Are you ready to enter the exciting world of horse race betting? While everyone has their favorite name and jockey colors, serious betters need to dig a little deeper. If you want to win big, then you need a strategy.
Luckily, you can get started with just a few simple tactics. Read on for our must-know guide on horse racing betting.
Research the Form
If you really want to raise your chances of winning, then you need to get to know the form. This is the previous information on the horses, jockeys, and trainers.
The most crucial of this is the horse’s rank in the past few races, which you will usually find next to the jockeys name on the left of it. If there are more than nine horses in a race and the horse did not place, you will see a 0. A letter will indicate that it was pulled up by the jockey or was disqualified.
There is lots more information on the form guide and you can go into a lot of depth. Make sure you know what it means and study it well before a race.
Be Race Selective
You do not have to place wagers on every race when horse race betting. In fact, it often works better if you only pick the ones where you believe you have selected a winner. Some races are for novice horses and jockeys, and it can be hard to predict who will come out on top.
Know the Track
Horses have preferences as to what they run on, and when horse betting you need to know the track. The main track types are dirt and turf, and you will be able to look at a horse’s past race to see which it prefers or look on the form guide.
In addition, some horses prefer dry tracks, and some like wet. The condition and softness of the ground also play a part.
Shop the Odds
The most simple horse racing betting strategy is to shop around for the best prices. While it does not have to be excessive, you may find certain bookmakers offer better prices than others. If you take these odds, locking them in well before the race begins, you secure the best bet for your money.
Jockeys and Trainers
Jockeys and trainers can switch, with jockeys often even doing it on the same day as the race. For jockeys, they may have a preference for a horse or the top jockeys may have been moved to better rides. In the case of trainers, listen to a great podcast here on how to bet on them instead of the horse.
Starting With Horse Racing Betting
Once you begin horse racing betting with these tips, keep your own records. Note down horses, jockeys, and trainers that have done well for you. You can use it to refer to in upcoming races, essentially creating your own reliable form guide.
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