BETTING BUSTS THE $3-MILLION BARRIER AGAIN AT BIG M

 BETTING BUSTS THE $3-MILLION BARRIER AGAIN AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Wagering was vigorous at The Meadowlands Saturday night, with all-source action clearing the $3-million hurdle for the fourth time in 2022 as $3,173,852 was put in play on the 13-race card.

Single-race betting exceeded $300,000 twice during the program, as $300,459 was wagered on race seven while $313,444 was the total pool on the 10^th. The track’s most-popular multi-leg bet – the $50,000 guaranteed 50-cent Pick-4 – was a hit with players, as $91,429 was put in play in the sixth race before $93,952 was poured into the pot in the 10^th.

The best night of wagering this year came on March 5, when a total of $3.75 million worth of action was taken.

GETTING IT DUNN: Dexter Dunn followed up his three-winner Friday with four more victories on the Saturday card, assuring the 32-year-old pilot of being named The Big M Driver of the Week for a second consecutive time.

Dunn reeled off four winners in a row starting in the third race when Stienams Beach scored and paid $10.60. I’ll Drink To That followed and returned $4.00 before I’m A Big Deal ($8.40) and Kenziesky Hanover ($6.20) capped the three-time defending United States Harness Writers Association Driver of the Year’s night.

The New Zealand native is continuing his climb in the driver standings. He currently sits fourth with 21 winners. Yannick Gingras (56), Joe Bongiorno (34) and Corey Callahan (22) are the top three.

THE STREAK LIVES: Gingras took the second race with Flyhawk El Fuerte ($13.00), extending the 42-year-old Hall of Fame-bound pilot’s streak of winning at least once on all 21 race cards conducted at The Big M in 2022.

A LITTLE MORE: Jeff Cullipher, Williams Hernandez and Chris Ryder all trained a pair to victory lane. … Todd McCarthy had a driving triple. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m.

Lougazi Adds To Highlight Reel With Buffalo Win

 by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It was the first start of the season for Lougazi and it didn't take long for the talented 8-year-old trotter to put another race onto his amazing highlight reel. And this one may have topped them all.

 

Spotting the field more than 10 lengths after a break at the starting gate, Lougazi ($2.90) put in another patented comeback rally and took the $15,000 Open Trot at Buffalo Raceway on Saturday night (March 26). He beat Schnickel Fritz by three quarter lengths while Sanchez Rocks finished in third. 

 

David McNeight III, who had four winners on the evening, steered Lougazi to victory in 2:01.1 and he also drove Reggiano to a 1-1/2 length score in the sub-featured $14,2000 Open I-II Handicapped Pace in 1:57.1.

 

But the buzz of the night belonged to Lougazi.

 

Jumping it off just before the gate opened up, Lougazi seemed destined to have a dismal seasonal debut. But McNeight III got Lougazi back on task and the veteran trotter put his head down and went to work.

 

With Photo Bomber leading the way through a half mile of 1:00.4, Lougazi caught the pack and then was three-wide and winging it at the three quarter marker. Going four-wide down the stretch, Lougazi ended up a comfortable three quarters lengths and completed the amazing comeback.

 

Owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift, it was the 43rd career victory for Lougazi (Lou's Legacy-Winning Blade), now a winner of $322,231 lifetime.

 

Reggiano used a first over trip and won the featured pace to the wire by holding off Out On Bail (Kevin Cummings) and Stratosphere (Drew Monti).

 

Mississippi Rabbit was in control of the tempo by setting fractions of :28.2, 58.0 and 1:27.3 over the good track. But those splits proved to be a little too ambitious as the closers began to engulf Mississippi Rabbit.

 

Reggiano, who was first over, won the race to the wire, pulling away down the stretch to notch the decision.

 

Owned and trained by Marc Shuttleworth, it was the second win in six tries this year for the 10-year-old Reggiano. The victory upped his seasonal bankroll to $20,227 and $473,045 lifetime.

 

Shawn McDonough had a good night as he made three trips to the winner's circle and conditioned a pair of winners.

 

Racing will continue on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with a 10-race program set. With the Pick 5 not being hit for the second card in a row, there will be a guaranteed pool of $15,000 on Wednesday.

 

For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

Meadowlands to Open Early Dubai World Cup

Media Relations Department

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - The Meadowlands Racetrack and Winners Off-Track Wagering in Bayonne will open at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, March 26th for the simulcast of the 26^th edition of the Dubai World Cup. 

The Meadowlands and Winners will take races three through nine from Meydan Racecourse.  Race three, the Dubai Gold Cup, has a post time of 8:55 am.  Post time for the Dubai World Cup is 12:30 pm. 

U.S. runners Life Is Good, Midnight Bourbon, Country Grammer and Hot Rod Charlie headline the entries in the $12 million Dubai World Cup.

