East Rutherford, NJ – The Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest sports a serious pot of gold at the end of an 11-month rainbow, and three of the contest’s regular players are out to improve their chances of hitting big, as in 10 times big.
The way the competition works, the top two finishers from each monthly $1,000 contest earn an entry in the $10,000 final that takes place on Dec. 12, and with the first seven (of 11) legs complete, there are a trio of handicappers who already have two entries in the big-money finale.
Stefan Ferrara, John Skladany and Patrick O’Malley will all be seeking a third entry into the late fall showdown when Leg 8 of the MMHC takes place Saturday (Aug. 22) night.
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 get a ticket to go for the big green.
“I love playing in handicapping contests. I remember when the Meadowlands would host the World Harness Handicapping Championship every April,” said O’Malley, 62, who lives in Westbury, NY. “Players would come from all over the country to play.
“After COVID, the contest just couldn’t get the same volume of players. I was very excited when the Meadowlands decided to host this contest and put up the prize money.
“It really doesn’t make sense for anyone in attendance at the track not to play. 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. I love the strategy of the contest. I know a lot of the other players, so there are some bragging rights and trash talking involved. That makes it that much more fun.”
“Since the beginning of the year, I was trying to sweep the board and have every entry into the final. That obviously hasn’t worked out,” said Ferrara, 53, of Westchester, NY with a laugh. “But, in all seriousness, I’m going give it my all to get a third or fourth entry into the final. I’m a Pick-4, 5 and 6 player. I need as many options as possible to make these plays.
“As far as what I like about these contests are, the simple answer is everything. [Big M Director of Marketing and Events] Rachel [Ryan] and the powers that be have done an excellent job evolving in these contests. Just a couple of years ago, you were only allowed to make win-place-show wagers. I hated that because it didn’t fit what I liked to do. Now, you can play any single wager you want. It truly is a great contest and I, for one, love coming out to The Meadowlands to compete in it.”
Thus far this year, 14 entries have been earned for the year-end competition, those handicappers – with their contest totals – are:
- January: Del Kern ($934.01) and Ferrara ($840.76)
- February: Robert Glaser ($592.50) and Emile Issa ($500)
- March: Sean Loebs ($1,170.06) and O’Malley ($832)
- April: O’Malley ($554) and Ferrara ($380.20)
- May: 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)
2026 contest schedule:
- Leg 8 – Saturday, Aug. 22
- Leg 9 – Saturday, Sept. 5
- Leg 10 – Friday, Oct. 23
- Leg 11 – Saturday, Nov. 14
- Invitation-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 December 12 (22 total players). First prize in the final is $5,000.
To register for the competition, go here.
Must be 18 or over to wager on racing. Gambling problem, dial 1-800-GAMBLER.
KEITH TO CALL: Melissa Keith, the former track announcer at Canada’s Rideau-Carleton Raceway, will be in town this weekend to provide the play-by-play of the Friday and Saturday races. Keith served as race caller when The Big M celebrated International Women’s Day earlier this year.
But Keith isn’t the only member of the Friday and Saturday talent team who can call a race.
Peter Kleinhans, who has been the voice of many tracks during his career, and is the current caller at Kentucky’s Oak Grove, will put some of his other skills on display and provide analysis and selections on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set Friday night while sitting alongside Big M TV regular host Dave Little, who is the former caller at Historic Track (Goshen, NY) and current man on the mic at the Orleans County Fair (Barton, VT).
Saturday night will find Larry Fox, the former announcer at Freehold Raceway who called The Big M races last Saturday, offering his TrackMaster rating expertise from the co-host chair.
Big M Winner’s Circle Host Gary DiLeo may not have called any races in his life, but will handle interviews from the paddock with winning connections nonetheless.
A STELLAR MENU: The Meadowlands’ betting public is accustomed to the new $3 Late Pick-3 (Races 11-13) and $5 Late Daily Double (12-13), but still go for the 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 both of this weekend’s 13-race programs:
- Races 1-5: 20-cent Pick-5
- Races 3-9: 20-cent Survivor Pick-7
- Race 5: 10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5)
- Races 6-9: 50-cent Pick-4
- Races 8-13: 20-cent Pick-6
- Races 10-13: 50-cent Pick-4
- Race 13: 10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5)
This weekend, there will be an additional daily double wager offered on races 7-8, a bet that will have a $2 minimum bet.
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 Ken 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.