Those that say nothing in this world is free haven’t been participating in the Thursday Pick 5 at MGM Yonkers Raceway. For the past three weeks, the Pick 5 wager has been seeded with $10,000 and created the opportunity for winning players to come away with a 25 to 35 per cent higher return.

The $10,000 of seed money, which is being contributed as a measure of “bettor appreciation” by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York, began on March 30 and will now continue through May 18.

In addition to the seeded money, the total pool for the Thursday Pick 5’s will be guaranteed at $25,000 in partnership with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program. The sequence runs from races five through nine with a 50-cent minimum wager and a 20 per cent takeout.

Free Trackmaster past performances for the sequence will be available on the USTA website and free DRF Harness Eye PPs can be found on the DRF website.

Post time for Thursday and each live racing card at MGM Yonkers (Monday to Friday weekly) is 7 p.m. (EDT)

In addition to the Thursday Pick 5, fans and handicappers will want to circle April 24 on their calendars as MGM Yonkers Raceway will host the $511,000 MGM Borgata Pace and $328,200 Blue Chip Matchmaker finals. Both races will be complemented by consolation events on what is sure to be a can’t-miss night of racing.

To complement the series finals, the Empire Terrace dining room will be open on Monday evening. Owners and fans are invited to attend the races and enjoy a dinner buffet for $50 per person plus 20 percent gratuity. A cash bar will also be available. No reservations are required but those interested can call 914-457-2627 for more details.

(Yonkers Raceway)