ew matches have been as perfect as horse racing and sports betting. After all, this is one of the oldest pairings in history.
It was around the mid-15th century when Chester Racecourse was built, also known as the oldest racecourse still in operation.
With every new event, the sport naturally became more popular. Not long after, a certain group of people had the idea to place bets on the race winners. This moment was the first recorded
What was already exciting on its own gained even more levels of adrenaline. Whether for the Grand National in the UK, the Kentucky Derby in the United States, the Irish Grand National or many other storied racing events in Ireland, horse racing betting has remained a consistent staple of the sport. Much like the centuries old traditions of Ascot or Epsom, the gambling element has stuck firmly, retaining its association with the sport even as it grew and evolved.
Regardless of how you follow the sport, whether in the heat of the racecourse or from the comfort of your sofa, my goal today is to show you how to effectively sharpen your edge in horse racing betting.
Getting Familiar With the Basics of Horse Racing
To understand how to effectively sharpen your edge in horse racing betting, there is no other way but to learn the key points of the sport.
Most Popular Race Types
The number of runners, the distance and the surface usually change from race to race. Still, these variations fall within the formats below, which are the most popular in horse racing.
Flat racing: Flat racing is nothing more than a type of horse race without obstacles. In other words, jockeys simply need to guide the horse as fast as possible.
Jump racing: Jump racing is far more complex for jockeys and their horses. Besides keeping a strong pace, there are fences on the course that must be cleared.
Running Styles
One of the things that makes horse racing much more than a simple contest is that horses behave in different ways during a race. When it comes to horse racing betting, of course punters must understand these traits.
Frontrunner: As soon as the gates open, some horses stand out in the battle for the lead. These horses are usually known as frontrunners, since they aim for the front from the very start.
Stalker: This type of horse keeps close to the leaders without letting the pack behind cause trouble. They normally look for the lead from the middle to the final stages of the race.
Closer: The closer saves energy during the early parts of the race. In the final stretch, they may take advantage of rivals who are tiring and produce an exciting run of overtakes.
Naturally, each trait tends to work better under the guidance of a more experienced or successful jockey. Make sure to look for data like this on reputable sources, such as the British Horseracing Authority.
Turning Factors Into Strategy
Now it is time to learn more about the essential elements to consider before placing a bet on a horse race and how to use them when looking for winning strategies.
Track Distance x Recent Form
Track distance is a crucial factor when shaping your strategy. After all, shorter races naturally give frontrunners an edge, while longer ones allow stalkers and closers to come into their own.
This factor, combined with recent form, often makes a difference in the final result. Look up the recent performances of the runners and see who stands out when you consider both elements together.
Weather Conditions x Track Surface
Any outdoor sport is directly affected by the weather, and in horse racing this is even more visible, since we are not talking only about an athlete or an animal, but a pair working together.
Besides that, the different types of track surfaces react in different ways to rain. While turf races tend to run more slowly, dirt surfaces may become faster.
However, this advantage typically applies to the runners who reach the front early, as the kickback left behind can trouble the slower ones. In theory, this may offer a certain edge to frontrunners.
Post Position Draw x Horse-Jockey Combination Strength x Field Size
Especially in races with turns, the stall from which a pair starts can make a big difference. Runners drawn closer to the bends theoretically have a shorter trip.
As you have probably noticed, this factor tends to have an even bigger impact when it rains and the surface is dirt, since it can disrupt the rhythm of horses that stay behind in the early stages.
Still, the question that must be asked is: has the pair been consistent enough to take advantage of the favourable draw they were given randomly?
Or even: do they have the ability to overcome the disadvantage if they start farther from the bend? Additionally, how much will the field size impact their performance?
Finally, Combine Experience With Statistics
The more horse races you watch, the more familiar you will become with them. It’s a natural cycle that will culminate in long-term knowledge.
Besides being enjoyable, this is also highly rewarding for a bettor. My advice is to watch everything from major events, such as the Kentucky Derby, to the lesser-known races.
However, it is impossible to watch every race. That said, there is no reason not to consult the statistics regularly. After all, combined with a variety of other factors, they provide even greater support in improving your skills in horse racing betting.
