Meadowlands: Handicappers vie for the prize in Saturday contest

The Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest sports a serious pot of gold at the end of an 11-month rainbow, and three of the contest’s regular players are out to improve their chances of hitting big, as in 10 times big.

The way the competition works, the top two finishers from each monthly $1,000 contest earn an entry in the $10,000 final that takes place on Dec. 12, and with the first seven (of 11) legs complete, there are a trio of handicappers who already have two entries in the big-money finale.

Stefan Ferrara, John Skladany and Patrick O’Malley will all be seeking a third entry into the late fall showdown when Leg 8 of the MMHC takes place Saturday (Aug. 22) night.

It’s important to finish at or near the top of the leaderboard, as the four players with the highest bankrolls at the end of the night win some cash (on a $500-$250-$150-$100 basis), but only the top two get a ticket to go for the big green.

“I love playing in handicapping contests. I remember when the Meadowlands would host the World Harness Handicapping Championship every April,” said O’Malley, 62, who lives in Westbury, NY. “Players would come from all over the country to play. After COVID, the contest just couldn’t get the same volume of players. I was very excited when the Meadowlands decided to host this contest and put up the prize money.

“It really doesn't make sense for anyone in attendance at the track not to play. It’s free money. It’s the same as going to the teller and buying a $100 voucher. If you hit something big, you can win some of the contest money. I love the strategy of the contest. I know a lot of the other players, so there are some bragging rights and trash talking involved. That makes it that much more fun.”

“Since the beginning of the year, I was trying to sweep the board and have every entry into the final. That obviously hasn’t worked out,” said Ferrara, 53, of Westchester, NY with a laugh. “But, in all seriousness, I’m going give it my all to get a third or fourth entry into the final. I’m a Pick-4, 5 and 6 player. I need as many options as possible to make these plays.

“As far as what I like about these contests are, the simple answer is everything. [Big M Director of Marketing and Events] Rachel [Ryan] and the powers that be have done an excellent job evolving in these contests. Just a couple of years ago, you were only allowed to make win-place-show wagers. I hated that because it didn’t fit what I liked to do. Now, you can play any single wager you want. It truly is a great contest and I, for one, love coming out to The Meadowlands to compete in it.”

Thus far this year, 14 entries have been earned for the year-end competition, those handicappers – with their contest totals – are:

·         January: Del Kern ($934.01) and Ferrara ($840.76)

·         February: Robert Glaser ($592.50) and Emile Issa ($500)

·         March: Sean Loebs ($1,170.06) and O’Malley ($832)

·         April: O’Malley ($554) and Ferrara ($380.20)

·         May: Skladany ($1,031.60) and James Molina ($800)

·         June: Rodney Duncan ($822.20) and Skladany ($497.28)

·         July: Jim Sidor ($1,192.10) and Russ Slader ($750)

2026 contest schedule:

·         Leg 8 – Saturday, Aug. 22

·         Leg 9 – Saturday, Sept. 5

·         Leg 10 – Friday, Oct. 23

·         Leg 11 – Saturday, Nov. 14

·         Invitation-only $10,000 contest final: Saturday, Dec. 12

Each monthly contest will follow the same format:

·         Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races.

·         No minimum or maximum bet per race.

·         All wagers offered on The Meadowlands program are eligible for the contest.

·         Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings.

·         Unlimited entries per person.

There is no entry fee, but a $100 live-money bankroll is required for players, and the prize pool is guaranteed at $1,000, funded by The Meadowlands.

On the night of the contest, players must register/check-in at the Clubhouse Lobby by 6:20 p.m. A $100 betting card must be purchased to participate, as this is a live-money/wagering contest. 

The top two finishers from each $1,000 contest earn spots in the $10,000 tournament final on December 12 (22 total players). First prize in the final is $5,000.

To register for the competition, go here.

-edited release (Dave Little for Meadowlands)