The Pick 4 is a fan-favorite wager where you try to predict the winners of four consecutive races. It offers a high payout potential and plenty of strategy — making it ideal for bettors who want more action than a single-race bet, but less commitment than a Pick 6.
What Is a Pick 4 Bet?
What Is a Pick 4 Bet?
A Pick 4 is a horizontal wager where you select the winner of four races in a row — usually starting with a specific race (e.g., Races 5–8). To win, all four picks must be correct. If one horse loses, the ticket is bust.
Pick 4s are common at most US tracks and offer pooled, pari-mutuel payouts, with minimum bet sizes typically starting at $0.50 or $1.
Building Your Ticket
Building Your Ticket
You can play a straight Pick 4 (one horse per leg) or use multiple horses in one or more legs (called a part-wheel). Example:
Race 5: 3, 7
Race 6: 5
Race 7: 2, 4
Race 8: 1, 6
This ticket is a 2x1x2x2 = 8 combinations, at $1 per combo = $8 total ticket cost.
💡 Tip: Use multiple contenders in tough races and single a standout horse in one leg to manage your budget.
Why Bettors Love the Pick 4
Why Bettors Love the Pick 4
Big Payouts: Even a modest pool can pay hundreds or thousands, especially if a longshot hits.
Lower Cost Than a Pick 6: Easier to structure and manage bankroll-wise.
Late Pick 4 Strategy: Often found in the final races of the day, giving value hunters a prime shot.
💡 Tip: Pick 4s often require advance planning. Check post times and scratches, and avoid getting shut out close to the race start.
💡 Did You Know? Some tracks offer guaranteed Pick 4 pools — meaning even if the pool doesn’t reach a certain size, the track tops it up. Keep an eye out for these promotions at MyWinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I place a Pick 4 bet online at MyWinners?
How do I place a Pick 4 bet online at MyWinners?
Navigate to the race card, select the Pick 4 sequence, then choose one or more horses in each leg. Your ticket total adjusts as you add combinations.
What happens if a horse is scratched in my Pick 4?
What happens if a horse is scratched in my Pick 4?
If a horse is scratched after you place your bet, most tracks will substitute the post-time favorite for that leg. Always double-check local rules.
Can I use different stake amounts in a Pick 4 ticket?
Can I use different stake amounts in a Pick 4 ticket?
Most standard Pick 4s use a uniform stake (e.g., $1 per combo), but some advanced platforms allow ABC ticket structuring or weighted wagering for higher-level bettors.
When is the best time to bet a Pick 4?
When is the best time to bet a Pick 4?
Many bettors prefer to wait until late odds updates or scratches are confirmed, especially if playing the Late Pick 4 on a big race day.
Are Pick 4 payouts published immediately after the final race?
Are Pick 4 payouts published immediately after the final race?
Yes. Once the final leg concludes and results are official, the pool is distributed among winning tickets and payouts are published — often within minutes.