East Rutherford, NJ – When the first race heads to the starting gate Saturday night (Feb. 28) at The Meadowlands, there figures to be some serious green in the 20-cent Pick-5 pool.
Friday night’s (Feb. 27) Pick-5 sequence proved too tough for players as winner’s odds were 9-1, 12-1, 5-2, 10-1 and 27-1. As a result, bettors will be gunning for a carryover of $26,400. Those with four correct cashed in for $391.80 for their 20-cent wager.
The pool on Saturday will be one worth swimming in. In the event $75,000 of “new money” is poured into the hat, after the low 15 percent rake is removed, that would leave $63,750. Add in the carryover, and you’ll have a total pool of just over $90,000, creating a “negative takeout” where winning tickets will pay off at 12 percent.
The $1 PK 8 went unhit for a third consecutive offering, upping the carryover to $66,454. A sequence where winner’s odds went to the gate at 5-2, 10-1, 27-1, 4-5, 9-1, 7-2, 2-1 and 5-2 proved to be too much for the masses. Those with six correct collected ($1) $163.40.
The 20-cent Pick-5 is offered on races one through five, while the $1 PK 8 is available on dashes three through 10.
GOO FOR BROKE TAKES FEATURE: One week after failing on an open lead as the 1-5 favorite, Goo For Broke got many of her friends back after taking the $12,500 featured conditioned trot in a lifetime-best 1:53.2.
“I got a lot of hate (for last week),” said driver Brett Beckwith. “People thought I fell asleep. But she had an off day. It wasn’t all my fault but she rebounded well tonight.”
Instead of racing on the lead, as she did last week, Goo For Broke worked out a pocket trip behind 8-5 favorite Royal Comet and scooted up the cones late to record a resounding 3-length win over the public choice. Tom Swifty finished third.
“She warmed up really well on a helmet,” said Beckwith, “and I thought Anibal (Borjas, driving Royal Comet) would cover me up. She’s a sweetheart and really likes her job. She’s pretty versatile and I’m looking forward to the future she has.”
A 6-year-old daughter of Googoo Gaagaa-Hs Carry On who is trained by Per Engblom, Goo For Broke lifted her lifetime stats to 10 wins in 58 starts for owner Timothy Betts. As the 2-1 second choice in the wagering, she returned $6 to win.
A LITTLE MORE: Beckwith led the driver colony with four wins on the night, upping his Big M dash-win-leading total to 48. Colin Kelly swept the late double ($7). His two winners on the night have him firmly in second in the standings with 30 victories. … Engblom’s two walks down victory lane led the trainers. … All-source handle on the 14-race program totaled $2,735,565. … Racing resumes Saturday at 6 p.m.