by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — With no sign of Old Man Winter in sight, business figures at Maywood Park have been heating up as well. Friday nights in particular have seen an increase in handle of 16.9% compared to the same dates in 2011.

Through February 11, Fridays at Maywood Park are averaging $1,027,864 compared to $879,561 in 2011. Besides the warm weather, business has been helped by an increase of almost one horse per race in field size. Fridays in 2012 have averaged 8.27 horses/race compared to 7.39 horses/race in 2011.

A pleasant surprise has been the rise in popularity of the Maywood Park Pick-4 wager. The average 2012 Friday Pick 4 pool is $13,289 compared to $6,537 for the same dates in 2011, resulting in an increase of over 103%.

Maywood Park offers a guaranteed Pick 4 every night with a low take out of 15%. Maywood Park is part of the Strategic Wagering Initiative of the Unites States Trotting Association. Free program pages are available courtesy of Track Master at handicapping.ustrotting.com.