Whether you’re looking to place a shrewd bet or scout out the races for your next trip to the track, there are a number of factors to consider. Some of the most common include determining the Ante-post prices for races, figuring out the lay-off bet, and identifying the horses in the race that may be worth betting on.
Triple Crown series
Traditionally, the Triple Crown was the most prestigious of all horse racing achievements. It entails winning the same three races, in the same order, in five weeks. It’s also the most famous series of horse races in the U.S. And for good reason: it’s a thrilling contest.
While the Triple Crown might not be as prestigious as it once was, it still draws millions of viewers from around the world. But, despite its many glories, it remains an elusive achievement.
To be considered a Triple Crown winner, a horse must win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Each race takes place at different venues, and they are different in terms of distance and time. In some cases, it’s impossible for a horse to win all three.
Stakes race
Traditionally, a stakes race was a horse race where prize money was contributed by owners and trainers. These days, most tracks hold at least two stakes races per year. They are generally held two or three weeks apart, and are often held at larger tracks.
Stakes races are the most lucrative races. The purses are the largest for top finishers.
A stakes race is typically a three-year-old horse race. There are many other types of horse races, however, including Listed and Pattern races. These are the most valuable because the best horses compete in them.
In a stakes race, all owners contribute to prize money through entry fees. Typically, these fees include starting, nominating, and maintaining eligibility. They are usually paid back in the purse as “added” money.
Allowance race
Generally speaking, an allowance race is a race for horses which have never won a flat race. They are run at Flat meetings in the UK. They are the next step up from claiming races.
The race is run at a recognized meeting during regular racing hours. The purses are typically much higher than in claiming races. However, purses vary greatly between smaller tracks.
In addition to the money, the quality of the runners is also taken into account. Those who are exceptional are expected to break quickly and move on to more prestigious competitions.
The amount of weight a horse can carry is also considered. The age of a horse and the experience of a jockey are factors that can affect a horse’s weight.
Pacers vs trotters
Compared to trotters, pacers are faster and are less likely to break their stride. In fact, pacers are the dominant breed in harness racing. Pacers account for around 80 percent of all performers in the sport.
Pacers are aided by a leg harness that keeps two feet off the ground. They also wear hobbles to help them keep their gait. Pacers are also more stable than trotters.
Pacers’ gait is lateral, which means that the right front and right rear leg are moved together in unison. Trotters, however, have a diagonal gait, where the left front and back left leg are moved together in unison.
Ante-post prices
Buying an ante-post bet is a big gamble. The risk is that the horse you’re betting on may never even get to the starting line. You may have to wait a few days for the horse to get the chance to race and you may not get your money back if it does not finish.
Ante-post betting is usually only done on the biggest horse races. For instance, the Cheltenham Festival is a great chance to try your hand at the ante-post business. This is because the betting market opens a year before the event.
In addition, ante-post bets offer better odds than normal outright winner bets. The odds are usually much bigger than the official race odds.
Lay-off bet
Depending on your betting style, a layoff might mean a fumbled bet or a full frontal assault on your pocketbook. To make the most of your betting funds, try to find the horse that most accurately represents your betting style. Some bookmakers will even offer second bets on your bets. This is a great way to maximize your betting funds and your bankroll. The most important rule of thumb is to never bet more than your budget.
A well conceived layoff can be a winning combination. While the competition is a tidal wave of unrelenting betting, you should be able to eke out an edge in the competition for your bets.