On Wednesday, Balmoral Park played host to the biggest Pick Four pool in North America. Players across the continent wagered $119,168 in new money, chasing a carryover of $25,709. The final pool established a 2012 North American record of $144,877
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Competitive racing at Balmoral was on display again, with the final three legs being decided by a neck or less. When 16-1 longshot Red River Restless recorded the victory in the final leg of the Pick Four, the payoff blew up to $8,386.20 for a dollar. Because of the carryover and the takeout of 15 per cent, the payoff surpassed the $1 win parlay of $5,375 by more than $3,000. The win payouts were $7.80, $35.20, $8.80 and $35.60.
The Balmoral Pick Four averages are compelling. Through March 7, $873,025 has been put through the windows on the wager through 28 nights of racing. The average pool in 2012 is now $31,179 (the average was $8,827 in 2009). The 2012 pools have increased $22,352 per night and are now 3.53 times higher than the pools were back in 2009.
(With files from Balmoral)
Perhaps our tracks need to
Perhaps our tracks need to pay attention to what Balmoral is doing or don't they care.