by Michael Antoniades, Balmoral Park racing analyst

Crete, IL — Balmoral Park rolls into the final weekend of April with sizzling average payouts and low minimum wagers which have brought an entirely new wagering audience to the mile track.

The $17,000 Rambling Willie stake for 3-year-olds and up, along with a $17,000 Invitational Pace, highlight a superb betting card with numerous money making opportunities on Saturday (April 28). The average Saturday handle in April is $1,324,733, for an average of $101,902 per race.

The 50 cent Pick-5 starts on race two. Five days ago, on April 22, one lucky bettor cashed the lone winning ticket for a 50 cent payout of $13,131.55. Over a million dollars has been wagered on the Pick-5 in 2012 with an average 50 cent payout of $3,947.18. The average Pick-5 pool this year is $21,520.

The Pick-4 is the signature bet at Balmoral Park. The Pick-4 is guaranteed every night thanks to the U.S. Trotting Association Strategic Wagering Program and is offered on the final four races of the evening. The takeout is a low 15 percent and the minimum wager is one dollar. Free 12 line program pages are available for the Balmoral Park Pick-4 courtesy of TrackMaster via the handicapping section at www.ustrotting.com.

The highest Pick-4 pool this month was $41,166 on April 15. The combination of guaranteed pools and low takeout brings the players to the Balmoral Pick-4 on a nightly basis. The average 2012 Pick-4 pool is $32,205. The highest payout of the month was on April 4 when three winners each received $8,975.90 for a buck. The average one dollar Pick-4 payout is $2,745.32 in 2012.

The Original 10 cent High-5 is offered on the final race of the night. The object of the bet is to select the top five finishers of the last race in order. Balmoral Park offers the bet with a 10 cent minimum, making the High-5 affordable to everyone. The average pool this year is $20,284 with an average payout of $1,362.11 for a dime. The highest payoff of the month was on April 4 when a lucky 10 cent winner took home $10,609.50.

Balmoral Park will offer a free handicapping contest on Saturday. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. All contest participants must be checked in by 7 p.m. Balmoral Park offers $2 Budweiser and Bud Lights on every race night. Additional information is available at 708.672.1414 or visit www.balmoralpark.com. My complimentary Players Guide selections for Balmoral Park and racing news from around the world are available at www.oddsonracing.com.