Special Monday program at Cal Expo

 By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

 

Princessofthedawn, who has rattled off three straight wins at this meet in impressive fashion, looks to keep it rolling in Monday night’s $13,500 Funicello/Holt Final for the pacing fillies and mares.

 

Watch and Wager will present a 14-race card Monday with first post set for 4:55 p.m. and the program will also feature the second leg of the Alan Horowitz and an Open II Pace.

 

Princessofthedawn is a 3-year-old daughter of Mystician who is owned by Rick Cisco and Tamara Wainscott, takes her lessons from Cisco and will once again have Rene Goulet in the sulk.

 

They will be leaving from the seven post in the field of eight.

 

The bay miss was winless in 10 starts when she came down from Canada for this meet, but has done nothing but win in a trio of appearances here. She started the hat trick with a track-and-attack graduation on November 25, then used coast-to-coast tactics in her December 9 score.

 

Sent off the 6-5 choice in last week’s Funicello/Holt Prep, she was unhurried early for Goulet, was out to make her move on the final bend and finished up in :27 4/5 to seal the deal by a length and three-quarters.

 

Taking her on Monday are Sassy Libby, Ain’t She Special, Cenalta Flash, Say It All Sport, Bluebird Affection, In A Daze and Bekkums Fancy Star

 

Daryl Thiessen making himself right at home

 

Daryl Thiessen is one of the new additions to the driver’s room here and so far, so good according to the 32-year-old Manitoba native. 

 

Daryl spent almost 10 years as a rodeo professional before finding himself attracted to the trotters and pacers and switching from the saddle to the sulky four years ago in Ontario. 

 

The last year and a half have been a testing one for Thiessen, beginning with a serious accident in May of last year at Century Downs in Alberta that took him out of action for two months.

 

He’s also had three different surgeries in the last year which have forced him to stop and go when it comes to competing.

 

“I drove in Florida last year and spent this summer in New Jersey, and I was looking for a mile track with a lighter schedule,” Daryl explained. “Cal Expo checked both those boxes.”

 

“I was actually here for two and a half months in 2018 working as a groom. I’ve known Ryan Grundy since we were kids, I grew up pretty close to Kelly Crump and I’ve become good friends with Kathie Plested.”

 

Thiessen, who has had his picture taken after 6 of his first 41 drives at the meet, plans to stay through the end of this session in April. “I was a little rusty when I first got here, but everything seems to be coming together now,” he related.

 

DEBBIE LITTLE SELECTED AS USHWA'S MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Debbie Little, the president of the New York City chapter of the U.S. Harness Writers Association and a columnist for Harness Racing Update, has been named USHWA’s Member of the Year by a committee of former winners of the award.

Little has been an USHWA director for more than two decades and was a national officer for 10 years, including two years as president. She serves on multiple committees for the organization, most notably for the annual Dan Patch Awards banquet and as co-chair of the Clyde Hirt Journalism Workshop.

“I am pleased the committee chose Debbie,” USHWA President Barry Lefkowitz said. “She has done a great job, particularly with the Clyde Hirt Workshop and the Dan Patch Awards banquet, and I’m glad she is being recognized for her hard work.”

Little assists with the planning of the Dan Patch Awards banquet and is responsible for organizing the live production of the awards show as well as preparing the event’s scripts.

As a longtime advisor with the annual four-day Clyde Hirt Journalism Workshop, she has overseen nearly every logistical aspect of the program, which introduces college students to harness racing by giving aspiring media members the opportunity to cover the Hambletonian at The Meadowlands. This includes arranging student assignments with media outlets, setting up mentoring with editors and other industry professionals, and coordinating travel and meals.

In addition to those responsibilities, Little also coordinates production of the artwork of honorees displayed in the Communicators Hall of Fame, not to mention helping at the races every year at Goshen Historic Track in New York and the Orleans County Fair in Vermont. Little’s husband, Dave, is the announcer at both venues.

Born Deborah Ann DeBiase, she was introduced to harness racing at an early age when she and her father would watch New York City Off-Track Betting’s “Racing from Yonkers” show. The Yonkers native saw her first harness race – not surprisingly – at Yonkers Raceway, when her parents took her to the Westchester County Fair.

Her first job in the industry was in the Publicity Department at Yonkers in 1987, sending out entries and results. She would later do the same job at The Meadowlands. In 1993, Little was hired as a handicapper, harness writer and racing clerk at the New York Post, where she spent almost 27 years.

