Bettors Edge bested Western Joe in the featured $20,000 Preferred Handicap for pacers by a half-length in 1:50.3 at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Saturday, March 24.

Western Joe, the even-money favourite, was on the lead from the start until deep stretch, when Bettors Edge, after parking the final half of the mile, got the better of Western Joe at the line. Durant was third.

Bettors Edge returned $11.40 to win as the third choice in the wagering. He was driven by Victor Kirby, trained by Jennifer Lappe and is owned by Lappe and Robert Santagata.

The action at the Meadowlands Saturday night was not only fast and furious on the track, but at the betting windows as well.

The industry’s handle leader had a huge night, as total wagering went past the $3-million mark for the second time this year.

Total play was $3,086,703 on the 12-race program (an average of $257,225 per race), a number surpassed only once earlier on March 3, when betting reached $3,454,633.

The Pick-4 saw its biggest total pool of the year, as $127,239 was pushed through the windows, smashing the previous best by more than $25,000.

The Pick-5 established a new 2018 non-carryover pool high of $72,123.

A LITTLE MORE: The Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High Five failed to result in a single-ticket winner, upping the incredible carryover to $161,463.

Racing resumes Friday, March 30 at 7:15 p.m.

(With files from the Meadowlands)