by Frank Drucker, publicity director, Empire City at Yonkers Raceway

Yonkers, NY — Yonkers Raceway’s popular Pick-5 wager is about to become even more popular.

Effective immediately after approval from the New York State Gaming Commission, should there be a carryover of $7,500 or greater, the next racing night’s Pick-5 shall feature a $25,000 guaranteed pool. Any carryover of less than $7,500 means a “guarantee” of $10,000 (note there is no carryover going into Thursday’s card).

The Pick-5 is a 50 cent base wager offered on races five through nine nightly. It has no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners, the entire pool (minus takeout) is supplemented into the next racing program.

The Pick-5 also continues its built-in Monday/Tuesday night $10,000 guaranteed pool — a base number which now could become greater, depending if there’s a carryover — as part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program. Program pages for those days are available for perusal at www.yonkersraceway.com.