Live racing returns to The Meadowlands after a three-week, post-Hambletonian break with 12-race programs that begin at 6:20 p.m. this Friday (September 3) and Saturday (September 4).
The Fall Meeting will consist of 29 programs that will be contested on Fridays and Saturdays, with two exceptions. The Big M has added a pair of Thursday nights to the live menu, one on December 2 and the other on December 9.
There will be racing throughout September before the track takes another three-week hiatus. After that, live action will resume on October 22 and continue straight through until the end of the year, except for Christmas Week, when there is no racing on December 24 and 25.
The Fall Meeting has plenty of dates worthy of calendar circling.
To begin with, the Breeders Crown will make its return to the mile oval after a five-year absence. A total of $6 million will be doled out as the Crown will – as usual – go a long way towards determining divisional champions, as well as harness racing’s Horse of the Year.
Eliminations for the Crown will take place October 22 and 23. One week later, the four finals for two-year-olds will be contested on October 29, while the championship races for three-year-olds as well as the older horses are slated for October 30.
The Kindergarten Series for two-year-olds of both sexes and gaits will have legs two (September 10), three (September 17), four (September 24) and five (November 6) before the finals and consolations will be contested on November 13 for total purses that are estimated at $700,000.
But that’s not all.
The Meadowlands’ final big card of the year is always one worth seeing, as on November 20, the track will host its yearly “Fall Final Four/TVG Finals Night.” That card features four events for two-year-olds – the Goldsmith Maid, Three Diamonds, Valley Victory and Governor’s Cup – worth an estimated $1.6 million. The four TVG Finals – the Mare Trot, Mare Pace, Open Trot and Open Pace – which carry estimated purses totaling $1 million, can provide some necessary results for Horse of the Year voters who might still be undecided.
“The Meadowlands is extremely proud to host the Breeders Crown,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The five-week stretch of championship racing at the Meadowlands, starting with the Breeders Crown and ending with the Final Four and TVG Finals will likely determine Horse of the Year, and, possibly, every divisional champion of 2021.”
A THRILLING LOOK BACK: The last time The Meadowlands hosted the Breeders Crown, there was a thrilling stretch duel between two of the greatest horses in history – Always B Miki and Wiggle It Jiggleit – in the Horses and Geldings Open Pace. Don’t remember who won? Watch below.
CHECK OUT THE SHOW: On live race nights, tune in to Big M TV’s “Racing from the Meadowlands” pre-game presentation at 5:47 p.m., which is generally available everywhere Meadowlands races can be seen.
The show provides notes, news, features, staff selections and a look at that evening’s marquee races.
MOHAWK’S CUP RUNNETH OVER: Stakes-loving patrons will no doubt be checking out the races at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Saturday night, when Canada’s top harness racing venue hosts a gigantic card, one which includes two eliminations for the 38th edition of the $1 million North America Cup for three-year-old male pacers.
The 13-race card, which begins at 7 p.m., also has the $316,000 Roses Are Red (featuring Lyons Sentinel), $536,000 Maple Leaf Trot (where Manchego and Atlanta will go head-to-head) and $590,000 Canadian Pacing Derby (which features This Is The Plan, Cattlewash, Allywag Hanover and Catch The Fire).
Watch and wager on the action from Mohawk this Saturday and every night at The Big M in one of the best simulcast facilities in the country.
FRIDAY AT THE BIG M: The Reynolds Stakes and Miss Versatility are the featured action on the Friday card at The Meadowlands. The Reynolds offers five divisions worth a total of approximately $320,000, while the $40,000 sixth leg of the Miss Versatility stars When Dovescry, who won her last appearance in the series in 1:50.4 while upsetting Atlanta.
TRICK OR TWEET: 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 Brower (@eedoogie), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and Edison Hatter (@Edison_1999_).
HOW TO GET IN THE GAME: The best way to experience the rush of racing on the track and at the windows is to go to The Meadowlands, but for those who can’t make the trip, they can still tune in and get their action.
One of the best ways to watch what’s happening at The Big M – as well as all other races at venues around the country and the world – is to get a subscription to Roberts Television Network. All you need to do is go to rtn.tv for an affordable way to bring the action to your desktop, laptop, TV, smartphone or other device.
A good way to get your bets in is to use the Television Games Network (tvg.com) or your favourite Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) site.
WHO DOES BROWER LIKE? For expert selections and analysis of every Big M card, check out track oddsmaker Dave Brower’s race reviews.
For Brower’s input, which is generally available 48 before every card, go to playmeadowlands.com, then click on the “handicapping” tab and go to “race reviews.”
50 GRAND GUARANTEED: Each live racing night, the 50-cent Pick-4 will have a guaranteed pool of $50,000. This weekend, the Pick-4 begins in race nine.
LOW TAKEOUTS, BIG PAYOUTS: Here are the popular Meadowlands’ wagers that offer a low 15 per cent takeout on a nightly basis:
· Race 1: 20-cent Pick-5
· Race 3: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7
· Race 6: 20-cent Pick-6
· Race 9: 50-cent Pick-4
· Race 12: 10-cent Hi-5/Pentafecta
SATURDAYS ARE SPECIAL: The special events are plentiful during September at The Big M, where something super is in store every Saturday night. For further information on the following events, go to playmeadowlands.com:
· September 4: 3rd annual Wiener Dog Derby
· September 11: 5th annual Beer Fest
· September 18: 6th annual Burger Battle
· September 25: Chili Cook-Off
BET YOUR BASEBALL: The Meadowlands offers fans some of best harness racing in the world. It also offers the best sports betting venue anywhere, the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is located on the first floor at the track, just inside the main entrance.
New York Mets fans can see if their team can stay hot when they host the Miami Marlins at 7:10 p.m. Thursday night.
Players who don’t mind laying 1-1/2 runs can get +100 on the Mets. On the money line, the Amazin’s are -245.
Do you like the longball? How about these props for a Mets home run: Pete Alonso (+440), Javy Baez (+500), Michael Conforto (+600) or Dominic Smith (+600).
Sports betting enthusiasts can get in on all the action at “The Book” Sunday-Friday from 10 a.m.-midnight and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 a.m. The cash counter is open from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)