Horse Racing Bets: Key Factors and Popular Strategies
According to one version of the story, it was at the racetrack where the first bookmakers and sports betting began. At first glance, horse racing seems simple: choose a horse, place a bet, and if it finishes first—you win. But in reality, horse racing betting, like any other sport, has its nuances. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials.
Horse racing is one of the most watched sporting events in countries like the United States, Australia, the UK, and the UAE. Racing is done for various distances and on varying surfaces (turf, dirt, etc.), and this already signifies that before betting—more so in horse racing betting online —you need to know the details.
Types of Horse Racing Bets
While horse racing takes place in Michigan (for example, at Northville Downs), the majority of online wagering is available on races taking place out of state or abroad through licensed sites. Let's examine the most popular bet types, employing the English terminology utilized by American bookmakers.
Win Bet
This is the easiest type of bet. You pick a horse, and if it comes first, you win. There is also a bet against a horse coming first—here, you win if it doesn't come first.
Place and Show Bets
It is difficult to predict the winner of a race. To hedge your bets, bookmakers also offer bets on which your horse has to come first three.
Show: Your selected horse must end up in the first three.
Place: Your horse must end up in the first two (in some races, even first three or four depending upon the number of horses).
Forecast and Tricast Bets
You can even put a Forecast bet, where you must correctly call the first and second position finishers in exact order.
Another selection that the bookmakers offer is the Tricast. This is the same, but here you need to pick the exact finish of the first three horses.
Match Bets (Who Comes Higher)
Here you choose between two horses. The higher-placing horse is a winner on your bet, regardless of race position.
Horse Racing Betting Strategies
Trixie Strategy
This is one of the most popular horse racing strategies. Disclaimer: it does not guarantee 100% success. Upsets do happen even in horse racing, where underdogs beat favorites.
To begin with, choose three favorites from various tracks with odds of 2.00 (or +100 in American odds) or more. Then lay them all in a single bet called a "Trixie"—it comprises one treble (3-horse combination) and three doubles (2-horse combinations).
Example:
- Horse 1 + Horse 2
- Horse 2 + Horse 3
- Horse 1 + Horse 3
- Horse 1 + Horse 2 + Horse 3
You bet $1 on each combination (total bet = $4). If two out of three favorites win, and the third fails, you will break even or gain marginally. If all three favorites are 2.00 and all three win, then your return can be as much as $20 (three doubles at around $4 each and a treble at around $8).
You can also employ this system with only two favorites using two singles and a double.
Al Capone's Accountant Strategy
This strategy is reported to have been engineered by the accountant of the gangster. The way it operates is this: One identifies races in which the odds on the favorites are very slightly overestimated—approximately 4.00 (+300). You then wager on some of these favorites. In the event that at least one of them wins, your total pay-out is greater than your overall stake, and you realize a profit.
Key Aspects in Horse Racing Wagers: Useful Tips
Horse Age
A younger horse will generally excel in short distances, while an older horse with experience will excel in longer distances.
Race Distance
Check the race distance and whether the horse recently received a break before betting. For short sprinting, a month of resting is acceptable. For longer racing, rest is not always the solution—horses need to stay in rhythm.
Jockey Weight
Average jockey weight is around 132 pounds (60 kg). Less experienced riders might weigh a bit more. A lighter jockey generally means more racing experience and greater balance with the horse—factors that can make for improved performance.
Weather Conditions
Weather is a major factor. As with any sport that's played outside, rain or wind can make a difference. Always check the weather forecast at the race course before putting down your money—some horses run better in wet or muddy conditions, while others like dry surfaces.
