Meadowlands Media Relations
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The weather was
lousy during January in the northeast, so much so in fact, that last week both
the Friday (Jan. 28) and Saturday (Jan. 29) programs at The Meadowlands were
canceled due to a severe winter storm that hit the region.
But even though he’s not that into
winter, driver Yannick Gingras made the most of the first month of the year,
winning 24 races over the six race cards that did take place, winning at least
three times on every program.
“It’s been horsepower,” said Gingras
of his wicked winter. “Ronnie [Burke] is racing a little more this [winter]
than last year and the horses are in the right spot. I don’t feel any sharper,
honestly. I don’t get too up or down. I feel good right now. It’s just the way
the cards are rolling.”
Despite being born and raised in
Quebec, Gingras would like to see spring come sooner rather than later.
“I don’t like the winter,” said the
Hall of Fame-bound pilot. “I’m not a huge fan of the cold. But at The
Meadowlands, they treat us right. We’re not out there too long. Things are
good.”
The stats back that up.
Gingras won at a 31 percent clip
during January from 78 starts, good for a UDRS (Universal Driver Rating System)
of .430. His ROI (Return on Investment) was plus-17 percent.
Other drivers who did good things
during the first half-dozen cards of the year include Joe Bongiorno (13-for-57,
win percentage of 23, UDRS of .368, ROI plus-58 percent), Corey Callahan (who
won nine-of-76 starts) and Andy Miller (seven-for-38, ROI plus-118 percent).
Not surprisingly, Ron Burke led the
way in the trainer colony with 11 wins. Jeff Cullipher was next with eight,
with Mark Ford third with six. Ford fans filled their pockets during the month,
as the veteran conditioner had an ROI of plus-178 percent.
PICK-6 CARRYOVER: Twenty-cent Pick-6 players have had
to wait an extra week to go for what figures to be a huge pot, as after two
consecutive race cards (Jan. 21-22) saw no Pick-6 winning tickets sold, there
is a carryover of $14,033 heading into Friday night.
The Pick-6 takes place on races eight
through 13 and free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card
are available by going to playmeadowlands.com.
Pick-6 carryovers can create pools
where the bettor gets incredible value. Take what would transpire this Friday,
for instance. If $80,000 in “new money” is poured into the pool, there will be
a “negative takeout”, meaning bettors with all six winners on their tickets
will get back more than what’s wagered that night.
That $80,000 is subject to the low 15
percent takeout, which means $12,000 goes back to the operator, leaving
$68,000. The carryover is not subject to the “rake”, so the total pool would be
$82,033, which creates a “negative takeout”, where the return to players is
more than what is bet live. In addition, the 20-cent minimum bet allows players
to “spread” their tickets with multiple combinations, increasing their chances
of hitting big.
LIVE RACING SCHEDULE: Racing at The Big M is conducted on a
Friday-Saturday basis and has a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m.
The track’s live “Racing from The
Meadowlands” pre-game show kicks off nightly at 5:47 p.m.
WEATHER ALERT: With the possibility of bad weather
hitting the area for a second consecutive week, especially Friday, when slick
road conditions are expected, those who want to make sure that there is live
racing or simulcasting at The Meadowlands should check out the track’s website
(playmeadowlands.com) or call
201-THE-BIGM before heading to the races.
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 Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little
(@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover), Shades (@ShadesOnRacing) and
Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_).
A $100,000 PROMISE: Twice a night, The Meadowlands offers
bettors a pair of guaranteed $50,000 pools, and both are available on the
track’s most popular multi-leg wager, the 50-cent Pick-4, which is offered on
races six through nine and 10 through 13 nightly.
WHO DOES BROWER LIKE? For expert selections and analysis of
every Big M card, check out track oddsmaker Dave Brower’s race reviews.
For Brower’s input, which is
generally available 48 hours before every card, go to playmeadowlands.com, then click on the
“handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews”.
WARM UP WHEN IT’S CHILI: One of the more popular promotions at
the track is the “Chili Cook-Off”, which was postponed on Jan. 29 and will now
take place Saturday (Feb. 5). Patrons can walk around and taste samples, or, if
you have a chili recipe, come on out and participate. You might walk away with
the $1,000 grand prize.
For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-meadowlands-winter-chili-cook-off/
BRING YOUR SWEETHEART: There'll be plenty of action and
great food at The Meadowlands next week over Valentine’s Day Weekend (Feb.
11-12).
While taking in the best harness
action anywhere with a pair of race cards that will begin at 6:20 p.m., couples
can feast in The Big M’s Pink Restaurant. Friday night’s buffet is priced at
$49.95 per person, while Saturday’s – which features prime rib – is $69.95.
Both nights, diners will enjoy a
complimentary glass of champagne and all the ladies will get a red rose.
For a look at the complete menus,
click https://playmeadowlands.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-V-Day-Weekend-Buffets.pdf
For reservations, call 201-THE-BIGM.
THE BIG GAME: Next week also features a football
game – THE FOOTBALL GAME – as on Sunday, Feb. 13, the Los Angeles Rams take on
the Cincinnati Bengals in professional football’s championship event. Kickoff
is 6:30 p.m.
The Rams are a 4-point favorite who
are -198 on the money line. The under/over is 48½.
Watch and wager on the game inside
one of the leading sportsbooks in the country, the FanDuel Sportsbook, located
in the grandstand at The Meadowlands.
Hours for the book are Monday through
Thursday from 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.-12 a.m.