She currently writes a weekly column for Harness Racing Update called “Meadowlands Matters,” which deals with the happenings at the New Jersey oval. She is also a regular contributor to TROT Magazine and the Standardbred Journal. This past January, Little was named the winner of the 2020/2021 John Hervey Award for feature writing for her story, “The Legend of Walter Case Jr.,” which appeared in TROT.

Little will be honored as USHWA’s Member of the Year at the Dan Patch Awards sponsored by Caesars Entertainment on Feb. 19, 2023, at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. Room reservations for the weekend can be made at the USHWA website at usharnesswriters.com.

Sponsorship opportunities for the event can be procured from sponsorship chairman Shawn Wiles at swiles@rwcatskills.com.

For information regarding banquet tickets, contact Judy Davis-Wilson at zoe8874@aol.com. To place an ad in the Souvenir Journal, contact Kim Rinker at Trotrink@aol.com.

 

PROLIFIC PICK-5 POOL AWAITS PUNTERS AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Friday night figures to bring bettors ready to fire away at the start of The Meadowlands card, as the first race (post time, 6:20 p.m.) will offer what promises to be a giant 20-cent Pick-5 pool.

Last Saturday (Dec. 10), there were no winning tickets sold on the wager that spans races one through five, creating a carryover of $47,199, which will have dreams of making a big score dancing through players’ heads, especially when one considers that on Dec. 3, the P5 payoff was $10,969.

The last time there was a Pick-5 carryover (March 12), total action resulted in a “negative takeout”, meaning players who cashed got more money back than was put in the pool. Here’s how:

·         The carryover of $43,342 was not subject to the already low 15 percent takeout

·         There was $268,940 in “new money” bet, meaning $40,341 was removed for the takeout

·         The total pool of $271,941 was $3,000 more than the “new money” wagered, creating a “negative takeout” where players got back 101 percent, rather than the usual 85

Some other recent pools pumped up by carryovers include the Nov. 19 Early 50-cent Pick-4, when a $49,000 carryover led to a total pool of $344,035, and the Nov. 25, 20-cent Pick-6 double carryover of $32,429, which led to action that totaled just under $140,000. Those who hit the Pick-4 walked away with $3,269 and Pick-6 winners were paid off $6,101.

“Based on our previous carryovers,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir, “we can expect an enormous Pick-5 pool on Friday.”

It’s those types of pools that keep the action at the mile oval big.

In fact, Saturdays have been super of late. Four of the last five Saturday programs have seen the $3-million handle barrier busted, and the one time during that span betting failed to reach that plateau, total action was $2,999,157 (on Nov. 19).

“We are on a roll, there is no question about it,” said Settlemoir. “Our mile-track wagering product is superb, especially when we can roll out full fields, which our customers go for in a big way. Our Fall Meet Saturdays are averaging over $3 million per card, a number not seen in over a decade.

“The horsemen, the horseplayers and our employees are a major part of the New Jersey resurgence at The Meadowlands, and their loyalty will never be forgotten.”

When horsemen support the entry box, the player bets more, creating an extremely constructive cycle for all. This weekend, both the Friday and Saturday programs will feature 14 races. Remarkably, of those 28 dashes, 27 will have 10 horses get behind the gate. The one race that won’t, is the nine-horse Saturday night featured 10^th race, where the impressive Nik Drennan-trained Crunch Time A will seek to stay perfect in four North American starts.

TURN POCKET CHANGE INTO FOLDING GREEN: Last weekend (Dec. 9-10), there were some typical windfalls that blew away players betting just a dime or two.

On Friday, the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 returned $3,069 while the 20-cent Pick-6 came back $5,846.

Saturday’s stellar payouts included a pair of 10-cent Superfectas ($2,432 in the fourth race; $1,269 in the fifth) as well as the Pick-6 ($1,072).

FREE PROGRAMS: Free past performances for every race for every Meadowlands program are available 48 hours before a given card. To access the no-cost official program pages, go to playmeadowlands.com.

LOW TAKEOUTS, $200,000 GUARANTEED: The Meadowlands offers plenty of value to the bettor with six wagers that offer low 15 percent take outs, plus two that offer a guaranteed pool of $50,000 nightly. They are:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 14: 10-cent Hi-5

GET ON TWITTER: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on Twitter. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_).

INSIDEHARNESS.COM: Marty Marsh’s insideharness.com provides bettors with insights from trainers and drivers on many Meadowlands races every night.

All one needs to do is go to the website and sign up to access the inside dope.

THE SCHEDULE: Racing at The Meadowlands will be conducted on a Friday-Saturday basis through the end of the year, with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. There are two exceptions on the schedule, as there will be no live action on Dec. 23-24.

