Oct. 18, Cranbury, NJ…The entries for the $6.2 million Breeders Crown events at The Meadowlands Racetrack saw an overflow 174 trotters and pacers in the entry box to qualify for the 12-race harness racing finals on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29. This is the highest number of entries in the last five years.

There were 68 2-year-olds and 65 3-year-olds entered, forcing eliminations in all divisions for Saturday (Oct. 22). The record number of entries forced the 2-year-old filly trotters eliminations to be held Friday (Oct. 21). The Mare Pace elims, the only open event to split with 14 entries, will go as scheduled on Friday night.

All 2-year-old finals will go for $600,000, which is the richest purse offered for that age group in North America.

The following open races will go straight to finals on Friday, Oct. 28. Post positions for all open events will be drawn live at The Meadowlands on Friday, Oct. 21. The winners of the Mare Pace elims will draw by lot for inside posts 1-5.

The $500,000 Open Trot, with nine entered in alphabetical order: Centurion ATM, Crazy Wow, Crescent Fashion, Flanagan Memory, Il Sogno Dream, JL Cruze, Lookslikeachpndale, Resolve, Windsun Revenge.

The $250,000 Mare Trot with eight entered in alphabetical order: Barn Doll, Bee A Magician, Charmed Life, Classical Annie, D'One, Hannelore Hanover, I'm So Fancy, Shake It Cerry.

The $421,000 Open Pace with 10 entered in alphabetical order: All Bets Off, Always B Miki, Americanprimetime, Dealt A Winner, Luck Be Withyou, Mach It So, Melmerby Beach, Shamballa, Split The House, Wiggle It Jiggleit.

Elimination winners draw for inside post positions 1-5.

Post positions will be drawn Saturday, Oct. 22 after the elimination races.

Post time is 7:15 p.m. for Breeders Crown elimination nights.

Complete elimination and final fields will be available when elimination draws are finalized.

FIELD TOTALS (174)

BREEDERS CROWN DINING OPTIONS AT THE MEADOWLANDS

Fans and horsemen attending the $5.8 million Breeders Crown at the Meadowlands on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29 will have many dining options from which to choose.

Pink Restaurant, the tiered dining room overlooking the racetrack, will feature a premium buffet with entrees such as braised short ribs in cabernet sauce, roasted rib eye with Portobello mushrooms, and pan fried salmon in a pumpkin cilantro sauce. The buffet will be $39.95 per person both nights and reservations are required.

That same menu will also be available to fans that wish to dine on the track’s West Deck. The Deck is covered and will have portable heaters to provide a comfortable setting with spectacular views of the racing action. Again, reservations are required.

Trotters, the private owners club, will be restricted to members only during the two nights of the Breeders Crown. Members still must make reservations in advance by calling Marianne Rotella at (201) 842 – 5059 or emailingmrotella@playmeadowlands.com.

In addition to the premium dining options, fans can also enjoy more casual fare from The Café and QSR Food Court. Victory Sports Bar will offer its regular menu on Friday, October 28, but will be closed for a private event on Saturday, October 29.

There will also be some unique food options on Saturday, October 29. Several fall-themed food trucks will be set up on the track apron as part of the Fall Halloween Festival that will also feature free pumpkin painting, a $500 Halloween costume contest, and seasonal craft beers. Entrance to the Festival is free.

Post time for the Friday, October 28 card is at the usual time of 7:15 p.m. while Saturday, October 29 has a special early post time of 6:35 p.m.

For reservations, please call (201) THE-BIGM (843-2446). For more information, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.