Pocono: Takeout reduction starting April 1

The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono has announced major changes to their takeout rates, all of which are firmly in favor of the bettor. Pocono's Director of Racing & Sportsbook Operations Mike Zullinger confirmed the changes, which will go into effect on April 1.

Here are the affected wagers and the takeout reductions:

• Win, place and show: Down from 19 to 17 percent
• Trifecta, superfecta: Down from 30 to 26 percent
• Pick-3, Pick-4: Down from 25 to 20 percent

Only the Rainbow Pick-5 (15 percent takeout) and the Exacta and Daily Double wagers (both 20 percent takeout) remain unaffected by the changes.

The announcement comes at the same time that Pocono is moving to its four-day-a-week schedule for the first time this season. Pocono will now be racing on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, a schedule that will remain in effect until October.

The changes also come right before a racing week that should be particularly exciting at the track. The Bobby Weiss series, which is held in honor of Pocono's longtime track superintendent and features an impressive group of 3-year-olds classified by gender and gait, will begin on Saturday.

-release (Pocono)