Trolley defeated arch-rival Muscle Diamond in 1:53.1 in the featured trot on Friday, winning the event for a third time in four tries before the Millers completed their “Weekend Double” Saturday with Geez Joe, who held off nemesis K Ryan Bluechip by a nose in 1:50.2 in the marquee pacing event.
Saturday’s weather forecasts saw tracks opt to cancel their live action, but Meadowlands management — armed with a more favorable forecast that morning — hosted their 14-race card. There were 21 scratches on the program, but wagering remained strong at more than $2.3 million, and the Big M saw more than $5 million pushed through the windows over the course of the two-card race week.
“We are extremely appreciative of what our horsemen, staff and fans had to do to make Saturday night’s card a success,” said track Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Jason Settlemoir, “and we were so pleased that the weather did not turn out to be as bad as what was forecast earlier in the week.”
This weekend, there will be a typical January chill in the air, but weather figures to be no problem for the Friday and Saturday (Jan. 25-26) programs. Post time is 7:15 p.m.
The Big M’s signature wager — the 50-cent Pick-4 — figures to take plenty of action both nights. The wager has a low 15 percent takeout and sports a guaranteed $50,000 pool. Free program pages are available at www.ustrotting.com and www.playmeadowlands.com.
Fans of the Early 20-cent Jackpot Super High-Five will have a $29,081 carryover to shoot for in Friday’s fifth race.