The Hambletonian Society and Woodbine Entertainment today announced the 2025 Breeders Crown will be held on October 24 and 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Campbellville, Ontario.

The $7 million-plus (USD) Breeders Crown will consist of 12 championship races.

Woodbine last hosted the Breeders Crown in 2022 and has hosted more Crown races than any other racetrack operator in the 42-year history of the series. A total of 164 Breeders Crown finals have been held across Mohawk Park, Woodbine Racetrack and Greenwood Raceway since the series was created in 1984.

The Breeders Crown finals for 2025 will be split over two-nights, with the four finals for two-year-olds held on Friday, October 24, 2025, and the eight finals in the three-year-old and open divisions scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025.

“The Hambletonian Society is proud to announce the continuation of our longstanding partnership with the Woodbine Entertainment Group,” said John Campbell, president and CEO of the Hambletonian Society, which owns and services the Breeders Crown races. ​

“The Breeders Crown returning to Woodbine Mohawk Park in 2025 continues their long-held tradition of offering the very best racing that the Standardbred industry has to offer. The Woodbine Mohawk Park team and the Hambletonian Society are confident that the Breeders Crown will once again be a memorable event for horsemen and racing fans.”

The 2025 Breeders Crown will mark the sixth time Woodbine has hosted all 12 events in the same year (2022, 2019, 2015, 2012, 2011).

“Woodbine is eager to welcome back the Hambletonian Society and the very best in harness racing to Mohawk Park for the 2025 Breeders Crown,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “As a partner with the Breeders Crown since its inaugural year in 1984, we’re committed to being a host track and regularly adding this prestigious event to our world-class Standardbred product.”

As one of the most coveted honours in harness racing, the Breeders Crown series has typically crowned champions in every division for trotters and pacers and been the deciding factor in Horse of the Year voting.

In addition to the Breeders Crown races, the event also includes the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge, which was first held in 2019 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. The Challenge has raised more than $1.8 million for charitable organizations in the host community.

Woodbine will announce further details regarding the 2025 Breeders Crown in the coming months.

About The Hambletonian Society

The Hambletonian Society is a non-profit organization formed in 1924 to sponsor the race for which it was named, the Hambletonian Stake. The Society’s mission is to encourage and support the breeding of Standardbred horses through the development, administration and promotion of harness racing stakes, early-closing races and other special events. ​ ​ For more information, visit www.hambletonian.com.

About Woodbine Entertainment

Woodbine Entertainment is the largest horse racing operator in Canada with a multi-dimensional entertainment business. The Ontario corporation is host to world-class Thoroughbred horse racing at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and Standardbred horse racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Milton. Woodbine operates HPIbet, a wagering platform that allows Canadians to bet on races at Woodbine tracks and horse racing around the world online. Operating without share capital, Woodbine Entertainment has a mandate to support the horse racing industry and the nearly 25,000 jobs it supports across the province. With this in mind, Woodbine Entertainment is surging ahead with the development of the land surrounding Woodbine Racetrack, creating living, business, and community spaces as outlined in the Woodbine Community Plan.

East Rutherford, NJ - The 2024 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge once again exceeded expectations and raised $420,963.

Four tri-state charities benefited from the Challenge, which ran through Breeders Crown night one on Friday, October 25. Driver Grand Circuit points, online voting, a team influencer handicapping contest, an on-track charity race, and onsite visit points were tallied to award the first through fourth spots.

SBH Health System, Bronx, and Team Yannick Gingras captured the top spot, earning 287.50 out of a possible 350 total points, which earned SBH $138,200.

The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance came in second place and earned $86,375, thanks to a strong social media push by Team Tim Tetrick.

 The enCourage Kids Foundation and Team David Miller finished in third place. Meadowlands Racetrack CEO Jeff Gural and his wife Paula generously matched the third-place donation winnings, giving the enCourage Kids Foundation $120,925.

The recently formed Friends of Union County and Team Dexter Dunn finished the Challenge in fourth place, earning $60,462.50.

Thank you to this year’s Charity Challenge Sponsors:

• $25,000 Diamond Sponsors: Meadowlands Racetrack & FanDuel

• $5,000 Platinum Sponsors

  • Alagna Racing

  • Armitage Farm

  • Brittany Farms

  • Burke Racing & Weaver Bruscemi

  • Cameo Hills Farm

  • Anders Strom – Courant, Inc.

  • Diamond Creek

  • Brad Grant

  • Hunterton Farm

  • Marvin & Lynn Katz

  • Kentuckiana Farms

  • M&L of Delaware

  • Melander Stable

  • Bill Pollock

  • Svanstedt Stable

  • Takter Stable

• $2,500 Gold Sponsors

  • Dexter Dunn

  • Yannick Gingras

  • Todd McCarthy

  • Dave Miller

  • Julie Miller

  • Carter Pinske

  • Southwind Farms

  • Tim Tetrick

  • Lucas Wallin

  • Walnridge Farm

  • Scott Zeron

  •  

Many thanks go out to the “Breedings for a Cause” bidders and the breeding donors Diamond Creek Farm (Sweet Lou, Downbytheseaside & Confederate), Walner Syndicate, Marvin Katz & Southwind Farm (Muscle Hill), Tactical Landing Syndicate, Blue Chip Farms & Chapter Seven Syndicate.

$15,000 was also raised for the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital. 

To date, $1,929,473 has been raised for local organizations in need through the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge, created in 2019 to help host tracks forge a bond with their regional communities while highlighting the benevolence of the harness racing industry.

The grandest of harness racing events, the Breeders Crown, takes place this weekend (Oct. 25-26) at the sport’s grandest venue, The Meadowlands, as the 12 finals for horses of all ages, sexes and gaits will battle it out in front of a national television audience on Fox Sports for purses totaling $7.296 million.

Live racing will be conducted on both Friday and Saturday at The Big M with a first-race post time of 6:20 p.m. Both programs will have 14 races.

“The Breeders Crown World Championships at The Meadowlands take an international stage this weekend on Fox Sports,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “Horses, owners, trainers and drivers from around the world will meet, and everything, most notably Horse of the Year and divisional honors, will be on the line.”

The first of two Breeders Crown finals shows will be telecast Friday on Fox Sports 1 (FS1) from 8-11 p.m., while the Saturday broadcast can be seen on FS2 from 7:30-11 p.m. Acacia Clement and Paul Verderosa will anchor both shows from The Meadowlands while selections, analysis and interviews will be provided by Meadowlands’ TV talent Jessica Otten and Red Mile jack-of-all-trades Gabe Prewitt.

THE LINEUP: These are the 12 Breeders Crown races that will be contested this Friday (Oct. 25) and Saturday (Oct. 26):

FRIDAY:

·         Race 6 – $700,000 – 2-Year-Old Filly Trot (post time, 8:15 p.m.)

·         Race 7 – $700,000 – 2-Year-Old Filly Pace (8:40 p.m.)

·         Race 8 – $700,000 – 2-Year-Old Colts & Geldings Trot (9:15 p.m.)

·         Race 10 – $700,000 – 2-Year-Old Colts & Geldings Pace (10:10 p.m.)

SATURDAY:

·         Race 4 – $496,000 – Open Mares Trot (post time, 7:25 p.m.)

·         Race 5 – $600,000 – 3-Year-Old Filly Trot (7:48 p.m.)

·         Race 6 – $600,000 – 3-Year-Old Filly Pace (8:15 p.m.)

·         Race 7 – $600,000 – 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings Trot (8:40 p.m.)

·         Race 8 – $600,000 – Open Pace (9:15 p.m.)

·         Race 9 – $600,000 – Open Trot (9:42 p.m.)

·         Race 10 – $600,000 – 3-Year-Old Colts & Geldings Pace (10:10 p.m.)

·         Race 11 – $400,000 – Open Mares Pace (10:38 p.m.)

For Friday’s complete entries, go here.

For Saturday’s complete entries, go here.

A GREAT PLACE TO PLAY: Breeders Crown elimination weekend (Oct. 18-19) at The Meadowlands provided an exceptional gambling product that provided the player enormous value, which is precisely what the mile oval is famous for.

A total of 19 favorites took it on the chin last Friday and Saturday during the course of the 27 races, meaning favorites won a measly 29 percent of the time.

Friday was especially tough on chalk players, as the three shortest-priced horses on the card – 1-5 Rose, 1-5 Fallout and 1-2 Super Charger – all bit the dust.

Average $2 payouts pleased punters as the Win ($18), Exacta ($190), Trifecta ($1,092), Pick-3 ($4,620), Superfecta ($6,420) and Pick-4s ($14,068) all paid handsomely.

The 20-cent base multi-leg wagers were also rock solid, as the Pick-5 ($910), Pick-6 ($2,504) and Survivor Pick-7 ($4,799) all resulted in big returns.

HE’S FAR FROM DUNN: If last week’s Crown eliminations are an indicator, Dexter Dunn is set up to do good things this weekend in the finals.

Dunn, who was the Dan Patch Driver of the Year from 2019-2022, led all drivers last weekend, hitting the board in 77 percent of his 26 starts, after winning six, with five seconds and nine thirds. His win percentage was 23 with a UDRS of .453.

The 35-year-old pilot has many live drives in the upcoming finals, with five morning-line favorites, three second choices and two third choices. In 83 percent of the races, he will drive no worse than the third choice on the early line.

CATCH THE CROWN: For coverage of the Breeders Crown in print, check out harnessracingupdate.com, drf.com/harness and harnesslink.com.

To watch live coverage of the crown, in addition to Fox Sports, a live feed will be available on The Meadowlands’ YouTube and Facebook pages. Also, many ADW (Advance Deposit Wagering) sites – like the one offered at FanDuel.com – are a great place to catch the action as well as get your action.

