A 20-cent horse racing wager could earn one lucky bettor a $15 million payoff on Saturday
There will be millions on the line in Dubai on Saturday, as California Chrome takes aim at the $10 million World Cup. Hours later, more money -- yes, more money -- will be at stake and a single 20-cent wager could take down a pool that is expected to balloon to more than $15 million.
Two dimes could turn into a multi-million dollar payoff at Gulfstream Park. The Rainbow 6 wager heads into a mandatory payout day at the Florida track.
The bet has carried over for more than 50 days and after Friday's card had a holdover pool of more than $4.5 million.
The trick to the Rainbow 6 -- on most days -- is to take down the entire pot one has to have the only winning ticket on that day's Rainbow 6. However, the Rainbow 6 multiplies the test because to take down the entire pool, you have to be the only person to connect on the wager on that day. The carryover jackpot is only paid out when there is a single unique ticket sold with all six winners. On days when there is no unique ticket, 70 percent of that day's pool goes back to those bettors holding tickets with the most winners, while 30 percent is carried over to the jackpot pool.
That brings us to March 26, a mandatory payout. With the Easter holiday many tracks and off-track wagering establishments are closed. Hence, the decision to make Saturday the day for the big payout.
The belief is that the pool can approach $20 million as bettors look to find their way into what could be a life-changing payday.
The Rainbow 6 last paid off Jan. 13, when one bettor hit for $76,799.38. The largest payout of the current Championship Meet, which opened Dec. 5, was $262,634.84 on Jan. 7.
The Rainbow 6 produced a record payoff of $6.6 million for a Palm Beach bettor on May 25, 2014. The previous record of $3,591,245.44 was solved by a New Jersey bettor on Feb. 22, 2013.
The person with the winning ticket of the 2014 jackpot was Dan Borislow. Months after hitting the big ticket, however, tragedy followed the triumph as Borislow suffered a fatal heart attack while playing in a pickup soccer match. He was 52.
A look at the races seven through 12 at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, and suggestions for a possible ticket.
Race 7: The Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-olds at 7 1/2 furlongs (scheduled for the turf, although the course was deluged with rain on Friday so it will be interesting to see if all races race on the grass). The favorite is Sir Dudley Digges, having two seconds and two thirds in five career starts. He's a must use. Also put Mighty Mo and Horner Man on the ticket.
Race 8: A five-furlong sprint for $16,000 claimers, carded for the turf course. Deer Dog has one start in 21 at the distance and was storming home, missing by a neck when finishing third at 25-1 on Feb. 10. Great Attack loves the distance with seven wins, including his most recent start. Red Fever cruised in one of these in his last start. Can't leave Frankies Trigger off as he has been close in his last three.
Race 9: Maiden $12,500 claimers go seven furlongs. Mr. Coupons woke up against these to finish second in his last start. Upperton should improve off his debut. Prime Time Tommy disappointed at 7-10 in the last as he dropped to this level.
Race 10: An optional $35,000 claimer at a mile on the turf. El Ciclon cuts back in distance off two sharp seconds. Favorite Heir was huge in taking down $25,000 claimers and moves into a new barn off that effort.
Race 11: The Sanibel Island, a one mile turf steak for 3-year-olds. Harmonize makes her 3-year-old debut for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Lira finished a strong second to Catch A Glimpse in her 3-year-old debut.
Race 12: Maiden $25,000 claimers go a mile on the turf (with all the money on the line in the Rainbow 6) Indian Bull is 15-1 on the morning line but threw a great workout on March 12. Running Hoplite debuts off a sharp workout. Giant Inka's best efforts have come at a mile.
