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.

OTTEN TAKES SEAT ON SET AT BIG M

By Dave Little, Meadowlands Media Relations

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – For someone who started out working for her trainer dad as a teenager, good things have certainly come fast and furiously ever since for Jessica Otten.

The 25-year-old Otten, who is the national face of harness racing having just completed covering the Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park for Fox Sports 2, took on another big gig at The Meadowlands Friday night, sitting alongside Dave Little as one-half of the new TV team on the track’s nightly simulcast presentation.

“I was actually really nervous to sit in this chair,” said Otten. “Nervous for what people would say or think, because I don’t want people to think I am here to replace Dave Brower [who passed away unexpectedly last month]. Because there is no replacing Dave Brower.

“I still have my marketing and social media responsibilities at the track, so sitting on set, looking over the program every night will be more work. I’ll also be handling the scheduling and formats and getting people where they need to be when they need to be there, so it’s going to be a challenge. I put in a lot of hours here, so there will be a lot of adjusting. I’m a perfectionist, and there were things – both big and small – Brower did that we took for granted. We want to continue to do those things well, while I make some subtle changes to the TV show and the way we do things. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead of me.”

Otten got off to a good start in the co-host chair, tabbing Thndrfrmthethron N ($9.00) in the first race and Svengali ($5.00) in the second for the daily double ($28.40). Otten made it three winners from her first four races in the hot seat when she had Whimsical Journey ($10.60) in the fourth and finished off the evening with five winners when Hughie Junior N ($13.20) took the 10^th and Romantic Warrior ($3.40) the 13^th.

“We are still hurting from Dave Brower’s passing,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But all of us here at The Meadowlands are happy moving forward that we will have Jessica down on the set every night. Her expertise as a horseman and handicapper will be a great addition to the team.”

A LITTLE MORE: Todd McCarthy and Corey Callahan led the driver colony with three winners apiece. … Vinny Ginsburg recorded his first-ever Meadowlands win as a trainer when You Beda Rock scored at odds of 38-1 with Ginsburg in the bike in the fifth race to cap a 20-cent Pick-5 that came back $1,730.92 despite none of the other four winners going at off odds of 4-1 or less. … All-source wagering totaled $2,451,530. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6:20 p.m.