The Meadowlands live in-house presentation will find Dave Little on set all weekend long. On Friday, he’ll be in the co-host chair beside Greg Blanchard, who Big M fans know from his presence on the Sam McKee Memorial Broadcast Set the last two years during Meadowlands Pace weekend.

Saturday will have Little in the host chair, sitting alongside Woodbine Mohawk Park multi-tasker Mark McKelvie, who was last seen at The Big M with Little on set analyzing the 2023 Hambletonian. 

STORY LINES: Some of the stories you might be reading during the course of the week:

·         Will Twin B Joe Fresh rebound from her loss last week, and win to lock up Horse of the year honors?

·         Will the absences of Jiggy Jog S (retired to injury) and Karl (retired due to illness) help TBJF get that award?

·         Will Dexter Dunn’s Grand Circuit wizardry continue?

·         How will betting business be in the Crown’s first Meadowlands appearance since 2021?

THAT’S A GUARANTEE: The wagering menu for the Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands will undoubtedly fire up the mile oval’s loyal fan betting base, as there will be $300,000 in guaranteed pools up for grabs on the track’s most popular multi-leg wager.

On both Friday and Saturday, the Early Pick-4 is guaranteed at $100,000 while the Late P4 will be at least $50,000.

Here is a look at what bettors can expect night in and night out when playing Meadowlands’ races for the foreseeable future. These wagers sport a low 15 percent takeout:

·         20-cent Pick-5: Race 1-5

·         20-cent Survivor Pick-7: Races 3-9

·         50-cent Pick-4: Races 6-9

·         20-cent Pick-6: Races 8-13

·         50-cent Pick 4: Races 10-13

·         10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5): Race 14

The Meadowlands has added two superfectas to each card. There will now be 10 superfecta opportunities on 14-race programs. The minimum wager in one thin dime.

FA-REEE! To show appreciation to its loyal fan base, The Meadowlands offers free programs on every race of every race card on its website.

Go to playmeadowlands.com to get the past performances at absolutely no cost.

“X” MARKS THE SPOT: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on X (formerly known as Twitter). 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 team of Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and John Rallis (@john_rallis).

BREEDERS CROWN DINING: Time is running short to get your dining reservations for the Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands.

Pink Restaurant’s buffet on Friday night features shrimp cocktail, gouda-stuffed arancini and grilled Caesar salad.  Guests can also dine on a chili-rubbed NY strip, baked Mahi Mahi with a lemon dill sauce and moist carrot cake. Friday’s menu is $74.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Saturday’s buffet is $79.95 plus tax and gratuity and is highlighted by a seafood tower filled with shrimp, clams, oysters and crab legs. Other menu features include lobster bisque, roasted ribeye and sweet-and-sour chicken.

Reservations can be made by calling 201-THE-BIGM (201-843-2446). All reservations must be prepaid.

Guests looking for ala carte dining can head to the second-floor Lounge, which is the place to be to watch and wager all the racing and the day’s sports action. Guests can dine on delicious Victory Sports Bar fare, which includes wings, burgers, lobster mac and cheese, salads, wraps and more. The purchase price is a food credit that will be applied to the food and beverage bill. Tax and gratuity are not included in this credit and are additional.

Available Seating/Dining Options for purchase include:

Grandstand Bar Seat: $50 per seat

Grandstand Lounge Table:  $100 per two-person table; $200 for a four-person table.

Grandstand Lounge Couch: $200 per two-person section, complete with couch.  

Tables are now available for purchase at https://www.playmeadowlands.events/event-details/bc-dining-tickets.

YANKEES GO FOR 28: For the first time in 15 years, the New York Yankees have advanced to the World Series, and the Bronx Bombers, already the most prolific title-holding team in the history of Major League Baseball, will shoot for their 28th World Championship against the high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers, who doused the dreams of a Subway Series after squashing the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series, four games to two.

All of the World Series games will be televised in the FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 facility of its type in North America, where, of course, Yankees fans can get all of their Series action.

First up is the series itself. The Dodgers are the -122 favorite, which, for horseplayers, translates to 4-5. The Yanks are +104, which is even-money.

How about some prop bets? If you think there will be a home run hit in every game, the odds are -280 (1-5). If you think any player will hit a Series-record six home runs (or more), those odds are +4500 (45-1). Do you think Shohei Ohtani will win the Most Valuable Player Award? That price is +230 (2-1). How about an MVP for Aaron Judge? You’ll get +500 (5-1). What about Juan Soto? Those odds are +550 (5-1 or 11-2, if you prefer).

Game 1 is Friday (Oct. 25) night at Dodger Stadium, with first pitch at 8:05 p.m. Los Angeles is the -126 favorite in the game that has an under over of 8½ runs.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight. For cash-at-counter customers, the hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

POWERHOUSE PROMOTIONS: This year’s Breeders Crown finals weekend feature special promotions and events to complement the great racing.

Friday’s promotions include:

·         $1,200 Halloween Costume Contest (Sign up from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby with judging in the Winner’s Circle following Race 4. First Prize: $500; 2nd place: $250; 3rd place: $100; 4th place: $50. Bonus categories: $100 for Scariest; $100 for funniest; $100 for best horse-themed costume)

·         Tote Machine Payout (Guests who use any self-service tote machine between 6:15 and 11 p.m. are eligible to win. Voucher values from $2-$500. Voucher prizes based on the overall number of wagers made in the entire facility on self-service machines. Must be present at The Meadowlands to participate.)

Saturday’s promotions:

·         $1,200 Breeders Crown Hat Contest (Sign up from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby with judging in the Winner’s Circle following Race 4. First Prize: $500; 2nd place: $250; 3rd place: $100; 4th place: $50. Bonus categories: $100 for Scariest; $100 for funniest; $100 for best horse-themed costume)

·         $10,000 Handicapping Contest ($100 betting card purchase required at contest check-in. Entry includes a live racing program. Format: Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races. No minimum and no maximum bet per race. Open to any wager on the Meadowlands live wagering menu. This includes W/P/S, Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3/4/5/6, Daily Double and Superfecta wagers. Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Unlimited entries allowed per person. Payouts: 1st – $2,500; 2nd – $2,000; 3rd – $1,250; 4th – $1,000; 5th – $750; 6th-10th – $500)

DRINK FROM THE CUP: The week after wearing the Crown, come to The Meadowlands and have a sip from The Cup.

The 41st Breeders’ Cup World Championships kick off on Friday, Nov. 1, with the first five Cup dashes.

The 41st edition of the event returns to California’s Del Mar Turf Club.

It all starts with Future Stars Friday, where the sport’s stars of tomorrow compete in five 2-year-old races:

·         $1-million Juvenile Turf Sprint (post time, 5:45 p.m.)

·         $2-million Juvenile Fillies (6:25 p.m.)

·         $1-million Juvenile Fillies Turf (7:05 p.m.)

·         $2-million Juvenile (7:45 p.m.)

·         $1-million Juvenile Turf (8:25 p.m.)

Pink Restaurant will be offering a buffet for $49.95. Dining begins at 4:30 p.m. with salads and appetizers before main dishes and sides start at 5:30 p.m.

Call 201-THE-BIGM for reservations.

Emoticon Hanover was a success in the Breeders Crown during her racing career, and her impact on the event has continued as a mom.

As a racehorse, the Luc Blais-trained trotter appeared in five Breeders Crown finals, winning two and finishing second twice. Her first foal, filly Drawn Impression, won a Breeders Crown elim last year at age 2 and finished fourth in the final. Last week, Drawn Impression captured her Breeders Crown elim again and will head to Saturday’s $600,000 final for 3-year-old female trotters at The Meadowlands as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

FULL STORY CLICK HERE

Trainer Nancy Takter announced that she and ownership partners Christina Takter, Black Horse Racing, Crawford Farms Racing and Bender Sweden Inc. made the decision to not enter Karl after coming out of his elimination in less than peak condition.

“I regretfully and announcing that Karl will not be entered into the Breeders Crown final. After his race on Saturday, he was scoped and found to be sick,” Takter said in a social media post on Monday (Oct. 21). “After discussions with my partners and further tests by our veterinarian, we have collectively decided that it would not be fair to race Karl without being certain of his complete health. This was a very sad decision to make, but I know it’s the right decision to make. Karl has had an incredible career and has brought us all immense joy and excitement. I must and will always prioritize his future well-being and ensure he is given the best chance for a healthy recovery.”

Through his career, Karl, a son of Tactical Landing-Avalicious, won 18 of 23 races and banked $2,046,066. Per earlier reports, Karl will begin stallion duty in 2025.

by Jay Bergman, for the Breeders Crown

Bythemissal and driver Yannick Gingras won with authority in the first of two $25,000 Breeders Crown Open Pace eliminations on Saturday night (Oct. 19) at the Meadowlands. The 5-year-old Downbytheseaside-sired gelding was a handy 1:48.4 winner.

The field of eight saw multiple horses leaving the gate, and Gingras was smart to keep Bythemissal in reserve through a series of lead changes before assuming command on the backstretch following a :27.1 opening quarter.

Once settled in command, Bythemissal, trained by Ron Burke, cut a leisurely pace, hitting the half in :55.1 and awaiting company. Scott Zeron took the challenge with It’s My Show attacking without cover on the turn and towing Seven Colors and Coach Stefanos along in the outer tier.

It’s My Show couldn’t reach the leader through three-quarters in 1:22.4, at which point Gingras let Bythemissal out and got an instant response. From the top of the stretch home, the battle was for minor spoils with Coach Stefanos and driver James MacDonald offering the most speed to be well clear for second, a length in arrears. In the battle for show, Seven Colors edged out Voukefalas and It’s My Show with all three gaining entry into next Saturday’s (Oct. 26) final.

It was the second win in just six starts this year for defending Breeders Crown champion Bythemissal. From the Western Hanover-sired broodmare Dismissal, Bythemissal was bred by Stephen Dey III.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Eric Good, Rich Lombardo Racing and Weaver Bruscemi, Bythemissal paid $2.40 to win.

