National Pick 4 Schedule Announced by NTRA

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced the 2006 schedule of National Pick 4 wagers available at wagering outlets nationwide March 31. All six wagers are tied to ABC/ESPN racing telecasts.

"These national wagers, linked with prominent racing telecasts, have been extremely well received by racing fans," said Ken Kirchner, senior vice president of product development for the NTRA. "This year's menu offers a challenging and competitive array of races that should generate strong interest and potentially large payoffs."

Each wager, with the exception of the April 15 National Pick 4, will carry a minimum gross pool guarantee of $400,000. The New York Racing Association acts as the hub. The "Premier Pick 4" on April 15 will be administered by Oaklawn Park and Keeneland.

The National Pick 4 schedule for 2006 (subject to change) is:

April 15 (ABC 5-6 p.m. ET): Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, Keeneland; Arkansas Derby, Oaklawn Park; Instant Racing Breeders' Cup, Oaklawn Park; Commonwealth B.C. Stakes, Keeneland.

June 17 (ESPN 5-7 p.m.): Stephen Foster Handicap, Churchill Downs; The Californian, Hollywood Park; Fleur de Lis Handicap, Churchill Downs; Ogden Phipps Handicap, Belmont Park.

August 12 (ABC, 4-6 p.m.): Arlington Million, Arlington Park; Sword Dancer Invitational, Saratoga: Beverly D. Stakes, Arlington Park; A.G. Vanderbilt Handicap, Saratoga.

September 30 (ESPN 4-6 p.m.): Kelso B.C. Handicap, Belmont Park; Oak Leaf Stakes, Oak Tree at Santa Anita; Yellow Ribbon Stakes, Oak Tree; Super Derby, Harrah's Louisiana Downs.

October 7 (ESPN2 4:30-6:30 p.m.): Goodwood B.C. Handicap, Oak Tree; Jockey Club Gold Cup, Belmont Park; Shadwell Turf Mile, Keeneland; Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, Belmont Park.

October 14 (ESPN 4-6 p.m.): Frizette Stakes, Belmont Park; First Lady Stakes, Keeneland; Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, Keeneland; Champagne Stakes, Belmont Park.