East Rutherford, NJ – It was the 15th race last Saturday (May 23) night, and John Skladany was going to go for it.
The 55-year-old Meadowlands regular, who plays in the track’s $1,000 Monthly Handicapping Contest every time it’s offered, made a big bet on a horse who was risky, to say the least.
But an $820 hit later, Skladany’s wager had paid off, giving him a win in the competition.
“I’ve been playing the horses probably for 30 years,” said the Parsippany, New Jersey native. “I’ve been coming to The Big M regularly since graduating high school in 1989.”
The first-time winner had done his homework before his Saturday score.
“I’ve been close to winning a couple of times, but never was the winner until Saturday night,” said Skladany.
The winning wager came on Trillion Times, a 3-1 shot who had gone off stride in each of his last three starts.
“We did notice that Jason Bartlett was interviewed earlier in the night and made it clear it might be tough to keep the horse flat,” said Skladany. “But we like to go back and look at the replays and one of his races over at Pocono, he raced pretty well, even though he broke. So, I was playing him in the final race no matter what.”
When asked if he thinks he’s a better contest strategist or handicapper, Skladany said, “I think I’m a handicapper more than a strategist because it’s easier for me to go after the guy in front of me as opposed to if I was on top. If I was on top, I would probably have blown my bankroll because I would not sit back and look to lose, I would try to win, and I would probably, you know, pick the wrong horse.”
Skladany turned his $100 into $1,031 last Saturday, while second-place finisher James Molina finished with $800.
For finishing in the top two, Skladany and Molina have both qualified for the $10,000 contest final on Dec. 12. It is restricted to the top two finishers from the 11 preliminaries, meaning just 22 players will go for the big green. First prize is $5,000.
“I’m looking forward to the $10,000 contest a lot because I had talked to Sean (Loebs, who won the final last year), and it was funny, because we talked and I thought he had a really good shot to win it. And now that I’ll be competing with him in that contest, it should be pretty interesting.”
But until then, you can catch Skladany in the same place as always, in the bar area one escalator ride up from the first floor by the main entrance.
“I literally sit across the way from Sean,” said Skladany. “That’s exactly where I am; I sit with that crew up there.”
Finishing third Saturday with a bankroll of $648 was David Wolff, while Keith Loebs was fourth with $556. The top four prizes were doled out on a $500-$250-$150-$100 basis.
The next edition of the monthly competition takes place on Friday, June 12.
FROM CHEYENNE TO EAST RUTHERFORD: Joining Dave Little on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set for this weekend’s races will be Cheyenne Christman.
Christman is a multimedia content specialist with the United States Trotting Association, where she directs HarnessRacing.com preview shows, designs graphics, manages social media content and occasionally conducts on-air interviews.
She has recently expanded her role to include serving as the USTA’s Strategic Wagers analyst. A third-generation horsewoman on both sides of her family, she has been around horses since the age of 3 and has worked with numerous trainers at The Meadows. In addition to her work with the USTA, she is also a freelance social media content creator and manager for various harness racing entities.
Ken Warkentin will be in his usual spot, calling the action, while Gary DiLeo will handle paddock interviews with winning connections.
DiLeo will provide commentary and selections to his faithful on the FanDuel Television feed on Friday, while Melissa Keith will be on the FDTV desk Saturday.
When DiLeo speaks, one should listen. His value play last Friday (May 22) night, Hold My Tiara, scored from first-over in the third race and returned $57.20 to win.
WHO WILL DRINK FROM THE CUP? Hearts will be racing this Saturday (May 30) night, when some of the fastest little dogs you’ll ever see compete in the second annual Meadowlands Racetrack Corgi Cup.
This family-friendly event features Corgis racing in between the live harness races. It’s a night of fun, laughs, music, doggies and harness racing. And the best part? Admission and parking are free.
This year, the Corgi contestant count has been increased to 100, and there will be 10 heats, with the first to go at 6 p.m., with the Corgi Cup final to be contested at 9:45 p.m. Each heat features 10 dogs racing – make that frolicking – to the finish line. The 10 winners move on to the final, which takes place on the actual racetrack.
In addition to catching the Corgi dashes, fans can enjoy a variety of activities.
DJ Alx will be on hand providing sizzling sounds while patrons indulge in great food and cocktails from the track’s Backyard BBQ & Grill. Clyde’s Homemade Italian Ice & Ice Cream is bringing all their classic flavors, while Wild Bill’s Soda will be serving up their thirst-quenching concoctions. Doggieroadtrippin will be on-site with pup-friendly activities, and Groomington Eats will be on hand with the best dog treats in town.
Backyard doors open at 5 p.m. The weather is expected to be clear and cool, so it will be a great night to come out to the races.
THE SPECTACULAR SEVEN: Here is the lineup of wagers that will be offered every racing night. They all offer a low 15 percent takeout.
- Races 1-5: 20-cent Early Pick-5
- Races 3-8: 20-cent Pick-6
- Races 6-9: 50-cent Early Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 7: 10-cent Early Pentafecta (Hi-5)
- Races 8-12: 20-cent Late Pick-5
- Races 10-13: 50-cent Late Pick-4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 14: 10-cent Late Pentafecta (Hi-5)
THE SCHEDULE: Live harness racing at The Meadowlands will be conducted on a Friday-Saturday basis through Sept. 12 with a first-race post time of 6:35 p.m.
There are several exceptions to those rules.
On July 4, there is a stakes-packed program that includes two Graduate finals as well as eliminations for the Meadowlands Pace. Post time is 6 p.m. At the conclusion of the card, the track will have a fabulous fireworks show.
The 101st edition of the $1-million Hambletonian is on August 8. That card begins at noon.
Finally, there will be three cards that take place on a Thursday. Those programs are on June 11, July 2 and August 6.
There are additional changes to the schedule with the World Cup soccer tournament coming to town.
There will be no live racing on Saturday, June 13, and Saturday, June 27, which created the need for the additional Thursdays on June 11 and July 2.
Finally, The Big M will be closed for simulcasting on the following dates, when World Cup matches will be played at New Jersey New York Stadium (aka MetLife Stadium):
- Tuesday, June 16
- Monday, June 22
- Thursday, June 25
- Tuesday, June 30
- Sunday, July 5
- Sunday, July 19
“We are hoping that our regular customers don’t mind some inconvenience when the World Cup is in town,” said Settlemoir of the competition that begins June 11 and concludes July 19. “But the fact is, those days play out like Football Sundays when the Jets or Giants are playing home games. The difference is, there is no parking on site. We are open on days when there is soccer to any rideshare customers on property. On those days, patrons can get their action in the FanDuel Sportsbook.”
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).
BET THE HOOPS IN FANDUEL: 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.
THAT’S THE TICKET! John Skladany displays his winning ticket after walking away as the top dog in the $1,000 Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest last Friday (May 22). Meadowlands photo.