“The horse is super sharp. I kicked out the earplugs just to be safe,” said Gingras of the late challenge in the homestretch.

The second $25,000 elimination saw Ruthless Hanover and driver Andy Miller get the front three-eighths of a mile into the race and lead the rest of the way, scoring in 1:48.1 over a determined Abuckabett Hanover.

South Beach Star and driver David Miller left alertly, looping Ruthless Hanover on the first turn and driving to the top before the :26.2 first quarter. Ruthless Hanover and Andy Miller gained control as the field lined up through a :54.2 first-half clocking. As has been the custom for Ruthless Hanover, Miller let him sprint hard through the far turn, making it near impossible for Abuckabett Hanover and Dexter Dunn to make any sort of progress through a :26.4 third-quarter split.

With a long lead entering the stretch, Andy Miller worked to keep Ruthless Hanover engaged, and he did hold Abuckabett Hanover a neck at bay, though that rival closed a big gap in the late stages. South Beach Star held his ground well for third with Why Not Now fourth and El Rey finding a seam along the pylons in deep stretch to secure the final berth.

Ruthless Hanover is a son of Somebeachsomewhere from the Rocknroll Hanover-sired Rockaroundthetrack. He was bred by Hanover Shoe Farms and is trained by Tom Cancelliere for owner John Cancelliere. As the 2-1 second choice, Ruthless Hanover paid $6.00 to win.

“I didn’t want to use him too much on the first turn,” said Andy Miller of his strategy to keep Ruthless Hanover in check until the early dust had settled.

In an upset, Grace Hill ended the nine-race winning streak of favored Twin B Joe Fresh to capture the single $25,000 elimination for the Breeders Crown Mare Pace. Todd McCarthy executed the upset, putting the former Crown champion in perfect position behind the heavily favored Twin B Joe Fresh and then out-sprinting her rival in a spirited 1:48.4 clocking.

Grace Hill, bred by White Birch Farm, is owned by Tom Hill and trained by Virgil Morgan Jr. The daughter of Always B Miki from the Western Terror-sired dam Western Silk won for the sixth time this year and quickly elevated her status to major contender for next week’s final. She paid $22.60 to win.

Eight of the 10 mares in the elimination qualified with Beach Cowgirl, Always B Naughty, Sylvia Hanover, Valar Dohaeris, Kobe’s Gigi and Zanatta joining the top pair. Silver Label and Strong Poison both received byes into the final.

by Jay Bergman, for the Breeders Crown

T C I marched to the front into the first turn and never looked back for driver David Miller, capturing the first of two $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for sophomore male trotters at the Meadowlands on Saturday night (Oct. 19).

T C I, a son of Cantab Hall out of the Dream Vacation-sired mare Nicole's Promise, raced on Lasix for the first time in his career and wasted no effort in gaining control as over three rivals engaged in battle for early lead through a :27.3 opening quarter. Secret Agent Man followed in second through the trip, and there was no movement to the outside prior to the :56.2 first half. The pace of the race picked up on the far turn as Sig Sauer pulled to gain cover and Amazing Catch moved in front to go on the offensive shortly before three-quarters. The jockeying for outside position allowed Miller the freedom to back the pace down with T C I to 1:24.2.

Once into the homestretch, T C I, a colt trained by Ron Burke, accelerated away from his rivals and won by 2-1/4 lengths in 1:51.1. Secret Agent Man trailed him in second with Security Protected third. Sig Sauer raced off cover and held his ground in the stretch for fourth, ahead of Amazing Catch, the last qualifier for the final from the first elimination.

“I let him trot finishing and he went right through the wire,” said Miller of T C I’s closing kick.

Owned by Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services and Weaver Bruscemi, T C I was bred by Concord Stud Farm. T C I returned $6.80 to win.

In the second $25,000 elimination race, Daiquiri Hanover, making his first competitive start since July, rallied from last to capture the contest for trainer-driver Åke Svanstedt, zooming past dueling leaders Karl and Highland Kismet to score by a neck at odds of 79-1 in a 1:51.3 clocking. The son of Bar Hopping from the Donato Hanover-sired dam Dab Hanover won for just the third time in his 10-race career.

The action was heated from the start in this trial as Tony Adams S secured the lead before the :27 first quarter and then stung favored Karl three-eighths of a mile before yielding command. Yannick Gingras had 2-5 favorite Karl at the half in :55.2 but saw pressure through the third quarter as Highland Kismet and driver Tim Tetrick applied serious pressure. Following a three-quarter clocking in 1:23.2, the dueling leaders found company coming from all locations. While Daiquiri Hanover and Svanstedt had a clear path, as did runner-up Greenspan, Tony Adams S was not as lucky, with Dexter Dunn weaving for space late to gain the show spot. Private Access and Louis Roy cleared late along the pylons for fourth. Both Highland Kismet and Karl were locked in a duel for the final spot, but Karl, who finished sixth, inherited it when fifth-place finisher Highland Kismet broke late and was disqualified.

Hanover Shoe Farms bred Daiquiri Hanover, a $170,000 yearling purchase in Kentucky by owners Åke Svanstedt Inc, Stable Why Not and Tomas Andersson.

Daiquiri Hanover’s followers were rewarded with a $160.40 pari-mutuel payoff for win.

“We found out he had a chip in his front ankle after the Hambletonian,” said Sarah Svanstedt of Daiquiri Hanover’s absence. “He had the surgery, and he really didn’t lose much conditioning.”

As for winning from post nine in a field of this caliber, Svanstedt said, “I wasn’t sure he’d be ready for this.”

Daiquiri Hanover and T C I will both draw for posts within the first six spots for next week's Breeders Crown final.

By Frank Cotolo, Meadowlands Media Relations

Drawn Impression and Allegiant delivered victories in a pair of $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3-year-old trotting fillies on Saturday night (Oct. 19) at The Meadowlands.

In the first division elim aiming for berths in next week's Breeders Crown final, the wide-open field of trotters left the gate and were six wide looking for good early spots. Drawn Impression, with Louis Roy in the bike, sat fourth as some nifty shuffling began after the first panel in :27. Buy A Round sprung to the top with a big brush. Once she cleared, Roy kicked Drawn Impression around her in pursuit of the early leavers. Roy's filly was full of muscle at the :55.3 half, where she faced a major bid from Date Night Hanover.

The Luc Blais-trained filly chased Date Night Hanover through three-quarters in 1:23.1 with Elista Hanover best of the rest while heading for the wire. With decisive strides, Drawn Impression thrusted by Date Night Hanover and crossed the line first by a length in 1:51.1. She paid $4.20 to win.

Also making the final were Elista Hanover in third, Willys Home Run in fourth, and Sugar Instead in fifth.

The mile is a lifetime best for Drawn Impression, a daughter of Muscle Hill out of the Kadabra mare Emoticon Hanover. She made her first start on Lasix, but Roy said after the race he saw not difference in how she performed. "She was racing good lately, but tonight she raced really good. When I tipped her to beat the other one, she really put in the extra effort."

Going into the final, Drawn Impression has earned $475,297 lifetime. The elim was the fourth win in nine sophomore starts for the Determination homebred and the eighth win from 15 starts in her career.

The second elim was dominated the first three-quarters of the trip by prohibitive favorite R Melina until Scott Zeron fired his charge Allegiant in the stretch to edge the public choice by a neck in 1:51.3.

At 8-1, Allegiant got a call fifth leaving the gate as the rest of the fillies lined up and R Melina sliced panels of :27.4, :56.1 and 1:24.2. Zeron made a move with Allegiant after R Melina in the final turn and kept digging to the beam. She downed the favorite late for the victory.

Crossing the wire in 1:51.3 was a new mark for the Linda Toscano-trained daughter of Tactical Landing, out of the Yankee Glide mare Too Good For You. She increased her bankroll heading into the final to $633,197 with her ninth win in a pair of racing seasons. The prize for win backers was $18.40.

Bred by Atlantic Trot Inc. and Steve H. Stewart, Allegiant is owned by Ryan Smith.

"Her last effort [at The Red Mile] was not her best," Zeron said after the race, “but here she did exactly what she is capable of doing." He also voiced his admiration for the filly. "She's ready made, happy and healthy." while adding it was "a little surprising getting past R Melina," considering the trip.

Also capturing spots in next week's final were R Melina in second, Sadbirdstillsing in third, Warrawee Michelle in fourth and Soiree Hanover in fifth.

By winning their Breeders Crown eliminations, Drawn Impression and Allegiant earned draw protection between posts 1 through 6 in the final next Saturday (Oct. 26).

By Ray Cotolo, for the Breeders Crown

Odds-on choices Captain Albano and Mirage Hanover captured the pair of $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Saturday night (Oct. 19) at The Meadowlands.

Captain Albano grabbed the lead before the half and remained on the pedal to the end of a 1:48.1 mile in the first elimination for pacing colts.

Driver Todd McCarthy floated Captain Albano into third out of post 3 and circled for the lead after a :27 first quarter. Captain Albano planted onto the point heading to a :54.2 half and cruised through the final turn. Captain Luke rushed first over out of fourth to challenge Captain Albano by three-quarters in 1:22.2 and kept the 1-5 chalk honest through a stretch sprint. Captain Albano staved the persistent push from Captain Luke by a half length with pocket-chaser Timeisonmyside another three lengths behind in third. Howlenthehills finished fourth and Mccrunch claimed the last berth into the final.

“He’s been good all along," Todd McCarthy said after the race. "We were a little unlucky early in the season with him. I think that bad luck just turned for us. It’s good to see him finally show himself. He’s gotten really strong later in the season, and I think he showed that in Delaware winning in the Jug; it’s pretty impressive when you see him go two heats like that. We did it pretty comfortably. Timmy [Tetrick]’s horse surprised me, Captain Luke – he really sprinted with me good down the stretch. I just had to shake my guy up a little to make sure I held him off there in the end. I felt confident in the horse all the way down the stretch.”

