FOR THE BEST AND BIGGEST ACTION, HEAD TO THE MEADOWLANDS

Thursday, November 21, 2024

It’s no secret that when it comes to betting on Standardbred races, The Meadowlands is far and away the industry leader. With an average nightly handle of $2.966 million through the first 75 race cards of 2024, no track is even close.

The reasons why The Big M does so well with fans both on- and off-track are numerous, and they combine to give the mile oval the most attractive wagering product in the sulky sport. In addition, when the sun goes down, The Big M is the North American betting leader at night, regardless of breed.

Big fields might be the biggest factor in lubricating The Meadowlands’ well-oiled parimutuel machine. The mile oval can accommodate 10 horses behind its gate, and this weekend there will be no shortage of long fields, which are more likely to create the big payouts that Big M players crave.

On Friday (Nov. 22), there are 136 horses scheduled to compete on the program, good for an average of 9.71 betting interests per race. On Saturday (Nov. 23), the numbers are diminished, but only slightly, as 127 horses are slated to race, an average of 9.07.

Overall, during the weekend, the average field size will be 9.39, a number unmatched at any harness venue.

“We are extremely appreciative of our horsemen for always supporting the entry box here at The Meadowlands,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “Big fields plus big pools equal opportunity for horseplayers to make a score.”

The Meadowlands’ signature wager is the Pick-4, a popular puzzler with a 50-cent minimum that has a guaranteed pool of $50,000. It’s offered twice every night, on races six through nine and 10 through 13.

The Meadowlands wagering menu offers the little guy a shot at making a score throughout the evening. Just like the Pick-4, these wagers have a player friendly low 15 percent takeout.

The Pick-5 wager opens up the program every night as it’s offered on races one through five and has a minimum investment of 20 cents.

The low minimum allows everyone to get right into the action without depleting their bankrolls.

For those who like to play more aggressively, let’s say a $1 ticket, the average pool of $54,676 allows one to do that. The average $1 payout is just shy of $3,000 at the Fall Meeting.

Next up is the Survivor Pick-7, which is offered on races three through nine.

The P7 also has a 20-cent minimum, but unlike some multi-bet wagers offered elsewhere, this one has a mandatory payout every night.

The Fall Meet average return is $4,795 for 20 cents, and the Early Pick-4 can also be used to hedge your Pick-7 wager.

Last weekend’s Survivor payouts were strong, despite many short-priced horses taking walks down victory lane. On Friday, the Survivor returned $6,410 despite a sequence that saw five of the winners go off at odds of 2-1 or less. The other two winners weren’t exactly big longshots, as both scored at 7-1.

The Saturday Survivor started with a 7-2 chance before none of the final six winners won and paid off at odds greater than 5-2. That payout was $1,042.

The Pick-6 kicks off the second half of the 14-race program nightly. The 20-cent wager starts in race eight and concludes in race 13. The Late Pick-4 can also be used to hedge your Pick-6.

A payout of $6,407 and a pool of $18,535 is what the Pick-6 has been averaging at the Fall Meet.

The 10-cent Pentafecta is offered every night on the finale. The ultimate “get out bet” is exactly that, and the 10-cent minimum allows everyone a chance to get even for the night. If you are ahead going into the 14^th dash, hitting the Hi-5 is your culmination of a great night.

During the meet, the bet has averaged a payout of $932.41.

The Meadowlands also offers 10-cent Superfectas on 10 races per night. With the large field sizes offered, lightning could strike at any time. The low minimums allow you to play all night long, increasing your chances to make a score.

THE HORNET TAKES FIVE: Last Saturday, Yannick Gingras, aka The Green Hornet, stung the competition to the tune of five winners on the night, with one coming before the betting card, and the other four during the wagering races, including one stretch where the 45-year-old Hall of Famer won the sixth, seventh and eighth races to record a natural hat trick.

THE STARS WILL COME OUT: The Meadowlands is known for its big-event programs, and with the Breeders Crown added to the mix this year, The Big M has already played host to Meadowlands Pace Night, Hambletonian Day and the Crown.

The last of the “Fab 2024” takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30, on Fall Final Four/FanDuel Championships Night.

