Value players were loving life during the Meadowlands Racetrack’ return to live racing last weekend (Oct. 12-13), as 16 post-time favourites took it on the chin over the course of the 21 races offered at the mile oval.
In addition, odds-on choices (those going off at odds of less than even-money) went only one-for-five on Friday before rebounding somewhat, as they hit twice in three tries Saturday.
Overall, favourites scored at a paltry 23 per cent.
The ‘Big M’s popular signature wager, the 50-Cent Pick-4 (which features a low 15 per cent takeout and a guaranteed pool of $50,000), saw total pools of $70,276 on Friday and $66,922 Saturday. Handicappers that were sharp enough to use Stratocaster (13-1) Saturday night were rewarded to the tune of a $667.95 payout even though the biggest-priced winner among the other three horses in the sequence returned $7.20.
Andy Miller had the hot hand opening weekend, as he drove five winners. He was followed by Andy McCarthy (four), Tim Tetrick (two) and Mike Merton (two).
Julie Miller, Mark Silva and Linda Toscano all had training doubles.
Racing will be conducted this Friday and Saturday with a first-race post time of 7:15 p.m.
The Kindergarten Classic will continue Friday with eight divisions. The series’ finals are slated for Saturday, November 3.
(Meadowlands Racetrack)