Meadowlands
Media Relations
EAST
RUTHERFORD, N.J. – This Friday and Saturday signals the start of a five-weekend
stretch at the Meadowlands during which many of the stars of the sport will be competing
at the mile oval as the Meadowlands Pace kicks things off before the
stakes-frenzy concludes on Hambletonian Day.
After a
14-race Friday card (post time, 7:15 p.m.) that features many 2-year-olds, the
Saturday program (post time, 6:35 p.m.) has a pair of eliminations – for the
first time since 2015 – for the $701,830 Meadowlands Pace for 3-year-olds in
the spotlight.
In the
first elim (Race 6), the field includes Nutcracker Sweet, who missed by
just a head when second in the Hempt; Stay Hungry, fourth in both the
North America Cup and Hempt; and Thinkbig Dreambig, who was interfered
with in his first career start earlier this season before reeling off four
straight victories.
The
second elim (Race 8) looks a bit stronger than the first, and features American
History, who paced the fastest mile of the year in the sport last week when
he won in 1:47 at the Big M. In addition, two talented colts have supplemented
to the Pace for $61,690, and each has a big shot at winning the whole thing.
First up
is Courtly Choice, who is off a blowout 12½-length win in the Hempt
Consolation in 1:48.4. Next is Jimmy Freight, who lost his seasonal
debut by a nose. His only other loss this year in seven starts came at the
hands of older standouts Sintra and McWicked in a 1:48 mile.
A pair
of Graduate Finals for 4-year-olds are also on the Saturday card, and each
carries a purse of $250,000.
In the
fifth race for trotters, Ariana G will look to get back on track after
losing two in a row for the first time in her career. She’ll face Dunbar
Hall and Moonshiner Hanover, each of whom was victorious in their
respective most recent Graduate preliminaries.
Miso
Fast won preliminary legs at Woodbine Mohawk Park and Tioga Downs
last month and will be one of the favorites in the 10th race for
pacers. Early-season sensation Filibuster Hanover won a Graduate prelim
at Tioga three starts back before a second and a fifth, respectively, in the
Ben Franklin, which were his first two losses of the season.
SUPER
HIGH CARRYOVER: On Friday night, bettors will have a good reason
to wait around for the 14th and final race. The carryover for the
Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five stands at $272,052.
Speaking
of the JSH5, in the event the jackpot is not hit this weekend, there will be a
mandatory payout of the carryover and any new money wagered on Friday, July 13.
WIENER TAKE ALL: Saturday is Fan
Appreciation Night as the Big M hosts its 1st annual Wiener Dog
Races. For those who own a dachshund and want to enter, go to http://playmeadowlands.com/uploadedFiles/wiener_racing_sign-up_sheet.pdf.
At the conclusion of
the races, stay for a fantastic fireworks display. They’ll be beer and food
specials all night long.
Remember, there is a
special early post time of 6:35 p.m. this Saturday.
STILL TO COME…..
JULY 14: History will be made
both on and off the track, as the Meadowlands’ signature event, the $701,830
Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace for 3-year-olds, takes center stage, while a
new era will be ushered in for Meadowlands’ fans as Las Vegas-style sports
betting will be offered for the first time.
Patrons will not only
be able to wager on live Meadowlands and simulcast horse and harness races but
also on Major League Baseball games and future bets on National Football League
games and prop bets, as well as many other professional sports events.
The live racing program,
which gets underway at 6:35 p.m., will offer other major stakes as well:
The $400,000E
Hambletonian Maturity for 4-year-old open trotters, $187,000E Mistletoe Shalee
for 3-year-old fillies on the pace, $190,000E Golden Girls for filly and mare
pacers 3-years-old-and-up, $250,000E Del Miller Memorial for 3-year-old fillies
on the trot (divisions), $350,000E Stanley Dancer Memorial for 3-year-old open
trotters (divisions) and $467,000E William Haughton Memorial for open pacers
3-years-old-and-up.
(E-estimated purse. Exact purse becomes
available when field size is determined at the entry box.)
AUGUST 4: Harness racing’s
signature event, the $1 million Hambletonian, brings the best 3-year-old
trotters to not only the Big M, but to a national television audience (on the
CBS Sports Network). Post time is noon for harness racing’s biggest day.