Noel Daley trains Captain Albano, a Captaintreacherous colt out of the American Ideal mare Angelou bred by Fred Hertrich III. He is owned by Patricia Stable, L A Express Stable, Sjoblom Racing Inc. and Michael Dolan and won his 16th race from 23 starts, good for $1,255,223 in earnings. He paid $2.60 to win. 

Mirage Hanover overpowered stubborn pacesetter Nijinsky in the final strides of a 1:48.4 mile to score as the 1-5 choice in the second elimination.

Driver Dexter Dunn placed Mirage Hanover on the lead to a :27.2 first quarter but yielded control to Nijinsky midway up the backstretch. Nijinsky took over and clicked a :54.4 half, though Mirage Hanover swelled from the pocket and started creeping off the cones circling the far turn. Mirage Hanover pressed Nijinsky to three-quarters in 1:22.4 and locked hoof and nail in dispute all through the stretch. Nijinsky held his ground, but failed to dissuade Mirage Hanover in the closing yards and Dexter Dunn implored his charge to a head win at the beam. Gem Quality rallied from a second-over trip for third while Calicojack Hanover saved ground for fourth and Sweet Beach Life earned the last slot into the final in fifth.

“He’s been a nice colt all year,” trainer Jake Leamon said of Mirage Hanover, a now nine-time winner from 25 starts with $582,593 in the bank. “But when you’re racing against the best horses, it’s tough.”

Marvin Rounick owns Mirage Hanover, a colt by Bettor’s Delight out of Mayhem Seelster bred by Hanover Shoe Farms Inc. He paid $2.60 to win.

By winning their Breeders Crown eliminations, Captain Albano and Mirage Hanover earned draw protection between posts 1 through 6 for the final next Saturday (Oct. 26) at The Meadowlands.

By Ray Cotolo, for the Breeders Crown

A tale of two toteboard outcomes unfolded in the pair of $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 3-year-old pacing fillies on Saturday night (Oct. 19) at The Meadowlands – My Girl EJ fulfilled a 3-5 promise winning her elimination and Disney later spoiled at odds of 66-1 in the second elimination.

My Girl EJ persevered from a laggard start and a first-over grind to clinch a 1:51 victory in the first elimination for pacing fillies.

Outfooted by Asweetbeachhere from post 9, Dexter Dunn raised the whip on My Girl EJ to gather speed, but managed to only land in sixth while Asweetbeachhere took the lead to a :27 first quarter. Dunn stayed put up the backside with no bites to pull outside after a shuffle on the lead, so he angled My Girl EJ off the pylons and marched forward uncovered into a :55.2 half.

My Girl EJ loomed forward towards Collusion Hanover, who cleared the lead from pocket-pulling Direction before the half, and engaged in battle to three-quarters in 1:24.3. Collusion Hanover kept fighting to the inside, but My Girl EJ nonetheless forged forward while weary from the overland trip to hold a neck in front at the finish. Asweetbeachhere, at 79-1, burst through traffic to claim second from Collusion Hanover while Sweet Gal and Direction finished fourth and fifth, respectively, to take the last slots into the final.

“She usually gets out of the gate really good,” Dunn said after the race. “She just left a little flatfooted when the gate sped off tonight, so I had to work her a little bit to not get too far back. She’s so versatile – if we got a helmet and a cart up into the race, it would’ve been great. But she’s done a first-over grind before and it was a great effort; we were sprinting pretty hard in the straight tonight.”  

A filly by Sweet Lou out of the Well Said mare Lucy’s Pearl, My Girl EJ collected her 13th win from 28 starts. The homebred for Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi and Elizabeth Novak – co-owned with Ron Burke – has now earned $1,144,060 and paid $3.20 to win.

Disney found a tow from last and landed on the line first in a 1:50.4 mile to upset in the second elimination for pacing fillies.

Driver Todd McCarthy took Disney back from post 9 and raced ninth to a :26.4 first quarter carved by Its A Love Thing pushing for control. Its A Love Thing then dialed the heat to a dawdle approaching a :56.2 half, prompting Rocket Deo to dart out of fifth and shoot forward to the lead. Once Rocket Deo assumed command, the outside tier led by Tarrific continued to plunge forward in the charge to three-quarters in 1:23.3, at which point Todd McCarthy began fanning Disney from third over to the center of the track.

Rocket Deo withstood amplifying pressure on both flanks in the stretch and entered the final eighth on fumes. Tarrific pushed forward to the outside and Its A Love Thing surged through a seam at the inside, but Todd McCarthy gathered ample momentum with Disney and slid over the top of all to notch a head win in the final strides. Tarrific took second from It’s A Love Thing in third with Caviart Belle taking fourth and Rocket Deo holding fifth.

“The trip actually worked out okay,” Todd McCarthy said. “From where I got away in the first turn, there was an outer flow from the get go and I tacked onto that. There were a few moves, and I ended up third over. It was a long way for her to come in a big mile like that. She had a good kick coming home. It was one of them spots where I knew there probably wasn’t going to be many looking to drop me in – it was a bit of a step up in class for her, so I had to take her back; my hand was forced. I was really confident that she’d be competitive with the right trip, and fortunately enough she was.”

A homebred for Diamond Creek Farm, Disney has now won six races from 11 starts and earned $118,980. The daughter of Always B Miki out of Breeders Crown champion Pure Country paid $135.60 to win.

My Girl EJ and Disney earned draw protection between posts 1 through 6 by winning their respective Breeders Crown eliminations.

By Frank Cotolo, Meadowlands Media Relations

Emoticon Legacy and Maximus Mearas S emerged the victors from a pair of $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 2-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Friday afternoon (Oct. 18) at The Meadowlands.

In the first of the division's contests to qualify for next week's Breeders Crown final, Emoticon Legacy – one of four across the track leaving the gate – settled into the catbird seat by the :27.4 first quarter and never left the inside path. He saved ground through middle fractions of :55 and 1:24 before passing race-leader Meshuggah and first-over challenger Hidalgo. Emoticon Legacy slid up the pylons to the win by 2-1/4 lengths in a 1:52.3 mile.

The Luc Blais-trained colt earned a lifetime mark in winning his fourth race from six starts this season. The victory raised the colt's bankroll to $155,656. Owned and bred by Serge Godin’s Determination, Emoticon Legacy is a son of Walner out of the Kadabra mare Emoticon Hanover.

"He's still a little green," said winning driver Louis Roy after the race. "He doesn't do well racing in front. I was hoping to get room on the inside because he was trotting well and I know he has a pretty good kick in the end."

Emoticon Legacy paid $7.60 to win.

Making the final from elimination one were Meshuggah, finishing second; Hidalgo in third; Memento Mori in fourth and Tactical Dynasty, who secured the last berth as the highest-earning fifth-place finisher from both eliminations.

Prohibitive favorite Super Chapter was beaten by 7-1 outsider Maximus Mearas S with a strong stretch move by driver Scott Zeron late in the stretch of the second Breeders Crown elimination.

Maximus Mearas S left swiftly off the gate before giving way to an early brush from the eight-hole leaving Happy Jack B. Maximus Mearas S stayed right behind that one while Monserrate followed in third. Super Chapter, fourth after the :27.2 first quarter, fired to the outside to pass them and take full command of the race towards a :56.3 half. Though Super Chapter opened real estate from the rest to three-quarters in 1:24.4, Maximus Mearas S left the cones for an all-out attack that Zeron pushed until his steed had enough to get to the wire first by a head.

"He lacks experience," Zeron said after the race, “[but] mine maintained his tail today.”

Lucas Wallin trains the son of Chapter Seven out of the Cantab Hall mare Darling Mearas S. Maximus Mearas S earned a new speed mark with the 1:52.4 victory.

"He's graceful with good strides," Zeron said, "and now it's just a matter of how fast he really can go."

Maximus Mearas S spiked his bankroll to $84,795 in his first season of racing for owner Kjell Magne Andersen. His breeder is Snogarps Gard Inc. and he paid $16.40 to win. 

Also getting berths in next week's championship final were Super Chapter, finishing second; Blank, getting the show spot; and fourth-place finisher Go Dog Go.

Elimination winners Emoticon Legacy and Maximus Mearas S earned draw protection between posts 1 through 6 for the Breeders Crown final next Friday (Oct. 25). The nine finalists from Friday’s eliminations will join Maryland, earning a bye with his victory in the Peter Haughton Memorial at Harrah’s Hoosier Park earlier this year, in the final.

By Ray Cotolo, for the Breeders Crown

“Double D” Dexter Dunn scored winning marks in a sweep of the $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings on Friday afternoon (Oct. 18) at The Meadowlands, registering a track-record mile with Captain Optimistic and a minor surprise with Swingtown.

Captain Optimistic cleared the lead, rolled and refused to lose in a track-record 1:49 mile in winning the first Breeders Crown elimination for freshman pacing colts and geldings.

Dunn darted Captain Optimistic for the front from the outermost post in the octet and landed onto the pylons before a :27.2 first quarter. On the point, he coasted to a :55 half while Louprint patiently pulled outside from fourth to front stablemate Sippinonsearoc in an outside charge through the final turn. Captain Optimistic remained steady under pending siege through three-quarters in 1:22.1 and defended the helm from a three-pronged attack from Ron Burke trainees in the stretch. Dunn kept asking and Captain Optimistic kept finding as his headpole popped off while keeping his head down to hold his ground and take a half-length victory over pocket-sitter Railroad Station. Louprint fought for third from Sippinonsearoc and Papis Pistol followed to complete the top five.  

“With that wide draw, we had to get handy,” Dexter Dunn said after the race. “He got across pretty easy and he felt good on the front; if one of the other ones wanted to come, I would’ve been happy with that. He got through that last turn and knew it was game time and really fought good up the straight. The further we got into the mile, the better he felt. He stuck his head out and fought up strong.”

