MORE BIG PAYOFFS POSSIBLE ON FINAL THURSDAY BIG M CARD

Thursday, December 12, 2024

While it’s true that last Thursday’s (Dec. 5) 10-race program at The Meadowlands didn’t offer stakes-caliber racing, what it did provide is what many players love: Racing that is ultra-competitive where bettors can make a big score, like the one that came when the 20-cent Pick-5 returned $28,712.22.

Tonight (Thursday, Dec. 12), The Big M will offer the second of two Thursday cards on the 2024 calendar.

In addition to the Thursday Pick-5, The Meadowlands was the place for big fields and big payoffs last weekend.

During the course of the Thursday card, seven favorites tasted defeat, setting up payouts that no doubt pleased those with winning tickets. The Early 50-cent Pick-4 returned $4,030.50, the Late Pick-5 $580.55 and the 20-cent Pick-6 $3,634.13.

“Our fans like having a shot at making a score, and last Thursday proves those chances exist,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “That opportunity will be there again [tonight] when there is a carryover in the Pick-6.”

Saturday’s (Dec. 7) Pick-6 went unhit, creating a carryover of $4,038. Now, before you are unimpressed by that number, take note of the following:

• The Pick-6 will be offered on races five through 10
• Carryover:  $4,038
• Minimum wager: 20 cents
• Takeout: 15 per cent
• If $20,000 in “new money” is wagered, players will be swimming in a highly appealing pool. After removing the small takeout, the total pool would be $21,038, meaning winning tickets would pay out more money that what’s taken in, a “negative takeout”
• Simply put, in this scenario, the return would be 5 per cent more than the amount that is wagered. Advantage: Player.

The Big M’s betting menu has many opportunities for players to bet into a pool with a low 15 per cent takeout. This puts more money back in the hands of horseplayers. This is illustrated by what the payout would have been before The Meadowlands decreased the takeout by 40 per cent, from 25 to 15 per cent. Clearly, this has helped horseplayers stay in the game.

Last Thursday’s Pick-5 returned $28,712, precisely $3,378 more with the lower takeout; on Friday, the payout was $11,938, a little over $1,400 more than what it would have paid with the higher takeout.

Thursday’s Pick-4 came back $4,030, $475 more with the lower takeout, while on Saturday, the giant payoff of $25,609 was more than $3,000 better.

The Pick-6 on Thursday paid $4,275, $503 more than if the higher takeout was still in effect.

The payout on the 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 on Friday was $5,478, which meant an extra $645 in someone’s Christmas stocking.

Finally, the Thursday 10-cent Pentafecta (or Hi-5, if you prefer), paid off $3,379, approximately $400 more.

“We here at The Meadowlands understand that giving the horseplayers a beatable game is crucial to a successful business model,” said Settlemoir. “With large fields, competitive racing, low takeouts and situational negative or near-negative takeouts, we have created the gambling landscape that gives horseplayers a much better chance to win.”

BIG FIELDS, BIG OPPORTUNITIES: Cold weather be damned!

The Meadowlands will once again offer big fields all weekend (Dec. 12-14) long.

On Thursday, the average field size is 9.7, Friday is 9.9 and Saturday is 9.5. There will be 38 races contested at The Big M over the three days, and 31 of them will offer full 10-horse fields (82 per cent).

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 Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave 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.”

WHERE TO WAGER: 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 doesn’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.

THEY’RE OFF! Post time for the first race this Thursday, Friday and Saturday is the usual 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.

TOYS FOR TOTS: Anytime you head to the track, you are welcome to donate a new, unwrapped toy for a kid in need every day until Friday (Dec. 13), when the United States Marines Toys for Tots reception takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

At the reception, meet former Nebraska Cornhuskers and New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa.

The toys will then be delivered to SBH Health System on Tuesday (Dec. 17) for distribution to Bronx school children at noon. (For more information, go here.). According to their website: “SBH has delivered compassionate healthcare to the Bronx for nearly 160 years. Today, we continue to provide the highest-quality care and trusted services to everyone in the community.”

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 two 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.

Experience the ultimate Elvis, Elton, Aretha and Joel tribute show featuring a live band. Ralph Carey performs as Elvis, Russ Davis is Elton John, Nancy Salters is Aretha Franklin and John Cozolino is Billy Joel.

For complete information and to buy tickets, which are just $35, go here.

The show kicks off at 8 p.m. and the final act ends at approximately 10 p.m.

Seating is limited, so get your tickets today!

MUCH APPRECIATED: On Saturday, Dec. 28, head to The Meadowlands for Fan Appreciation Night.

“We’d like to thank our fans for a fantastic year,” said Settlemoir. “And while we are extremely appreciative of our players who bet us on the various simulcast networks, we like letting our on-track faithful know that we love it when they are inside the building.”

There will be discounted concessions offered from 6-11 p.m. that night. For just $1 in the Cafe, one can purchase hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and soda.

Bud and Bud Light draft, also available at the Café, will be just $2.

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.

FANDUEL FOR THE HOLIDAYS: The FanDuel Sportsbook is the No. 1 facility of its kind in all of North America. With massive TV screens, self-service betting terminals and all the sports action every day, Meadowlands regulars know all they have to do is head for the grandstand at the mile oval to get in the sports betting game.

On Thursday (Dec. 12), the Los Angeles Rams head to San Francisco for an 8:15 p.m. game with the 49ers. San Francisco is a 3-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 49½ points.

On Sunday (Dec. 15), the Baltimore Ravens, a gigantic 16½-point favorite, travel to MetLife Stadium for a 1 p.m. kickoff with the New York Giants. The under/over is 42½.

The New York Jets, a 3½-point favorite, head to Jacksonville for a 1 p.m. game with the Jaguars. The under over is 40½.

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

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open for business Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.

Holiday hours are Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.