by Michael Antoniades, Balmoral Park racing analyst

Crete, IL — A one day Pick-5 carryover of $13,722 will once again bring the North American gambling spotlight to the 10-race program at Balmoral Park on Wednesday (March 28).

With the large carryover in play again, the USTA and Balmoral Park have created a $60,000 instant guaranteed pool on the Wednesday Pick-5. Post time for the second race, the Pick-5 opening leg, is 7:30 p.m. (CDT). The 50 cent Pick-5 wager is offered on races 2 through 6.

The 50 cent Pick-5 has become an incredibly popular wager. A total of $710,471 has been wagered in 2012 for a nightly average pool of $19,735. The average 50 cent payout in 2012 is $5,529. Five weeks ago on February 22, three lucky fans each received a payout of $44,675.10 for their winning 50 cent wager. That amount was the largest Pick-5 payout in Balmoral Park history.

Balmoral will also offer a $20,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool on races 7 through 10. The Pick-4 immediately follows the conclusion of the Pick-5 and has a one dollar minimum and a low takeout of 15 percent. The Balmoral Pick-4 pools have averaged $41,631 in March with an average payout of $4,593.93 for a buck, one of the largest in Thoroughbred or harness racing in North America.

Through March 25, the average wagered on 36 guaranteed Pick-4 pools at Balmoral Park is $32,090 a night. Balmoral offers a guaranteed Pick-4 wager every night with a low 15 percent takeout. The guarantees are $20,000 on Wednesdays and Saturdays in addition to the $25,000 guaranteed pool on Sundays. The 10 cent High-5 with an average pool of $20,601 and an average 10 cent payout of $1,339.64 is offered on the final race of the night.

USTA Director Chris Schick spoke highly of the Strategic Wagering Program.

“Balmoral has arguably become the most bettor friendly track in the country. Competitive fields, reasonable takeout along with large guaranteed pools have provided the opportunity for a small player to make a big score. Add to that perfect race placement with tote scans indicating how many live tickets after every leg of every multi-race guaranteed pool. This way a player can be updated on their investment after every race. The additional information provided has made all guaranteed pools at Balmoral increasingly popular. The wagering public from all breeds has really responded to this formula. We look forward to being part of the future growth at Balmoral.”

Handicappers across North America can get a head start on their competition with free program pages for races 2 through 10 immediately, courtesy of the USTA and Track Master on the handicapping section at www.ustrotting.com. My complimentary Players Guide selections for Balmoral Park as well as racing and gambling news from around the world are available at www.oddsonracing.com.