The Meadows today announced that it is teaming with the United States Trotting Association’s Strategic Wagering Program to guarantee $5,000 pools on Pick 4 wagers at the track each
Monday and Tuesday in May. The initiative will kick off Monday, May 2.
In early April, the USTA introduced the concept of partnering with tracks to guarantee sizable pools for key exotic wagers, signing on such venues as Balmoral Park, Northfield Park and Cal-Expo. USTA Director Chris Schick, who developed the idea for USTA, said the program has been extremely successful in its first few weeks.
“The USTA is pleased to partner with the Meadows and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association on this wager,” Schick said. “This is the first step in the development of a signature wager that will complement an extremely strong racing product at the Meadows."
Mike Jeannot, president of Meadows Racing, indicated the guarantees will enhance the popularity of the track’s Pick 4, which offers a takeout of 20 per cent.
“The combination of moderate takeout and $5,000 guarantee should make the Pick 4 one of our most attractive wagers,” said Jeannot, who noted that the Meadows recently rolled out 50-cent minimum wagers for superfecta boxes and wheels. “We have been adjusting our wagering format to match fan preferences. The positive response of our players tells us we are moving in the right direction.”
The Meadows currently stages four live cards per week, with each program offering three superfectas and a Pick 4 on the final four races. First post Monday and Tuesday is 12:55 p.m., with Wednesday and Friday cards underway at 6:55 p.m.
(With files from the Meadows)