Meadowlands: Just two legs left of monthly handicapping challenge
With just two legs to go before the big-money final, handicappers will be gunning to finish in the top two in the $1,000 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest on Friday (Oct. 23) night as they seek a seat in the contest final on Dec. 12, which offers $10,000 in prize money.
Friday will mark the 10th of 11 legs of the competition. Those finishing in the top four take home prize money on a $500-250-150-100 basis, but the top two, they not only earn the top two cash prizes, but also cop spots in the five-figure final, where the winner will walk away with $5,000.
Contest regulars Stefan Ferrara and John Skladany have earned three entries for the contest’s invitation-only finale, and each are looking to equal Nick Montemurro’s mark of four entries, which he earned in 2025.
Thus far this year, 18 entries have been earned for the year-end competition, which will have a total of 22 entries. Those handicappers – with their nightly contest totals – are:
· Leg 1 – January: Del Kern ($934.01) and Ferrara ($840.76)
· Leg 2 – February: Robert Glaser ($592.50) and Emile Issa ($500)
· Leg 3 – March: Sean Loebs ($1,170.06) and Patrick O’Malley ($832)
· Leg 4 – April: O’Malley ($554) and Ferrara ($380.20)
· Leg 5 – May: Skladany ($1,031.60) and James Molina ($800)
· Leg 6 – June: Rodney Duncan ($822.20) and Skladany ($497.28)
· Leg 7 – July: Jim Sidor ($1,192.10) and Russ Slader ($750)
· Leg 8 – August: Ferrara ($1,000.75) and Skladany ($726.50)
· Leg 9 – September: Glaser ($305.40) and Joe Barre ($210)
2026 contest schedule:
· Leg 10 – Friday, Oct. 23
· Leg 11 – Saturday, Nov. 14
· Invitation-only $10,000 contest final: Saturday, Dec. 12
The contest follows this 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 competition.
The top two finishers from each $1,000 contest earn spots in the $10,000 tournament final on December 12 (22 total entries).
To register, go here.
Must be 18 or over to wager on racing. Gambling problem, dial 1-800-GAMBLER.
THE SCHEDULE: The pacers and trotters will be in action at The Big M every Friday and Saturday through the end of 2026, with just one exception, as there is no live racing on Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25.
In addition, there are three Thursday cards on the calendar: Dec. 3, 10 and 17.
All told, there are 22 nights of live Meadowlands harness racing remaining this year, and each has a post time of 6:20 p.m.
-edited release (Dave Little for Meadowlands)