Nancy Takter trains Captain Optimistic, a colt by Captaintreacherous out of the Art Official mare Cinamony. The colt has now won six races from eight starts and earned $210,885 for owners 3 Brothers Stables, Marvin Katz and Caviart Farms. The 1:49 mile by the Fair Winds Farm Inc.-bred colt eclipses the previous Meadowlands track record for 2-year-old pacing colts of 1:49.1 set by Huntsville in 2016 and is the fastest mile ever by a pacing 2-year-old over the track. 

Dunn perched Swingtown into a second-over tow behind 1-5 favorite Fallout and bolted forward in the stretch to a 1:50.1 win drawing away in the second Breeders Crown eliminations for freshman pacing colts and geldings.

Swingtown floated off the wings to race fifth right behind Fallout as he abandoned his leave attempt to tuck to the pylons before a :26.4 first quarter uncorked by Papi’s Rocket. Fallout bided his time to a :55 half until Swingtown forced his hand outside to begin a rush into the final turn. Papi’s Rocket folded on the lead through three-quarters in 1:23.4 as Fallout marched forward with Swingtown fanning wide for the stretch drive. Swingtown drew alongside Fallout in the last eighth and slid by the odds-on chalk with ease in progress to a 2-3/4-length victory. Makes Sense saved ground to take third with Prince Hal Hanover settling for fourth off a pocket ride and Banderas earning the last berth into the final. 

“I’ve obviously seen him race – he’s a little bit hot, little bit excited, but he was good out of there once he got on the helmet,” Dexter Dunn said. “There was a bit of action early, so we bailed out [and] Timmy [and Fallout] bailed out and landed in the spot in front of me. He was the perfect helmet to follow. Once I moved him off the helmet up the straight, he really sprinted good.”

A colt by Downbytheseaside out of the Art Major mare Swinging Beauty, Swingtown earned his sixth victory from nine starts and has now banked $352,182 for owners Burke Racing Stable, Hatfield Stables, Knox Services Inc. and R A S Racing LLC. Ron Burke trains the Steiner Stock Farm-bred colt who paid $7.60 to win.

Elimination winners Captain Optimistic and Swingtown earned draw protection between posts 1 through 6 for the Breeders Crown final next Friday (Oct. 25).

by Jay Bergman, for the Breeders Crown

Sound Judgement and driver David Miller easily overcame the outside draw and were strongest in the stretch, capturing the first of three $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for juvenile trotting fillies at the Meadowlands on Friday (Oct. 18). The Muscle Hill-sired filly from the Cantab Hall-sired Pin Kronos IT scored for the third time in her career with a 1:54.4 mile.

Miller worked out an ideal trip, cutting the opening quarter in :27.4 before then letting Delaney Hanover and Todd McCarthy pass nearing the half in just :56.4. Though the pace slowed, Miller let Sound Judgement stalk before letting the Jim Oscarsson-trained filly out in mid-stretch to pounce on the pacemaker. With a sub-:28 final quarter, Sound Judgement went by Delaney Hanover by three-quarters of a length and easily held off a strong-closing Miss Belmar in deep stretch.

Bred in Sweden by AM Bloodstock, Sound Judgement is owned by Blomberg Stable Inc., of Delray Beach, Fla. As a 5-1 offering, Sound Judgement returned $12.00 to win.

“She trained good coming into the season, but I had to have her calm down,” said Oscarsson of Sound Judgement’s development. “She’s more relaxed without the shoes.”

Sound Judgement raced at the Red Mile, in Lexington, Ky., without shoes and went without front shoes in her Crown elimination.

The pocket trip again proved to be the way to the final as Lady Landia and trainer-driver Åke Svanstedt worked two-hole magic to perfection and soared past Aperfect Annie in the closing strides of a 1:55.2 mile to capture the second $25,000 elimination.

Svanstedt’s early aggression with Lady Landia not only got him to the front but kept him out of trouble as favorite Deja Blu broke stride early, seriously impacting R Dutchess and driver Jody Jamieson.

Todd McCarthy re-moved with Aperfect Annie following a :27.4 opening quarter and then crawled the middle half, setting up a stretch showdown. Lady Landia was more than up to the challenge with Svanstedt urging her lightly to the wire to win by a neck. Aperfect Annie held for second with Kadena rounding out the finalists from this division.

Bred and owned by Svanstedt in partnership with Santandrea Inc. and Jeff Gural’s Little E LLC, the daughter of Tactical Landing from the Chapter Seven-sired Seventimesalady won for the third time in seven career starts and returned $15.80 to win.

“I hope she can get a good post for the final,” said Svanstedt, with the filly guaranteed a draw in the first six positions by rule.

Luna Lovegood proved the fastest — and perhaps the best — of the elimination winners when she captured the third $25,000 elimination for driver Dexter Dunn in a snappy 1:52.2 mile. The filly from the first crop of multiple-Crown champion Gimpanzee is from the Muscle Hill-sired mare Southwind Venus.

Luna Lovegood and Dunn made two moves for control of the race after R Charm and Scott Zeron took early control. Luna Lovegood hit the half in :55.4 and took off on the final turn, opening ground through three-quarters in 1:24.2. Though bearing out some in the stretch, the Marcus Melander-trained filly had plenty in reserve to march home 5-1/4 lengths the best off the strength of a :28 final quarter.

What A Bid Hanover and driver Åke Svanstedt found room to the inside in mid-stretch and rallied for second with Spicy Nice just edging Lasting Dream on the wire for the third and final qualifying spot.

Owned by Holly Lane Stud East Ltd., Luna Lovegood was bred by Blue Chip Farms and Stefan Melander.

“She’s been doing everything right from the start,” said Marcus Melander following the victory.

A winner in four of her seven starts to date, Luna Lovegood returned $7.40 to win.

The top three finishers from each division join Champagne Problems in the Breeders Crown final.

by James Witherite, Meadowlands Media Relations

Heading into Friday's (Oct. 18) Breeders Crown eliminations at the Meadowlands, Looksgoodinloulou owned the distinction of being the fastest 2-year-old pacing filly of the season by way of her world record-equaling 1:48.3 win in the International Stallion Stakes. She nearly matched that mark in the first of two $25,000 Crown eliminations for rookie pacing fillies, prevailing in a Big M divisional track record 1:48.4.

Looksgoodinloulou and driver Yannick Gingras protected pylon position on the first turn, yielding to third and stalking 55-1 pacesetter My Sweet Lily through a :53.1 first half. As Dexter Dunn pulled Miki And Minnie out of the pocket to wear down My Sweet Lily on the far turn, Looksgoodinloulou angled second-over to ensure clear sailing turning for home, and the Sweet Lou-Looksgoodinaromper filly struck the front with a sixteenth to go on her way to a half-length win. Rodeo Drive Deo (driven by David Miller) rallied three-wide to complete an exacta for trainer Ron Burke, Miki And Minnie finished third, and long shots Gigglingonthebeach and Millie May Hanover completed the top five finishers.

"I didn't want to get away third off slow fractions, so I did push on the first turn," said Gingras. "But after that, I figured when the field was coming I would pull. The trip worked out."

Now a winner in four of seven career starts, Looksgoodinloulou has earned $252,675 for breeders Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi, who share ownership with Larry Karr and Phil Collura. As the 3-5 favorite, she returned $3.20 to win.

"She can do anything; she's a complete pro," Gingras continued. "The fractions were hot, but she got a good trip out of it. She's one of the best 2-year-old pacing fillies I've ever driven; she's really, really nice."

The second $25,000 Crown elimination for rookie pacing fillies saw New York Sire Stakes champion The Last Martini chase cover on the far turn and roll down the center of the track for a 1:51 win.

The Last Martini settled in sixth while 1-5 favorite Rose clicked off early splits of :27.1 and :55.1. Doug McNair angled the Huntsville-Martinique filly off the pegs at the half-mile pole, and the pair advanced steadily before flushing Duration out from third midway on the far turn. As Duration and driver Todd McCarthy ground forward to collar Rose in deep stretch, The Last Martini switched three-wide and lunged to likewise nab Duration by a half length. Unreasonable lifted down the grandstand side to nab Rose for third; Cant See Me completed the top five.

"She's been getting better and better as the year went on," said McNair. "She finished second to Chantilly (in the She's a Great Lady); I was really impressed with that. I figured if I got her in the right spot that she could keep up with them."

Jared Bako trains The Last Martini, a four-time winner from nine starts with $353,847 in the bank, for Glenview Livestock Ltd. The Crawford Farms-bred filly paid $11.20 to win.

The top five finishers from each elimination will reconvene for the $700,000 final on Oct. 25. By virtue of their elimination wins, Looksgoodinloulou and The Last Martini will draw for posts one through six.

You’d think after a five-week slumber, during which harness racing at The Meadowlands was in hibernation mode, the mile oval would come back and ease their way towards the final portion of the 2024 major-stakes calendar.

Think again.

The Big M returns with live harness action Friday (Oct. 18), with a special early post time of 12:30 p.m., and Saturday (Oct. 19), at the usual 6:20 p.m., with eliminations for the 12-race, year-end extravaganza known as the Breeders Crown. It’s the first time the Crown has been at The Meadowlands since 2021. Friday’s races will determine who will advance to the finals in the 2-year-old events while Saturday’s dashes will decide who will go for the big green in the 3-year-old and older races.

For those who can’t make it to the track, they can catch all of the action on Fox Sports as part of the network’s “America’s Day at the Races” show.

Friday’s telecast, which will be hosted by Acacia Clement and Greg Wolf and co-hosted by Paul Verderosa, can be seen on Fox Sports 2 (FS2) from 12:30-5:30 p.m. On Saturday, FS2’s coverage will go from 7:30-11 p.m. with Chris Griffin and Verderosa on set from Aqueduct Racetrack.

