Churchill Downs Adds 50-Cent Trifetas, Pick 3's To Wagering Menu

Nov 18, 2009 John Asher

Churchill Downs will offer racing fans new value in its daily wagering menu when the track launches an experiment with 50-cent minimum Pick 3 and trifecta wagers beginning with its racing program on Thursday, Nov. 19 and continuing through the end its Fall Meet on Saturday, Nov. 28.

The introduction of the 50-cent minimum wager on Pick 3 and trifecta wagers follows a warm reception by patrons to a 50-cent mimimum Pick 4 since the minimum for that wager was lowered from $1 at the start of the track’s 2009 Spring Meet.  The Pick 3 requires bettors to select the winners of three consecutive races and the trifecta requires the patron to select the top three finishers in a designated race in their exact order of finish.  The minimum wager on each bet had been $1.

While three Pick 4 wagers are offered during a regular 10-race program during the ongoing Fall Meet at Churchill Downs, eight Pick 3 opportunities are available during 10 races.  Trifectas are offered on each race in which at least five horses start.  Churchill Downs also offers a 10-cent minimum superfecta.  A so-called “dime superfecta” requires bettors to select the top 4 horses in their exact order of finish.

“With the experimental reduction of the minimum wager on Pick 3 and trifecta races from $1 to 50 cents, we hope to provide a little ‘economic stimulus’ for racing fans,” said Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery.  “The 50-cent minimum Pick 4 wager has been popular with our on-track patrons and simulcast players.  The lower minimum bets on the Pick 3’s and trifectas should provide fans of every skill level with a greater opportunity to win and enjoy Churchill Downs races with smiles on their faces.”