EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The Meadowlands Monthly Handicapping Contest is one of the best competitions of its kind, with 10 monthly tests offering $1,000 in prize money. But perhaps the best part of the 10-part challenge is the crescendo, which takes place this Saturday (December 13).
That’s when the top two finishers from the “preliminaries” will return for a 20-competition limited invitational battle, with the total prize pool increasing tenfold, to $10,000.
It’s unclear whether Nick Montemurro likes to play poker, but even if he doesn’t, he’s no doubt aware that he’ll start Saturday’s table with the strongest hand.
Montemurro has four entries for the final. Four of a kind is a hand that any poker player would envy.
The player with the highest bankroll at the end of the night will receive the first prize of $5,000. Those who finish in second through fifth place will receive $2,000, $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively.
“I’m surprised more people don’t do it,” Montemurro said of the contest, which has no entry fee. All you have to do is buy a $100 gambling card so their action can be tracked. They keep what is left on the card. “If you’re going to go to the course and lose $100, you might as well get a card.”
“It’s the same cast of characters, and I’m a multi-competitor guy,” Montemurro said of the competition with core players competing virtually every month. “That’s an unfair advantage, but anyone can do it. A few weeks ago I saw someone who had eight entries. Compared to some other contests, the Meadowlands contest is good because you can make any bet offered on the card.”
Montemurro, 67, has been coming to The Big M since its inception in 1976 and hasn’t changed his behavior much in nearly 50 years.
“I play in the game pretty much the same way I do when I’m just playing for fun,” Montemurro said. “You don’t have to change your betting methods. I’m not really a gimmick guy, I’m a win, place and show guy.”
How did you end up with four entries in the final?
“Luck,” said Montemurro. “Really. It all depends on the timing. If a €40 horse wins in the last race, and I only have €20 left, I might have that horse. The multiple entries are the key. And I don’t normally play that much chalk.
“I don’t have a game plan for Saturday. I’m going for it. You have to see how everything goes.”
Montemurro likes the fact that the top five walk away with money at the end of the evening. “If I sneak into fifth place and get $500, I’ll be very happy. I’ve been doing these competitions for as long as they’ve had them.”
Sean Loebs won the November “qualifier” and also had a top-two finish in March, so he will have two entries on Saturday. In addition to Loebs, a few entries include: Gary Scogna, Karen Fossli and Robert Glaser.
The full list of players who will compete for the big prize are (there was no match in September) Montemurro and Scogna (January’s top two); Michael Grasso and Montemurro (February); Loebs and Joe Barre (March); Glaser and Jim Bohnarczyk (April); Fossli and Russ Slader (May); Del Kern and Scogna (June); Fossli and Montemurro (July); Emile Issa and Montemurro (August); Rich Preziotti and Glaser (October); and Loebs and William Meisel (November).
BECWITH BESTS HERSCHBERGER’S MARK: During the last week of November, driver Mark Herschberger sent 10 horses to the winner’s circle, becoming the first driver in 2025 to win that many races in a single race weekend at The Meadowlands.
It didn’t take long for Brett Beckwith to improve on that mark.
Beckwith, the 22-year-old leading driver at The Big M, made eleven trips to victory lane the following week (December 4–6), to set a new record for wins in a single weekend.
Whose weekend was better is up for debate.
Herschberger’s 10 winners came over a two-card span as there was no racing on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), while Beckwith’s 11-pack came when racing was on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
THE SCHEDULE: The live action will continue three days a week at The Meadowlands throughout the month of December.
Racing takes place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the first race post time of 6.20pm
There will be one exception. There will be no live racing on Christmas Day, Thursday December 25.
WHO’S ON THE SHOW? John Rallis, who splits his time in front of the camera between The Big M and Woodbine Mohawk Park when not serving as editor and columnist at TROT magazine, will appear on The Big M’s live simulcast show all three days of the upcoming race week.
Rallis, one of the best handicappers in the game, will sit next to Dave Little in the host’s chair on Thursday and Friday before shifting to the host’s chair on Saturday, when Mike Bozich, the track announcer at Harrah’s Philadelphia, will be on hand as co-host.
Track announcer Ken Warkentin and back-paddock interviewer/FanDuel Television (FDTV) analyst Joe Romanelli will assume their usual duties for all three programs.
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 Speelweidelands.comand then click the ‘news’ dropdown to watch the past performances completely free.