For the complete simulcast lineup visit PlayMeadowlands.com

 

Give Me This Dance in Cal Expo headliner

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

 

Give Me This Dance, an impressive winner of both starts at this meet since arriving from Minnesota, heads the cast for Friday night’s featured $15,000 California Sire Stakes for  3-year-old pacing fillies.

 

Watch and Wager LLC will present 10 races and first post is set for 6:45 p.m. The co-features are on Open Pace featuring Dancin Lance and a Distaff Open Pace headed by Rockin With Lou.

 

Give Me This Dance is a homebred daughter of Wind Me Up who carries the banner of Alan and Cheryl Sandbulte and is reined and trained by Nick Roland. Sent off the solid favorite in both her appearances this season, she has not disappointed her many backers with solid victories, lowering her lifetime mark to 1:56 2/5 with last week’s score.

 

Wind Meup To Life was an impressive victress in the most stakes clash of the season for the division, while Cenatla Flash captured the initial big-money gathering for the division. 

 

Wind Meup To Life is a daughter of Wind Me Up who goes about her business for Edwartd Gutin, is conditioned by Richard Bertrand and will once again have Cordarius Stewart at the controls.

 

She made her debut two weeks ago in Sire Stakes competition and raced to  3-5 favoritism that night as she tracked, attacked turning for home and went on to a five and a quarter-length romp with Stewart. She was a strong runner-up to Give Me This Dance in a conditioned event last week.

 

Cenalta Flash races for Gordon, Helen and Myrna Empey with Gordon the conditioner and Mooney Svendsen at the controls. She was a facile winner of the initial stakes dance of the season on February 20. Completing the field are Toot and Anotherblazinwoman.

 

Chase The Gold continues to sizzle

 

As if rattling off nine straight victories isn’t good enough, Chase The Gold went out and paced the fastest mile of the meeting last Sunday night while earning his third Sire Stakes trophy in a sparkling 1:51 performance.

 

The Qks Racing-owned, Quentin Schneider-trained 4-year-old took complete control of things at the half for James Kennedy and then smoked home for the four and three-quarter length victory.

 

On the same program, Kennedy was also at the controls behind River Lassena for her impressive victory in the Alan Kirschenbaum Pace. The daughter of Riverboat King goes about his business for owner Mark Anderson and trainer Gordie Graham.

 

Meanwhile, Tink And Tiger continues to make the most of his final year of racing, as the 14-year-old pacer has posed for pictures after six of his 10 appearances this year and three of his last four.

 

A son of Art Major out of the Western Hanover mare For My Mom, Tink And Tiger is owned and trained by Rick Bertrand and has found an excellent partner in Nick Roland.

 

While he may be racing at the lower level these nights, he’s been getting the job done like an Invite pacer, including last week’s mile when he was parked the journey and still waltzed home with three and a quarter-lengths to spare in a 1:55 2/5 mile.

 

For the record, it was win No. 45 from 344 lifetime outings for Tink And Tiger, who turned in a 1:49 4/5 lifetime-best tour nine years ago at Balmoral Park, and last week’s tally pushed his bank account to just shy of $340,000.

 

 

GSY CLUB RACING A BIG PLAYER AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – There are many answers to the question that’s asked several times every Friday night at The Meadowlands:

GSY?

The Gural Settlemoir Yarock Amateur Driving Club has been a Friday night staple of late at The Big M. Having the GSY races on the card – there are three this week and have been three for the last several weeks – provides a different look for racing fans. The GSY participants bring an energy that is not seen on a day-in, day-out basis by the “regular” driving colony.

“All of the GSY contestants think every Friday at The Meadowlands is their Grand Circuit,” said Meadowlands’ Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The GSY races have been averaging better than $231,000 [in handle] per race thus far in March. The racing is hotly contested – usually with a 10-horse field – and the results are anything but chalky.

“When you see the connections celebrating in the winner’s circle like they had just won a Grand Circuit event, you understand how much everyone wants to win these races. Full fields and great payouts are a big reason why the GSY events are so well-supported by the wagering public.”

So why is interest in the GSY so high?

The answer is the same as other questions when it comes to racing at The Meadowlands: Big pools and big fields.

It may come as a surprise to some racing fans when they find out how well GSY races are received, with handle that exceeds many races at any harness venue anywhere.

Bettors want big pools and big fields, and the GSY delivers. On Friday, March 4, the three GSY races – all of which saw 10 behind the starting gate – took in a total of 651,641, an average per race of just over $217,000. Despite two winning favorites, those cashing in had big smiles on their faces when they collected $406.40, $137.40 and $724.20 for winning Trifecta tickets.

One week later, on March 11, it was more of the same, as three 10-horse fields saw $737,604 put in play, good for an average of more than $245,000 per dash. The winning Trifectas – which saw just one lukewarm winning chalk – came back $1,084.40, $5,921.20 and $432.40.

For some perspective, when the average per race is $245,000 for a 13-race card, total handle is $3.1 million.

For the six March GSY races, the average Exacta payout is $151.40, while the Trifecta is at $829.20.