Every live racing night, the “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show begins at 5:45 p.m. This weekend, join Jessica Otten and guest co-host Gabe Prewitt, who will have news, notes and previews of the upcoming card.

Prewitt will give an extended analysis of the big Pick-5 on Friday night.

MADDEN AT THE MEADOWLANDS: On Saturday (Dec. 17), head to The Big M at 4 p.m. to see four top #Madden23 players play for cash and other prizes as you get set for NFL Week 15 with Madden Matchups.

Larry Ridley will be the play-by-play man, with former Cincinnati Bengal and Penn State Nittany Lion Brandon Bell giving the color commentary.

SCRATCH AND WIN: Grab your opportunity to win some big green in The Big M’s “Scratch & Win” promotion.

The Meadowlands and the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association are continuing their 2022 partnership encouraging fans to attend live racing for a chance to cash in during the four-week promotion.

Racetrack mailing list and Players Club members all received a postcard with four opportunities to win up to $20,000. December 17 and 31 are the last two redemption dates.

Fans that did not receive a Scratch & Win mailer can still pick one up at the Players Club desk on any Saturday.

“We knew this promotion would be a winning one,” said Settlemoir. “We can still drive people to the racetrack with worthwhile promotions and events that appeal to both the die-hard and casual racing fans.”

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Meadowlands is the place to be to ring in 2023. On Saturday, Dec. 31, it’s Fan Appreciation Night. Head over to the Café, Rooftop Terrace or Backyard for $1 concession items (hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, soda). The discount prices are available from 6-11 p.m. The Café will also offer Bud/Bud Light drafts for $2 each.

Buffet dining is available for $64.95 and includes a complimentary champagne toast. Call 201-THE-BIGM for reservations.

Ten minutes after the conclusion of the card, stay for a fabulous fireworks show.

FOOTBALL AND FŨTBOL AT FANDUEL: The FanDuel Sportsbook, located in the grandstand inside Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, is the No. 1 facility of its type in North America, and this weekend, there will be the usual flurry of activity inside “The Book”.

Come on out for football Sundays and enjoy the $12 wing bar. Fans can also play trivia as they watch – and wager – on NFL action with tellers or self-service betting terminals. The action can be viewed all day on massive TV screens.

Sunday Trivia runs through Dec. 25 with host Marc Malusis in the Lounge.

The NFL action begins Thursday (Dec. 15) when the San Francisco 49ers, a 3-point favorite, travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in an 8:15 p.m. kickoff. The under/over is 43½ points.

Saturday (Dec. 17) brings an NFL tripleheader.

At 1 p.m., the Minnesota Vikings, a 4½-point favorite, host the Indianapolis Colts in a game that has an over/under of 48½.

The 4:30 p.m. game has the Cleveland Browns, a 2½-point favorite, entertaining the Baltimore Ravens. The under/over is 37½.

The late game has a kickoff of 8:15 p.m., and pits bitter AFC East rivals, the visiting Miami Dolphins, who travel to Buffalo to take on the first-place Bills, who are favored by 7 points. The under/over is 43½.

Both New York teams play on Sunday (Dec. 18).

The red-hot Detroit Lions are a 1-point favorite traveling to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets at 1 p.m. The under/over is 44½.

Finally, the Giants travel to the nation’s capital to play the Washington Commanders, a 4½-point favorite, at 8:20 p.m. The under/over is 40½. The teams played to a 20-20 tie on Dec. 4.

WORLD CUP FINAL: The championship game of the 2022 World Cup takes place Sunday (Dec. 18).

The match will begin at 1 p.m., and according to the oddsmakers, it will be a tight one. As of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, both teams were -108 to drink from the Cup.

The place to watch and wager on both the NFL and the World Cup is inside the FanDuel Sportsbook.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go to https://www.fanduel.com/sportsbook-meadowlands

Sportsbook hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m.-midnight.

Cal Expo Open Trot brings out Pridecrest

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

Track record holder Pridecrest, fresh from a dominating victory over a sloppy track in the Joe Lighthill Memorial last weekend, heads the cast in Friday night’s featured $8,250 Open Trot.

There will be a 10-race card presented by Watch and Wager LLC with a first post of 6:45 p.m. and the program will also feature the $5,000 Funicello/Holt Prep for the pacing fillies and mares which has brought out a full and very contentious field of 10.

Pridecrest is a 10-year-old son of Angus Hall who races for Chris Schick, takes his lessons from Kathie Plested and will once again have the services of Mooney Svendsen.

He comes into this contest with 54 wins from his 221 starts, $490,000 in earnings and a 1:53 2/5 mark that stands as the course standard.

