by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Columbus, OH — Three new guaranteed Pick 4 wagering opportunities, and changes to two existing wagers, begin this week as part of the U.S. Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering program.

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, in western Pennsylvania, begins today to offer $5,000 guaranteed Pick 4 wagers each Monday and Tuesday in May. The Pick 4 is the final four races on each card. Post time for the day’s first race is 12:55 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays (estimated 4:35 p.m. Monday post time for first leg of Pick 4).

Harrington Raceway, in Delaware, on Tuesday begins its $5,000 guaranteed Pick 4 on races three through six. The track will offer the wager each Tuesday in May. First race post time is 5:30 p.m. (estimated 6:10 p.m. post time for the first leg of Pick 4).

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, in northeast Pennsylvania, on May 4, 11 and 18 offers $5,000 Pick 4 wagers on races six through nine. First race post time is 6:30 p.m. (estimated 7:55 p.m. post time for first leg of Pick 4).

In addition, Yonkers Raceway increases the guarantee on its late Pick 4 to $20,000 (from $15,000) starting tonight. The wager is offered Mondays and Tuesdays, a change from Mondays and Saturdays.

Also changing its schedule is Northfield Park. This week, Northfield’s guaranteed Pick 4 will be offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Beginning next week, it goes to a Monday/Wednesday schedule.

The complete USTA Strategic Wagering schedule for May is available on the USTA’s handicapping page. In additions to the new tracks, the program includes Balmoral Park, Cal Expo Raceway, Maywood Park, Northfield Park and Yonkers Raceway.

Expert selections and links to free past performances, courtesy of TrackMaster, are available on the handicapping page.

The Strategic Wagering program resulted from an idea first proposed by USTA Director Chris Schick of California, under which the USTA and hosting tracks share equally in guaranteeing designated pari-mutuel betting pools.