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MEADOWLANDS’ “MINI MEET” KICKS OFF FRIDAY

Friday, August 30, 2024

If it’s true good things come in small packages, the upcoming two weeks at The Meadowlands are not to be missed. That’s because the mile oval will be conducting a brief “Mini Meet” where live action will be contested over a two-week period where four programs will be in the spotlight before harness racing takes a five-week break.

The Mini Meet race dates are Aug. 30 and 31 and Sept. 6 and 7. Post time is 6:20 p.m.

“This meeting might be brief,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “But it will have some serious racing as the New Jersey Classic will take center stage with eliminations during our opening weekend and eight championship finals – with total purses estimated at $1.7 million – during closing weekend.”

For those of you who follow Big M happenings, you know the track just took a three-week hiatus after another highly successful Hambletonian Day, where Karl gave driver Yannick Gingras his first-ever Hambletonian win while trainer Nancy Takter notched her second consecutive score in harness racing’s version of the Kentucky Derby, which was seen live coast-to-coast on broadcast television on FOX Sports.

(To see a replay of the 99^th edition of the Hambletonian, go here.)

Betting, as usual, was a Hambo Day delight. For the sixth time in the last seven years, all-source handle on the Hambletonian Day program topped $7 million, with the 2020 COVID-19 card the only one to fail to reach that plateau.

Despite several downpours during the course of the day, a total of $7,427,223 was wagered on the blockbuster 16-race program, good for an average per race of $464,201.

Business was predictably brisk on the Hambletonian itself, as $1,115,982 was pushed through the windows on “America’s Trotting Classic”, the third year in a row where betting busted the million-dollar barrier.

Taking a look further down the road, when The Meadowlands returns on Oct. 18 after the Mini Meet concludes, the action will be sizzling from the start as the Breeders Crown – harness racing’s $7-million end-of-the-year championship extravaganza – will come to town with eliminations on the 18^th and 19^th, followed by the big-money finals one week later, on the 25^th and 26^th.

By the way, fans of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing are in for a treat on Oct. 18. That Friday will see a rare doubleheader at The Big M, when the harness action gets underway at a special early post time of 12:30 p.m. before a program of turf racing for the “runners” begins at 7 p.m.

TIME TO CUT THE GRASS: The Meadowlands’ live racing schedule is as follows:

Harness racing on Aug. 30 and 31 and Sept. 6 and 7. Post time 6:20 p.m.
Thoroughbred turf racing on Sept. 20, 21, 27 and 28; Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 18. Post time 7 p.m.
There is no live racing on Sept. 13 and 14, but simulcasting will, as always, be offered.

PREWITT AND LITTLE TO TEAM UP: The Red Mile’s Gabe Prewitt will join Big M TV’s Dave Little on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set this weekend (Aug. 30 and 31). The live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show gets underway every live racing day at 5:45 p.m.

SIMULCAST STARPOWER: Live action? The Meadowlands has it. But The Big M’s expansive simulcast area provides another way for punters to play on some of the best racing close to home – and not so close to home – regardless of breed.

Arguably the most popular destination in the Thoroughbred game, the action at Saratoga Race Course continues every day through Labor Day. Post times will be 1:10 p.m. on Aug. 29^th; 12:35 p.m. on the 30^th; 12:05 p.m. on the 31^st; 12:35 p.m. on Sept. 1; and 12:35 p.m. on the 2^nd, Labor Day, which is Closing Day at The Spa.

Harness powerhouses will be on the track at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday (Aug. 31) as the seven-eighths-mile oval hosts the Maple Leaf Trot and Canadian Pacing Derby, with many of the major players having raced at The Big M this year.

FREE PROGRAMS: Past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available free of charge. All one has to do is go to playmeadowlands.com to access the information.

“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 Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).

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

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.”

BCCC KICK OFF: The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge was conceived to create positive relationships with the local community, raise awareness and fund local charities. The Challenge has already raised over $1.5 million for its charitable pursuits.

On Friday (Aug. 30), the Challenge begins with four selected charities getting paired with their teams in a live draw, which will take place after race four in the winner’s circle.