Sent off the slight 3-2 choice in the Lighthill, Pridecrest dropped into an early stalking position, came out to attack to the final bend and streaked home for Svendsen while posting a three and a quarter-length decision.

Rock Party was his most immediate victim in that affair and will look to reverse that finish for Chupp Racing Stable, trainer Bob Johnson and pilot Luke Plano. He was hard used when first-over last week and figures to be much tighter for Friday’s main event.

Completing the field are Silverhill Volo for Chip Lackey; Mandeville for Gerry Longo; the Nathalie Tremblay-trained Swan County and Pridecrest’s stablemate Daytona Dreamin.

 

A Major Omen pulls off a theft

A Major Omen literally stole last weekend’s Dave Goldschmidt Memorial Pace and his accomplice was his 77-year-old owner/driver/trainer Gerry Longo.

Able to get away with a clear lead in :31 2/5 and 1:02 1/5 over the track listed as good, Longo and A Major Omen came the back half in a tick under :57 to secure the score by a head over the pocket-sitting Albergo Hanover.

Longo, who went over the 3,000-win mark as a driver here back in January, is now sitting on 999 as a trainer and continues to show that age is just a number for the man with familiar green, black and gold colors.

Gerry was introduced to the game by Larry Gregory as a teenager which led him to the backstretch at Batavia Downs in New York after his graduation from high school.

“It was about two years later that I started driving,” Longo recalled. “My first winner was in 1966 at the Tiffen Fair in Ohio and one of my best years was in 1972 when I set a couple of world records and beat Joe O’Brien for the driving title at Hollywood Park.”

As for A Major Omen, his Goldschmidt score was his 31st from 111 lifetime trips to the post and pushed his bankroll over the $311,000 mark with a 1:49 2/5 mark that was established two years ago at the The Meadowlands.

 

NJ LEGISLATURE CONGRATULATES USHWA ON ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

New Jersey State Senator Richard J. Codey, who also was the state’s 53^rd Governor, has sponsored a special legislative commendation for the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) for reaching its 75^th anniversary in 2022.

“This outstanding group of communicators has performed a valuable service to the harness industry by promoting a centuries-old truly American sport,” said Codey, a long-standing supporter and sponsor of legislative initiatives helping horse racing.

“I have endeavored to help the horse racing industry continue to thrive in our state.  I am particularly proud that New Jersey is considered the number one harness racing state in the nation,” said Codey, who was honored by USHWA in 2005 with a special recognition award for his support of racing.

Noting that he had been a racing fan and went to see the races at Freehold Raceway and The Meadowlands, Codey added that he became interested in racing issues and responded to the need for legislation when he was elected to the State Assembly in 1973 and the Senate in 1981. He was the youngest person at age 26 when he was elected. As Senate President in 2004, Codey ascended to the State’s highest office when then Governor James McGreevey resigned before his term expired.

The Joint Legislative Resolution, which is stamped with the official gold seals of the Senate and General Assembly, recognizes the establishment of USHWA on May 8, 1947, and growth over the group’s “75 years of excellence”.

The document also cites USHWA’s accomplishments in selecting recipients of “the most prestigious awards in harness racing”, including inductees into the Living Hall of Fame, writing, photography and broadcasting inductees into the Harness Racing Communicators Hall of Fame, and Horses of the Year in all categories.

The Resolution also acknowledges that USHWA’s “meritorious endeavors in behalf of the honored pastime of harness racing represent the highest standards of sportsmanship.”

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS AS THE TITLE SPONSOR FOR THE 2023 DAN PATCH AWARDS BANQUET

 CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT RETURNS AS THE TITLE SPONSOR

FOR THE 2023 DAN PATCH AWARDS BANQUET

 

 

Caesars Entertainment will once again be the title sponsor for the 2023 Dan Patch Award Banquet, it is jointly announced by Caesars and the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA). This marks the second year in a row for Caesars as the title sponsor. Caesars operates three harness racing establishments in the United States: Hoosier Park in Anderson, Indiana; Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio; and Harrah’s Philadelphia.

 

“We are simply delighted to have Caesars back again this year,” said Barry Lefkowitz, President of the U.S. Harness Writers Association. “They operate terrific venues and realize the importance of the Dan Patch Awards to the harness racing industry.”

“Caesars is proud to be the title sponsor of the Dan Patch Awards for the second year in a row. We are committed to supporting harness racing and honoring the sport’s year-end champions,” said Joe Morris, Caesars Senior Vice President, Racing.

