We know it looks like it, but horse racing is more than just watching horses run. It’s a pretty complex world that requires careful navigation before you place sports bets. To help your research, our experts have offered their input in the article below. Dive in for proven tips from seasoned punters on how to pick the best of the bunch when betting on horseracing. While there are no guarantees, hearing what the experts say is better than diving in headfirst!
Tips to Predict the Right Winner: Horse Racing 101
You’ll hear many ‘insider tips’ when starting as a horseracing bettor. Some people may even tell you to visit a psychic for the correct pick. But you can save yourself stress by just reading. The following recommendations are from respected industry experts who know a thing or two about the track.
Know the Basics Inside Out
Every guide on this subject starts here, and for excellent reasons. So, before any wager, knowing the difference between the various bet types is necessary. Flat racing is the most common, where the track is free of obstacles. Steeplechasing complicates things a bit by introducing fences and ditches to jump. Another variant is the harness, where the horses pull a two-wheeled cart driven by a jockey.
You must also understand race classes and grades beforehand, as they determine odds and participants. Higher-grade races feature the best runners, while lower-grade events may be for their less-experienced or performing counterparts. Bet types like exacta, trifecta, and quinella are also a must-know.
Peruse the Form Guide
The form guides are readily available for horse racing events. It’s an invaluable resource containing information on each runner’s past performances, which may help predict their turnout in upcoming meetings. When studying this guide, pay close attention to finishing positions in previous races.
Consistently strong finishes indicate a horse in excellent form, and vice versa. But that’s not all. You also have to factor in the quality of competition faced previously. An impressive looking runner among lower-quality races may be average against the top dogs. Performances in different distances and track types are also vital notes here.
Research the Trainer and Jockey
For all of its strengths and qualities, the role the trainer and jockey plays in a horse’s performance matters a lot. For example, a skilled rider can give himself a winning advantage through a split-second decision. Your analysis of jockeys depends on their win percentage and how often they end up in the places.
Similarly, the trainer is also a vital consideration when evaluating a horse’s chances in an upcoming race. How good is the trainer, and what is their success rate? In addition, you may have to confirm where their strength lies. Some trainers can excel with novices whilst others have a better record with older runners.
Consider the Odds
When you see odds like 5-1, it means that for every £1 you bet, you will win £5 if the horse wins. On the other hand, odds of 1-5 at GGBET mean you need to stake £5 to win £1. While favourites often have shorter odds, they don’t always guarantee a win. This is where the concept of value betting comes into play.
Value picking involves identifying horses with higher odds than their chances of winning. For instance, if you believe a horse has a 25% chance of winning, but the numbers suggest only a 10% chance, this may be a value bet. Odds can fluctuate based on betting activity, so if a horse’s odds suddenly lengthen, it might mean a lack of support and vice versa.
Stay Disciplined With Your Bankroll
Your bankroll refers to your gambling purse. That is, what you set aside for your betting activities. This is very important, as just betting from your money uncontrolled can be problematic. But how do you manage this fund better upon setting it aside? Let’s see!
- Bet a fixed percentage: A common approach is to wager only a fixed percentage of your bankroll on each pick, typically between 1% and 5%. This protects your budget from big losses and makes it easier to adjust bets. For example, if you have £1,000 and decide to bet 2% per race, your wager would be £20
- Don’t chase losses: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and try to recover losses by placing larger bets. However, it rarely ends well. So, the expert opinion is to stick to your percentage and avoid going all in just because you feel like it
- Keep records: Track all your stakes, including the amount wagered, odds, outcomes, and any notes on why you made the picks. This simple approach will help you analyse your patterns and make improvements where necessary
Horse Racing Is a Walk in the Park With Our Recommendations
Your first foray into horse betting can be a pickle, but not anymore when our maestros have done the heavy lifting. All you have to do is read up on the various bet types and the horses you’re betting — the form guide does the trick. Check out the jockey and the trainer, and place your bets responsibly.