The $12,000 Meadowlands Handicapping Tournaments will make their final two stops in the western suburbs of Chicago this weekend and $4,000 in cash prizes will be distributed to the top players this weekend.

The top 15 spots are guaranteed in each event and first place is $1,000 at Maywood Park on Friday night and Oak Brook Terrace OTB on Saturday evening.

In total, $8,000 in cash has been given away in the previous four Meadowlands contests. Contestants have gravitated towards each tournament site and it has been very cool to see many of the tournament players together in one spot like the old days competing for the $2,000 in nightly cash prizes.

Check-in time has been extended this weekend from 5:30 to 7:30 to give our guests a little extra time to get to the tournament site. A $10 Meadowlands Package gets you a simulcast program, two passes to Maywood Park, a six dollar food and beverage coupon for the evening and a free entry into the $2,000 Meadowlands Tournament.

“How can you beat this deal,” said one Maywood Park regular. "I haven’t done anything in the contest yet, but I still feel that Maywood treated me to a great night out. The new leader board that shows you what all the other players have in the remaining races makes this tournament a lot more transparent and exciting. You tell me where anyone can spend an evening getting dinner, a lot of action and a chance to win a thousand dollars for ten bucks? “

Additional tournament information is available at maywoodpark.com or call Maywood Park at 708 343-4800.

(With files from Maywood)