A good day has arrived for local horse race handicappers.

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has announced that fractional betting on US racing, something that WEG has been pursuing for an extended time, will be available on the Keeneland races for the start of their meet in Lexington, Kentucky, this Friday, October 5th.

Fractional betting, which allows bettors to play the races in pre-determined fractional amounts, has been available for Canadian horseplayers on Woodbine and Mohawk racing for years with great success. As well, recent technological advancements and regulatory approvals have allowed American horseplayers to bet at these same minimums into WEG pools. The innovation is expected to be expanded to other U.S. host tracks in the near future.

Local racing fans will now be able to bet, as a base, 20 cents on Superfectas, which asks for the first four finishers in a race and 60 cents on Triactors and multi-race bets like the Pick-3 and Pick-4, which asks for the winners of three and four consecutive races, respectively.

“The concept is seen as critical to our core customers, so we’re glad to be able announce this exciting news,” said Sean Pinsonneault, WEG’s Chief Operating Officer. “The U.S. host tracks are beginning to transition their tote systems to accommodate fractional betting for the Canadian player. Keeneland will lead the rollout this Friday, while other tracks are expected to follow soon.”

The base amounts are more in tune with the offerings in the United States, but are still limited by current Canadian regulations and must be in 20 cent increments.

“This rollout will be gradual as it requires host approvals and depends on the capabilities of their respective tote system,” said Pinsonneault. “Woodbine Entertainment Group is actively pursuing other tracks to participate in this program and is eager to add more to the list.”

It is unlikely that this feature will be available on California tracks in 2012, but other key racing meets are expected to adopt this before the end of the year.

The first opportunity for horseplayers to take advantage of U.S. fractional betting is Friday’s first race at Keeneland, set for 1pm. First race post-time for Woodbine’s Thoroughbred card on Friday is 1:05pm. First race post-time for Woodbine’s Friday Standardbred card is 7:30pm.