A recurring $1,000 USD handicapping competition plus a pair of carryovers will be served this weekend to please the palates of punters at The Meadowlands when 14-race programs take place on Friday and Saturday. Post time is 6 p.m.
The popular monthly handicapping contest features the same basic rules as in 2025, with the top two finishers from each monthly qualifier earning a berth in the December invitation-only $10,000 final.
The first leg of the contest this year took place on Saturday, Jan. 10, with Del Kern and Stefan Ferrara finishing 1-2 to earn spots in the year-end competition.
On Friday, Feb. 20, The Meadowlands will host the second of the 11-leg contest and defending champion Sean Loebs, who took home the grand prize of $5,000 USD in last year’s final, is raring to go.
“I’m not the biggest tournament player in general, but a contest like this was very appealing because I like to play doubles, Pick-3s, Pick-4s and Pick-5s,” said Loebs, “and a contest where you can choose your bet and everybody starts with the same bankroll and we see who tallies up the highest at the end of the night, that’s what was appealing to me.”
Is this contest about picking the most winners? Or is it about the guy who knows how to play the game?
“I consider myself a good handicapper but I think I’m a better player,” said the 35-year-old Loebs, a Big M regular from Cresskill, New Jersey. “The better bettor will always come out ahead in terms of dollars than the handicapper. I know some great handicappers that are not the best bettors, and I know some decent handicappers that know how to make money. I try to be a mix of both but more in line of being a player than a handicapper.”
Being a shrewd player came in handy for Loebs, who owned a now-retired horse that won seven times at The Meadowlands.
“The contest in November, I was down to $36, and I bet an $18 base-bet Pick-4 ticket and hit it and went from last to first,” said Loebs. “I might not be doing that if I’m first or second, but if I need a score, that’s where the contest gives you an option to do that.”
That second qualifying win gave Loebs two entries in the final, so that one bet played a major role in Loebs taking home the title last year.
Is a repeat in the making?
“I’m definitely going to participate,” said Loebs. “I airballed in January, but this Friday, I’m going to give it my best shot and, hopefully, get a seat at the final table again.
“The contest is a lot of fun. I see a lot of the same guys and new faces. I can’t think of a reason why anyone wouldn’t get in.”
The 2026 contest schedule is listed below.
- Leg 1 – Saturday, Jan. 10 - Complete
- Leg 2 – Friday, Feb. 20
- Leg 3 – Saturday, March 21
- Leg 4 – Friday, April 17
- Leg 5 – Saturday, May 23
- Leg 6 – Friday, June 12
- Leg 7 – Friday, July 24
- Leg 8 – Saturday, Aug. 22
- Leg 9 – Saturday, Sept. 5
- Leg 10 – Friday, Oct. 23
- Leg 11 – Saturday, Nov. 14
- Invitation-only $10,000 USD final: Saturday, Dec, 12
Each monthly contest will follow the same format. Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races. There is no minimum or maximum bet per race. All wagers offered on The Meadowlands program are eligible for the contest. Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Unlimited entries are allowed per person. There is no entry fee (a $100 USD live-money bankroll is required) for players and the prize pool is guaranteed at $1,000 USD, funded by The Meadowlands.
On the night of the contest, players must register/check-in at the Clubhouse Lobby by 6 p.m. A $100 USD betting card must be purchased to participate, as this is a live money/wagering contest.
The top two finishers from each contest earn spots in the $10,000 USD tournament final on Dec. 12 (22 total players).
Complete contest rules/regulations can be found at playmeadowlands.com.
(With files from Meadowlands Racetrack)