5 Horse Racing Betting Strategies That Actually Work

Horse racing bettors have long sought to refine their strategies, incorporating hints and tips to increase their chances of a win. Whereas some are pure chance, there are others that actually work. In this article, we’ll be exploring the best five winning betting strategies that punters can use.

Why Horse Racing Bets Require Analysis and Strategy

Unlike games of pure chance, such as those offered in casinos, the outcome of a horse race depends on a number of variables, some of which can be predicted with varying degrees of accuracy. Here are just a few:

• Track/weather conditions
• Jockey performance
• Horse form
• Race terms

By analysing horse racing betting trends and statistics, savvy punters can gain an advantage and increase their chances of making correct predictions. Smart bets are those founded on careful analysis rather than a hunch. However, not everyone who wants to place a bet and test their skill and luck feels confident in analysing and building a strategy.If, on the other hand, you do prefer games of chance, such as slots, consider those recommended by Slotozilla. This site is ideal for identifying the best casino sites and scooping up the most valuable bonuses. You might want to get started with a free 20 no deposit casino deal. Some bettors prefer games of luck and chance, whilst others prefer games of strategy. There’s no right answer – it’s all just a matter of personal preference.

Key Success Factors in Horse Racing Betting

Next up, let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that can influence the outcome of a race and exactly how you can use that to your advantage.

Five Betting Strategies

Without further ado, here are the five best betting tactics for horse racing bettors to consider:

Value Betting

Value betting involves looking for horses that are undervalued. If the odds are higher than they should be, it might be worth a punt.

If, for example, a horse isn’t expected to win but it has just come down from a higher league, you might want to place a bet. Or if a horse appears to be on a winning streak that isn’t reflected in the odds, this too could be a good one to back.

Value betting is a strategy that can take a bit of time to learn. However, once you spot the telltale signs of an undervalued horse, a smart bettor can take advantage and cash in!

Dutching

Instead of picking one winner, Dutching involves picking a few horses. Too many picks would reduce your returns and cost you money even if one does win. But choosing two or three horses in a competitive race can be a strong strategy.

If you’re planning to use Dutching, be sure to calculate the combined odds. There are some helpful calculators online which can assist with this. Many sportsbooks have these built-in, and will encourage Dutching through the placement of ‘combo bets’.

Lay Betting

Lay betting means betting against the horse rather than backing it. This option is available on exchange sites. This involves placing a lay bet against a favourite. When combined with other strategies, it can be particularly effective. This is essentially a way to capitalise on the underperformance of the bookies’ favourites.

For instance, if the favourite to win the race has poor form or if the track conditions aren’t likely to work in its favour, you might consider placing a lay bet. This is one way to get decent odds with a good likelihood of a predictable outcome.

Backing Favourites

If you’re looking to play the long game, you might want to stick to the favourites. Backing horses, which are considered most likely to win is a solid long-term strategy which offers reasonable financial security.

Comparatively low-risk, backing favourites will give you more wins, even if the individual odds aren’t as great. If using this strategy, it can be helpful to keep your wagers low, to mitigate any losses due to horses that don’t come in. It has been predicted that the favourite wins around 30% of the time or more, and backing favourites is a way to capitalise on this statistic.

Handicapping the Race

Handicapping involves considering all of the factors mentioned above, including the horse’s history, weather and track conditions, recent jockey performance and more, then analysing these statistically. Rather than relying on gut feelings, handicapping is about taking a logical, statistical approach, often incorporating data analysis.

The handicapping option can be time-consuming, and it’s a bit more labour-intensive than some of the other options on our list of the best horse betting tips. However, if you can get the hang of it, it can provide a massive advantage.

Additional Tips to Consider When Placing Bets

Here are a few extra tips you can use:

• Avoid being influenced by emotions
• Listen to (some) insider information
• Manage your bankroll carefully
• Shop around for the best odds
• Don’t bet impulsively

Where to Find the Best Odds and Predictions

You’ll usually find the best odds on horse betting sites, but the odds can vary between these. Often, the biggest sites will have the best horse racing odds, but not always. It’s worth checking out the smaller sportsbooks too.

Also, take advantage of any promos that are on offer. Many operators have enhanced odds, refunds on certain types of bets, acca boosters and other incentives.

The Key to Success Is Strategy

It’s important to be patient and careful when devising a horse racing strategy. Do your research and develop your plan with care, then stick to it. Long-term success requires persistence and consistency. Good luck!