East Rutherford, NJ – With the four-week break from harness racing at The Meadowlands coming up soon, Leg 9 of the $1,000 Big M Monthly Handicapping Contest takes place this Saturday (Sept. 5) just two weeks since the previous leg, instead of the usual four.
A pair of handicappers have done exceptionally well throughout the preliminaries, as both Stefan Ferrara and John Skladany, who finished first and second, respectively in August, now have three entries in the hat for the contest’s invitation-only final.
It’s important to finish at or near the top of the leaderboard, as the four players with the highest bankrolls at the end of the night win some cash (on a $500-$250-$150-$100 basis), but only the top two finishers earn spots in the $10,000 final, which takes place on Saturday, Dec. 12.
“It really doesn’t make sense for anyone in attendance at the track not to play,” said contest regular Patrick O’Malley, who has earned two entries into the final. “It’s free money. It’s the same as going to the teller and buying a $100 voucher. If you hit something big you can win some of the contest money.”
Both Ferrara and Skladany seek to become the first players ever to have four entries in the final. That field will be limited to 22 entries.
Thus far this year, 16 entries have been earned for the year-end competition, those handicappers – with their monthly contest totals – are:
January: Del Kern ($934.01) and Stefan Ferrara ($840.76)February: Robert Glaser ($592.50) and Emile Issa ($500)March: Sean Loebs ($1,170.06) and Patrick O’Malley ($832)April: O’Malley ($554) and Ferrara ($380.20)May: John Skladany ($1,031.60) and James Molina ($800)June: Rodney Duncan ($822.20) and Skladany ($497.28)July: Jim Sidor ($1,192.10) and Russ Slader ($750)August: Ferrara ($1,000.75) and Skladany ($726.50)
2026 contest schedule:
Leg 9 – Saturday, Sept. 5Leg 10 – Friday, Oct. 23Leg 11 – Saturday, Nov. 14Invitation-only $10,000 contest final: Saturday, Dec. 12
Each monthly contest will follow the same format:
Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races.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 per person.
There is no entry fee, but a $100 live-money bankroll is required for players, and the prize pool is guaranteed at $1,000, funded by The Meadowlands.
On the night of the contest, players must register/check-in at the Clubhouse Lobby by 6:20 p.m. A $100 betting card must be purchased to participate, as this is a live-money/wagering contest.
The top two finishers from each $1,000 contest earn spots in the $10,000 tournament final on Dec. 12 (22 total players).
To register for the competition, go here.
Must be 18 or over to wager on racing. Gambling problem, dial 1-800-GAMBLER.
THE APEX OF RACING: The Friday night card at The Big M is stacked with talent, as eight New Jersey Classic eliminations and Leg 4 of the Miss Versatility for open mare trotters will be featured.
The brightest star will be on display in race 8, when Hambletonian champion Apex will be making his first start since taking the most exciting finish in America’s Trotting Classic in four decades.
Apex, a 3-year-old colt by Walner-Mission Brief, is trained by Marcus Melander and driven by Dexter Dunn. Lifetime, he’s won 10 times from 14 outings and earned $1.6 million.
JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO: The Meadowlands has just two weeks of harness racing remaining before taking a four-week break.
Harness racing will be conducted on Sept. 4, 5, 11 and 12.
Then, the “Monmouth at The Meadowlands” mini-meet will be conducted with nine nights of Thoroughbred turf racing, which will be held on Sept. 18, 19, 25 and 26, and Oct. 2, 3, 9, 10 and 16. Post time is 7 p.m.
Harness racing will then return on Saturday, Oct. 17.
After that, there will be harness racing on Friday and Saturday for the rest of October and throughout November.
December will see a three-day-a-week schedule for the first three weeks of the month, with live action on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through the 19th. Then, after the 19th, there will be only one live harness card for the rest of the year, on the 26th.
The post time for all harness racing programs for the remainder of 2026 is 6:20 p.m.
SIMULCAST SHUTDOWN: Due to regular season National Football League action that will take place at MetLife Stadium, there will be no simulcasting offered at The Meadowlands on Sept. 13, 20 and 27.
IT’S CHRISTMAN IN SEPTEMBER: Joining regular live simulcast show host Dave Little on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set this Friday and Saturday will be Cheyenne Christman, 23, a Multimedia Content Specialist with the United States Trotting Association. Christman is not only an expert handicapper, but a third-generation horsewoman who also brings a wealth of insider knowledge to the show.
The presentation gets underway at 5:45 p.m.
Ken Warkentin will be in his usual spot at the top of the stands calling the action. Little will handle winner’s circle interviews with winning connections of the featured events on Friday with Gary DiLeo handling that chore on Saturday.
A STELLAR MENU: The Meadowlands’ betting public is accustomed to the new $3 Late Pick-3 (Races 12-14) and $5 Late Daily Double (13-14), but still go for mile oval’s wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout in a big way.
These are the bets that offer that low takeout for this weekend’s 14-race programs:
Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5Races 3-9: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7Races 4-7: 50-cent Pick-4Races 6-10: 20-cent Pick-5Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6Races 10-13: 50-cent Pick-4Race 11: 10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5)Race 14: 10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5)
DOUBLE CARRYOVER: What do multi-leg players at The Meadowlands like more than a carryover? A double carryover, of course, and that’s the pool they will be swimming in Friday night when the 20-cent Pick-6 is offered on races eight through 13.
The carryover stands at $10,673, which could lead to an estimated total pool of $50,000.
The Meadowlands has been the top harness track in the sport since it opened, and if you come out on Saturday, Sept. 12, you can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the mile oval.
If you are one of the first 1,000 in attendance, you will receive a commemorative Meadowlands 50th Anniversary flask.
Throughout the evening, there will be video reels, interviews and more.
In addition, there will be concession specials at the Café, with $1 hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn and soda and $2 Bud and Bud Light drafts (for ages 21 and older).
The specials are available from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. with a limit of five items per transaction.
It’s a good night to be in the Players Club. Members can swipe their card at any self-service terminal for a chance to win up to $50.
ROCK OUT: Hang out on the roof at The Big M on Saturday, Sept. 19 and enjoy the classic rock sounds of The Past Masters. The show begins at 6 p.m., and there will be drink specials but absolutely no cover charge.
For complete information, go here.
GET YOUR 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.
CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND X: Check out The Meadowlands on Facebook (@meadowlandsracetrack) for race replays, interviews, carryover updates, promotional videos and much more.
Everything Meadowlands is also 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 talent duo of Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
FANDUEL IS FABULOUS: Meadowlands regulars who love to plunk down a bet or two on professional sports, know all they have to do is head for the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 betting facility of its type in North America.
It couldn’t be easier to do, as it’s located inside the grandstand at The Big M. There are massive TV screens and self-service betting terminals, which enable fans to watch and wager in comfort while having some 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.