Does the GSY give back to the harness racing community?

“Our charitable pursuit started out as a scholarship fund for people in the harness industry,” said GSY President David Yarock. “But over the last two years – because of COVID-19 – I’ve turned the charity over to equine outreach. We have a farm in the Catskill Mountains near Monticello Raceway where we have horses that we’ve rescued. People who could benefit from being around these horses, such as veterans with PTSD, can benefit from that type of interaction, and we are happy to provide a place for both the horses and the people who would like to be with them.”

For anybody interested, they can get more information by going to equineoutreachfund.org.

Immediately after the GSY races are over, of course!

PICK-6 CARRYOVER: There were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-6 Saturday (March 12) night, creating a carryover of $10,303 when racing resumes Friday.

The Pick-6 begins with race eight on the card. The last Pick-6 carryover was on March 5, when a modest $7,215 led to a total pool of over $58,000.

POWERFUL PICK-5 POOL: Starting out with a carryover of $43,342 helped the 20-cent Pick-5 blossom into a giant total pool of $312,283 on Saturday (March 12), but after the second choice took the first race, four favorites followed, meaning that many race fans cashed in for the payoff of $44.32.

POWERHOUSE PICK-4s: The Big M’s most popular wager in terms of average per pool, the 50-cent Pick-4, has been on a roll of late. On the first Saturday of March (the 5^th), a total of over $220,000 was bet on the wager (there are two Pick-4s offered nightly) that requires a player to have the winners of four consecutive races on their tickets. For the month, the average Pick-4 pool has been over $100,000.

WHAT’S YOUR HANDLE? Betting fell just short of reaching the $3-million mark for a fourth time in five cards Saturday (March 12) night when $2,954,026 was put in play on the 13 races on a nasty night weatherwise, but wagering did exceed $6 million for a second consecutive weekend.

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” pregame show kicks off nightly at 5:47 p.m.

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.

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_).

LOW TAKEOUTS, HIGH EXPECTATIONS: The Meadowlands offers its faithful six opportunities nightly to make a score by betting into pools with a low 15 percent takeout as well as low minimum base bets. Here is a list of those wagers, and when they are offered:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

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

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

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

·         Race 13: 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5

WHO DOES BROWER LIKE? For expert selections and analysis of every Big M card, check out track oddsmaker 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”.

MAYHEM IS HERE: When the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament begins on Thursday (March 17), hoops fans can come to the FanDuel Sportsbook and watch and wager on the games.

The championship game will take place on April 4.

Bettors can catch all the games at “The Book”, which is located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands. There are massive HDTVs, dining options with table service and plenty of self-service – and, of course, full service – wagering machines ready to take your action.

For more information about how to watch and wager while you eat some great food, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/dine/march-mania-tournament-dining/

Thursday’s action includes the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs (-22½) taking on Georgia State in a 4:15 p.m. tipoff. For those thinking upset, Georgia State is +2000 on the money line. The under/over is 148½.

With Major League Baseball now on track to start in early April, those that want some future action can get it.

The favorites to win the World Series are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are +550. The second choice are the Houston Astros, who are +1000, followed by three teams, all of whom are at +1100 (the Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets). The New York Yankees are next in line at +1200.

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.

CHECK YOUR TEMPERATURE: Everybody at The Meadowlands has Spring Fever!

On Saturday (March 19), patrons can enter a contest to win a $50 gas gift card, a $500 airline voucher, or the biggest prize of all, a trip to Hawaii.

On-track customers can complete the entry form and deposit it into the drawing bin before the ninth race, and they must be present to win. Drawings will be conducted after races two, four, six, eight and 10.

For all the details, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-spring-break-sweepstakes/

Larjon Legacy Still Perfect At Buffalo Raceway

 by Brian J. Mazurek, for Buffalo Raceway

 HAMBURG, N.Y. --- It's only been three races but Larjon Legacy is making a name for herself at Buffalo Raceway as she collected her third straight victory in as many starts in 2022 with a solid 2-1/4 length decision over Stay Beautiful in the featured $13,500 Open I-II Pace for the ladies on Wednesday night (March 16).

With wins of 8-1/4 and 4-1/4 lengths against softer damsels earlier this season, Larjon Legacy jumped up in class and didn't find the stiffer competition much of an issue. 

With Drew Monti in the sulky, Larjon Legacy was sent off the heavy favorite and didn't disappoint. She fired off the gate and took command midway the backstretch the first time. With fractions of :29.2, :59.2 and 1:28.2 over the fast track, Larjon Legacy ($2.90) wasn't tested at all in the final quarter, finishing the mile in 1:57.1.

The only question would be who would collect the minor spoils and it was Stay Beautiful (Braxten Boyd) who finished in second with Valentine Delight (Jim Morrill Jr.) striding in for third.

Owned by Rocco Stebbins and trained by Joe Skowyra, Larjon Legacy (Mister Big-Saramotion) is a 7-year-old mare who has now won $14,750 in the campaign and $133,487 lifetime.