A GREAT WAY TO PLAY: Every night The Meadowlands offers a great menu of popular bets with a 15 percent takeaway.
Here’s a look at when these bets will be offered during Thursday’s 12-race program:
- Races 1-5: 20 cents Pick-5
- Races 3-9: 20 cents Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout per night)
- Races 5-8: Early Pick-4 at 50 cents
- Races 7-12: 20 cents Pick-6
- Races 9-12: Late 50 cent pick 4
- Race 12: 10 cents Pentafecta (Hi-5) without jackpot
Here’s a look at when these bets will be offered this weekend on the 14-race Friday and Saturday schedules:
- Races 1-5: 20 cents Pick-5
- Races 3-9: 20 cents Survivor Pick-7 (mandatory payout per night)
- Races 6-9: 50 Cent Early Pick-4 ($50,000 Guaranteed Pool)
- Races 8-13: 20 cents Pick-6
- Races 10-13: Late 50-cent Pick 4 ($50,000 guaranteed pool)
- Race 14: 10 cents Pentafecta (Hi-5) without jackpot
A SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT: Everything about Meadowlands is available via
Stay in touch with the Big M talent duo Little (@DaveLittleBigM) and Warkentin (@kenvoiceover).
MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT: It doesn’t take that much money to make Christmas special for a child in need, and if you want to make a child smile this holiday season, join the Big M’s Toys for Tots fundraiser.
Everyone is welcome until Friday (December 12) to donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need.
Former New York Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa will host US Marine Toys for Tots’ annual Toy Drive reception on Friday (December 12). Enunwa will meet and greet guests who help make the season bright for children in need.
The Marines and Enunwa will personally deliver the collected toys to children at SBH Health System – a safety net hospital in the Bronx – on Tuesday, December 16 at noon.
For more information please visit: www.SBHNY.org
PARTY TO: It’s the time of year to celebrate the holidays, and a great place to enjoy a great time is The Meadowlands.
Discover the unique event spaces at The Big M, perfect for hosting your corporate holiday parties, game-day watch parties and year-end celebrations in a location that offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
The event spaces are complemented by a wide range of beverage and dining options, ensuring your holiday event is perfectly tailored to your preferences.
Enjoy the luxury of the Skybox Suites, which are private rooms that offer both stadium style and table seating options. With movable walls, parties of up to 200 people can enjoy a buffet dinner and unobstructed views of the racing action, making your event truly special.
Located on the ground floor of the circuit, Trackside offers an expansive space ideal for galas, receptions, large corporate events and trade shows.
The Gallery has 16 LED screens and one 220″ jumbo screen. It is furnished with a private bar, lounge and table seating and overlooks the FanDuel Sportsbook. The Gallery is ideal for alumni viewing parties and game day gatherings.
The second floor Lounge offers the best of both worlds: it’s ideal for watching live racing action and enjoying premium viewing on the sportsbook’s huge HD TVs. With its horseshoe-shaped bar and mix of lounge, high tops and seated dining, it is a versatile venue, perfect for a holiday mix or cocktail hour, and can accommodate a variety of event styles.
Book a private tour with Andrea Lokshin today by emailing her at [email protected] or call her at 201-842-5013. You can also view our spaces and take a 360 degree tour by visiting https://playmeadowlands.com/party/.
FOOTBALL IN FANDUEL: Meadowlands regulars eager to place a few bets on the National Football League know all they have to do is head to FanDuel Sportsbook, the #1 betting facility of its kind in North America.
It couldn’t be easier, because it’s located in the grandstand of The Meadowlands. There are huge TV screens and self-service betting terminals, allowing fans to watch and gamble in comfort while enjoying tasty food and drinks.
Week 15 of the National Football League season kicks off on Thursday (December 11) when the Atlanta Falcons head to Tampa Bay for an 8:15 PM game with the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay is 5½ point favorites in the game with an under/over of 44½ points.
On Sunday (Dec. 14), the New York Jets will be in Jacksonville for a 1 p.m. kickoff with the Jaguars.
The Jags are a 13½-point favorite going into the game and have an under/over of 41½ points.
The Washington Commanders will storm MetLife Stadium for a 1 p.m. matchup with the New York Giants.
The Giants are a 2½-point favorite going into the match with an under/over of 46½ points.
Whatever the sport, get the latest odds here.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday 8am – 1am; and Sunday 8 a.m. – midnight.
Through Dave Kleinfor The Meadowlands
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