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.