The Meadowlands kicked off its “Borrow Ken’s Binoculars” Thursdays as guest announcer Larry Lederman was on the microphone at the Big M, describing the action and entertaining fans at the same time.

It was a great night for Lederman -- and for the fans who love his style -- given the fact that he has been battling a brain tumor for some time now. He had surgery several months ago to remove most of the mass, and to see him back in the booth was a great thing.

“Post time should be within the hour,” Lederman cracked as a horse reported to the paddock for equipment repair after there had been a recall before the second race. During the eighth race, Lederman asked: “Do the Mets really need Robinson Cano?” Lederman’s never been one to follow the track announcer handbook.

Lederman was the first of what are scheduled to be four different announcers to call the Big M races on Thursdays during December, and he did not disappoint the masses as the response to hearing him call was overwhelmingly positive on social media.

“It was nice to hear Larry in the booth,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir, who will call the races on Dec. 13. “Through all of Larry’s health issues and his daughter passing away this year, he has never lost his passion for race calling or his enthusiasm. The industry loves Larry’s race calling and Larry loves the industry.”

A LITTLE MORE: One player wagering into the Oregon hub was the only bettor to have a ticket bearing the winning combination of 4-3-6-5-1 in the Late 20-Cent Jackpot Super High-Five and walked away with $29,547.... The 50-Cent Pick-5 failed to yield a winning ticket, creating a carryover of $18,376 heading into Friday’s card.... Nine different drivers won on the nine-race program.... All-source handle totaled $1,069,585.

(Meadowlands)