The first of two Breeders Crown finals shows will be telecast on Friday, Oct. 25 on FS1 from 8-11 p.m., while the Saturday, Oct. 26 broadcast can be seen on FS2 from 7:30-11 p.m. Clement and Verderosa will anchor both shows from The Meadowlands.

All four presentations will feature selections, analysis and interviews from Meadowlands’ TV talent Jessica Otten and Gabe Prewitt.

“Fox Sports and NYRA (New York Racing Association) are very excited to partner with The Meadowlands and the Hambletonian Society to present 15 hours of Breeders Crown coverage between FS1 and FS2,” said NYRA’s Sr. Director of TV Broadcast Operations Eric Donovan. “We look forward to showcasing all the top horses, drivers, owners, trainers and breeders in Standardbred racing at this championship event.”

Friday will provide something special for on-track Big M regulars, as after the completion of the harness races, a card of Thoroughbred turf racing will take place with a first-race post time of 7 p.m.

Only two of the 12 Crown divisions require no eliminations, as the Breeders Crown Open Trot (11 entrants) and Breeders Crown Mare Trot (nine) will have one dash for the cash.

The Crown finals for 2-year-olds take place on Friday, Oct. 25, with the 3-year-olds and older horses to battle in their respective finals on Saturday, Oct. 26. Post time for both race cards is 6:20 p.m.

“We are looking forward to welcoming back our faithful fans and our horsemen,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir. “And what better way to do it than with a rare Friday Breeders Crown afternoon program to kick off The Meadowlands’ Championship Fall Meeting broadcast live on FOX.

“Having these races shown to a national television audience is remarkably important to us at The Meadowlands as well as everybody at the Hambletonian Society. With a continuing presence coast-to-coast, we are raising our visibility to new heights while getting an audience that has been mainly focused on Thoroughbred racing interested in our game as well.” 

“The Meadowlands has been home to the ultimate in championship racing since the doors opened in 1976,” said Hambletonian Society President and Chief Executive Officer John Campbell. The Society owns and administers the Breeders Crown.

“We are delighted to continue the Society’s long-term relationship with Meadowlands management by partnering in hosting the top-class events in the sport.”

The Breeders Crown will feature the four $700,000 finals for 2-year-olds, the richest events offered in the division, while the eight 3-year-old and open races will have purses ranging from $400,000-$700,000. Total purses are estimated at $7 million. 

“The next seven weeks at The Big M will undoubtedly go a long way toward determining who will be harness racing’s Horse of The Year, along, of course, with divisional honors,” said Settlemoir. “Beginning with the Breeders Crown and culminating with the FanDuel Championships and Fall Final Four on Nov. 30, you will see the greatest stars in the world right here.”

TREMENDOUS TOP 10: Here is the current Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown weekly Top 10 Poll. As you can see, many of the sport’s top starts will be craving a crown.

1.      Twin B Joe Fresh (race 11 Saturday)

2.      Jiggy Jog S (retired)

3.      Chantilly (ineligible)

4.      Captain Albano (race three Saturday)

5.      Karl (race nine Saturday)

6.      Nijinsky (race six Saturday)

7.      Maryland (Peter Haughton winner earned a Breeders Crown final bye)

8.      Sig Sauer (race two Saturday)

9.      Legendary Hanover (eligible, did not enter)

10.  Fallout (race 10 Friday)

THAT’S A GUARANTEE: The wagering menu for the Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands will undoubtedly fire up the mile oval’s loyal fan betting base, as there will be $400,000 in guaranteed pools up for grabs.

On Saturday (Oct. 19), there will be a guaranteed pool of $50,000 on both the Early 50-cent Pick-4 (races six through nine) and Late 50-cent Pick-4 (10 through 13).

Then, on both Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, the Early Pick-4 is guaranteed at $100,000 while the Late P4 will be at least $50,000.

Here is a look at what bettors can expect night in and night out when playing Meadowlands’ races for the foreseeable future:

·         20-cent Pick-5: Race 1-5

·         20-cent Survivor Pick-7: Races 3-9

·         50-cent Pick-4: Races 6-9

·         20-cent Pick-6: Races 8-13

·         50-cent Pick 4: Races 10-13

·         10-cent Pentafecta (Hi-5): Race 14 (or final race)

The Meadowlands has added two superfectas to each card. There will now be 10 superfecta opportunities on 14-race programs. The minimum wager is a dime.

FA-REEE! To show appreciation to its loyal fan base, The Meadowlands offers free programs on every race of every race card on its website.

Go to playmeadowlands.com to get the past performances at absolutely no cost.

“X” MARKS THE SPOT: Everything Meadowlands is available by going on X (formerly known as Twitter). 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 team of Jessica Otten (@JessicaOtten1), Dave Little (@DaveLittleBigM), Ken Warkentin (@kenvoiceover) and John Rallis (@john_rallis).

RALLIS’ RACE REVIEWS: For some help with your handicapping, check out the race reviews of Rallis, who is the Big M’s morning-line oddsmaker and program analyst.

Rallis’ reviews are available 48 hours before a given card, and all one has to do to access the information is go to playmeadowlands.com, go to the “handicapping” tab, then click “race reviews.”

BREEDERS CROWN DINING: Time is running short to get your dining reservations for the Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands.

Friday’s $49.95 (plus tax and gratuity) lunch buffet includes pulled pork sandwiches, sausage and peppers, cheesesteak egg rolls and chili with sweet jalapeno-honey butter cornbread.

Keep in mind, Friday’s card has a special early post time of 12:30 p.m.

Saturday’s $49.95 (plus tax and gratuity) dinner buffet features Swedish meatballs, hand-carved roast beef, lemon-herb salmon and ginger soy chicken.

Pink Restaurant’s buffet on finals night, Friday, Oct. 25, features shrimp cocktail, gouda-stuffed arancini and grilled Caesar salad.  Guests can also dine on a chili-rubbed NY strip, baked Mahi Mahi with a lemon dill sauce and moist carrot cake. Friday’s menu is $74.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Saturday’s (Oct. 26) buffet is $79.95 plus tax and gratuity and is highlighted by a seafood tower filled with shrimp, clams, oysters and crab legs. Other menu features include lobster bisque, roasted ribeye and sweet-and-sour chicken.

Reservations can be made by calling 201-The-BIGM (201-843-2446). All reservations must be prepaid.

Guests looking for ala carte dining can head to the second-floor Lounge, which is the place to be to watch and wager all the racing and the day’s sports action. Guests can dine on delicious Victory Sports Bar fare, which includes wings, burgers, lobster mac and cheese, salads, wraps and more. The purchase price is a food credit that will be applied to the food and beverage bill. Tax and gratuity are not included in this credit and are additional.

Available Seating/Dining Options for purchase include:

Grandstand Bar Seat: $50 per seat

Grandstand Lounge Table:  $100 per two-person table; $200 for a four-person table.

Grandstand Lounge Couch: $200 per two-person section, complete with couch.  

Tables are now available for purchase at https://www.playmeadowlands.events/event-details/bc-dining-tickets.

BCCC INFLUENCER CONTEST: Team influencers will compete in a weekend-long handicapping contest on Oct. 18-19.

The contest will span two live race nights, and the influencer who amasses the most money will earn the most points for their team

For more information on the Breeders Crown Charity Challenge, go here.

KISS THE WORLD SERIES RINGS! On Friday (Oct. 18), come to the track and meet New York Yankees World Series legend Jim Leyritz, who is the special guest for a special Q&A that will be moderated by New York Times bestselling author Todd Ehrlich.

Bring your questions about Leyritz's memorable career – he’s a three-time World Series champion – as well as the current Yankees and more.

Details:

·         When: 7-8:30 p.m.

·         Where: Second-floor Lounge

·         Seating: First come, first served

·         Food and beverage: Available for purchase

·         Drawings: For Leyritz autographed baseballs and autographed copies of Ehrlich’s 20 Greatest Moments in New York Sports History: Our Generation of Memories, From 1960 to Today

POWERHOUSE PROMOTIONS: This year’s Breeders Crown finals take place Oct. 25 and 26 at The Meadowlands. Both nights feature special promotions and events to complement the great racing action.

Friday’s promotions include:

·         $1,200 Halloween Costume Contest (Sign up from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby with judging in the Winner’s Circle following Race 4. First Prize: $500; 2nd place: $250; 3rd place: $100; 4th place: $50. Bonus categories: $100 for Scariest; $100 for funniest; $100 for best horse-themed costume)

·         Tote Machine Payout (Guests who use any self-service tote machine between 6:15 and 11 p.m. are eligible to win. Voucher values from $2-$500. Voucher prizes based on the overall number of wagers made in the entire facility on self-service machines. Must be present at The Meadowlands to participate.)

Saturday’s promotions:

·         $1,200 Breeders Crown Hat Contest (Sign up from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse Lobby with judging in the Winner’s Circle following Race 4. First Prize: $500; 2nd place: $250; 3rd place: $100; 4th place: $50. Bonus categories: $100 for Scariest; $100 for funniest; $100 for best horse-themed costume)

·         $10,000 Handicapping Contest ($100 betting card purchase required at contest check-in. Entry includes a live racing program. Format: Contestants must bet a minimum of five Meadowlands races. No minimum and no maximum bet per race. Open to any wager on the Meadowlands live wagering menu. This includes W/P/S, Exacta, Trifecta, Pick 3/4/5/6, Daily Double and Superfecta wagers. Contestants keep all pari-mutuel winnings. Unlimited entries allowed per person. Payouts: 1st – $2,500; 2nd – $2,000; 3rd – $1,250; 4th – $1,000; 5th – $750; 6th-10th – $500)

YOU WANT FABULOUS? HEAD TO FANDUEL: The Breeders Crown will be the latest addition to a thriving New York sports scene.

