Balmoral Park (7/6/12)
Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414
Balmoral raises Saturday Pick Four guarantee to $25,000
$2,819.81 average one dollar payout sparks increased interest
By Michael Antoniades, Chicago Racing Analyst
Starting Saturday July 7, Balmoral Park and the USTA Strategic Wagering Initiative will increase the guaranteed pick 4 pools from $20,000 to $25,000 on Saturday nights. The Wednesday and Sunday guarantee remains $20,000 and $30,000 respectively. Free program pages are available each racing night courtesy of Track Master at the USTA handicapping section.
The Pick Four wager has a low 15 percent takeout every night.
The Balmoral Pick Four performed admirably during the month of June thanks to the USTA, Track Master and racing fans across the world. On Sunday June 3, the Pick Four pool surpassed $50,000 without the help of a carryover, a Balmoral first. Seventy-six guaranteed pools were offered this year on the one mile oval through June 30. A total of $2,447,897 was wagered for a nightly average pool of $32,209. The average payout for 2012 is $2,819.81 for a buck, one of the highest in Thoroughbred or harness racing in North America.
The Pick 5 and High 5 wagers have brought added attention from old and new players to an excellent Balmoral Park wagering menu. Through June 30, the Pick Five pool average is $18,961 and the average fifty cent payout is $3,298.82. The Pick Five starts on the second race every night.
The High Five has continued to pick up steam as racing's best “get out” bet. The average High Five pool in 2012 is $20,392 and the average payout for a dime is a whopping $1,112.25. The 10 cent High Five is offered on the final race every night. Balmoral Park offers ten cent superfecta and 50 cent trifecta wagering to help keep everyone in action on every program.
Speaking of the High Five, The Meadowlands will offer 10 cent High Five wagering with a $20,000 guaranteed pool on their final race starting Saturday, July 7. The Big M is also kicking up their Saturday Pick 4 guarantee from $75,000 to $100,000 starting July 7 and the power packed card features two strong eliminations for The Meadowlands Pace. Ten elimination survivors will come back on July 14 for the $600,000 final. First post on Meadowlands Pace Night has been moved up to 6:35 eastern.
Free program pages are available at the USTA handicapping section.
My selections and harness racing news are available at oddsonracing.com.
For more information visit www.balmoralpark.com or call (708) 672-1414.
About Balmoral Park: Located in Crete, IL just 12 miles south of 80/94; Balmoral Park has been one of the nation's premier horse racing facilities since 1926. Balmoral Park features live racing every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking is always free.