A pair of drivers, Morrill Jr. and Boyd made their seasonal debut at Buffalo Raceway and both made their presence felt. 

Morrill Jr. swept the early daily double aboard Sapphire Love Chip ($2.60) and Tucson Breeze ($5.00) while Boyd took victories on Leaping Legend ($7.60) and Delilah De Vie ($4.20). 

Monti, fresh off hitting the 2,000 career win mark on Saturday, started on his next plateau with a double.

Shawn McDonough topped the trainers with a triple.

Racing will return on Saturday night at 6 p.m. with a nine-race card slated.

For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, entries, results and race replays, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

Spring Break Fever at Meadowlands Racetrack

 

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - The Meadowlands Racetrack wants to help fans with their spring break travel plans! This Saturday, March 19th, customers can enter the track’s Spring Break Sweepstakes for a chance to win $50 gas gift cards, airline tickets and a trip to Hawaii.

The Maui, Hawaii vacation package, furnished by Sundance Vacations, includes an eight-day, seven nights stay in Maui for four people and a $500 airline voucher.

The sweepstakes entry form is available in the live racing program and at the Players Club Desk.  Drawings for the gas cards and airline vouchers will be held throughout the night with the grand prize drawing for the Hawaii vacation taking place after race 10.

For racing, dining and event details visit PlayMeadowlands.com. 

BIG PICK-5 POOL AWAITS, MISS YOU N WINS FEATURE AT BIG M

 By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – Thanks to a pair of longshots, there were no winning tickets sold in the 20-cent Pick-5 Friday night at The Meadowlands, creating a carryover of $43,342 for Saturday night’s card.

The Pick-5 gets underway in the first race, which has a post time of 6:20 p.m., and free past performances for the Pick-5 – and all Meadowlands races for every card – are available at playmeadowlands.com.

The Cote Keim driven, trained and owned Topville Cruiser went a long way toward creating the carryover, as the 39-year-old horseman recorded his first career driving win in one of three GSY Amateur Club races on the card. Topville Cruiser led at every call to record the victory at odds of 60-1 in the third race.

Make It Big secured the carryover by scoring in the very next dash at odds of 25-1 for driver Mark MacDonald and trainer Terry Morgan.

Those with four winners on their tickets collected $583.02.

If $100,000 in “new money” is wagered on Saturday’s Pick-5, that would create a significant “negative takeout”.

The $100,000 would be subject to the low 15 percent “rake”, leaving $85,000. When you add that to the carryover, that would create a total pool of $128,342, a “surplus” of over $28,000 returned to those with winning tickets since the carryover is not subject to the takeout.

MISS YOU N TAKES FEATURE: Missing for three months didn’t bother the winner of Friday’s high-end $27,500 conditioned pacing feature for fillies and mares as the Virgil Morgan Jr.-trained Miss You N scored from off the pace in 1:52.

Off a sparkling qualifier at The Big M when she won in 1:52 in wire-to-wire fashion, Miss You N’s driver wasn’t necessarily going to put the 8-year-old daughter of Betterthancheddar-Woman In Black on the point.

“I didn’t really have a plan,” said Dexter Dunn. “But I was a little worried given how slow the fractions were up front.”

Miss You N raced fifth in the early going in the seven-horse field, as The Bethinator took the field past the half in a dawdling :58.

Nearing the five-eighths, Todd McCarthy moved 3-1 second choice Bettors Heart N out of the four-hole, which provided a live tow for the eventual winner. Bettors Heart N was up to challenge the leader out of the far turn, and in mid-stretch, Dunn tipped Miss You N off her cover, and went on to prevail getting up by a nose in a driving finish over a resilient Bettors Heart N. The Bethinator held third.

“I thought I was going to get past her a little easier,” said Dunn. “I wasn’t so sure I had it. You never know, but it was a good finish.”

Maybe so, but it was plenty nerve-racking on the bettors, who bet the favorite down to 4-5, as she returned $3.60 to win while chalking up her 33^rd career score from 88 starts. She’s now earned $488,975 for owners Carl Howard and Bottom Line Racing.

Miss You N’s last parimutuel start came on Dec. 10 of last year in the Open for filly and mare pacers at Dayton. Her last win was at Dayton on Oct. 22.

A LITTLE MORE: Handle was once again vigorous as all-source action totaled $3,155,483, the third time in four cards betting busted the $3-million barrier. … Yannick Gingras kept his streak alive of winning at least once on all 16 Big M programs in 2022 after recording a driving double. Dunn also guided a pair to victory lane. … Per Engblom trained a pair of winner’s circle visitors. … With horses winning at odds of 60-1, 25-1 and 7-1 to start the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7, those with those three winners on their tickets collected $3,320 after going just three-for-seven. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m.

