The stream
of stakes races will overflow as a small creek would after a tropical storm,
just like the money that will flood the pools at The Meadowlands on Saturday
(August 8), when the 95th edition of the $1,000,000 Hambletonian
takes center stage on “Harness Racing’s Greatest Day”. Post time for the first
race is noon.
Sitting
atop the list of betting opportunities will be the 20-cent Super High-Five.
With Saturday bringing a mandatory payout, a low 15 percent takeout and a
$109,280 carryover, the sky’s the limit for the wager’s total pool since the
race will have a bulky field of 11.
“We
have a unique wagering and investment opportunity for all players caused by the
low takeout and big carryover,” said Big M Chief Operating Officer and General
Manager Jason Settlemoir. “We have placed the wager on Race 14, which will take
place 30 minutes before the prestigious Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
“The
opportunity for the player is superb, as the mathematics of this carryover
wager have swung the advantage to the player, arguably making the mandatory
payout on the High-Five the best bet offered at any race track or sports book
on Hambletonian Day. There will be more money paid out Saturday than the money
wagered on the High-Five if the final pool is under $800,000.”
His
point is a valid one. In the event there is $190,720 in “new money” bet into
the High-Five, which is a low-end guess, that would create a total payout of
$271,392 (good for a surplus of $80,672), which would result in a staggering 42
percent edge for the bettor.
If
there is $290,720 in new money, that would create a total payout of $356,392
(surplus, $65,672), creating a 22 percent advantage for the player.
But,
naturally, on the 16-race program that will conclude The Big M’s “Championship
Meet”, that opportunity to make a score is merely one of many.
In
fact, there will be five other wagers on the program which will undoubtedly
take big action while offering the small 15 percent rake:
· 20-cent Pick-6 (Race 1)
· 20-cent Pick-5 (Race 3, $75,000
guaranteed pool)
· 50-cent Pick-4 (Race 8, $100,000)
· 20-cent Pick-5 (Race 11, $50,000)
· 50-cent Pick-4 (Race 13, $50,000)
CHECK YOUR WATCH: Friday (August 7) night’s races will
begin at the usual 7:15 p.m., but on Saturday (August 8), Hambletonian Day, the
huge 16-race program gets underway at noon.
The Hambletonian Oaks has a post
time of 3:30 p.m., while the Hambletonian is slated to go at 4:35 p.m.
NATIONAL TV: The Hambletonian and the
Hambletonian Oaks will be presented on a tape delayed one-hour broadcast that
will be seen on the CBS Sports Network beginning at 6 p.m.
The show will be hosted by Gary
Seibel remotely, with the Big M’s TV team of Dave Brower and Dave Little
serving as the primary on-site players. Gabe Prewitt, Ashley Mailloux and
Jessica Otten will handle interviews during the 60-minute show. Ken Warkentin
will call the race for the 21st time in his career as the voice of
The Big M.
STAKES MENU: In addition to the $1,000,000 Hambo,
the $600,000 Hambletonian Oaks, $273,125 Cane Pace, $90,525 Shady Daisy,
$229,660 Sam McKee, $177,100 Lady Liberty, $284,200 John Cashman, $166,550 John
Steele, $339,000 Peter Haughton and $350,300 Jim Doherty will also be on the
Saturday card.
WANT TO BET THE HAMBO ON FRIDAY? Wagering on the entire Hambletonian
Day card will be available all day long on Friday, August 7. Check wherever you
normally get your action as all 16 races should be available for those who want
to bet 24 hours in advance.
WANT TO BET THE HAMBO “ON THE GO”? The Meadowlands will offer wagering
for those who need the convenience of a walk-up window given the track’s
reduced capacity.
There will be a betting window in
Lot M off Berry’s Creek Road. Tellers will take action from 11 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. on Saturday.
Programs will be available for sale
for not only the Meadowlands races, but for simulcast action as well.