Horse racing is a thrilling sport that attracts bettors from all walks of life. Whether it’s the prestigious Belmont Stakes or a local race, the excitement is palpable.
For those new to betting on horse races, understanding the different types of bets and how they work can enhance the experience. I am an experienced British bettor Bryn Hammond and I have prepared a guide to horse racing not on Gamstop, especially for you.
Types of Bets
Win-Place-Show
The simplest form of betting involves predicting where a horse will finish. There are three main types of bets in this category:
- Win: The horse must finish first.
- Place: The horse must finish either first or second.
- Show: The horse must finish in the top three positions.
For a £2 base bet, you can choose to bet more if you like. You can also bet “across the board,” which means placing a bet on the horse to win, place, and show. This would be a £6 bet on a £2 base. If the horse finishes third or better, you’ll collect your winnings.
Exacta and Exacta Box
For those confident in predicting the first two finishers, the exacta is an exciting option.
- Exacta: Bet on the first and second horses in the exact order. For example, a £2 exacta on horses 1-2 means horse 1 must win, and horse 2 must finish second.
- Exacta Box: Covers all combinations of the chosen horses finishing first and second. For example, a £2 exacta box on horses 1-2 will win if either horse finishes first or second. The cost is double, as it covers two combinations.
You can add more horses to an exact box. For instance, a five-horse exacta box (5 x 4) results in 20 combinations. With a £2 base bet, this would cost £40. A six-horse box (6 x 5) would cost £60.
Trifecta and Trifecta Box
A trifecta bet involves picking the top three finishers.
- Trifecta: Bet on the first three horses in the exact order.
- Trifecta Box: Covers all combinations of the chosen horses finishing in the top three positions.
Calculating the combinations for a trifecta involves multiplying the number of horses by the next two lowest numbers. For example, a six-horse trifecta box (6 x 5 x 4) results in 120 combinations, costing £240 with a £2 base bet.
Trifecta Key/Wheel
For those with a strong favorite, the trifecta key or wheel is a good strategy. This involves choosing one horse to place in a specific position and filling the other positions with multiple horses.
For example, a £1 trifecta 1 with 2-3-4 with 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 means the 1 horse must win, 2-3-4 must finish second, and any of the remaining horses can finish third. This bet costs £18 (£1 x 3 x 6).
Superfecta/Superfecta Box
Superfecta betting involves predicting the top four finishers. It can be bet straight or in a box. Due to its complexity, it’s not commonly recommended for beginners.
Multi-Race Bets
Multi-race bets add another layer of excitement. These include pick threes, pick fours, and pick fives, where you select the winners of three, four, or five consecutive races. The base wager for these is usually 50p, making it an affordable way to spread your bets across multiple races.
Example of Multi-Race Bet
A ticket with two horses in one race, three horses in three races, and four horses in the final race would be calculated as 2 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 4. The total cost for this bet at 50p base is £108.
Table of Bets
| Bet Type | Description | Example Cost (£2 Base) |
| Win | The horse must finish first | £2 |
| Place | The horse must finish first or second | £2 |
| Show | The horse must finish in the top three | £2 |
| Exacta | Predict the first two horses in order | £2 |
| Exacta Box | The first two horses in any order | £4 (2 combinations) |
| Trifecta | Predict the top three horses in order | £2 |
| Trifecta Box | Top three horses in any order | £24 (6 combinations) |
| Trifecta Key/Wheel | One horse is in a specific position, and others varied | £18 (£1 base) |
| Superfecta | Predict the top four horses in order | £2 |
| Superfecta Box | Top four horses in any order | £120 (24 combinations) |
| Multi-Race (Pick 3, 4, 5) | Winners of multiple races | Varies (50p base) |
Tips for Betting
- Start Simple: Begin with win, place, and show bets to get a feel for betting.
- Study the Horses: Research the horses, jockeys, and track conditions.
- Manage Your Budget: Set a budget for betting and stick to it.
- Use Box Bets: Exacta and trifecta boxes offer more flexibility.
- Avoid Superfectas: They are more complex and better suited for experienced bettors.
Betting on horse races is meant to be enjoyable. Whether choosing a horse based on its name, colors, or a lucky number, the goal is to have fun and possibly make some money along the way. Happy betting!
FAQ
What is the Simplest Bet for Beginners?
The simplest bets for beginners are the win, place, and show bets. These involve predicting whether a horse will finish first, second, or third. They are straightforward and offer a good starting point for new bettors.
How Do I Calculate the Cost of an Exact Box?
To calculate the cost of an exact box, multiply the number of horses you are boxing by the next lowest number. For example, a five-horse exacta box (5 x 4) results in 20 combinations. With a £2 base bet, this would cost £40.
What is the Difference Between a Trifecta and a Trifecta Box?
A trifecta bet involves picking the top three finishers in exact order, whereas a trifecta box covers all combinations of the chosen horses finishing in the top three positions. The trifecta box costs more due to the increased number of combinations.
Can I Place Bets on Multiple Races?
Yes, you can place multi-race bets such as pick threes, pick fours, and pick fives. These bets involve selecting the winners of three, four, or five consecutive races. The base wager for these is usually 50p.
What is a Trifecta Key/Wheel Bet?
A trifecta key/wheel bet involves choosing one horse to place in a specific position and filling the other positions with multiple horses. For example, a £1 trifecta 1 with 2-3-4 with 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 means the 1 horse must win, 2-3-4 must finish second, and any of the remaining horses can finish third. This bet costs £18.
Should I Start with Superfecta Bets as a Beginner?
It’s generally not recommended for beginners to start with superfecta bets. They are more complex, requiring you to predict the top four finishers in order. Beginners are advised to start with simpler bets like win, place, and show and gradually move to more complex bets as they gain experience.
