We’ve written in the past how the coast-to-coast payoffs greatly exceed expectations, so I wanted to check in again on those payoffs as we’re a few weeks into the wager this winter.

Through 19 pools, we’ve seen amazing payoffs on a few occasions and strong payoffs overall as 11 of 19 payoffs have been 200% or more of the parlay. Overall, the payoffs have averaged 342% of the parlay, which is fantastic.

Comparing to all tracks – Pick 5 payoffs for 2024 

For comparison, we wanted to take a look at the average Pick 5 payoffs for all tracks last year. Looking at the chart below, we can get a good idea of the average Pick 5 payoff for tracks around the country. 

And the coast-to-coast payoffs outperform all the single-track Pick 5s. 

Why are the payoffs consistently good?  

We believe there are several reasons. Obviously, the low 15% takeout helps the payoff, and the $1 base wager also helps create value. 

But one of the biggest reasons is that we have seen that any Pick 3, Pick 4 or Pick 5 wagers that feature multiple tracks or non-consecutive races tend to pay better. This is often because these wagers are of less interest to computer wagering teams and, in fact, the coast-to-coast is for retail customers only, which means computer teams are not allowed in the pool.

Through analysis at HRN, we also have seen the cross-country Pick 5 and turf Pick 3s pay well as do two-day wagers such as a two-day Pick 6. 

The coast-to-coast is now available Friday through Sunday each week – now is the perfect time to take a shot. 

Here are the coast-to-coast sequences for Friday and Saturday. 

Coverage of the coast-to-coast Pick 5 at Horse Racing Nation is made possible in part through a sponsorship by 1/ST Racing.