from the Meadowlands Media Relations Department

East Rutherford, NJ — Live harness racing returns to the Meadowlands on Friday (Nov. 13) as the New Jersey track opens its annual Fall/Winter meet with top older mares competing in TVG Opens and freshman filly trotters battling in a Fall Final Four elimination.

Bee A Magician will be favored in the $25,000 TVG Mare Open Trot as she sharpens her claws for next week’s $200,000 TVG final. Winning that final would result in a million-dollar season for “Queen Bee” and her connections. Brian Sears is listed to drive for trainer Nifty Norman and owners Mel Hartman, Herb Liverman and Dave McDuffee.

Pacing mares are led by series point leader Venus Delight who has already collected more than a half million dollars in purses this season on the strength of seven wins for the interests of Bamond Racing, LLC. Yonkers’ leading reinsman Jason Bartlett is due in to drive for trainer Jeff Bamond Jr.

With 11 trotting fillies declared for the Goldsmith Maid, a single elimination is necessary with nine of the ten racing returning to join Kathy Parker (her connections accepted a bye) in the $409,950 final next Friday. Jimmy Takter stable sends out the morning line favorite in Breeders Crown winner All The Time. Perennial Meadowlands leading driver Yannick Gingras has the assignment on behalf of owners Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld, who also bred the Muscle Hill filly.

The Three Diamonds for pacing fillies drew just eight declarations, eliminating any need for eliminations. All eight fillies will return for the $385,250 final. The eight declared are Blue Moon Stride, Call Me Queen, I Said Please, JK Fannie, Penpal, Shezarealdeal, Skinny Dipper and Yankee Moonshine.

The meet begins with an 11-race card at a slightly earlier post time of 7 p.m. One pari-mutuel note, the late Pick-4 begins with race eight. The 50-cent minimum wager offers players a low 15 percent takeout with the pool guaranteed at $50,000.

The first 3,500 fans ages 18 and over attending opening night will receive a mystery voucher that can be redeemed and could be worth up to $500. All vouchers will be worth at least two dollars.

Reservations may be made at Pink Restaurant, the upscale dining room on the track’s third floor overlooking the racetrack. Executive Chef Dennis Sammarone, a well-known veteran of the New York City dining scene, creates a rotating seasonal menu. Tableside cocktail service compliments the delicious fare, which includes dishes such as fresh seasonal salads, authentically prepared pastas, a variety of entrees and delicious desserts. Call 201.THE.BIGM for reservations or visit www.opentable.com.

For complete racing and promotional schedule plus updated dining menus, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.