The second leg of the Graduate Series for our-year-olds of each gait will be contested Friday night, June 14 at The Meadowlands, and despite the lack of a fireworks show (that comes on July 6), there will be plenty of firepower getting behind the starter car.

Four $50,000 USD leg two dashes will be contested on the program, with two on the trot and two on the pace.

Special Way (2-1 on the morning-line), the super mare from Ake Svanstedt who has lifetime earnings of more than $1.2 million, will take on the boys in the first trotting division. She’ll face Benjamin Hanover (5-2), who took down Lexus Kody at The Big M on May 17.

The second trot pits Breeders Crown second-place finisher from a year ago, Up Your Deo (3-1), against Oh Well (8-1), who earned more than a half-million dollars at both two and three. Winners Bet, off three winning qualifiers for Nancy Takter, is the early choice at 2-1.

The first of two paces has a pair of $600,000+ earners – Huntinthelastdolar (3-1) and Ken Hanover (5-2) – going toe-to-toe while the second dash features 2023 North America Cup and Little Brown Jug winner Its My Show (6-1) taking on local favourite Voukefalas (8-1), who won The Big M’s Saturday night feature last week in a lifetime-best 1:48.4. The early 5-2 favourite is Seven Colors, who was victorious in leg one of the Graduate up at Woodbine Mohawk Park last week in 1:48.2.

The Meadowlands features world-class harness racing but visitors to the mile oval have a variety of choices in addition to watching and wagering on some of the best pacers and trotters. Over the next few weeks, the New Jersey track will host a wine festival, fine dining, action on pro sports and live professional wrestling.

“We have a whole lot of entertainment going on here at The Meadowlands,” said Jason Settlemoir, Meadowlands Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. “The temperatures are heading toward 90 degrees this weekend, and The Meadowlands is becoming the hotbed of entertainment and racing in the metropolitan area.

“We offer a safe, beautiful place where patrons can gather inside or out, with the world’s greatest harness racing and the No. 1 sportsbook in North America. That combination turns The Meadowlands into such a unique venue, one that appeals to a remarkably diverse demographic.”

On Saturday, visitors can enjoy some great barbecue food at The Big M. Chow down on some delicious barbecue from the best food trucks and restaurants in the area. The event takes place from 5-11 p.m.

Vendors can compete for $2,500 USD in prize money in four categories – chicken, pulled pork, brisket, ribs and people’s choice ($500 USD top prize in each category). To register, email [email protected]. A $100 entry fee must be paid before June 15. Entrants must be ready to sell by 4 p.m. and can sell any food items in addition to barbecue. Entrants must prepare six plates for judging. Turn-in times are: chicken at 7 p.m., pulled pork at 7:30 p.m., brisket at 8 p.m. and ribs at 8:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at 9 p.m.

There is a five-course Caribbean cocktail pairing, featuring a menu crafted by Executive Chef Chris Burnett and cocktails created by Food and Beverage Manager Luis Zuniga, taking place on Saturday. The cost is $69.95 USD per person (plus tax and gratuity) and each reservation includes a live racing program plus a $10 betting voucher.

The second week of “Breakfast with the Babies,” a showcase mainly consisting of two-year-olds who are learning their trade, takes place Saturday at 9 a.m.   Sponsored by Jules Siegel’s Fashion Farms, fans, horsepeople and owners are invited to come out and enjoy a continental breakfast and beverages. In addition, programs will be provided to all those watching the races. The action will be live streamed via The Meadowlands website, and Northfield Park’s Michael Carter will be on the microphone from the announcer’s booth calling the action. It’s all free and fun and everyone is invited to attend. Qualifier and baby race proofs are available at playmeadowlands.com.

Simulcast patrons will be in their glory on Saturday night, when Woodbine Mohawk Park will host one of its biggest programs of the year, with the marquee event the $1-million North America Cup for three-year-old colts and geldings on the pace. The Mohawk program will feature many equine stars that will be racing at The Meadowlands during 2024. Harness racing fans will not miss any of the action from Canada on Saturday night, as The Meadowlands will showcase the North America Cup and other stakes between the races at The Big M. The Cup is race 11 on the program and has a scheduled post time of 10:40 p.m.

Next week, on Saturday, June 22, The Meadowlands will host Winefest, with over 30 participating producers and dozens of varietals. Festival highlights include wines from around the globe and DJ ALX.

Wrestling fans can join The Meadowlands and ISPW on Saturday, June 29, for the first-ever Brendan Byrne Brawl. This live pro wrestling event features seven action-packed matches. The family friendly outing begins at 7 p.m., and matches will include Crowbar vs. ISPW Champion Rey Calitri as well as Big Vito vs. Rick Recon. Matches will take place between the live harness races, with general admission tickets priced at $20 USD and VIP tickets to be sold for $100 USD. VIP tickets include admission for four with seats at a picnic table next to the ring.

The biggest nights of the calendar year at The Big M are the ones harness fans do not want to miss, and it all begins on July 13 with Meadowlands Pace Night. Hambletonian Day (post time, noon) is next on the hit parade on Aug. 3, followed by the Breeders Crown finals on Oct. 25 and 26.

Live racing takes place every Friday and Saturday at The Meadowlands with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. The Big M’s live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pre-game show begins every racing night at 5:45 p.m.

Past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available free of charge. All one has to do is go to playmeadowlands.com to access the information.

(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)