Friday night figures to bring bettors ready to fire away at the start of The Meadowlands card, as the first race (post time 6:20 p.m.) will offer what is anticipated to be a giant 20-cent Pick-5 pool.
Last Saturday (Dec. 10), there were no winning tickets sold on the wager that spans races one through five, creating a carryover of $47,199, which will have dreams of making a big score dancing through players’ heads, especially when one considers that on Dec. 3, the Pick 5 payoff was $10,969.
The last time there was a Pick-5 carryover (March 12), total action resulted in what track officials call a “negative takeout,” meaning players who cashed got more money back than was put in the pool. Here’s how:
- The carryover of $43,342 was not subject to the 15 per cent takeout;
- There was $268,940 in “new money” bet, meaning $40,341 was removed for the takeout; and
- The total pool of $271,941 was $3,000 more than the “new money” wagered, creating a “negative takeout” where players got back 101 per cent, rather than the usual 85 per cent.
Some other recent pools pumped up by carryovers include the Nov. 19 Early 50-cent Pick-4, when a $49,000 carryover led to a total pool of $344,035, and the Nov. 25, 20-cent Pick-6 double carryover of $32,429, which led to action that totalled just under $140,000. Those who hit the Pick-4 walked away with $3,269 and Pick-6 winners were paid off $6,101.
“Based on our previous carryovers, we can expect an enormous Pick-5 pool on Friday," said Jason Settlemoir, Big M Chief Operating Officer and General Manager.
It’s those types of pools that keep the action at the mile oval big.
In fact, track officials note that Saturdays have been "super" of late. Four of the last five Saturday programs have seen the $3-million handle barrier busted and the one time during that span betting failed to reach that plateau, total action was $2,999,157 (on Nov. 19).
“We are on a roll, there is no question about it,” said Settlemoir. “Our mile-track wagering product is superb, especially when we can roll out full fields, which our customers go for in a big way. Our Fall Meet Saturdays are averaging over $3 million per card, a number not seen in over a decade.
“The horsemen, the horseplayers and our employees are a major part of the New Jersey resurgence at The Meadowlands, and their loyalty will never be forgotten.”
When horsepeople support the entry box, the player bets more, creating an extremely constructive cycle for all. This weekend, both the Friday and Saturday programs will feature 14 races; of those 28 dashes, 27 will have 10 horses get behind the gate. The one race that won’t is the nine-horse Saturday night featured 10th race, where the impressive Nik Drennan-trained Crunch Time A will seek to stay perfect in four North American starts.
MADDEN AT THE MEADOWLANDS: On Saturday (Dec. 17), patrons can head to The Big M at 4 p.m. to see four top #Madden23 players play for cash and other prizes as you get set for NFL Week 15 with Madden Matchups. Larry Ridley will be the play-by-play man, with former Cincinnati Bengal and Penn State Nittany Lion Brandon Bell giving the colour commentary.
SCRATCH AND WIN: Visitors can take the opportunity to win some big green in The Big M’s “Scratch & Win” promotion. The Meadowlands and the New Jersey Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association are continuing their 2022 partnership encouraging fans to attend live racing for a chance to cash in during the four-week promotion.
Racetrack mailing list and Players Club members all received a postcard with four opportunities to win up to $20,000. Dec. 17 and 31 are the last two redemption dates. Fans that did not receive a Scratch & Win mailer can still pick one up at the Players Club desk on any Saturday.
“We knew this promotion would be a winning one,” said Settlemoir. “We can still drive people to the racetrack with worthwhile promotions and events that appeal to both the die-hard and casual racing fans.”
HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Meadowlands is the place to be to ring in 2023. On Saturday, Dec. 31, it’s Fan Appreciation Night. Visitors can head over to the Café, Rooftop Terrace or Backyard for $1 concession items (hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, soda). The discount prices are available from 6-11 p.m. The Café will also offer Bud/Bud Light drafts for $2 each.
Buffet dining is available for $64.95 and includes a complimentary champagne toast. Call 201-THE-BIGM for reservations.
Ten minutes after the conclusion of the card, there will be a fabulous fireworks show.
(With files from Meadowlands)