Sire Stakes, Gary Budahn Trot at Cal Expo

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

A $20,000 California Sire Stakes featuring Senga Nightmare and the $10,000 Gary Budahn Trot headed by Mandeville share the spotlight on Friday evening at Cal Expo.

Watch and Wager LLC will present 10 races with first post set for 6:45 p.m.

Senga Nightmare has captured the first two Sire Stakes of the season for the 4-year-old pacing mares and will be the favorite to continue the trend for her owner/driver/trainer Ryan Grundy.

The daughter of Vertical Horizon has put her class and versatility on display in her two stakes scores at the stand, coming from well back to account for the January 28 clash and then brushing to command by the quarter in the most recent gathering on February 18 to prevail in handy fashion.

Taking her on are May Day Maggie, Witch Hunter, Tartan Patch, Rockin The Dragon and Doubleontherocks.

Meanwhile, Mandeville comes into the Budahn Trot having five straight victories at the head of the class for his owner/trainer Gerry Longo and pilot Luke Plano.  He comes into this assignment with 45 wins from his 184 starts with $353,000 in his account and 1:54 mark that he has twice equaled during his recent winning streak.

His most recent appearance came two weeks ago when he was sent off the 1-5 choice, was parked to the lead by the quarter and took complete control of things from that point en route to a two and three-quarter lengths decision.

Completing the cast are Warrawee Welcome, Hypocrisy, Major Al-Mar, Jesse’s Student, Pridecrest and Silverhill Volo.

Races honor memory of Kirschenbaum, Budahn

Friday’s Gary Budahn Trot and Sunday’s Alan Kirschenbaum Pace are named for two men who were instrumental in the preservation of harness racing in California.

Alan Kirschenbaum, who passed in 2012, was an owner, breeder and past president of the California Harness Horsemen’s Association (CHHA).

He was a major factor in California as an owner, breeder and amateur driver for many years. With his stallions Little Steven and British Sterling standing at Cherry Tree Farm in Wilton, he helped support the industry in the Golden State.

For several years, he even waived his stallion fees to help the California horsemen breed their mares to help the horse population survive in the state. He was also a huge supporter of the California Sire Stakes and amateur races.

Dr. Gary Budahn was a mainstay of California harness racing for more than 30 years. He passed away in 2009.

Dr. Budahn served on the CHHA for more than 12 years, including President for three terms. He was a strong voice in California harness racing for decades, there for the horsemen and helping in any way he could.

He was well known in the sport for being one of the best veterinarians to grace the backside and was well respected throughout the country.

Along with his wife Debi, he started The Gusty Stable and sent out such outstanding performers as Doodlin, Claude’s Last Lady. Wilder Echo, Alfa Star, Amazing Glide and Claudius Augustus while also being the breeder and developer of Direct Flight. 

ADDED DRIVERS, ADDED TIME LEAD TO HUGE BIG M RETURNS

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – By now, those who care about such things are aware that wagering Saturday (March 5) night at The Meadowlands was unlike any seen thus far this year in the harness game, as a total of $3,755,422 was bet on the 13-race card, both a track and industry-best for 2022.

What they might not know is that several other harness venues also saw a jump in business on the first Saturday of March.

“It was a very good weekend for the sport of Standardbred racing,” said Meadowlands Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “At The Meadowlands, many of our top drivers returned to action, and we also added a few minutes for each race, which created more space for other tracks to successfully spot their races between those at The Big M.

“This strategy worked extremely well, as compared to 2021, the result was a jump in handle of $600,000 at The Meadowlands Saturday night, along with increased business at Mohawk, Northfield and Cal Expo last weekend. These are positive business trends everyone likes to see.”

But The Big M led the way, with a little help from its friends at the United States Trotting Association.

“Since 2011, the USTA Strategic Wagering initiative continues to knock it out of the park every night,” said Settlemoir. “The increased interest in these wagers under the initiative’s umbrella is undeniable. Our Saturday card was highlighted by our low-takeout wagers like the 50-cent Pick-4, which averaged over $111,000, plus a $58,000 20-cent Pick-6 pool.”

Daily information about Strategic Wagering is available on the USTA’s website. (Click http://handicapping.ustrotting.com/)

Back to Saturday, when Big M betting was beyond vigorous.

A single-race season’s-best $380,544 was wagered on race six, with $108,586 of that on the 50-cent Pick-4. The seventh, eighth and ninth races saw $311,820, $371,995 and $293,481 pushed through the windows, respectively, for a total of $1,357,840 over the four dashes, an average per race of $339,460.

The most popular bets did well, with the “Old Reliable” Exacta taking in $1,067,920 for the night, an average per race of $82,147, which was outdone only by the Pick-4. The Trifecta saw $827,645 in wagers, while the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7, 20-cent Pick-6 and 20-cent Pick-5 combined for a hair under $140,000 in play for the night.

Wagering per race Saturday night was $288,878, which was a big increase over the last two corresponding Saturdays. In 2021, betting was $3,114,493 for an average of $238,676, and in 2020, $2,845,231 was put in play, good for an average of $218,863.

