There are many factors to consider when placing a bet on horse racing:

 

1. Good Recent Form

Obviously, to perform at its best a horse must be in peak condition. A horse`s “form” is how it has performed in its recent races. Its finishing positions are indicated by the string of numbers to the right of the horse`s name on the racecard. However, form equates to much more than merely finishing position. A runner may have a string of 1s alongside its name, but these wins may have been achieved in lower class races and / or the horse has been re-assessed by the handicapper, giving it relatively more weight to carry. Recent win or place form provides evidence of a horse`s well-being, but should be considered in conjunction with other factors, such as class, distance and going when attempting to find potential winners. When making a selection, eliminate any horse that has not run a race within 6 weeks. Statistics show that a large majority of winners have run within this period. Never make excuses for beaten horses, but if a poor run occurs amongst otherwise good form, it is worth investigating for extenuating circumstances.

 

2. Distance

Horses have a range of suitable distances, predominantly determined by breeding. The range varies between horses, but most have an ideal distance, within a furlong or two. Do not back horses racing outside their ideal distance range.

 

 

3. Going

The “going,” or underfoot conditions, is important in determining if a horse is likely to produce its best running in a given race. Horses have different styles of running, suited to different conditions, and very few are able to perform well on fast and heavy ground. A dislike for the prevailing conditions often means that a horse can be dismissed entirely from calculations, while a like for the going can greatly improve its winning chance. It is worth noting that slower ground often favours horses that race up with the pace, as it is difficult for its pursuers to make up ground.

 

4. Course

Different racecourses have significantly different characteristics. Big long-striding horses may perform well at galloping tracks with wide turns, but be unable to produce the same level of form at tight tracks with sharp bends. Similarly, sprinters that have won over Sandown`s stiff 5-furlong course may be completely outpaced over Epsom`s sharp, downhill course. Some of the more idiosyncratic courses such as Brighton, Windsor and Fontwell produce “course specialists” whose good form at these tracks is not repeated elsewhere.

 

5. Draw

At some courses, the “draw,” or position in the starting stalls can be crucial. For example, at Chester, a large percentage of races up to 7 furlongs are won by horses drawn low.

 

6. Class

All horses have a certain level of ability to which they progress until reaching maturity. Young horses may start off in low-grade races and gradually progress to better class events. Conversely, others may be overestimated in their early career and need to drop to lesser events to enable them to win. Be wary of horses taking a rise in class unless their previous profile suggests they are progressive. It is worth noting that lower-grade horses can make a rise in class more easily than those racing at the higher levels. For example, the transition from a Class 6 to a Class 4 handicap is easier than from a Class 2 handicap to a Listed race. A decent betting opportunity can arise when a horse runs up to its best and is then dropped in class for its next start, assuming all other conditions are ideal.

 

8. Position in Betting Market

It is fairly well known that favourites are successful in about 30% of races. However, a statistic that most punters overlook is that about 75% of all races are won by runners in the first 3 in the betting market. Bookmakers are very well informed and the odds on offer are generally a good guide to the “live” contenders.

 

Proper money management is another important consideration in horse race betting. A punter should set aside a “betting bank,” solely for this purpose. A stake of about 2% of the bank per selection is recommended, as this allows for inevitable long runs of losers.

 

 

TYPES OF BETTING

 

 

High Street Bookmakers

Despite the ever-increasing popularity of online betting, the “traditional” betting shop remains popular with many horse racing punters. Many betting shop regulars are attracted by the camaraderie of being with like-minded punters, all battling against the “old enemy.” The advantage of the betting shop is that all horse races are televised which make the betting experience far more enjoyable.

 

Online Bookmakers

Online betting sites offer all the bets available in a betting shop, along with the convenience of betting from the comfort of home. Holding a handful of online accounts allows a punter to access the best prices available. Deposits can be made by credit card, debit card and other methods such as PayPal and MoneyBookers. Bets are settled promptly, though withdrawals take a few days to process.

 

Betting Exchanges

In addition to all the bets offered by the bookmakers, betting exchanges also give punters the opportunity to “lay” one or more runners in a race, i.e. back them to lose.

 

In the quest for horse racing winners, never be tempted to buy tips from the various tipsters who advertise on the Internet unless certain of their quality, especially as reliable, free racing tips are available.

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