Meadowlands: Big fields, carryovers and calendars available this weekend

As the National Football League applied the final brush strokes to their who’s-in-the-playoffs easel, the 2024 calendar year got off to a rousing start at The Meadowlands.

A total of $3,228,728 was pushed through the windows on Friday’s (Jan. 5) 14-race program, good for an average per race of $230,623.

Saturday’s (Jan. 6) card was canceled due to inclement weather.

“The Big M continues to offer some of the most challenging and competitive racing in the industry,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “When you combine that with the largest pools, low takeouts, a mile track and a wagering menu that allows bankrolls both big and small the ability to make scores, you can see why The Meadowlands continues to be one of the most desirable wagering destinations in racing.

“As far as Saturday is concerned, we simply took into consideration the welfare of our horsemen, patrons and employees. We wanted to keep them safe, and given how far some people travel to the races for business or pleasure, we felt that was the correct move.”

This weekend, when racing will be conducted on the usual Friday (Jan. 12)-Saturday (Jan. 13) basis with 14-race programs that will begin at 6:20 p.m., once again, it’ll be a big-fields bonanza.

In fact, both programs will have one field with eight horses and another with nine. The other 12 races are all slated to head to the gate with 10 noses behind the starter car. Thus, over the 28-race weekend, there will be 274 (if there are no scratches) horses who will start, an average field-size of 9.78 per race.

“When it comes to racing at The Meadowlands, it’s all about full fields,” said Settlemoir. “And when we can provide them like we will this weekend, it gives our customers something they go for in a big way. The big fields make for less-predictable outcomes. That’s what the people want.”

CIRCLE THE DATE: After three postponements, it’s finally time to save the date.

On Saturday (Jan. 13), The Big M’s calendar giveaway, likely the most popular freebie The Big M offers, will take place.

The first 500 guests will 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.

The giveaway begins at 6 p.m. at the Players Club Desk in the Clubhouse Lobby. One per person.

A STRONG PAIR: Friday night, multi-leg-bet lovers will have two carryovers to shoot for.

A week ago, the 20-cent Pick-8 failed to yield a winning ticket for a third straight program, creating a carryover of $5,022. Those with six correct collected $25.68.

The 20-cent Pick-6 will start out with $3,699 in the hat after no winning tickets were sold. Those with five winning selections were exchanged for $1,233.30.

A TRIBUTE TO DR. KING: On Saturday (Jan. 13), there will be two divisions of the Martin Luther King Remembrance Race contested in races two and four on The Big M program.

The event, which features all African American drivers, pays tribute to the slain civil rights icon. At the conclusion of the King races, there will be photos and blanket presentations in the winner’s circle.

-edited release (Meadowlands)