The 2023 Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, will honor the best of the best of harness racing, both human and equine, culminating with the announcement of the E. Roland Harriman Harness Horse of the Year and will take place on Sunday, February 19 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Room reservations for the star-studded weekend can be made at the U. S. Harness Writers website, or through this link: Hotel Reservations.     

Sponsorship opportunities for the event can be procured from Sponsorship chairman Shawn Wiles at Shawn Wiles <swiles@rwcatskills.com>. Information regarding tickets to the event and advertisements in the souvenir journal will be available shortly.

The United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA) is the leading group of communicators about the Standardbred horse. USHWA conducts the official annual balloting for the sport's most prestigious honors: induction to the Hall of Fame and Communicators Hall of Fame, along with the selection of the Horse of the Year, Trotter and Pacer of the Year, and the leading divisional horses of each season. Each year USHWA hosts the Dan Patch Awards Banquet, honoring the best and brightest performers in North American harness racing. This banquet is the Association’s principal source of funding, and with generous financial support from the harness racing and breeding industry, USHWA is able to host the banquet at a world-class facility in a world-class manner.                                                                   

$100,000 GUARANTEED PICK-6 AWAITS BIG M BETTORS FRIDAY

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The final huge weekend of racing during 2022 at The Meadowlands will kick off the day after Thanksgiving, Friday (Nov. 25), as 20-cent Pick-6 players will pump plenty of green into the pot that features a double carryover with a total pool guarantee of $100,000, which is offered in conjunction with the United States Trotting Association.

As if that weren’t enough, Saturday’s (Nov. 26) extraordinary racing program will showcase many of the sport’s biggest stars on “Fall Final Four/TVG Championships Night.”

The Pick-6 failed to yield a winning ticket on both Friday (Nov. 18) and Saturday (Nov. 19) last week, resulting in a carryover of $32,429, motivating Big M management to guarantee the six-figure Pick-6 pool. The wager will be offered beginning on race eight and free past performances for all Meadowlands’ races are always available by going to playmeadowlands.com.

“Last weekend, our Pick-4 carryover resulted in a total pool of over $300,000,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “So, we know how popular our multi-leg wagers – which have a low 15 percent takeout to begin with – can be when they have carryovers. All of us at The Meadowlands are looking forward to a big weekend, and what better way to get it going than with a big Pick-6 pool.”

When Friday’s 14-race card concludes, it will then be time for the main event.

Saturday’s program will also have 14 races, and the Fall Final Four/TVG Championships Night eight-pack – with purses totaling $2.7 million – will be contested one race after the other:

·         Race 4 – $475,400 Goldsmith Maid (2-year-old filly trot): Bond, the Kindergarten and Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion, will try to extend her winning streak to six for trainer-driver Ake Svanstedt.

·         Race 5 – $416,200 Valley Victory (2-year-old colt and gelding trot): A fabulous threesome will go at it, as Garden State winner Celebrity Bambino, Peter Haughton Memorial champ Kilmister and Kindergarten valedictorian Volume Eight will try for a victory that could provide a divisional trophy.

·         Race 6 – $140,000 TVG Mares Trot: Division leader Bella Bellini will faceoff with Atlanta, the 37-time winner who has earnings of over $3.5 million. At race’s end, Atlanta, the co-fastest female trotter in history with a clocking of 1:49, will be retired in a winner’s circle ceremony.

·         Race 7 – $428,400 Three Diamonds (2-year-old filly pace): Kindergarten winner Bellisima Hanover will try to up her winning streak to three in an evenly-matched event.

·         Race 8 – $330,000 TVG Open Trot: Cutler Memorial and Breeders Crown winner Ecurie D DK will try to claim divisional honors by taking down the red-hot It’s Academic, who has won the Meadowlands’ overnight feature the last two weeks in a row.

·         Race 9 – $158,000 TVG Mares Pace: Defending Horse of the Year, the 4-year-old Test Of Faith, takes on a pair of top notch 3-year-olds, Treacherous Dragon and Niki Hill.

·         Race 10 – $345,000 TVG Open Pace: Bulldog Hanover, likely to be the unanimous winner of the Horse of the Year trophy, will look to go out a winner at the track where he established the mark for the fastest mile in the history of the sport of 1:45.4. After the race, ‘Bulldog’ will be retired in a ceremony in The Big M winner’s circle.

·         Race 11 – $430,000 Governor’s Cup (2-year-old colt and gelding pace): Stormalong and Combustion were the winners of last week’s eliminations. They take on Breeders Crown champ Ammo in a wide-open race.

VIDEOS AND SWAG: There will be commemorative videos played during both Atlanta’s and Bulldog Hanover’s retirement ceremonies, and for those who come to the track early, they can grab a souvenir mug for both horses who will be heading for the breeding shed. Supplies are limited.