WHO IZZY? Last Friday (March 4) night on the “Racing from The Meadowlands” live pregame show, trainer Izzy Estrada was named the Big Dee’s Tack Trainer of the Week after winning two races from just four starts the weekend before.

Born in Guatemala, the 37-year-old Estrada apparently liked winning the award so much, he went out and had another outstanding weekend, and will be named the track’s top trainer again this week.

Estrada did even better from a statistical perspective last weekend (March 4-5), winning five races from just seven starts (71 percent), and has visited the winner’s circle seven times from just 11 starts (64 percent) over the last three Big M programs, with 10 on-the-board finishes (91 percent).

After winning four races for a second consecutive Saturday, Dexter Dunn will collect his second consecutive Driver of the Week Award on Friday.

Todd McCarthy, who was interviewed on the track’s “In the Sulky” pregame show segment last Friday, equaled Dunn with four weekend winners, and his interview with Big M TV’s Dave Little can be seen by going to the Meadowlands YouTube Channel.

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” pregame show kicks off nightly at 5:47 p.m.

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.

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_).

LOW TAKEOUTS, HIGH EXPECTATIONS: The Meadowlands offers its faithful six opportunities nightly to make a score by betting into pools with a low 15 percent takeout as well as low minimum base bets. Here is a list of those wagers, and when they are offered:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

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

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

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

·         Race 13: 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5

WHO DOES BROWER LIKE? For expert selections and analysis of every Big M card, check out track oddsmaker 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”.

WHAT’S COMING UP? This weekend, love me tender, love me sweet.

On Saturday (March 12), Ralph Carey will be in Pink Restaurant doing his tribute show to the King, Elvis Presley.

The buffet, which is priced at $64.95, begins at 5:30 p.m. with Carey performing from 8-10:15 p.m.

For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/elvis-tribute-show/

The same night, handicappers will go at it in another qualifier for the World Harness Handicapping Championship.

There will be $5,000 in prize money (based on 50 entries) up for grabs plus two seats to the WHHC Final on Sept. 10 at The Meadowlands. All this for an entry fee of just $200.

For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-march-200-whhc-qualifier/

HOOP IT UP: Thursday (March 10) night, the Brooklyn Nets travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers in a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.

The Nets, off a good-looking 132-121 win against the Charlotte Hornets Tuesday night, are a 4½-point underdog against the Sixers, who are -188 on the money line. The under/over is 234½.

Tuesday night, the Nets’ Kyrie Irving scored 50 points, so some might say laying -110 to see him score over 24½ against the Sixers Thursday is easy money. Do you think Irving will score more than 39½? If so, you can get +1300.

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.

COUNTDOWN TO MAYHEM: When the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament begins on March 17, hoops fans can come to the FanDuel Sportsbook and watch and wager on the games.

The championship game will take place on April 4.

Bettors can catch all the games at “The Book”, which is located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands. There are massive HDTVs, dining options with table service and plenty of self-service – and, of course, full service – wagering machines ready to take your action.

For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2152/

Pretty Blue Angel Leaves Them "Blue' At Buffalo

 by Brian J. Mazurek for Buffalo Raceway

 

HAMBURG, N.Y. --- Pretty Blue Angel ($22.40) left the field feeling 'blue' in Buffalo Raceway's $13,500 Open I-II Open Handicap Pace for the fillies and mares on Wednesday evening (March 9) with a surprising but convincing 2-1/4 length score over McDelicacy in 1:59.4 over the fast track.

 

The start of the main event looked like it was going to be an early battle between Pretty Blue Angel and No Where To Hide. It quickly ended before it really got started as No Where To Hide jumped it off heading around the first turn, leaving Pretty Blue Angel alone on top.

 

With driver David McNeight III steering Pretty Blue Angel uncontested through panels of :30.2, 1:00.4 and 1:30.4, it was clear sailing down the stretch. McDelicacy (Kevin Cummings) was able to pick up the second place check with Sweet Young Thing (Kyle Cummings), the lukewarm favorite, finishing third.

 

Owned by Justina Ohol and trained by Michael Ohol, it was the first victory in three appearances in 2022 for the 5-year-old mare Pretty Blue Angel (Big Jim-Blue Angel Cam). The victory pushed her season winnings to $13,092 and $67,974 lifetime.

 

Drew Monti, Shawn McDonough and McNeight III led the way for the drivers on the night with doubles. Michael Ohol and McDonough had a pair of training wins.

 

Racing will continue on Saturday evening with a 10-race program slated to begin at 6 p.m.

 

For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, race replays, entries and results, go to www.buffaloraceway.com

 

Qualify for the World Harness Handicapping Championship this Saturday

 Qualify for the World Harness Handicapping Championship this Saturday

Meadowlands Racetrack

East Rutherford, NJ - Two spots are up for grabs this Saturday in Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment’s March Qualifier.  The qualifier has a $200 total fee ($100 entry plus a $100 real-money bankroll).  The format requires players to wager a minimum of $10 on 10 Meadowlands races.   Win, Place, Show and/or WPS wagers are accepted in the contest. Players can wager on more than 10 races if they so desire.  Saturday registration runs 5pm – 6:20pm.