This past spring the New York Knicks basketball team and New York Rangers hockey club brought enormous excitement to The Meadowlands’ FanDuel Sportsbook every night with their respective deep runs in the NBA and NHL playoffs.

Currently, the New York Yankees and New York Mets are both still alive in the hunt for a World Series title, and the potential for the first Subway Series since 2000 has the entire metropolitan area sports fan base in a frenzy.

The FanDuel Sportsbook, the No. 1 facility of its type in North America, is located inside the grandstand at The Big M, where fans can get their baseball action.

On Thursday (Oct. 17), both the Yankees and Mets will be in action.

The Yankees will be in Cleveland for Game 3 of the American League Championship Series with the Guardians. The Yankees, who lead the best-of-seven series two games to none, are the -120 favorite in the game that has an under/over of 7½ runs. First pitch is at 5:08 p.m.

At 8:08 p.m., the Mets will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 4 of the NLCS. The game is critical for the Amazin’s, who trail the best-of-seven two games to one. FanDuel’s oddsmakers have the Dodgers as the -136 favorite in the game that has an under/over of 7 runs.

Whatever the sport, for the latest odds, go here.

The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m.-midnight. For cash-at-counter customers, the hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

When female pacer That’s The Ticket was retired seven years ago because of an injury, owner Craig Henderson thought he would sell the 2016 Three Diamonds Stakes winner. That was until he received input from the filly’s trainer, Chris Ryder.

FULL STORY CLICK HERE

Harness racing’s No. 1-ranked horse, Twin B Joe Fresh, will start her pursuit of a Breeders Crown from post 10 when she competes in Saturday’s (Oct. 19) lone Mare Pace elimination at the Meadowlands. First-race post time Saturday is 6:20 p.m. (EDT).

Twin B Joe Fresh will be among the 98 horses ages 3 and up competing in elims Saturday. In addition to the single Mare Pace elimination, the Meadowlands will host two $25,000 elims each for 3-year-old male and female pacers, 3-year-old male and female trotters, and older male pacers. The Open Trot and Mare Trot went straight to finals.

All finals for horses ages 3 and up will be Oct. 26 at The Meadowlands, one night after the 2-year-olds take center stage. Elimination winners, in an order determined by lot, will draw for post positions one through six in their respective finals. All other finalists will be placed in an open draw for the remaining post positions.

The top eight finishers in the Breeders Crown Mare Pace elimination will join bye recipients Silver Label and Strong Poison in the final. In Saturday’s remaining elims, the top five finishers from each will advance to their respective finals.

Twin B Joe Fresh has won nine consecutive starts for trainer Chris Ryder since beginning her season with a second-place finish against male rivals in a conditioned race. Her victories include the Dayton Distaff Derby, Roses Are Red Stakes, Milton Stakes, Lady Liberty, Dorothy Haughton Memorial, and Perfect Sting Stakes. She has spent 14 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll.

Among the remaining mares in the elim is two-time Breeders Crown champion Sylvia Hanover from the stable of Mark and Shawn Steacy. She will leave from post four.

The eliminations for 3-year-old male pacers feature Little Brown Jug, Adios and Max C. Hempt Memorial winner Captain Albano, trained by Noel Daley and ranked No. 4 in the Top 10 poll, and North America Cup and Ontario Sires Stakes champion Nijinsky, trained by Anthony Beaton and ranked No. 6. The group also includes returning Breeders Crown champ Gem Quality, another Ryder trainee.

Captain Albano is in the first elimination; Nijinsky and Gem Quality are in the second.

Hambletonian champion Karl, also a returning Breeders Crown winner, leads a group of 17 horses in the elims for 3-year-old male trotters. The Nancy Takter trainee is ranked No. 5 in the Top 10.

Among other hopefuls are Daley-trained Kentucky Futurity and Earl Beal Jr. Memorial winner Sig Sauer, Åke Svanstedt-trained Canadian Trotting Classic winner Amazing Catch, and Mark Etsell-trained Goodtimes winner Highland Kismet. Sig Sauer is ranked No. 8 in the Top 10.

Karl and Highland Kismet are in the second elimination; Sig Sauer and Amazing Catch are in the first.

Returning Breeders Crown winner and Hambletonian Oaks champ Warrawee Michelle, trained by Svanstedt, is among the 20 horses in the elims for 3-year-old female trotters. The group features 12 Grand Circuit winners, including Svanstedt-trained Elegantimage winner French Champagne, John Butenschoen-trained Kentucky Filly Futurity champ R Melina, and Lucas Wallin-trained 2023 Dan Patch Award recipient Soiree Hanover.

Warrawee Michelle, Soiree Hanover and R Melina meet in the second elim. French Champagne is in the first.

Eighteen fillies were entered in the event for 3-year-old female pacers, including returning Breeders Crown winner My Girl EJ, trained by Ron Burke. The group also includes fellow multiple Grand Circuit winners Caviart Belle, trained by Takter; Its A Love Thing, trained by Dave Menary; and Rocket Deo, trained by Brett Pelling. Its A Love Thing’s victories include the Fan Hanover Stakes.

My Girl EJ is in the first elimination. Caviart Belle, Its A Love Thing and Rocket Deo meet in the second.

Returning Breeders Crown champ Bythemissal, another Burke trainee, is among 17 horses in the Open Pace. The group also includes Andrew Harris-trained multiple Grand Circuit winner Abuckabett Hanover, Linda Toscano-trained Canadian Pacing Derby winner It’s My Show, and Larry Stalbaum-trained Sam McKee Memorial winner Rocknroll Runa A.

Bythemissal and It’s My Show are in the first elim; Abuckabett Hanover and Rocknroll Runa A are in the second.

All 3-year-old finals plus the Open Pace and Open Trot finals will go for $600,000. The Mare Trot final will have a purse of $496,000 because of two supplements, and the Mare Pace final will go for $400,000.

For Saturday’s complete entries, click the following link: Saturday Entries – Meadowlands.

Metro Pace champion Fallout, ranked No. 10 in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll, will lead the way Friday afternoon (Oct. 18) when the Meadowlands hosts nine $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 2-year-old pacers and trotters. First-race post time Friday is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).

Fallout will be among 72 freshmen competing in elims Friday. Two other 2-year-olds, male trotter Maryland and female trotter Champagne Problems, will advance directly to their event’s finals thanks to their wins in last month’s Peter Haughton Memorial and Jim Doherty Memorial, respectively. Maryland is ranked No. 7 in the sport’s Top 10 poll.

All 2-year-old Breeders Crown finals will be Oct. 25 at the Big M. Elimination winners as well as Maryland and Champagne Problems, in an order determined by lot, will draw for post positions one through six in their respective finals. All other finalists will be placed in an open draw for the remaining post positions.

Sixteen 2-year-old male pacers were entered in the Breeders Crown, requiring two eliminations. The top five finishers from each elim will advance to the final.

Fallout, the sport’s richest freshman male pacer with $486,750 in purses for trainer Tony Alagna, will leave from post six in the second elimination. The son of Captaintreacherous-Aria Hanover brings a three-race win streak to his elim and has won four of nine races overall.

Among the remaining male pacers competing in Friday’s elims are Ohio Sires Stakes champion Sippinonsearoc and Kentucky Sire Stakes champion Louprint, both trained by Ron Burke. They rank second and third, respectively, in earnings for 2-year-old male pacers. Sippinonsearoc is the fastest 2-year-old in history, with a mark of 1:48.2. They meet in the first elimination.

There also will be two elims for the 2-year-old male trotters, with 16 horses in action as they look to join Maryland in the final. The top- our finishers from each elim plus the fifth-place finisher with the highest earnings will advance to the final.

That group includes Grand Circuit and Kentucky Sire Stakes winner Super Chapter and Pennsylvania Sire Stakes champion Meshuggah, who, like Maryland, are trained by Marcus Melander. Also in the mix is Grand Circuit winner Memento Mori, an Eric Patalan trainee whose 1:51.4 mark is tied for the season’s best by a freshman trotter. Meshuggah and Memento Mori are in the first elim; Super Chapter is in the second.

There will be three eliminations for 2-year-old female trotters, with 23 fillies in action Friday as they attempt to join Nancy Takter-trained Champagne Problems in the final. The top three finishers from each elim will advance to the final.

Among the hopefuls are Grand Circuit winners Aperfect Annie, R Dutchess, Royal Mission, and Sound Judgement. Aperfect Annie, trained by Carter Pinske, also counts the Kentucky Sire Stakes championship among her wins while Melander-trained Royal Mission is the New York Sire Stakes champ.

Jim Oscarsson-trained Sound Judgement and John Butenschoen-trained R Dutchess are among the season’s fastest rookie female trotters, right behind 1:51.4 performer Luna Lovegood, another Melander trainee.

Seventeen 2-year-old female pacers were entered in the Breeders Crown, resulting in two eliminations. The top five finishers from each elim will advance to the final.

Jared Bako will send out two of this season’s highest money-winning freshman fillies, New York Sire Stakes champion and She’s A Great Lady runner-up The Last Martini and NYSS runner-up Cowgirl Hanover. The duo has combined for more than $700,000 in purses.

Burke has a trio of Grand Circuit winners in Rose, Looksgoodinloulou, and Rodeo Drive Deo. Looksgoodinloulou has a mark of 1:48.3, tied for the fastest in history by a 2-year-old female pacer while Rose also has the Pennsylvania Sire Stakes title to her credit. Chris Ryder-trained Miki And Minnie is a Grand Circuit winner and Kentucky Sire Stakes champion.

Cowgirl Hanover, Looksgoodinloulou, Rodeo Drive Deo, and Miki And Minnie are in the first elim. Rose and The Last Martini are in the second.

For Friday’s complete entries, click the following link: Friday Entries — Meadowlands

Princess Jackie will look to be queen for a day when she meets six rivals in the second of three $25,000 Breeders Crown eliminations for 2-year-old female trotters Friday afternoon at The Meadowlands. First-race post time Friday is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).

