Just in time for the holiday season, The Meadowlands is giving its faithful the gift of more racing, as the mile oval will add six Thursdays to its 2025 schedule, with the first taking place tonight (Nov. 6).
There are 22 programs remaining on The Big M schedule this year. Live action will take place every Friday and Saturday through the end of December, with additional Thursday programs on Nov. 6, 13, and 20, and Dec. 4, 11, and 18. There is no racing on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) or Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
Post time is 6:20 p.m.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday Races
This week, the Thursday card on Nov. 13 will have nine races. On Friday, Nov. 14, there will be 13, and on Saturday, Nov. 15, an even dozen.
On Thursday, there are four $17,500 divisions of the Exit 16W Pop Up Series on the program, and a pair of Megan Scran trainees are worth watching.
In the fourth race for trotters 4 years old and younger, Bless Me Father comes to town from Prince Edward Island, where the 3-year-old gelded son of Father Patrick-My Angel Heart has won seven of eight starts this year. Scott Zeron will drive him from post three and will start out at 4-1 on the morning line.
Scran’s Lastdrivedownmain is 5-2 from post three in the seventh race pace for 2- and 3-year-old males. Once again, Scran’s significant other, Zeron, will be in the bike, as the freshman son of Captain Crunch-Life Of Smiley will look to repeat his performance of Oct. 24, when he blasted his foes at Woodbine Mohawk Park in 1:53 in just his second lifetime start.
Thursday’s card will not only have the Exit 16W to draw in Big M viewers, but will also have a less crowded stage to deal with, since Woodbine Mohawk Park has decided to move its Thursday programs to Sundays, effective immediately.
PICK-6 CARRYOVER: There were no winning tickets sold on the 20-cent Pick-6 Saturday (Nov. 1) night, creating a carryover of $7,950 for Thursday’s card. After a sequence that saw winner’s odds of 87-1, 4-1, 3-1, 8-1, 9-1 and 1-5, those with five correct collected $226.32.
Thursday night, the Pick-6 begins in race four.
STURMAN ON SET: Brett Sturman, the outstanding columnist and handicapper for Harness Racing Update, will serve as the co-host on the Big M’s live simulcast presentation this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The show gets underway nightly at 5:45 p.m.
Ken Warkentin and Dave Little will perform their usual roles, serving as track announcer and TV host, respectively.
Joe Romanelli will handle the FanDuel TV feed and back-paddock interviews on Thursday and Saturday, while Gary DiLeo will handle those chores on Friday.
Popular Wages
Every night, The Meadowlands offers a marvelous menu of popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout.
Here is the rundown of what wagers will be offered on Thursday (Nov. 13) nine-race card:
- Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5
- Races 2-8: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout nightly)
- Races 4-9: 20-cent Pick-6 ($7,950 carryover)
- Races 6-9: 50-cent Pick-4
- Race 9: 10-cent non-jackpot Pentafecta (Hi-5)
Here is the rundown of what wagers will be offered on Friday (Nov. 14), 13-race card:
- Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5
- Races 3-9: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout nightly)
- Races 6-9: Early 50-cent Pick-4
- Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6
- Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 13: 10-cent non-jackpot Pentafecta (Hi-5)
Here is the rundown of what wagers will be offered on Saturday (Nov. 15), 12-race card:
- Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5
- Races 3-9: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout nightly)
- Races 5-8: Early 50-cent Pick-4
- Races 7-12: 20-cent Pick-6
- Races 9-12: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 12: 10-cent non-jackpot Pentafecta (Hi-5)
Free Programs
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.
Social Setting
Everything Meadowlands can be found on X, Facebook, and Instagram. 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 talent duo of Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
It’s Party Time
It’s that time of year to celebrate the holidays, and a great place to enjoy a great time is The Meadowlands.
Discover the unique event spaces at The Big M, perfect for hosting your corporate holiday parties, game-day watch parties, and year-end celebrations at a venue that offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Event spaces are complemented by a diverse range of beverage and dining options, ensuring that your holiday event is perfectly catered to your preferences.
The Gallery has 16 LED screens and one 220” jumbo screen. It is furnished with a private bar, lounge, and table seating and overlooks the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Gallery is ideal for alumni watch parties and game-day gatherings.
Indulge in the luxury of the Skybox Suites, which are private rooms that offer both stadium-style and table-seating options. With moveable walls, parties of up to 200 people can enjoy buffet dining and unobstructed views of the racing action, making your event truly special.
Trackside, situated on the ground floor of the track, offers an expansive area ideal for galas, receptions, large corporate events, and trade shows.
The second-floor Lounge offers the best of both worlds – ideal for viewing live racing action and enjoying prime seating at the sportsbook’s huge HD TVs. With its horseshoe-shaped bar and a mix of lounge, high tops, and seated dining, it’s a versatile location perfect for a holiday mixer or cocktail hour, accommodating a variety of event styles.
Book a private tour today with Andrea Lokshin by emailing her at alokshin@playmeadowlands.com or give her a call at 201-842-5013. You can also view our spaces and take a 360-degree tour by visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/party/.
The FanDuel Sportsbook
The FanDuel Sportsbook is located inside the grandstand at The Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Featuring massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, fans can watch and wager in comfort while enjoying great food and drink.
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.
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment is open Monday – Sunday: 11 a.m. – Midnight.
It is closed on Sundays for simulcasting during the NFL season.
Daily parking is free (excluding MetLife Stadium event days – click here for more information). General admission is also free.
The racetrack also hosts yearly beer, wine, and food truck festivals, cooking competitions, prize drawings, and trip giveaways. Upcoming racing, dining, and event information can be found at PlayMeadowlands.com. Check our event calendar for updates.