Lately at The Meadowlands, you can expect the unexpected. First of all, there is normally no live racing after the Hambletonian, but the Big M resumed action last week the Friday (Aug. 8) after the 100th edition of the Hambo, with the first of six weeks of harness action that will go until Saturday, Sept. 13. In addition, this week – and next – there will only be one day of racing to accommodate the large crowds anticipated for preseason football at MetLife Stadium, so this week, racing will be conducted on Friday (Aug. 15) and go dark on Saturday (Aug. 16), before next week finds no racing on Friday, Aug. 22, and then live action resuming on Saturday, Aug. 23. Post time is the normal 6:20 p.m. Confused? Don’t worry about it. Just remember to be at the mile oval this Friday night for a special betting opportunity. Last Saturday (Aug. 9), the Late 50-cent Pick 4 sequence was won by horses at odds of 6-1, 42-1, 7-1 and 6-1, which resulted in the first 50-cent Pick 4 carryover of 2025. There will be $26,408 in the hat before betting begins on the Big M’s most-popular puzzle on Friday night’s 10th race. With the carryover not subject to the already low 15 percent takeout, the action figures to be fast and furious. For example(s): •         Were $100,000 in “new money” put in play, that would create a total pool of $111,408, which means a return to players with winning tickets of 111 percent •         Were $150,000 in “new money” put in play, that would create a total pool of $153,908, which means a return to players with winning tickets of 102 percent •         Were $200,000 in “new money” put in play, that would create a total pool of $196,408, which means a return to players with winning tickets of 98 percent “These are the types of opportunities our players love,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “Whenever you combine our low-takeout multi-leg wagers with a carryover, it creates a lot of excitement, especially in the Pick 4, which does not see carryovers very often.” ANOTHER CARRYOVER? Yes, indeed, the Pick 4 is not the only carryover on Friday’s program. The 20-cent Pick 6, which began with a 6-5 shot and a 10-1 chance before the Pick 4 races completed the sequence last week, will offer a $4,028 carryover when the bet begins on race eight. FOR CLARITY, THE SCHEDULE: In a departure of what usually takes place after Hambletonian Day, racing will continue at The Big M on a Friday-Saturday basis through Sept. 13. Post time will be the normal 6:20 p.m. There will be two exceptions. Due to preseason football at MetLife Stadium, there will be no live action on Saturday (Aug. 16) and Friday, Aug. 22. -edited release (Meadowlands)