UNAFRAID OF CHANGE, BIG M TO CARD SPRINT ON FRIDAY
It’s not something you see all that often in harness racing. After all, the word “standard” makes up two-thirds of the word “standardbred”, and those standardbreds in what is probably 99 percent of the races in North America go a distance of one mile ...
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- March 13, 2025 -- It’s not something you see all that often in harness racing. After all, the word “standard” makes up two-thirds of the word “standardbred”, and those standardbreds in what is probably 99 percent of the races in North America go a distance of one mile.
Well, The Meadowlands is going to shake things up a bit this weekend, and, quite possibly, down the road as well.
On Friday (March 14), the 13th race at The Big M will be conducted at five-eighths-of-a-mile, which figures to test horsemen and handicappers alike.
Meadowlands’ racing secretary Scott Warren says this is just a first small step toward what could possibly become something bigger.
“We’ve been kicking around the idea of a shorter-distance series,” said Warren. “Rather than do that right away, I decided to do it with a race for a couple of reasons. One, when going a shorter distance, you worry about safety, as it's a different style of racing.
“Another reason is wagering on the product. That’s the reason for this first week, the race was placed towards the end of the card where handle decreases some. I didn't want to put it in the heart of the program where wagering is strong. If we feel there is interest, I then wouldn't be opposed to moving the race to earlier on the program.
“If it goes over OK, I'm not opposed to writing more races or even a short series. We may also go in the other direction and write a longer distance race for trotters in the future.”
The sprint for TrackMaster 68 pacers features a pair of horses with good early speed, so they figure to take plenty of action at the windows.
Sargeant Sonny is the 3-1 morning-line favorite and will depart from post four with driver Tyler Miller. The Jose Ramos student has led for the first three-quarters of three of his last four races and looks like a logical public choice.
John Novello trains 7-2 second choice Gaius Crastinus, who will leave from post two with Braxten Boyd in the bike. He’s led at the half in each of his last two, so the action figures to be hot and heavy from the get-go in what figures to be an exciting dash.
“We are not now, or ever have been, afraid to try new things,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “The possibility of odd-distance racing is something we think our fan base might react well to. Our product has a level of unpredictability to begin with. When you add in races that are either shorter or longer than the one mile everyone is used to, you get an even more-competitive race where the outcome is tougher to predict. That’s what our fan base likes.”
THE LADIES LIT IT UP: How could it have gone any other way on International Women’s Day (Saturday, March 8)?
Big M TV’s Jessica Otten selected eight winners on top on the 14-race program, including Fredneck ($9.80 to win) in the second race; Bonaparte ($12.40) in the sixth; Dance It Out ($9) in the seventh; and Jojo’s Place ($9.20) in the 14th.
Emily Ratcliff, who sat alongside Otten as the co-host of the simulcast presentation, tabbed six on top. She also gave out the Late Pick-4, and because she recommended a base bet of $2.50, gave her followers a return of $206.75.
Finally, Debbie Little took over for her husband, Dave, and gave out a winning “Little’s Late Double”, which returned $10.60.
FREE PPs: To show appreciation to its loyal fan base, The Meadowlands offers free program pages for every race of every race card on its website.
Go to playmeadowlands.com, then click on the “news” dropdown to get the past performances at absolutely no cost.
THE SCHEDULE: During the month of March, live racing at The Big M will be conducted every Friday and Saturday with a first-race post-time of 6:20 p.m.
CATCH THE SHOW: Check out the live “Racing from The Meadowlands” pregame show at 5:45 p.m. every Friday and Saturday when track announcer Ken Warkentin opens up the mic with a scene set and program changes.
In addition to Warkentin, the core group of personalities will be on hand, as Jessica Otten and Dave Little will be on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set, from where the duo will provide news, notes, selections and a look at the night’s featured races.
Joe Romanelli, who first hit the harness scene as the track announcer at Freehold Raceway, is now in his third month on the Big M TV team. He will handle interviews from the back paddock as well as providing commentary and selections on the FanDuel Television (FDTV) feed.
THE BILL OF FARE: Every night, The Meadowlands offers a marvelous menu of popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout.
