In
addition to both Pick 4’s at Cal Expo continuing to offer a reduced 15 percent
takeout rate (Thursday/Friday nights in partnership with the USTA Strategic
Wagering Committee), beginning this week the Late Pick 4’s on Friday (February
24) and Saturday (February 25) will come with an increased $15,000-guaranteed
gross pool.
Also
starting this weekend, the Friday Late Pick 4 will offer a 0% takeout on all
winning wagers made on track or at Twinspires.com, while the Saturday Late Pick
4 will be broadcast on TVG.
Author
and handicapper Barry Meadow offers the following advice when it comes to
playing the popular wager.
“You’re
not going to get value if you use nothing but the obvious horses,” Meadow
relates. “I use the rule of 8 - each
ticket should have only those combinations where the ranked betting positions
add up to more than 8.
“For
instance, if you use the two favorites (ranked 1 and 1), the other leg choices
need to add up to more than 6 (e.g. a second choice with a horse who is no
better than fifth choice, a third choice with a horse who is no better than
fourth betting choice, etc.).
“You
can’t play tickets that have nothing but favorites and second choices, or you
won’t get the inherent bonus value this bet offers since these obvious numbers
are overused in the Pick 4.”
Of
course, playing the wager at the reduced 15 percent takeout rate is another way
to maximize your edge, and again that goes for all Pick 4s offered here at Cal
Expo on Friday and Saturday nights. Good
racing!
Live
racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (February 24) & Saturday (February 25)
at 6:00 p.m. (PST). On
every live card, Cal Expo offers free parking & free admission after 4:30
p.m. On Friday, Cal Expo offers Happy Hour
from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on which Beer; Well Drinks & Wine are offered at $4
each, while a Burger
with fries is offered at $5.
