The new 20-cent Pick-8 at The Meadowlands, first introduced on Oct. 20, has gone unhit for seven consecutive programs, meaning that punters of all bankroll size will be going for some serious gold on Friday (Dec. 22) when they shoot for a carryover of $64,543. “The insatiable appetite horseplayers have for our product has been well documented," said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. "Part of that growth has been our ability to offer the small bettors a chance to make big scores on bets that have a low 15 percent takeout and are offered with a low minimum of 20 cents.” Lately, there’s no question which wager has been making the most noise. Since Nov. 25, the 20-cent Pick-8 carryover has continued to behave like a snowball rolling down a mountain. This new wager is the talk of the town, as several players have almost taken down the entire pool. Last Saturday, there were three live numbers going into the final leg. The payouts to all three were more than $70,000 for a 20-cent bet. When the dust cleared, the Pick-8 went unclaimed, setting the stage for a dramatic holiday weekend at The Big M. Interest in the carryover is very high, especially when you consider that the consolation is fairly lucrative – returning $1,225 and $525 last Friday and Saturday, respectively – and the negative takeout (which approached 300 percent last weekend) is happening every night. If you want in on the holiday carryover action, the Pick-8 is offered this weekend on races four through 11. CIRCLE THE DATES: On Saturday, Dec. 30, will be the track’s extremely popular calendar giveaway. The first 500 guests receive a 2024 commemorative calendar, filled with images of the sport’s greatest horses and drivers in action from the 2023 racing season. Photos are courtesy of Big M track photographer Lisa Photo, DRF Harness’ Nikki Sherman, Walter Wlodarczyk and Jessica Hallett. Giveaway begins at 6 p.m. at the Players Club Desk in the Clubhouse Lobby. One per person. -edited release (Meadowlands)