They are:
· 20-cent Pick-5: Race 1-5
· 20-cent Survivor Pick-7: Races 3-9 (mandatory payout nightly)
· 50-cent Pick-4: Races 6-9 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
· 20-cent Pick-6: Races 8-13
· 50-cent Pick 4: Races 10-13 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
· 10-cent non-jackpot Pentafecta (Hi-5): Race 14
TIME TO GET SOCIAL: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on X. You can check in with the Big M team for early changes, racing information and staff selections by going to @themeadowlands or #playbigm.
Stay in touch with The Big M team of Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
GET YOUR CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE: There will be a special St. Patrick’s Day-themed buffet offered this weekend (March 14-15) at The Meadowlands in both Trotters and Pink.
For a look at what is a fantastic menu, go here.
The cost is $49.95 per person, and to make reservations, call 201-THE-BIGM.
A GRAND CONTEST: Calling all handicappers!
The third edition of the 2025 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping contest takes place on Friday (March 14). The event, which takes place once a month, goes for prize money totaling $1,000.
For those interested in taking part, these are the details:
· There is a $1,000 prize pool and the top two finishers earn entry into a December invitation-only tournament that will go for $10,000 in prize money.
· Contestants must be on-site to participate.
· For complete information, and to enter, go here.
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY: On Saturday (March 15), come to the track and meet a pair of legendary Irish athletes when former New York Jets quarterback Ray Lucas and heavyweight boxing great Gerry Cooney will be on hand to say hello to fans.
Ask them about touchdowns and knockouts when a meet and greet takes place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby.
There will also be a celebratory St. Patrick’s Day race on the card, sponsored by Mary and Peter Grandich. Mr. Grandich is an author, financial advisor and horse owner, who, along with his wife, Lucas and Cooney, will make a presentation to the winning connections of the fourth race.
WHAT A PAIRING: After meeting and greeting, you’ll probably want a great meal. Well, you’re in luck.
On Saturday (March 15), The Big M will offer the Ides of March cocktail pairing, a four-course meal where each of the four will be paired with a cocktail that will serve as a perfect complement to what you have on your plate.
The tantalizing menu features:
· Course 1 Caesar Salad paired with “Liquid Swords” (Green Chartreuse, Aperol, Grand Marnier & Rye)
· Course 2 Mussels in White Wine & Garlic paired with “Death in the Afternoon” (Absinthe & champagne)
· Course 3 Roman-Style Meatballs with Gnocchi Romana paired with “Et Tu, Cocktail?” (Bourbon, Cynar, Blood Orange & Lemon)
· Course 4 Death by Chocolate paired with “Espresso Martini” Cold Brew, Mr. Black & Vanilla Vodka
Tickets are just $55 (plus tax and gratuity).
To buy tickets, go here.
The dinner includes a live racing program and a $10 betting voucher.
HOOPS HEAVEN: Look out for bracket busting action beginning on Tuesday (March 18), when the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament begins.
There’s no need to stay at home. Come to The Meadowlands and watch all of the action as you bet on the games in the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Check out the full schedule below:
· First Four: March 18-19
· First round: March 20-21
· Second round: March 22-23
· Sweet 16: March 27-28
· Elite Eight: March 29-30
· Final Four: April 5
· NCAA championship game: April 7
For more information, and to purchase tickets, go here.
PARTY ON: Looking to book a corporate event or private party? The Meadowlands has unlimited event possibilities. The redesigned Gallery with multiple TVs, private bar and balcony overlooking the FanDuel Sportsbook is perfect for game days, watch parties and more.
To book your private party, email alokshin@playmeadowlands.com.
FANDUEL IS FABULOUS: Meadowlands regulars know that if they want action on professional and college sports, all they have to do is head for the FanDuel Sportsbook, which is the No. 1 facility of its kind in all of North America.
It couldn’t be easier to access, as it’s located inside the grandstand at The Big M.
The book has massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, so watch and wager in comfort while having some great food and drink.
The marquee NBA game on Thursday (March 13) has the Los Angeles Lakers traveling to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks at 7:30 p.m.
The Bucks are a 7-point favorite in the game that has an under/over of 225½.
Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is open for business Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.