YOU WANNA BET FIVE GRAND? There will be a huge promotion offered on Saturday’s eight stakes events. For each race, there will be one winner of a free $5,000 win wager. You must be 18 or older to enter, and there is only one entry per person. You must enter online! Go to https://www.cognitoforms.com/MeadowlandsRacetrack1/TVGFallFinalFourNight2022

THE SCHEDULE: Racing at The Big M will be conducted on a Friday-Saturday basis through the end of the year, with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. There are several exceptions on the schedule, as there will be no live racing on Dec. 23-24, and there is one Thursday night card on the sked, which will take place Dec. 1.

Every live racing night, the “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show begins at 5:45 p.m. with news, notes and previews of the upcoming card.

WHERE TO BET: It’s always best to experience Meadowlands races live at the track, but if you can’t make it out to the mile oval, you’d be hard-pressed to find a simulcast parlor in a racetrack or an off-track wagering facility that did not offer the No. 1 harness product in the world.

Another way to watch and wager on the action is through tvg.com (the Television Games Network), where one can place a wager on Big M action and watch the races in the same place.

FREE PROGRAMS: Free past performances for every race for every Meadowlands program are available 48 hours before a given card. To access the no-cost official program pages, go to playmeadowlands.com.

GET ON TWITTER: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on Twitter. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

On race nights, stay in touch with Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_).

UPPING THE ANTE: The Meadowlands offers plenty of value to the bettor with six wagers nightly that offer low 15 percent take outs, plus two that offer a guaranteed pool of $50,000. As a bonus for Saturday night’s high-octane program, both Pick-4s will have an increased pool guarantee of $75,000, which means that this weekend, Big M players will be swimming in multi-leg pools that will offer $350,000 in guaranteed green when you add in Friday’s Pick-6 promise:

Friday’s menu:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6 ($100,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 14: 10-cent Hi-5

Saturday’s menu:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 4: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4 ($75,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 8: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4 ($75,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 14: 10-cent Hi-5

6 WINES, 6 COURSES: On Saturday, Dec. 3, come to The Meadowlands and enjoy a six-course wine-tasting dinner for just $79.95.

Call 201-THE-BIGM for reservations.

For complete details, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/french-wine-dinner/

USA, USA, USA! The U.S. soccer team will play its second World Cup match on Friday (Nov. 25) at 2 p.m. when they take on England, who is a -175 favorite to win. The U.S. is +500 and the odds on a tie are +300.

Watch and wager on the action in the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands.

The tournament runs through Dec. 18 when the championship match takes place.

There will be special hours when the book will be available for fans to get their action. From Nov. 24-26, 7:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Nov. 27, 7:30 a.m.-midnight; Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Nov. 29-Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m.-1 a.m.; Dec. 5, 6 and 9, 9:30 a.m.-1 a.m.

FOOTBALL, NOT FÚTBOL: Fans of American football will have plenty of opportunity to get their action in “The Book”.

On Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 24), there are three games that bettors can play, and based on when their turkey is served, they can make their bets before or after dinner.

The 12:30 p.m. game has the Buffalo Bills (-9½) traveling to Detroit to take on the Lions. The under/over is 54½.

At 4:30 p.m., the New York Giants travel to Dallas to play the Cowboys (-9½) in a game where the under/over is 45½.

The New England Patriots travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings (-2½) in a night game that will begin at 8:20 p.m. The under/over is 42½.

On Sunday (Nov. 27), the New York Jets (-4½) host the Chicago Bears in a game that has an under/over of 40½.

WHAT A RIVALRY: On Saturday, one of college football’s best rivalries takes center stage with a noon kickoff as the third-ranked Michigan Wolverines travel to Columbus, OH to take on No. 2 Ohio State. The Buckeyes are a 7½-point favorite and the under/over is 56½. The winner of the game will stamp their ticket to the College Football Playoff.

Retirement Ceremonies for Atlanta and Bulldog Hanover at the Meadowlands Racetrack

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - Harness racing’s biggest stars will battle it out on the track on Saturday, November 26 in the TVG & Fall Final Four Finals at the Meadowlands Racetrack.  This year will be extra special with two of the sport’s biggest names – Atlanta and Bulldog Hanover retiring following their starts in their TVG Finals.

The great Atlanta’s retirement ceremony will be held following the final start of her career – the TVG Mares Trot Championship on Saturday. 

The 2018 Dan Patch Award winning Trotter of the Year, has amassed over $3.5 million in earnings and is history’s co-fastest female trotter with a time of 1:49.

