New York alters pick six

A rule designed to protect pick six players in New York when races are moved from turf to dirt after betting closes will go into effect with Wednesday's opening of the Saratoga meet. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board approved the rule change, which the New York Racing Association first applied for 17 months ago.

In the event a race in the pick six sequence is moved from the turf to the dirt after the wager has closed, bettors will be given credit for winning that race regardless of whom they selected.

There is one wrinkle to the rule. On days when a carryover is involved, the carryover part of the pool will not be paid out if two or more races are moved from the turf to the dirt.

The board could not approve the same provision to the pick four because rules governing the pick four are national, not state-determined.