/pink-dining.html

Post time for both Friday and Saturday is 7:15pm.

JAZMIN ARNOLD WINS BILLINGS TROT AGAIN AT NORTHFIELD PARK ON SUNDAY

by John Manzi, for the Billings Series

NORTHFIELD, Ohio-- For the second time in two weeks Jazmin “the Little Flower” Arnold was victorious in a CKG Billings Midwest regional trot when she guided Buddy Halley to a gate-to-wire 1:56.2 triumph at Northfield Park on Sunday night, October 20.

On October 7^th, at the same venue, the talented miss also won a Billings trot there and what might be more unusual was that the second place finisher in both races was driven by Michelle the Belle” Ruvola, once again giving the ladies their respected due.

On Sunday night (Oct 20) the diminutive miss started from the two hole and quickly grabbed command and refused to yield when Gregg “Fast Greggy” Keidel came calling with the betting favorite, Crime Fighter.

The two then raced side by side past the half in a stiff 56 seconds and they were remained one-two when they passed the three quarters in 1:25.3. and were still heads apart at the top of the lane.

Meanwhile, Ruvola, with Better Call Saul, was sitting comfortably in the two-hole right from the reel and when the leaders turned for home Ruvola came off the pylons and her trotter battled bravely with Buddy Hally all the way to the wire but Ms Arnold's charge was not to be denied and hung gamely for a length victory over Better Call Saul. Bob “the Lumberman” Troyer took home third money with Ubanji. And after a grueling parked-out trip Crime Fighter faded but still finished fourth, beaten just a little more than three lengths.

Buddy Hally, a 9-year-old Angus Hll gelding, is owned by Joseph Varga and trained by Herman Hagerman. He paid $6.80 for win.

However, with her victory, the 5-foot; two inch Jazmin Arnold now has 19 wins, 8 seconds and 5 thirds in 51 seasonal starts good for a .492 UDR.

SWEET ROCK NOSES SICILY IN BIG M FEATURE

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – In one of the tightest photo finishes anyone has ever seen, Sweet Rock held off Sicily at the wire in the Saturday night $22,500 conditioned pacing feature at the Meadowlands.

Sicily, who was sent off at odds of 5-1, was quickest away from the gate from post 5 into the first turn, but 5-2 second choice Sweet Rock (post 6) was even faster to the quarter, hitting that station in :26.2.

A rated second fraction of :28.2 would follow as 2-1 favorite Americanprimetime joined the fray from first-over and made steady progress, racing only three-quarters of a length behind the leader at the three-quarter mark as Sicily remained in the two hole.

Through the stretch, Sweet Rock kept Americanprimetime at bay as Victor Kirby, driving Sicily, was desperate for racing room. Inside the sixteenth pole, just enough real estate became available and Sicily sprinted along the pylons only to finish a heartbreaking second after the judges had a lengthy look at the win photo. Americanprimetime was third.

Sweet Rock, an 8-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover-Penny For Nickel, completed the mile in 1:50.2 for his 33^rd career win in 187 starts, and now has lifetime earnings of just over $792,000. He was driven by Greg Merton, is trained by Wayne Givens and owned by Legacy Racing, R A Hazzard II and G P Calloway. He returned $7.60 to win.

TYLER TERRIFIC: Tyler Buter had the hot hand among the drivers, scoring four times on the program. He kept his fan base smiling for sure, as his winners went off at odds of 4-1, 6-1, 17-1 and even-money (who won by 12 lengths). … Trainer Dan Morrissey scored twice, with both driven by Buter.

A LITTLE MORE: One sharp player at Pompano Park raked the 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 pot, walking away with $5,966 for lasting six races. … All-source handle on the 13-race program totaled $1,921,240. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

ALLUNEEDISFAITH N WINS SATURDAY NIGHT 42G OPEN HANDICAP PACE

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, October 19, 2019—Allusneedisfaith N (Jim Marohn Jr., $10.40) took it the distance Saturday night (Oct. 19^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $42,000 Open Handicap Pace.

From post position No. 4—in one notch after a defection—Alluneedisfaith N slipped past Dancin’ Dragon (Jason Bartlett) before a :28.4 opening quarter mile. The teletimer didn’t get much more of a workout by a :57.4 intermission, which was fine by the leader.