Here are the eight major events that will take place that evening (with estimated purses that total $2.65 million):

• $400,000 Governor’s Cup (2YOC&GP)
• $400,000 Three Diamonds (2YOFP)
• $400,000 Valley Victory (2YOC&GT)
• $400,000 Goldsmith Maid (2YOFT)
• $350,000 FanDuel Open Pace
• $350,000 FanDuel Open Trot
• $175,000 FanDuel Open Mare Pace
• $175,000 FanDuel Open Mare Trot

GIVE TO A GREAT CAUSE: It’s time for the annual Toys for Tots drive at The Meadowlands.

Beginning Friday, Nov. 29, all are welcome to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids in need every day until Friday, Dec. 13, when the United States Marines Toys for Tots reception takes place.

SEE THE PAST MASTERS: Come and see a great classic rock and roll show as The Past Masters perform live in Trackside on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Come enjoy live music, horse racing and food and drink specials.

The music begins at 7 p.m. and the show is free to attend.

TRIBUTE SPECTACULAR: How about a show when you get to see Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Billy Joel all in the span of three hours in the same venue?

OK, it’s not possible, but if you come to The Meadowlands on Saturday, Dec. 14, you’ll get to see a tribute show so good, you’ll think you are seeing the real thing.

The music begins at 7 p.m., and for complete information and to buy tickets, go here.

IT’S HOLIDAY TIME: With holiday party time upon us, why not have your group have a fun night at the races by having your gathering at The Meadowlands?

Great food, great drink and great entertainment are guaranteed, and all you have to do to have a great night at the races is call 201-THE-BIGM.

THE SKED: Racing continues at The Meadowlands every Friday and Saturday. Post time for the first race is 6:20 p.m., but before that, check out the live pregame show with news, notes and selections from the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set at 5:45 p.m.

Catch The Big M’s “A”-team of Jessica Otten and Dave Little all weekend long. Joining the team, providing interviews from the back paddock, will be Andrew “Shades” Demsky, the voice of Tioga Downs.

WATCH IT: The Meadowlands is not only the most popular nighttime signal in harness racing, but in all of horse racing, regardless of breed.

For those who want to watch and wager on Big M dashes, it’s hard to imagine their local simulcast or Off-Track Betting venue wouldn’t offer it. But in case they don’t or you’d rather stay at home, check out your favorite ADW (advance deposit wagering site), such as racing.fanduel.com. Another way to view the action is to go to the Roberts Television Network (rtn.tv) site.

FA-REEE! To show appreciation to its loyal fan base, The Meadowlands offers free programs on every race of every race card on its website.

Go to playmeadowlands.com to get the past performances at absolutely no cost.

“X” MARKS THE SPOT: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on X (formerly known as Twitter). You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.

Stay in touch with The Big M team of Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and John Rallis (@john_rallis).

RALLIS’ RACE REVIEWS: For some help with your handicapping, check out the race reviews of Rallis, who is the Big M’s morning-line oddsmaker and program analyst.

Rallis’ reviews are available 48 hours before a given card, and all one has to do to access the information is go to playmeadowlands.com, go to the “handicapping” tab, then click “race reviews.”

FOOTBALL IN FANDUEL: In addition to the best harness racing, The Meadowlands also offers the best in sports betting, which means, of course, the National Football League.

Fans know they can watch and wager on all of the NFL action in comfort with plenty of great food options inside the grandstand at The Big M in the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 facility of its type in North America.

On Thursday (Nov. 21) night, the Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cleveland for an 8:15 p.m. matchup with the Browns.

The Steelers are a 3½-point favorite (-184 on the money line) in the game that has an under/over of 36½ points.

On Sunday (Nov. 24) at 1 p.m., the New York Giants will host Tampa Bay at MetLife Stadium. The Buccaneers (-260) are a 5½-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 41½.

The New York Jets are on their bye week.

What would Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28) be without football? Before you head to Grandma’s for the big feed, come to the FanDuel Sportsbook and get all of your action.

In the early game, the Chicago Bears head to Detroit for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff with the Lions. Detroit is a 10½-point favorite who are -560 on the money line in the game that has an under/over of 47½ points.

The 4:30 p.m. game sees a pair of struggling teams square off, as the New York Giants head to Dallas, where the Cowboys are a 2½-point favorite (-144) in the game that has an under/over of 38½.

Finally, the Green Bay Packers welcome the Miami Dolphins to Lambeau Field for an 8:20 p.m. matchup. The Pack is -3½ (-196) in the game that has an under/over of 47½.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight. For cash-at-counter customers, the hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-11 p.m.