FULL STORY CLICK HERE

The 2024 Breeders Crown Charity Challenge continues this weekend, October 18-19th, with the Challenge Influencer Handicapping Contest.

Jessica Otten, Dawnelle Mock, Jenna Otten, and Mary McDermott will battle it out in this mythical contest to earn needed points for their respective teams.

·         SBH Health System, Bronx, NY

·         Team Gingras: Jenna Otten, Tony Alagna, Burke Racing/Weaver Bruscemi

·        Friends of Union County

·          Team Dunn: Jessica Otten, Nancy Takter, Courant

·        enCourage Kids, NY

·          Team Tetrick: Mary McDermott, Ake Svanstedt, Bill Pollock

·        New Jersey YMCA State Alliance

·          Team David Miller: Dawnelle Mock, Marcus Melander, Brad Grant

Handicapping Contest Format

• Each race night, the influencers will be given $100 in “mythical battle money.”
• Their mythical wagers can be on any race/wager offered on the race card.
• The $100 must be wagered each night
• The combined earnings from each night will determine the order of finish, with 1st receiving 50 points, 2nd 25 points, 3rd 15 points, and 4th 10 points.

Remaining Ways Teams Earn Points:

• • Through October 19, Driver and Trainer team performance on the Grand Circuit. Every time they are in a primary stakes race, they earn points that are calculated.

  • Through October 24, Fan Voting:  fans, charity participants, and everyone in between can vote on each day of the challenge for their favorite team. Voting is live at https://playmeadowlands.com/breeders-crown-charity-challenge/

The teams have already earned points in the August double-seater jog cart race. SBH Health System from the Bronx, with CFO Mary Grochowiski, took home first place and 50 points. Julie Gallanty, CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, grabbed 25 points by finishing second. Emma Wolk, the Director of Development at Kids’ Direct, scored 15 points with her third-place finish. John Roman, representing Friends of Union County, received 10 points.

Additional points were earned at the Charity Challenge Open House, where SBH took home 50 points, enCourage Kids and the NJ YMCA State Alliance earned 17 points, and Friends of Union County earned 16 points.

The check presentations will take place on Friday, October 25, following Race 2 on the night’s card, which features the Breeders Crown two-year-old Finals.

The Breeders Crown Charity Challenge was conceived to create positive relationships with the local community, raise awareness, and fund local charities. From 2019-2023 the Challenge raised over $1.5 Million for charity. This year’s Challenge has raised over $345,000.

Thank you to the 2024 Charity Challenge Sponsors:

• Diamond Sponsors: Meadowlands Racetrack & FanDuel

• Platinum Sponsors

  • Marvin & Lynn Katz

  • Diamond Creek

  • Brad Grant

  • Burke Racing & Weaver Bruscemi

  • Bill Pollock

  • Anders Strom – Courant, Inc.

  • Takter Stable

  • Melander Stable

  • Svanstedt Stable

  • Alagna Racing

  • Brittany Farms

  • Kentuckiana Farms

  • Hunterton Sales Agency

  • Cameo Hills Farm

  • Armitage Farm

  • M&L of Delaware

• Gold Sponsors

  • Dexter Dunn

  • Yannick Gingras

  • Dave Miller

  • Tim Tetrick

  • Julie Miller

  • Carter Pinske

  • Southwind Farms

  • Walnridge Farm

  • Lucas Wallin

  • Todd McCarthy

  • Scott Zeron

Everything Breeders Crown can be viewed at https://playmeadowlands.com/event/breeders-crown-championships/

Reminder to get dining reservations in for Breeders Crown Eliminations weekend, October 18-19, and Breeders Crown Finals weekend, October 25-26.

Friday, October 18, has a special post time of 12:30 p.m., while Saturday, October 19, Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26, have a post time of 6:20 p.m.

This Friday’s $49.95 (plus tax and gratuity) lunch buffet includes pulled pork sandwiches, sausage and peppers, cheesesteak eggrolls and chili with sweet jalapeno-honey butter cornbread.

Saturday’s $49.95 (plus tax and gratuity) dinner buffet features Swedish meatballs, hand-carved roast beef, lemon-herb Salmon and ginger soy chicken.

Pink Restaurant’s buffet on Finals night, Friday, October 25, features shrimp cocktail, Gouda-stuffed arancini, and grilled Caesar salad.  Guests can also dine on chili-rubbed NY strip, baked Mahi Mahi with a lemon dill sauce, and moist carrot cake. Friday’s menu is $74.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Saturday’s buffet is $79.95 plus tax and gratuity and is highlighted by a seafood tower filled with shrimp, clams, oysters, and crab legs. Other menu features include lobster bisque, roasted ribeye, and sweet and sour chicken.

Reservations can be made by calling 201-The-BIGM (201-843-2446). All reservations must be prepaid.

Guests looking for ala carte dining can enjoy our 2nd floor Lounge, which is the place to be to watch and wager all the racing and the day’s sports action. Guests can dine on delicious Victory Sports Bar fare, including wings, burgers, lobster mac and cheese, salads, wraps, and more. The purchase price is a food credit that will be applied to the food and beverage bill. Tax and gratuity are not included in this credit and are additional.

Available Seating/Dining Options for purchase include:

Grandstand Bar Seat: $50 per seat

Grandstand Lounge Table:  $100 per two-person table/$200 for a four-person table.

Grandstand Lounge Couch: $200 per two-person section, complete with couch.  

Tables are now available for purchase at https://www.playmeadowlands.events/event-details/bc-dining-tickets.

A record 194 horses were entered Tuesday for the $7 million Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands, topping the previous high of 185 set last year at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Eliminations will be required for all but two events, the Open Trot and Mare Trot. Post-position draws will be available later this afternoon.

Eliminations for all 2-year-old events will be held Friday afternoon at The Meadowlands. First-race post time Friday is 12:30 p.m. (EDT). Eliminations for the remaining events, for horses ages 3 and up, will be held Saturday night at The Big M. First-race post time Saturday is 6:20 p.m. (EDT).

Eleven horses were entered in the Breeders Crown Open Trot and will advance directly to the Oct. 26 final: Ari Ferrari J, Asteroid, Bestfriend Volo, Hasty Bid, Hillexotic, It’s Academic, Logan Park, Oh Well, Periculum, Up Your Deo, and Winner’s Bet.

Nine horses were entered in the Breeders Crown Mare Trot and will advance directly to the final, also on Oct. 26: Baroness Hill, Call Me Goo, M-M’s Dream, Nelsonbriteagle NO, Pioneer As, Refined, Swans Eye, Tactical Mounds, and Warrawee Xenia. Call Me Goo and Nelsonbriteagle NO were supplemental entries.

According to a Facebook post from the Svanstedt Stable, Jiggy Jog S has been retired from racing due to a “small tear on her sesamoid ligament” after her last start in the Dayton Derby.

The decision and announcement came Monday (Oct. 14) and indicated “she is not lame or in any pain” and will continue her career as a broodmare.

Following is the Facebook post making the announcement.

“Today we made the decision to stop racing Jiggy Jog. After her last start in the Dayton Derby, we noticed something wasn’t right. We had her examined by two veterinarians and it was found she has a small tear on her sesamoid ligament, which is very uncommon in Standardbreds.

“Good news is, we caught it early and she is not lame or in any pain.

“She has given us so much joy and excitement for four years.

“Every time she went behind the gate, it was a pleasure to watch her amazing technique, speed and fighting instinct to win.

“She gave 110% every time!

“Now we look forward to her next chapter in life as a broodmare. We want to wish her and all her owners a successful breeding career.

“A big thank you to her best friend and caretaker Rene Lopez for your professional support and care for her throughout these years.

“Thank you to her driver Dexter Dunn.

“Thank you ~ JIGGY JOG.”

Trotting mares Call Me Goo and Nelsonbriteagle NO, both from the stable of trainer Ake Svanstedt, have been supplemented to the upcoming Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands. The deadline for supplemental entries was noon Monday. No other horses were supplemented.

The cost to supplement for each mare was $48,000. The one-time supplemental payment also makes the horses eligible to all future Breeders Crown events under the normal schedule of payments.

Any necessary eliminations for horses ages 3 and older, including the Breeders Crown Mare Trot, will be contested Saturday night (Oct. 19) at The Big M. First-race post time is 6:20 p.m. (EDT). Any necessary eliminations for 2-year-olds will be held Friday afternoon (Oct. 18) at The Meadowlands. First-race post time Friday is 12:30 p.m. (EDT).

The entry box for all horses eligible to the Breeders Crown closes at 9 a.m. (EDT) Tuesday (Oct. 15).

Call Me Goo, a 4-year-old daughter of Googoo Gaagaa-Callmemza, has hit the board in 31 of 35 career races, winning 22 and earning $688,518.

This season, she has six victories and three seconds in 12 starts. She enters the Breeders Crown off a 1:51.4 triumph in the Allerage Farms Mare Trot on Oct. 6 at Lexington’s Red Mile, where she defeated Nelsonbriteagle NO by a neck. She also captured the Armbro Flight Stakes in a career-best 1:51.2 in June at Woodbine Mohawk Park.

Call Me Goo is owned by Graham Grace Stables and Ake Svanstedt Inc. She was bred by William “Bib” Roberts.

Nelsonbriteagle NO, a 6-year-old daughter of Bold Eagle-Lindy’s Holiday, is in her first season competing in North America.

She has hit the board in all seven of her starts here, winning two and earning $98,955. She won the Miss Versatility Series championship on Sept. 19 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in central Ohio and a conditioned race in a career-best 1:51.1 on Sept. 6 at The Meadowlands, where she beat Call Me Goo by a nose.

Nelsonbriteagle NO, who won 11 races and earned $81,674 overseas, is owned by Ake Svanstedt Inc. and breeder Nils Johan Munkhaugen.