Other Meadowlands Onsite Qualifiers are:

• Saturday, April 30, 2022 - $400 contest with top 4 finishers winning WHHC Final seats
• Saturday, May 28, 2022 – Free Contest with winner earning WHHC Final seat
• Thursday, July 7, 2022 - $100 contest with winner earning WHHC Final seat

The World Harness Handicapping Championship Final is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment. The Finals entry fee is $1,000 with total prize pool estimated at $70,000.

2022 Qualifier WHHC Players:

• John Settembrino – Meadowlands November 2021 Free Qualifier
• William Alemijevic – Meadowlands $400 January 2022 Qualifier
• Jaime Ortiz – Meadowlands $400 January 2022 Qualifier
• Karen Fossli – Meadowlands $400 January 2022 Qualifier
• Joe Barre – Meadowlands $400 January 2022 Qualifier
• Sean Loebs – Meadowlands $200 February 2022 Qualifier
• Stefan Ferrara – Meadowlands $200 February 2022 Qualifier

Partner Outlet Qualifiers:

• Tioga Downs – Friday, March 25
• Contact Brett Risi – Brisi@tiogadowns.com / 315-985-8717
• Vernon Downs  – Friday, April 15
• Contact Brett Risi – Brisi@tiogadowns.com / 315-985-8717

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. 

BETTING REACHES $3.75 MILLION AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – On an extremely busy night of business, all-source wagering at The Meadowlands was $3,755,422, establishing a 2022 track and industry best on Saturday.

“Going back to the post-time ‘drag’ combined with having all of our top drivers back in the fold has increased our handle dramatically,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We are thrilled with the betting over the last few weeks as our last two Saturday cards have resulted in over $7 million being wagered on our races.”

Big action during “Prime Time” served as the catalyst for the big night.

A single-race season’s-best $380,544 was bet on race six, with $108,586 of that on the 50-cent Pick-4. The seventh, eighth and ninth races saw $311,820, $371,995 and $293,481 pushed through the windows, respectively, for a total of $1,357,840 over the four dashes, an average per race of $339,460.

The high Pick-4 pool of the year lasted only about an hour or so, as $112,702 was put in play on The Big M’s most-popular multi-leg bet in race 10, when a total of $367,181 was wagered on the race.

The 20-cent Pick-6, which spans races eight through 13, started with a modest carryover of $7,215 and ended up with a total pool of $58,171. Those who cashed winning tickets walked away with $99.26 after five favorites and one second choice reigned supreme.

Total wagering for the weekend was $6,647,319, another yearly high.

LET IT RIDE N REWRITES ‘HISTORY’: After sitting an ideal pocket trip throughout the mile, Let It Ride N rolled by American History in deep stretch in the $34,500 featured Preferred Handicap for pacers, and in the process, established a season’s-fastest mile at The Big M of 1:48.3.

“I just wanted to see who was leaving,” said winning driver Dexter Dunn of his decision making in the early going. “With a trip like that, he can really accelerate. He’s a fast horse.”

In search of a third straight victory, American History was sent to the gate as the even-money choice, and driver Todd McCarthy put the Tony Alagna trainee on the point as Let It Ride N sat right behind the pacesetter through fractions of :27.1, :55 and 1:22.1.

Dunn popped Let It Ride N out of the two-hole with about a sixteenth to go and got past a stubborn American History to win by a head. Bee Two Bee was third.

“He was a different horse tonight, really relaxed,” said Dunn. “Nearing the wire, Todd [McCarthy] looked over and said, ‘You got me’.”

Let It Ride N, a 9-year-old gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven-Love A Gamble who is trained by 2021 Dan Patch Award winning Trainer of the Year Nifty Norman, returned $5.00 to win as the 3-2 second choice. His time was just one-fifth-of-a-second slower than the 1:48.2 national season’s-best mile put up by Sprocket at Dover Downs on Feb. 10.

Owned by William Hartt and Enzed Racing Stable, Let It Ride N has now won 29 of 78 career starts, good for earnings of $506,312.

GRAND SLAMS: Dunn finished the night with a driver-colony best four winners while Izzy Estrada trained four to victory lane, which means the duo have the inside track to repeat as The Big M’s Driver and Trainer of the Week, respectively.

A LITTLE MORE: Yannick Gingras won once on the card, ending his streak of winning at least twice on every program in 2022, but his streak of winning at least one is alive and well at 15. … Joe Bongiorno drove three to victory lane. … Racing resumes Friday at 6:20 p.m. 