Cheer on the charities in a fun race in a double-seated jog cart where a representative from each charity will get paired up with a driver in a mile dash for points. The race order of finish will determine point distribution.

On Saturday (Aug. 31), in celebration of this year’s participating charities, The Big M is hosting a Family Fun Day at the track complete with pony rides, face painting and other family-friendly activities to enjoy. Head to the Backyard from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to be a part of everything.

YOUTH TO BE SERVED: The Meadowlands is hosting its annual 30 and under handicapping contest on Saturday (Aug. 31).

The free handicapping competition is exclusively for fans between the ages of 18 and 30 and offers a $5,000 total-prize pool.

Fans may register for the entry-fee free contest in the clubhouse lobby until 6:30 p.m.

The contest format requires players to make a mythical $2 across-the-board wager on one horse in races two through 11 at The Meadowlands. The winner is the contestant who amasses the highest bankroll from their selections.

The prize payouts to the top four finishers are: 1^st: $2,000; 2^nd: $1,500; 3^rd: $1,000; 4^th: $500.

All contest participants will receive a free program, a $10 betting voucher and will be treated to a $20 food voucher. For all upcoming events and promotions, visit PlayMeadowlands.com.

PHIL AND BOOMER IN THE HOUSE: Hang out with a pair of New York quarterback legends when Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason answer your questions on Saturday, Sept. 7 at The Meadowlands.

There will be a special Q&A moderated by New York Times bestselling author Todd Ehrlich, so come ready with your queries about the upcoming NFL season, college football and/or their storied football and broadcasting careers.

What you need to know:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 7
Time: noon–1:30 p.m.
Location: Meadowlands Racetrack, second-floor Lounge
Details: Seating is first come, first served. Lounge opens at 11 a.m. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.
Drawings: Giants and Jets footballs as well as autographed copies of Ehrlich’s 20 Greatest Moments in New York Sports History: Our Generation of Memories, From 1960 to Today
Must be 21-years-of-age or older to attend and wager on sports. Gambling problem? Dial 1-800-Gambler

For complete information, and to preregister, go here.

MINI WRESTLERS TAKE TO THE MAT: Come and see Los Mini Enmascarados (Mini Masked Wrestlers) perform the unique Mexican cultural art of Lucha Libre in the ring on Saturday, Sept. 7.

They will show off their flying aerials, scissor kicks, wheelbarrow holds and defend their titles, so don’t miss this dynamic cultural spectacle performance by certified Lucha Libre wrestlers.

This family friendly event kicks off at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Matches will take place between the live races.

Tickets are $20 for general admission ($25 at the door) or $100 for VIP seating at a picnic table next to the ring.

For complete information, and to buy tickets, go here.

ALL RISE AND HEAD TO FANDUEL: New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is having one of the greatest seasons seen in Major League Baseball in some time now, and fans of the Bronx Bomber – and the Bronx Bombers – can get it on the action at the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands.

The book is the No. 1 facility of its type in North America.

Thus far this season, Judge has blasted 51 home runs. For those who think the Yankee captain will break his own single-season American League record of 62 homers, they can wager that he’ll hit at least 63 at odds of +180.

Think he’ll hit more?

You can get +480 that he’ll end the season with at least 65. Do you think he’ll smash 70 round-trippers? For that, you can get +4800.

The Yankees do not play on Thursday (Aug. 29).

The New York Mets, hanging on to playoff hopes by a thin thread, are in Arizona Thursday (Aug. 29) taking on the Diamondbacks in a 3:40 p.m. start. Arizona is a -120 favorite in the game that has an under/over of 8½ runs.

The National Football League is upon us, and prop bettors have decisions to make when it comes to the New York Jets and New York Giants.

Oddsmakers are not expecting a big year for the Giants, as they are +116 to win more than 6½ games and -142 to win less.

The Jets outlook is rosy if you are one who believes the odds. With Aaron Rodgers back at quarterback, the Jets are -162 to win more than 9½ games and +132 to win less.

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.