Nearing the half, Theartofconfusion A (Austin Siegelman), The Real One (Pat Lachance) and Prairie  Panther (Brent Holland) found themselves in an outer-tier logjam, with Prairie Panther pushed wide as the other two seemed to extricate the cones late.  

Meanwhile, Alluneedisfaith N continued past a 1:25.2 three-quarters, opening a length-and-a-half lead in and out of the final turn. He finished it off, whipping Dancin’ Dragon by a length in 1:53.2. The above troika of The Real One, Theartofconfusion A and Prairie Panther wound up third, fourth and fifth, respectively.  

Micky Gee N (Jordan Stratton) never fired as the slight 2-1 choice, winding up last in the seven-horse  soiree.

For fourth choice Alluneedisfaith N, a 5-year-old Down Under Art Major gelding owned by Robert Cooper Stables and trained by Ross Croghan, it was his sixth win in 22 seasonal starts. The exacta paid $41, the triple returned $141 and the superfecta paid $376.

Brookdale Bruiser wins Vernon Downs feature.

Brookdale Bruiser (John MacDonald) wins the $7,000 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (October 19).

Brookdale Bruiser ($6.70) went to the front and hit the first quarter in :26.1.  He slowed down the second quarter hitting the half in :56.1.  The gelding led to three-quarters in 1:25.2.  Sometimes Said (Leon Bailey) followed all the way to three-quarters.  He came out of the pocket and went after Brookdale Bruiser.

Brookdale Bruiser, who is owned by the J P Stables and trained by MacDonald, had plenty left in the tank as they made the turn for home.  He would win easily in 1:52.3.  Sometimes Said had to settle for second.  Golden Brit (Howard Parker) would receive third money.  

Brookdale Bruiser is a 5-year-old gelding by Roll With Joe.  It was his 11th win this season.  He now owns 19 career victories.

Jimmy Whittemore drove four winners on the evening.  He got his wins with Nanuet ($18.80), Grave Dancer ($13.00), The Royal Garden N ($23.80), and American Sweet Pea ($6.10).  John MacDonald drove three winners.  He got his other victories with Lady Rapidash ($16.00), and Fridaynightflight ($12.60).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (10-25) starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

“JOLTIN' JOE” PENNACCHIO WINS 12-HORSE BILLINGS TROT AT THE BIG M ON FRIDAY

East Rutherford, NJ—Give them a big racetrack and a good purse and add that another amateur trot is also scheduled that evening and they'll come. And come they did on Friday night at the Meadowlands.

Not only did the local $11,000 GSY series attract 10 horses but the granddaddy of all amateur racing events, the CKG Billings Series, had 12 entrants, so many that instead of splitting the field into two divisions it was decided to lengthen the race and go with the 12 horses at a distance of l-1/8^th miles.

It was a grueling contest and much to the delight of “Joltin' Joe” Pennacchio his Super Manning overcame the traffic and rallied to a 1-1/2 length triumph and took home the lions share of the $12,500 purse.

With the huge field all the drivers were seeking a good position in the early going but it was the six- horse, Roundtown Rocker     ("Lady Monica" Banca), who grabbed the early lead in the :27.1 first quarter. while Pennacchio and Super Manning followed in third position along the pylons.

Roundtown Rocker led the cavalry charge past the three quarters before yielding to Super Manning who then went on to a 2:13 victory in the lengthened event and gave Penncchio, last season's Amateur Driver of the Year, a stellar victory.

Billings president Tony “the Capo” Verruso hustled Santini home ahead of Roundtree Rocker to garner second money while the latter earned the show dough.

Super Manning, an 11-year-old altered son of Diamond Goal, notched his third seasonal victory and 35^th of his career while raising his lifetime earnings to over $655,000.He's owned by Joe P RacingLLC and trained by Cory Stratton. He paid $11.60. mutuel

‘HABIT’ REPEATS IN BIG M’S KINDERGARTEN

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Creature Of Habit got into the win column for the first time in her career a week ago, and Friday night at the Meadowlands, the daughter of Donato Hanover-Habit’s Best came right back and won again, taking one of five divisions of the Kindergarten Classic for 2-year-olds.

The Nifty Norman trainee scored in the dash for filly trotters by brushing to command down the backstretch before reporting home a safe half-length in front of She Rocks Kemp in 1:55.3 for driver Victor Kirby. As the 8-5 favorite, the winner of two of 11 lifetime starts returned $5.40 to her backers.

In other Kindergarten action, Hen Party ($15.60) went wire-to-wire to defeat 1-5 public choice Annabelle Hanover by 1¼ lengths in a filly pace for driver Pat Berry and trainer Ron Burke in 1:52.4 while Ideal Perception ($7.60) held off Force N Fury by a hard-fought nose in 1:51.3 in a pace for colts and geldings with Joe Bongiorno in the bike for trainer Tony Alagna.

Hall Of AM S ($5.00 as the favorite) took another filly trot, completing the mile in 1:55.2 to finish 1¾ lengths in front of Scorched Romance for driver Mattias Melander, who is the brother of winning trainer Marcus.

In a non-betting race before the start of the regular card, Sky Castles scored in a division for trotting colts and geldings for driver Mitch Cushing and trainer Andrew Harris in 1:55.1.

TROLLEY ON TIME: The Erv Miller-trained Trolley hit the Meadowlands' winner’s circle for the first time since May 18, scoring by 1¾ lengths over Max as the 3-5 favorite in 1:54.4 in a $25,000 conditioned trot for driver Marcus Miller.

A LITTLE MORE: A $20,922 carryover from last Saturday led to a total pool of just over $150,000 in the 50-cent Pick-5. Those who cashed had to be sharp, as the fourth leg of the wager was won by 39-1 chance Princess Holly N. The odds of the other four winners were 4-5, 8-5, 2-1 and 9-2. The payoff was $3,054.15. … 25-year-old Kasper Foget was a winner in his Big M driving debut, guiding For A Dreamer to victory lane in the 11^th race at odds of 5-1. The native Of Denmark was a champion European driver in the under-25 division. … All-source wagering on the 13-race card totaled $2,294,868. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

Spoiler Alert wins Vernon Downs feature.

Spoiler Alert (Leon Bailey) takes the $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (October 18).

Only Passing Thru (Jimmy Whittemore) took early control hitting the quarter in :27.4.  He would use a :29.1 second quarter to hit the half in :57.0.  Majestic Fire (Dan Daley) went first over just before Only Passing threw hit three-quarters in 1:25.2.

Spoiler Alert ($8.50), who is owned by Jeff Hayes and trained by Misty Carey, followed in third as they made the turn for home.  He came flying in the stretch to win in 1:54.4.  Majestic Fire finished second.  Only Passing Thru had to settle for third money.

Spoiler Alert is a 6-year-old gelding by Chapter Seven.  It was his seventh win this season.  He now has 14 career victories. 

Driver Jimmy Whittemore and trainer Marrisa Chadbourne combined for three wins on the night.  They finished first with Love Live Laugh ($34.80), Blameitonthenight ($14.60), and JL Wonder Woman ($3.80).

With five live racing days left John MacDonald leads all drivers with 108 wins.  Howard Parker is currently sitting in second place with 82 victories.  Jimmy Whittemore is third with 78 trips to the winner's circle.  Leon Bailey is fourth with 43 tallies.  Claude Huckabone III is fifth with 36 wins.

John MacDonald also leads all trainers in wins.  He currently has 44 victories.  Marissa Chadbourne is just one behind with 43 first place finishes.  Jennifer Lappe is third with 34 wins.  Homer Hochstetler is fourth with 33 tallies.  Jessica Okusko rounds out the top five with 31 wins.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing with a 12 race card on Saturday (October 19) at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

GIANT PICK-5 POOL EXPECTED FRIDAY AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – When the second week of racing at the Meadowlands’ Fall Meeting begins Friday (Oct. 18), there will be plenty of big-green buzz as a giant pool figures to be up for grabs in the track’s 50-cent Pick-5 that kicks off with the first race at 7:15 p.m.

Last Saturday (Oct. 12), longshots ruled at the mile oval, as six times on the 13-race program, winner’s odds were at least 13-1. During the Pick-5 sequence, two 30-1 shots reigned supreme and no one cashed a winning ticket on the wager (those who correctly selected four winners walked away with $2,324.80), creating a carryover of $20,922.81.

That has led to this Friday’s anticipated pot of gold, where, instead of the usual $25,000 guaranteed pool, the Pick-5 will offer a $75,000 promise, in partnership with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering initiative.

The last time the Pick-5 sported a carryover ($30,928), the result was a total pool of $208,763 on June 8, and those holding winning tickets after some shrewd selections walked away with better than $72,000.

In total this weekend, the Big M will offer $200,000 in guaranteed money: $100,000 on both the 50-cent Pick-4 and 50-cent Pick-5 during this Friday’s and Saturday’s programs. As always, both wagers offer a low 15 percent takeout and free program pages for the multi-leg puzzles are available – courtesy of TrackMaster – at both ustrotting.com and playmeadowlands.com.

QUICK LEARNERS: The Friday (Oct. 18) program at the Big M features four divisions of the fifth leg of the Kindergarten Classic for 2-year-olds. The four big-money finals – with purses totaling more than $700,000 – take place on Nov. 2.

IT ALL COMES DOWN: Woodbine at Mohawk Park will host the 2019 edition of the Breeders Crown. Eliminations take place Friday (Oct. 18) and Saturday (Oct. 19) with the finals scheduled for one week later. The 2-year-old championship events will take place on Oct. 25 while all 3-year-olds, as well as the older horses, will battle on Oct. 26.

Both weekends of Breeders Crown action will be simulcast to the Meadowlands.

DRINK FROM THE CUP: In two weeks, Santa Anita Park will be the center of the Thoroughbred racing universe as the 2019 edition of the Breeders’ Cup will take place with five races on Day One and nine more on Day Two, featuring the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic.

On Friday, Nov. 1, post time at Santa Anita is 1:45 p.m. EDT while the first Breeders’ Cup event takes place at 4:12 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 2, post time for the first race is 1:07 p.m. The first Cup race is at 2:55 p.m. with the Classic scheduled for 8:44 p.m.

Watch and wager on the Breeders’ Cup at the Meadowlands.

BET THE ALCS: The American League Championship Series, which pits the Houston Astros against the New York Yankees, continues Thursday (Oct. 17) evening at 8:08 p.m.

The Yankees will start Masahiro Tanaka, who sports a 2-0 record and 0.82 ERA in the postseason, against Houston’s Zack Greinke (0-2, 8.38). The Astros lead the best-of-seven series two games to one.

Baseball fans can watch and wager on the ALCS in the Meadowlands’ FanDuel Sportsbook or in Victory Sports Bar. The winner of the ALCS will advance to the World Series and take on the National League champion Washington Nationals.

The Yankees-Astros series will continue with games on Friday (at 7:08 p.m.), Saturday (if necessary, 8:08 p.m.) and Sunday (if necessary, 7:38 p.m.).

FOOTBALL SUNDAY (AND MONDAY): As always, the FanDuel Sports Book is the place to be on Sunday (Oct. 20) to watch and wager on every National Football League game.

Local fans can catch the Giants hosting the Arizona Cardinals at 1 p.m. On Monday (Oct. 21) Night Football, the Jets welcome the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in an 8:15 p.m. kickoff.  

New Flavors on the Pink Restaurant Buffet

Experience the new Pink buffet and cocktail menu this Friday, October 18^th and Saturday, October 19^th while watching the world’s greatest harness racing in action at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

The Friday buffet is just $29.95 and features harvest minestrone soup, hand-carved turkey breast, veal Bolognese with ravioli and “Taste of Asia” station with egg rolls, wantons, dumplings and fried rice.

The Saturday buffet is packed with flavor starting with the turkey and pumpkin chili complete with cornbread and all the fixings.  Middle-Eastern spiced pork loin with lemon and mint yogurt sauce, blackened salmon with pineapple, brussels sprouts with Vermont maple syrup and chimichurri flank steak round out this $39.95 menu.  

“Our executive chef Dennis Sammarone has done a terrific job,” said Jason Settlemoir, COO and GM of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment.  “We asked him to bring some new flavors to our Pink buffet and he has delivered.”

The new Pink cocktail and wine menus provide a wide selection of libations that not only complement but also enhance the dining experience.  Mules, margaritas, refreshing mojitos and well-rounded bourbon cocktails are just a few drinks guests will find on the new cocktail menu.

The Friday buffet themed stations continue each week:

• October 25^th: Touch of Greek –hummus, pita chips, stuffed grape leaves and spanakopita
• November 1^st: Comfort Food – mini meatloves, rich mashed potatoes and green bean casserole
• November 8^th: Havana Nights – traditional Cuban sandwiches with ham, roast pork, pickles and cheese, rice and beans and plantains
• November 15^th: Polish Festa – pierogis, sauerkraut and kielbasa
• November 22^nd: All American – sliders, grilled hot dogs and fries
• November 29^th: Make Your Own Mac & Cheese  - top with your choice of bacon, scallions, chicken tomatoes and ham

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (201) THE-BIGM and the complete menus can be viewed at http://playmeadowlands.com/dining/pink-dining.html

GEEZ JOE DOMINANT IN BIG M RETURN

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Shortly after winning the weekly feature at the Meadowlands in January in 1:50.2 as the 2-5 favorite, all was well with Geez Joe, who seemingly was on his way to a big year.

But a throat ailment led to surgery and seven months on the shelf. Now he’s back, and he’s looking better than ever.

Saturday night at the Meadowlands, Geez Joe won the featured $27,500 conditioned pace in 1:48.2, two weeks after winning at Hoosier Park in 1:47.4. Indeed, the 5-year-old gelded son of Roll With Joe-Beach Bretta is all the way back.

In the early stages of his first Big M start in nine months, driver Marcus Miller moved Geez Joe directly to the top, hitting the quarter in :26.3. A relaxing second fraction of :28 would follow before 8-5 second choice Dealt A Winner would move right to the leader at the five-eighths and the pair continued their duel at three-quarters in 1:21.3.

Then Geez Joe would deliver the knockout punch.

The Erv Miller trainee, the slight 8-5 public choice, powered clear of his main foe through the stretch with a :26.4 kicker, hitting the wire 4½ lengths clear of Dealt A Winner. Our Max Phactor N finished third.

Geez Joe, who has won five of his last seven Meadowlands starts dating back to November of 2018, paid $5.20 to win and now has 20 victories from 61 lifetime outings and earnings of $256,728 for owners Bay Pond Racing Stable.

BIG POT OF GOLD: With a pair of 30-1 shots and two more that went off at at least 13-1, the Pick-5 did not get hit, creating a carryover of almost $21,000. As a result, Friday’s 50-Cent Pick-5 will have a guaranteed pool of $75,000, instead of the usual $25,000.

A LITTLE MORE:  It was a night for the longshot players as four favorites scored on the 13-race program while six winners went off at 13-1 or more. … Dave Miller and Joe Bongiorno both had driving doubles. … All-source wagering was $2,108,436. … Racing resumes Friday at 7:15 p.m.

Brookdale Bruiser cruises in Vernon feature.

Brookdale Bruiser (John MacDonald) captures the $6,000 featured pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (October 12).

Brookdale Bruiser ($5.20) battled early with Card Knock Life (Leon Bailey).  Brookdale Bruiser cleared and hit the first quarter first in :27.1.  He used a :29.3 second quarter to hit the half in :56.4.  Tempster Hanover (Justin Huckabone) came first-over and got to within half a length as Brookdale Bruiser hit three-quarters in 1:24.4.

Brookdale Bruiser, who is owned by the J P Stables and trained by MacDonald, made the turn for home and breezed to an easy win in 1:53.1.  Tempster Hanover was second best.  Bay Rum (Howard Parker) finished third.

Brookdale Bruiser is a 5-year-old gelding by Roll WIth Joe.  It was his 10th win in 2019.  He now owns 18 career victories.

Howard Parker drove three winners on the night.  He finished first with Sometimes Said ($4.40), Napper Tandy ($3.30), and Golden Brit ($5.60).  John MacDonald, Jennifer Lappe, and Claude Huckabone Jr, each had driving doubles.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (October 18) starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com

MISSION ACCEPTED, McWICKED WIN 250G HARVEY, ROONEY INVITATIONALS

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, October 12, 2019—It was sort of a shame to refer to these as ‘undercard events,’ but favored Mission Accepted (Yannick Gingras, $5.90) and McWicked (Brian Sears, $6.90) were as advertised Saturday afternoon (Oct. 12^th), winning Yonkers Raceway’s $250,000 Harry Harvey and Dan Rooney Invitational Trot and Pace, respectively.

The Harvey saw Mission Accepted work out a perfect, second-over sojourn behind Rich and Miserable (Tyler Buter). The latter, Eye ofa Tiger AS (Jason Bartlett), Will Take Charge (Jordan Stratton) and Emoticon Hanover (Dan Dube) were all part of the early scrum in the mile-and-a-quarter event.

It was Will Take Charge who led through intervals of :28; :56.2 and 1:26, with Rich and Miserable out for a second move. The one engaged the leader in and out of the 1:54.4 mile marker, with Mission Accepted—from post position No. 2—ready for his cue.

Reprising the International, the second-over was first, as Mission Accepted wen wide and widened, winning by 2¾ lengths in an added-distance 2:23.4. An out-the-duration Custom Cantab (Dave Miller) was tremendous for second, with a tiring Will Take Charge, Speeding Spur N (Brian Sears) and Eye ofa Tiger AS settling for the minors.

For Mission Accepted, a 4-year-old son of Manofmanymissions co-owned (as Burke Racing) by (trainer) Ron Burke, Weaver Bruscemi, Knox Services and David Willis, it was his fifth win in 20 seasonal starts. The exacta (two wagering choices) paid $16.80, the triple paid $60.50 and the superfecta paid $440.

“He just overachieves,” Gingras said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better trip and he gives 120 percent.”

While pondering whether that’s even possible, a word about McWicked…and that word, said with love, is freak.

Last season’s Dan Rooney champ became this season’s Dan Rooney champ, doing it the hard way.

McWicked ground down 9-5 choice Jimmy Freight (Scott Zeron), then held off Micky Gee N (Stratton) by a nostril in 1:51.1.

It was the 40^th career win for McWicked.

From post No. 6, he was away fourth as Jimmy Freight two-moved around None Bettor A (Bartlett), throwing down a swift quick gauntlet (:26.2, 55.1, 1:22.4) along the way.

McWicked methodically moved toward the leader early in the lane, with Jimmy Freight giving way…albeit grudgingly. After Micky Gee N and Jimmy Freight, locals The Real One (Pat Lachance) and Theartofconfusion A (Austin Siegelman) picked off the leftovers.

For second choice McWicked, an 8-year-old son of McArdle owned by S S G Stables and trained by Casie Coleman, it was his sixth win in 15 ’19 tries. The exacta paid $74.50, the triple paid $369.50 and the superfecta paid $1,710.

“I was happy where I was able to get away and I knew I’d have to chase someone,” Sears said. “I’m glad for him. He’s battled foot issues during the summer and he’s such a pleasure to drive. He’s given me a lot of thrills.”  

McWicked and his now $4,878,342 career bankroll show few signs of letting up.
    

ZACON GIO WINS 41ST INTERNATIONAL TROT

BY FRANK DRUCKER, Publicity Director, Empire City @ Yonkers Raceway

YONKERS, NY, Saturday, October 12, 2019—If the boisterous Italian contingent who found their way to  Westchester Saturday afternoon (Oct. 12^th) could have lifted Zacon Gio onto their shoulders, they would have.

The 4-year-old survived nine world-class rivals and an inquiry, winning Yonkers Raceway’s $1 million International Trot.

The 41^st International—fifth after a two-decade hiatus—was truly ‘Viva Italia,” as the favored Zacon Gio (Roberto Vecchione, $4.30) won by three-and-a-quarter emphatic lengths, the mile-and-a-quarter going in 2:24.1.

At the outset, after a break by France’s mare Bahia Quesnot (Junior Guelpa), it was another 4-year-old—American lass Atlanta (Yannick Gingras)—making the lead. Directly outside of her, the third ma’am, Swiss miss Uza Josselyn (Erik Adielsson), also left, poking about a neck in front of Atlanta.

If Adielsson had to do it over again, he probably would have kept his charge marching forward. Instead,  Uza Josselyn found herself parked through fractions (:28.1, :59 flat) usually reserved for qualifiers.

Denmark’s Slide So Easy (Ake Svanstedt) left from the pole, protecting the pocket, while Zacon Gio—from post position No. 5—was content to work from second-over. Behind him was the other American entrant, Guardian Angel AS (Tim Tetrick).

Meanwhile, Atlanta waltzed through a 1:28 three-quarters, a lap standing between herself, pomp and circumstance.

Nope.

Zacon Gio went wide around Uza Josselyn, perhaps pushing an underway Guardian Angel AS wider…or not.

Regardless, Zacion Gio met no resistance from Atlanta, blitzing by after the 1:55.4 milepost and widening from there. It was horse and whip-in-the-air-driver all by their lonesome.  

Slide So Easy slid out for second, with Canada’s Marion Marauder (Scott Zeron) a ground-saving third. Guardian Angel AS wound up fourth, while last season’s upsetter, Cruzado Dela Noche (Brian Sears), picked up this season ‘s final pay envelope.

Uza Josselyn and Atlanta tired to sixth and seventh, respectively, ahead of misbehavers Lionel (Goran Antonsen), Norton Commander (Conrad Lagauer) and Bahia Quesnot.

After an lengthy inquiry of what turned out to be the winning move, the result stood.             

For Zacon Gio, a son of Rusty Grif owned by Franco Giuseppe and trained by Holger Ehlert, the perfect season (9-for-9) season continues with a 12^th consecutive win overall dating to last season. The exacta paid $68.50, with the triple returning $793.

.        Zacon Gio’s first race away from was Italy was that country’s third International win, joining Delfo (1977 at Roosevelt Raceway) and Twister Bi (here in 2017, a stakes-record 2:22.1).

         It was also the 56-year-old Vecchione who earned the winner’s circle lifting.

         “I was happy when I saw Uza Josselyn didn’t make the lead, because I could race behind her,” Vecchione said, with some translation help from the trainer’s wife, Anne. “I was in a good spot. He has been good over (half-mile) tracks, setting records. He never gets tired, except at the end today.”

         He was allowed.

         “I was very concerned about the slow times by the leader,” Ehlert said. “I always had confidence in my horse, though.”

         As for Atlanta, “I knew at the three-quarters, when I tapped her to go, I was in trouble,” Gingras said.

          Trainer Ron Burke, while very gracious to the winner, thought Atlanta may have had some dehydration issues related to the pre-race detention.  “That’s not Atlanta at her best,” he said. “When she hits three-quarters off those fractions, she’s gone. We’re sorry we didn’t represent the U.S better, but she’s going to bounce back.”

         This day, though, the bouncing was done by Roberto Vecchione, ecstatically thrown up in the air after he and Zacon Gio took down the world.

“CAPTAIN”, “PAPI” SCORE IN BIG M’S KINDERGARTEN

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Captain Barbossa and Papi Rob Hanover won in impressive fashion in Kindergarten Classic action Friday night as live racing returned to the Meadowlands after a nine-week hiatus.

A son of Captaintreacherous-Swinging Beauty, Captain Barbossa was an easy three-quarter length, wire-to-wire winner over Team Best in the first of two dashes for colts and geldings on the pace in the Kindergarten, which is for 2-year-olds.

Andy McCarthy put the Tony Alagna trainee on the point early, then cut out all the fractions on the way to a 1:52 score, his third win in 12 lifetime starts. The lifetime earner of $113,079, who returned $2.60 to his backers as the 1-5 public choice, has hit the board nine times.

In the other division for male pacers, 1-9 favorite Papi Rob Hanover was a dominant winner for driver David Miller and trainer Brett Pelling as the son of Somebeachsomewhere-Panera Hanover stopped the clock in 1:52.

Miller had the lifetime earner of $315,358 sit a three-hole trip to the top of the stretch before swinging wide in the lane and easily powering past his foes to record a 2½-length score over Force N Fury. He’s won three-of-eight in his career, hitting the board in every start, and returned $2.10 to win.

GETTING IT DUNN: Fresh off his superb week at Lexington’s Red Mile, where he was the leading Grand Circuit driver, Dexter Dunn had four winners on the card. Scott Zeron, Marcus Miller and David Miller had two apiece.

A LITTLE MORE: The Linda Toscano-trained Rocknificent impressed from just off the pace as the 3-5 choice in a division of the Kindergarten for pacing fillies, stopping the clock in 1:54.1, one of two winners on the night for the Hall of Fame trainer. … Nifty Norman also conditioned a pair to victory lane. … All-source handle on the 13-race program totaled $2,294,061. … Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

Majestic Fire wins Vernon Downs feature.

Majestic Fire (Dan Daley) captures the $7,000 featured trot at Vernon Downs on Friday (October 11).

First Call (Homer Hochstetler) took the lead just before hitting the first quarter in :27.4.  She use a second quarter of :29.4 to lead to a half of :57.3.  Majestic Fire ($6.40) started to make his move as they headed for the half.  He got to within a half length as First Call was first to three-quarters in 1:27.0.

Majestic Fire, who is owned by Joshua Cukerstein and trained by Wayne Cukerstein, went side by side with First Call all the way down the stretch.  Majestic Fire muscled on by just before hitting the wire in 1:55.2.  First Call had to settle for second.  Spoiler Alert (Leon Bailey) was third best.

Majestice Fire is a 4-year-old gelding by Majestic Son.  It was his eighth win this season.  He now has 14 career victories.

Jennifer Lappe was trainer-driver for three winners on the night.  She won with Here Comes Numbers ($17.60), Super Betcha ($5.60), and Multitaskr Hanover ($9.00).  John MacDonald and Claude Huckabone III each had driving doubles.  MacDonald won with Lunar Stride ($10.40), and Kabu ($12.20).  Huckabone III went to the winner's circle with Frisky Joe ($10.40), and Art Angel Baby ($10.80).

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Saturday (October 12) with a 13 race card starting at 6:10 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

LIVE RACING BACK AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – After a nine-week hiatus that began at the conclusion of a highly successful Hambletonian Day, live harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Friday night (Oct. 11).

During October and November, live action will be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays. December will see Thursdays added to the schedule. All live harness programs will have a post time of 7:15 p.m.

There will be special racing “doubleheaders” during October as Monmouth Park will conduct turf racing on the Meadowlands’ grass course. Racing fans can make it a full day at the Big M on October 11, 12, 18, 25 and 26, as the thoroughbreds will be in action with a 12:30 p.m. post before harness racing in the evening.

JUICY STAKES: They’ll be plenty of stakes action during the Big M’s 2019 Fall Meeting as 2-year-olds will be in action in the Kindergarten Series. Preliminaries are slated for the first three weekends of the meet before four big-money finals – with purses totaling more than $700,000 – take place on Nov. 2.

The action then heats up even more on Nov. 16, with eliminations for the Goldsmith Maid (2-year-old filly trot), Three Diamonds (2-year-old filly pace), Valley Victory (2-year-old colt trot) and Governor’s Cup (2-year-old colt pace) before the biggest night of the fall takes place one week later with the finals for those four events – with purses in excess of $1.75 million – as well as the finals for four other huge contests, featuring some of the biggest equine stars in the game.

The TVG Mare Trot (for a purse of $175,000), TVG Mare Pace ($175,000), TVG Open Trot ($350,000) and TVG Open Pace ($350,000) will also be offered on “Fall Final Four” Night on Nov. 23. Racing fans may recall the 2018 TVG Open Pace, which resulted in a dominant 1:48 score by McWicked to lock up Horse of the Year honors.

SUPER SIMULCAST: The stars of every division will be on display at Woodbine at Mohawk Park as the 2019 Breeders Crown will be contested at Canada’s top harness track. All Crown events will be simulcast to the Meadowlands.

Eliminations will take place on Oct. 18 and 19 with the finals slated for Oct. 25 and 26.

FREE POKER FRIDAY: Not only is live racing back, so are “Free Poker Fridays” at the Meadowlands.

For those 21 years of age and older, free Texas Hold’em tournaments will be conducted in the Gallery, hosted by World Free Poker.

Players can pre-register or walk-up. Games begin at 7 p.m.

BET THE NFL, MLB PLAYOFFS: Bet all of the National Football League games as well as the Major League Baseball playoffs at the Big M in the FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sit comfortably and watch all the action in the book or head over to Victory Sports Bar, where there are many places to watch the games while taking advantage of the many available drinking and dining options.