You could say the Kentucky Derby – and the return to the races of a Dan Patch Horse of the Year – justify why it was such a big day at the Meadowlands Racetrack this past Saturday (May 5).

It all began with the first race at Churchill Downs beginning 90 minutes before lunchtime and was still going strong as Bob Baffert’s Justify took the 144th Kentucky Derby at almost 7 p.m.

It was then time for a superb Meadowlands program, and the 11 races saw two divisions of the Graduate Series as well as the Arthur J. Cutler Memorial, which was highlighted by the return of 2017 HOTY Hannelore Hanover, who overcame Post 12 to win her seasonal debut.

“All of us at the Meadowlands would like to thank everyone for coming out on Derby Day and making the day – and night – such a success,” said Jason Settlemoir, the track’s chief operating officer and general manager.

Wagering on the live ‘Big M’ card came close to reaching the magic $3 million mark, but came up just short, at $2.95 million.

“But on the three occasions when we have bet $3 million this year,” said Settlemoir, “we had at least 12 races on the program. Because last Saturday had an 11-race card, our average wagered per race was $268,253, which is our 2018 high.”

The Cutler and Graduate’s two divisions all had full (or overflow) fields and were contested at a mile and an eighth. The public bet them with both hands, as a total of $897,012 was wagered on the three added-distance events.

CARRYOVER CRAZY: Harness racing’s biggest carryover continues to impress, as those who want to take a shot at the Late Jackpot Super High-Five Friday night will have a chance to walk away with a payoff of better than $215,668 for a 20-cent bet.

One of the steadiest pools in the game is the Big M’s Pick-4, which is averaging $90,000 during 2018. The wager features a low 15 per cent takeout and free program pages for the bet, courtesy of Track Master, are available on the Meadowlands’ website (playmeadowlands.com) and on the handicapping section at ustrotting.com.

SEE YOU IN BALTIMORE: Better yet, don’t bother driving down Route 95, come on out to the Meadowlands on Saturday, May 19 and watch Justify try and win the Preakness Stakes, which will headline the Big M simulcast menu.

After the big race, stay for live harness racing as well as the track’s third annual spring Beer Fest. Doors open for VIP at 4:30 p.m. with general admission holders admitted at 5:30 p.m. Beer will be poured until 9:30 p.m.

(Meadowlands Racetrack)