from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — A pair of threes is not normally a strong hand, unless it’s referring to this weekend’s racing at the Meadowlands, where a trio of New Jersey Sire Stakes events top the Friday (May 25) racing program while three series finals highlight the Saturday (May 26) evening card.

Friday’s action sees Samis Rolin Stone listed as the even-money morning-line choice in the 3-year-old NJSS filly trot for driver Dewayne Minor. U Need Stones is 4-5 for Yannick Gingras in the 3-year-old colt and gelding trot while Hypnotic Tale will start out at 4-5 in the 3-year-old filly pace with David Miller in the bike.

On Saturday, all eyes will be on Meadowlands Pace eligible Thinkbig Dreambig in the $47,000 Escort Series for 3-year-old colts and geldings. The Jimmy Takter trainee was headed for victory lane a week ago in his career debut after being bet down to 3-5 only to suffer interference and end up fourth, then placed third. Takter will drive the son of Bettor’s Delight.

K J’s Justine and Ideal Talker were the winners of the two divisions of the second leg of the Rainbow Blue Series last week and will go at it in the $42,500 final for 3-year-old pacing fillies before the $35,200 Hot Lead final for pacers of any age hit the track, featuring leg two winners Commentariat and Ballerat Boomerang, as well as Santiago Style, who went off stride while rallying in deep stretch as the 9-5 choice in the Ballerat Boomerang division.

Post time is 7:15 p.m. for the Friday and Saturday live programs.

Best Bets: Last weekend, the Meadowlands’ signature Pick-4 wager saw an average pool of more than $100,000. The bet features a low 15 percent takeout and free program pages for the Pick-4, courtesy of TrackMaster, are available on the Meadowlands’ website (www.playmeadowlands.com) and on the handicapping section at www.ustrotting.com.

The carryover for harness racing’s biggest pot of gold is nearing the quarter-million-dollar mark. The Big M’s Late 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five carryover stands at $233,359. If after the race is declared official there is only one bettor holding a ticket with the winning combination, he or she will rake the gigantic pot.

The track’s 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 played out like a jackpot last weekend. Friday night’s payout to one winner was $17,070 while one lucky player walked away with $15,257 on Saturday.

Memorial Day at Vernon: On Monday (May 28), $500,000 will be up for grabs as Vernon Downs hosts the Empire Breeders Classic finals for 3-year-olds of both sexes on the trot. Post time at Vernon on Monday is 1:05 p.m.

Bring Your Appetite: On Saturday (June 2), the Jerseyfest Food Truck Mash-Up returns to the Big M. Specialty food trucks serving everything from nostalgic hot dogs to surf and turf to exotic desserts will be offered. Vote for your favorite food truck to enter a chance to win a $50 cash card.

Justify Your Big M Visit: On Saturday (June 9), come on out to the Meadowlands and see if Justify can complete a sweep of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, as the Big M will simulcast all of the action of the Belmont Stakes.

Don’t sit in traffic heading for Belmont Park, go to the Big M for your Belmont Stakes fix. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The first race at Belmont is at 11:35 a.m. The Belmont Stakes is scheduled for 6:37 p.m.

While watching and wagering on the Belmont card, and then, the live program of harness racing at the Meadowlands, enjoy burgers from the area’s best food trucks in the track’s third annual Burger Battle.

If you think you make the best burger around, try to impress the judges for a chance to win $1,000.

The event is in the Backyard from 1-10 p.m. There is no admission fee and fans are encouraged to purchase burgers from each food truck/restaurant.

For more information, go to www.playmeadowlands.com.

I Knew It, It’s Prewitt: The Meadowlands TV team will add harness racing jack of all trades Gabe Prewitt to the group that includes Dave Brower, Dave Little, Ken Warkentin and Hall of Famer Bob “Hollywood” Heyden for the remainder of the Championship Meeting. Prewitt makes his debut Friday night when he will serve as co-host of the live in-house simulcast presentation of “Racing from the Meadowlands.”