Nebraska becomes the center of the pari-mutuel universe Tuesday. A mandatory payout in the Fonner Park 50-cent pick five (races 4-8) begins with $497,810 already in the pool. Could fresh money top $2 million? Below is this handicapper’s main-ticket blueprint.

(As of 10:45 Central, the only scratch from the pick five sequence was in race 8: Lil’ Quarter Chute (1). Post time for race 4, the first leg of the pick five, is listed at 5:21 CT.)

Race 4: Will try to survive this $5k claiming N3L sprint with just two droppers. Front-running favorite Where’s Rufus (7) brings improving figures; the N2L win by Cliff’s Place (6) two back would crush. Ohtani (9) is regressing, but merits backup consideration.

Race 5: This is a stronger split of the fourth race, and includes three main contenders. El Diablo Grande (2) is favored, albeit with a recent history of falling short of expectations. Getaway Driver (4) drops in class second start back; Spotitude (6) will rally late.

Race 6: Shooters Alley (7), romping winner three straight, would become the meet’s first four-time winner in this $5k starter. If he maintains form moving up in class, color him gone. Shooters Alley is a main-ticket single. Backup consideration: Hunters Appeal (2), Commander McDivitt (3), program favorite Ship Stalker (5) and Smarty Party Papa (6).

Race 7: Taking a pass on the distance-challenged favorite in this $10k claiming sprint. Instead, will use dropper Extreme Caution (3), comebacker Jessica Glitters (4), presser Star Hunter (7), and closer Chub’s Charmer (8). Backup consideration: aforementioned favorite Honey Hearts (2), and last-out winner May Flowers (5).

Race 8: Cashing out? Using three in this $2,500 claiming race including the 11-year-old favorite. California bettors might recall in-form Born Force (9); he finished third in the 2012 Jim Kostoff Stakes at Fairplex Park. Born Force and Gone Preachin (4) are pace-dependent closers, therefore this ticket will also include front-runner Como Se Llama (5).

Main ticket ($36):

r4: Nos. 6, 7

r5: Nos. 2, 4, 6

r6: No. 7

r7: Nos. 3, 4, 7, 8

r8: Nos. 4, 5 9