A commemorative video will be shown during the ceremony and the first 250 fans will receive a ceramic mug commemorating Atlanta’s 2018 Hambletonian victory.

“Atlanta is one of the greatest race mares of all time,” stated Jason Settlemoir, COO and GM of the Meadowlands Racetrack.  “She had so many major victories here – the 2018 Hambletonian, 2019 Graduate, 2020 Cutler 2021 Steele Memorial just to name a few.  She created so many great racing memories here and we are honored that the Meadowlands is the track where she makes the final start of her career.”

World record holder Bulldog Hanover will also retire following his TVG Championship on November 26.  This outstanding four-year-old pacer $500,000 William R. Haughton Memorial in a world-record time of 1:45.4 on July 16 at the Meadowlands. He rolled off 13 victories this season capturing the Breeders Crown title along with the Dayton Derby, Hoosier Park Pacing Derby, Canadian Pacing Derby, the Dan Patch, William R Haughton, Graduate and the Roll With Joe Finals.

A commemorative video will play during Bulldog Hanover’s retirement ceremony and the first 250 fans will receive a ceramic mug commemorating Bulldog as the fastest harness horse in history.

“Bulldog Hanover gave us a 1:45.4 world record performance on July 16^th,” said Settlemoir. “It’s only fitting he retires on the track where he gave us that spectacular performance.

TVG night details can be found at PlayMeadowlands.com

 

BROWER’S LIFE CELEBRATED AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Family and friends of the late Dave Brower were on hand at The Meadowlands Saturday night to give the longtime lead TV personality, morning-line odds maker and program analyst a final sendoff with a huge throng that gathered in the winner’s circle before the racing program began.

“We continue to mourn the loss of Dave Brower,” said Meadowlands’ Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But the outpouring of love that came Dave’s way showed what a popular figure he was and went a long way toward easing our sorrow, if only for one night. He meant an awful lot to us at The Meadowlands, and to the entire harness racing industry as well.”

“I’d like to thank Jeff Gural, Jason Settlemoir and everybody at The Meadowlands for what they did for Dave tonight,” said Brower’s sister, Laura. “As a family, we are close, but tonight made me realize that Dave had a family at The Meadowlands as well.”

Bob “Hollywood” Heyden, Gabe Prewitt, Settlemoir, Les Stark, Nick Salvi, Brower's cousin Gary Nikorak and Brower’s seventh-grade teacher Jim Shoop were the speakers who shared stories about Brower during the evening.

“I have lost my TV partner, but much more importantly, I have lost a great friend,” said Brower’s Big M broadcast partner for the last five years, Dave Little. “And given how good Brower was at what he did, it’s unlikely we’ll ever see anyone like him again. Rest in peace, my friend.”

BROWER TO BE REMEMBERED, KINDERGARTEN FINALS HIGHLIGHT BIG M WEEKEND

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Everyone throughout harness racing has been mourning the loss of longtime Meadowlands lead TV personality, morning-line odds maker and program analyst Dave Brower, who passed away on Oct. 7 at the age of 53.

On Saturday (Nov. 12), those who knew Brower well, or were just among the many who thought highly of his talent, can come out and say goodbye at Brower’s “Celebration of Life”, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Big M winner’s circle. For those who cannot attend, they can watch live on rtn.tv (Racetrack Television Network).

“We continue to mourn the loss of Dave Brower,” said Meadowlands’ Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But on Saturday night, we can put our sadness aside, for at least a little while, and pay tribute to Dave with his family and friends coming to the track and swapping happy memories and stories about someone who not only meant an awful lot to us at The Meadowlands, but to the entire industry as well.”

Social media has blown up for five weeks with tributes to Brower. Three TV personalities who worked a lot with Brower had heartfelt sentiments about their fallen friend.

Dave Little, co-host on “Racing from The Meadowlands”: “As good as Brower was, he always made it his business to tell everybody else how good they were. That was the essence of Dave Brower. Whatever the pursuit, he was the best guy in the room, but he was always busy telling everyone else how good they were.”

Gabe Prewitt, co-host on the Red Mile simulcast: “We are devastated by the passing of our co-worker and dear friend Dave Brower. The worst day imaginable. He will be greatly missed and forever in our thoughts.”

Gary Seibel, co-host on many national Hambletonian broadcasts: “I know I join thousands in and out of the horse racing world who are in complete shock and totally devastated by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Dave Brower. You will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace.”

KINDERGARTEN FINALS: Two-year-olds will be in the spotlight on Saturday’s card, with four Kindergarten Series finals. Those dashes – with purses totaling just over $1 million – are:

·         $279,290 Filly Trot: Mambacita will try to avenge her defeat at the hands of Bond in last week’s final preliminary.

