East Rutherford, NJ – A recurring $1,000 handicapping competition plus a pair of carryovers will be served this weekend to please the palates of punters at The Meadowlands when 14-race programs take place on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 20 and Feb. 21). Post time is 6 p.m. (EST).
The popular monthly handicapping contest features the same basic rules as in 2025, with the top two finishers from each monthly “qualifier” earning a berth in the December invitation-only $10,000 “final.”
The first leg of the contest this year took place on Saturday, Jan. 10, with Del Kern and Stefan Ferrara finishing 1-2 to earn spots in the year-end competition.
This Friday will be the second of the 11-leg contest, and defending champion Sean Loebs, who took home the grand prize of $5,000 in last year’s final, is raring to go.
“I’m not the biggest tournament player in general, but a contest like this was very appealing because I like to play doubles, Pick-3s, Pick-4s and Pick-5s,” said Loebs, “and a contest where you can choose your bet and everybody starts with the same bankroll and we see who tallies up the highest at the end of the night, that’s what was appealing to me.”
Is this contest about picking the most winners? Or is it about the guy who knows how to play the game?
“I consider myself a good handicapper, but I think I’m a better player,” said the 35-year-old Loebs, a Big M regular from Cresskill, N.J. “The better bettor will always come out ahead in terms of dollars than the handicapper. I know some great handicappers that are not the best bettors, and I know some decent handicappers that know how to make money. I try to be a mix of both but more in line of being a player than a handicapper.”
Being a shrewd player came in handy for Loebs, who owned a now-retired horse that won seven times at The Meadowlands.
“The contest in November, I was down to $36, and I bet an $18 base-bet Pick-4 ticket and hit it and went from last to first,” said Loebs. “I might not be doing that if I’m first or second, but if I need a score, that’s where the contest gives you an option to do that.”
That second qualifying win gave Loebs two entries in the final, so that one bet played a major role in Loebs taking home the title last year.
Is a repeat in the making?
“I’m definitely going to participate,” said Loebs. “I airballed in January, but this Friday, I’m going to give it my best shot and, hopefully, get a seat at the final table again.
“The contest is a lot of fun. I see a lot of the same guys and new faces. I can’t think of a reason why anyone wouldn’t get in.”
2026 contest schedule:
· Leg 2 – Friday, Feb. 20
· Leg 3 – Saturday, March 21
· Leg 4 – Friday, April 17
· Leg 5 – Saturday, May 23
· Leg 6 – Friday, June 12
· Leg 7 – Friday, July 24
· Leg 8 – Saturday, Aug. 22
· Leg 9 – Saturday, Sept. 5
· Leg 10 – Friday, Oct. 23
· Leg 11 – Saturday, Nov. 14
· Invitation-only $10,000 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 (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 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 contest earn spots in the $10,000 tournament “final” on Dec. 12 (22 total players).
To register for the contest, go here.
CARRYOVER REPORT: There will be a pair of carryovers to entice players when racing returns Friday night.
The $1 PK8 failed to produce a winning ticket on Saturday (Feb. 14), creating a carryover of $52,961 after a sequence that saw winner’s odds of 1-2, 8-5, 5-2, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 12-1 and 6-1. Those with five correct collected $82.20.
The 20-cent Pick-6 also failed to yield a winner Saturday night, creating a carryover of $4,500, after a sequence that saw winner’s odds of 3-1, 12-1, 6-1, 6-1, 2-1 and 23-1. Those with five correct collected $500.08.
The $1 PK8 is offered on races three through 10 while the 20-cent Pick-6 can be played on races eight through 13.
A NEW PAIR: There will be a new team on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set this weekend, as Mike Bozich and Andrew “Shades” Demsky will sit in the host and co-host chairs, respectively, for both the Friday and Saturday presentations. The Big M’s pregame show gets underway nightly at 5:25 p.m.
Bozich has become a regular in the Big M rotation while Harrah’s Philadelphia is dark during the winter months. The voice of the five-eighths-mile oval normally serves as a co-host when in East Rutherford but has proven to be just as adept when hosting the show. Demsky, the regional director of racing at Tioga and Vernon Downs, selected six winners on top when last seen in the Big M co-host chair in December. In addition to his numerous administrative duties overseeing day-to-day operations, the jack of all trades at Tioga calls the races when not hosting proceedings for the track’s many successful promotions.
Ken Warkentin and Joe Romanelli will serve in their usual capacities, as track announcer, and back-paddock interviewer and FanDuel Television (FDTV) analyst, respectively, on both Friday and Saturday.
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.
A GREAT WAY TO PLAY: Every night, The Meadowlands offers a marvelous menu of popular wagers that offer a low 15 percent takeout.
Here is the rundown of when these wagers will be offered on the 14-race programs that will take place this Friday and Saturday:
· Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5
· Races 3-10: $1 PK 8
· Races 6-9: Early 50-cent Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
· Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6
· Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
· Race 14: 10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5)
A SOCIAL SETTING: 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 talent duo of Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
PARTY WITH THE PIRATES: Calling all college basketball lovers! Come to The Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 28, and catch some exciting men’s college basketball action when the Seton Hall Pirates travel to Mansfield, Conn., to take on the UConn Huskies. This will mark the 12th Annual National Game Watch at The Big M. The only place to catch the game is The Gallery, which offers huge-screen TVs, lounge furniture and waitress service. Tipoff for the game, which will be streamed live on FS1, is noon.
GOOD GRAVY! After the college hoops, stick around and sample some of the best sauce you have ever tasted when The Meadowlands presents The Saucy SmackDown on Saturday, Feb. 28.
On the track’s ground floor, head to Trackside between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to check out all the simmering sensations. Do you think you make the best Sunday Gravy, red sauce, marinara or other specialty sauce? Then put your Italian heritage – or lack thereof – to the test in the competition that offers $2,800 in total prize money.
If you are not a cook, no problem. Free samples will be given for the People’s Choice vote following the 7 p.m. turn in. The cook-off takes place in the food court and outdoor East Apron. For complete information, and how to register to be a contestant, go here.
BET THE USA IN FANDUEL: Meadowlands regulars who love to plunk down a bet or two on professional, college or Olympic 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 Meadowlands. 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.