HANDLE UP, DUNN BACK WITH A BANG AT BIG M

Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – With winter’s frigid grip starting to weaken on the Tri-State Area as the calendar marches its way toward spring, betting at The Meadowlands has picked up in a big way over the last two weeks, culminating last Saturday (Feb. 26) when the $3-million barrier was busted for the first time in 2022.

“Full fields, low takeouts, big pools and exciting finishes,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir, “the whole night was a success in every way and watching our “prime-time” races (six through nine) average over $300,000 per race during the Winter Meet was extremely encouraging for our sport. We continue to thank our fans worldwide for their loyal support of New Jersey racing on our mile track here at The Meadowlands.”

The Big M faithful responded in a big way to its favorite wagers Saturday, the “Big 3” of the 20-cent Pick-5 and two 50-cent Pick-4s.

A total of $309,688 was put in play on the first race, $73,504 of that in the 20-cent Pick-5. Over the first five races, the handle was $1,178,159.

Then, in race six, a 2022-best $104,703 was wagered in the 50-cent Early Pick4, which served as the catalyst for the high single-race handle of the night at $352,929. Total action for those four races, aka “Prime Time”, was $1,244,720, good for a per race average of $311,180.

The 50-cent Late Pick-4, which kicked off in the 10^th race, had a pool of $86,869, and paved the way for total action on that race of $296,000, as $890,636 was pushed through the windows on the final four dashes of the night.

The two Pick-4s accounted for over $190,000 in total play, while the grand total of the three races (when you add in the Pick-5’s race) was $958,617, an average of just under $320,000 per dash.

All-source handle for the Saturday night card was $3,310,483, an average per race of $254,652.

The Saturday (Feb. 19) prior, total wagering was $2.7 million to cap the biggest weekend of total play thus far this year at almost $5.67 million. Last weekend that total would undoubtedly have been surpassed, but Friday’s races were canceled due to inclement weather.

GETTING IT DUNN: In his first appearance of 2022 at The Big M, three-time defending United States Harness Writers Association Driver of the Year Dexter Dunn showed no signs of rust after his lengthy vacation Saturday night, winning four times on the program.

Dunn scored with I’m A Big Deal ($15.20 to win in the fourth race), DA Delightful ($9.20 in the sixth), Monty Mono ($6.40 in the 11^th) and Game Of Change ($33.20 in the 12^th). Only Monty Mono went off as the post-time favorite.

Game Of Change capped a big night for Dunn’s fans. Players who wagered $20 on all 11 of the native New Zealander’s drives that night got back a whopping $638.

Yannick Gingras kept up his frantic early-season pace, registering a driving double, giving him at least two wins on all 13 Big M cards in 2022.

A GOOD WAY TO SURVIVE: One sharp bettor raked the pot in the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 last Saturday, needing only the first six winners to cash in for $9,079.

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” pregame show kicks off nightly at 5:47 p.m.

TUNE IN FOR TODD: On the Friday (March 4) night pregame show, driver Todd McCarthy will be Dave Little’s guest on “In the Sulky”, which will get underway at approximately 5:50 p.m.

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.

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_).

LOW TAKEOUTS, HIGH EXPECTATIONS: The Meadowlands offers its faithful six opportunities nightly to make a score by betting into pools with a low 15 percent takeout as well as low minimum base bets. Here is a list of those wagers, and when they are offered:

·         Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5

·         Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7

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

·         Race 8: 20-cent Pick-6

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

·         Race 13: 10-cent Pentafecta/Hi-5

WHO DOES BROWER LIKE? For expert selections and analysis of every Big M card, check out track oddsmaker 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”.

WHAT’S COMING UP? Next weekend, be aware not to step on my blue suede shoes.

On Saturday, March 12, Ralph Carey will be in Pink Restaurant doing his tribute show to the King, Elvis Presley.

The buffet, which is priced at $64.95, begins at 5:30 p.m. with Carey performing from 8-10:15 p.m.

For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/elvis-tribute-show/

The same night, handicappers will go at it in another qualifier for the World Harness Handicapping Championship.

There will be $5,000 in prize money (based on 50 entries) up for grabs plus two seats to the WHHC Final on Sept. 10 at The Meadowlands. All this for an entry fee of just $200.

For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2022-march-200-whhc-qualifier/

COUNTDOWN TO MAYHEM: When the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament begins on March 17, hoops fans can come to the FanDuel Sportsbook and watch and wager on the games.

The championship game will take place on April 4.

Bettors can catch all the games at “The Book”, which is located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands. There are massive HDTVs, dining options with table service and plenty of self-service – and, of course, full service – wagering machines ready to take your action.

For more information, go to https://playmeadowlands.com/event/2152/

DURANT IS BACK: Thursday (March 3) night, Kevin Durant makes his return to the floor for the Brooklyn Nets, as they take on the visiting Miami Heat.

Durant is a 12-time All-Star who’s been out since January with a sprained MCL in his left knee.

The Heat are a 2½-point favorite who are -138 on the money line in the game that tips off at 7:30 p.m. The under/over is 221½.

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.