·         $268,180 Colt and Gelding Trot: Volume Eight looks to up his win streak to four for trainer Noel Daley. Last week, the son of Chapter Seven broke early, gave up a ton of ground heading to the quarter before rebounding with a remarkable score.

·         $233,970 Colt and Gelding Pace: Loubet impressed in last week’s fourth leg, scoring for fun in just his third lifetime outing.

·         $238,810 Filly Pace: Bellisima Hanover is the one to beat while Cultured looks for a minor upset off a fourth-leg win.

DON’T MISS THIS: After Hambletonian Day and Meadowlands Pace Night, the next biggest race card of the year at The Meadowlands is Fall Final Four/TVG Finals Night, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 26.

That evening, eight events make up the last major night of the harness racing year. Two-year-olds will be in the spotlight in four $400,000 (est.) dashes: the Governor’s Cup (male pace), Three Diamonds (filly pace), Valley Victory (male trot) and Goldsmith Maid (filly trot).

In addition, there will be four TVG Finals: the $350,000 (est.) 3&up Pace, $350,000 (est.) 3&up Trot, $175,000 (est.) 3&up F&M Pace and $175,000 (est.) 3&up F&M Trot. Estimated purses for the stakes events total $2.65 million.

Divisional honors will be up for grabs as the stakes eight-pack will go a long way helping voters determine who will walk away with those trophies.

Bulldog Hanover, as he has in virtually all his starts this year, will be the main attraction. The aged pacing superstar, who has already clinched Horse of the Year honors, will compete for the final time in his career in the TVG Open Pace.

Another horse that history will look upon in a bright light, the great Atlanta, will also be making her final lifetime appearance. The career earner of more than $3 million will look for one more big score in one of the TVG trotting events.

WHAT’S AHEAD? On Saturday (Nov. 12), come to the track for the races and some great music when you experience the ultimate Elton and Elvis Tribute Show. Ralph Carey performs the songs of Elvis Presley while Russ Davis does Elton John.

Each performer will do one set solo, and the duo will come back and play a set together. All the music will be backed by a live band.

For tickets, go to https://meadowlandsracetrack.ticketleap.com/elvis-and-elton-tribute-show/

If you opt for dinner and the show, the buffet starts at 5:30 p.m. and the music begins at 8 p.m. The music ends at approximately 10 p.m. Dinner and show take place in Trackside, which is on the ground floor of the track.

AND THE WEEK AFTER? On Saturday, Nov. 19, get a head start on your holiday shopping by entering The Big M’s Black Friday Gift Card Sweepstakes. Winning gift cards will be valued at $50, $100, $250 and $500.

BRING JOY, BRING A TOY: Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the track to give a child in need some happiness this holiday season, and if you do, you’ll get a $5 betting voucher.

The Big M’s “Toys for Tots” drive begins Nov. 22 and runs through Dec. 9. On the 9^th, former New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will be on hand from 7-9 p.m. helping the U.S. Marine Corps collect gifts before he personally delivers them to Harlem Grown – an organization whose mission it is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives. Justin Waters from PIX-11 will serve as master of ceremonies.

CHECK OUT THE SHOW: On Friday night, don’t forget to check out the live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show. It begins at 5:45 p.m.

The on-set team of Dave Little and Jessica Otten will give updates on what’s happening in the sport and talk at length about that evening’s featured races.

Things will be different than usual on Saturday, as the Dave Brower “Celebration of Life” – which will begin at 5:30 p.m. – will take place instead of the usual pregame show.

FREE PROGRAMS: Free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands program are available 48 hours before a given card. To access the no-cost official program pages, go to playmeadowlands.com.

LOW TAKEOUT, BIG POOLS: The Meadowlands offers plenty of value to the bettor with six wagers nightly that offer low 15 percent take outs, plus two that offer a guaranteed pool of $50,000. They are:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

·         Race 6: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

·         Race 10: 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)

·         Race 14: 10-cent Hi-5

GET YOUR FOOTBALL ACTION: Thursday (Nov. 10) Night Football will take center stage in the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 facility of its type in the country, inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands.

The visiting Atlanta Falcons are a 2½-point favorite over the Carolina Panthers. The game has an under/over of 41½ and will kickoff at 8:15 p.m.

On Sunday (Nov. 13), the New York Giants host the Houston Texans in a 1 p.m. start. The Giants are a 5½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 40½.

The New York Jets, off a win over the Buffalo Bills, have their bye week.

Hours for the book are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight.