If you want to beat the bookies when betting on horses, the best horse racing betting strategies to employ are often the simplest. In this article, we’ll explore some tried and tested horse racing betting strategies that can help elevate your betting game.
Tip 1: Oppose (The Right) Short-Priced Favourites
One effective horse racing betting strategy is lay betting, which can significantly increase your chances of winning when executed correctly. It’s important to note that around 50% of even-money chances win, which means laying every even-money bet in hopes of making a long-term profit is not a sustainable approach. The key is to be selective.
Here are three effective lay betting strategies to improve your chances:
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Debut Hurdles: It can be profitable to lay horses at short odds that have raced on the flat but are now making their debut over hurdles. Successful flat horses often go off at short odds, especially if trained by well-known trainers. However, many of these horses struggle with jumping, particularly on winter ground.
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Bad Draws: Opposing badly drawn horses can be particularly effective in races where the field turns early. A poor draw can severely hinder a horse’s chances, especially in shorter races where positioning is crucial.
- Ground Conditions: While many horses can handle various ground conditions, some struggle on extreme surfaces, such as heavy or firm ground. In these cases, it’s wise to oppose favourites that have previously shown they cannot perform optimally under such conditions.
Tip 2: Make The Most of Each-Way Betting
Major race meetings are battlegrounds for bookmakers, and Cheltenham odds often come with extra each-way places as bookies compete for business. Always compare the each-way places on offer from various horse racing betting sites to find the best terms for the race you’re betting on.
Another way to capitalize on each-way bets is to identify what bookmakers refer to as ‘bad each-way races’. These are typically maidens or novice races with a short-priced favourite that has an obvious potential weakness. In such scenarios, backing the second or third-favourite each-way can be a shrewd move.
Tip 3: Following In-Form Trainers
Latching onto an in-form trainer can be a profitable strategy, especially if it involves a smaller yard whose runners often go unnoticed. The key to success here is to get in early, as a trainer’s purple patch can last only three to four weeks.
Monitor how horses from certain yards are performing and use ratings to assess whether they are exceeding expectations. However, it’s equally important to know when to exit this strategy; following a trainer’s runners for too long can erode the profits you’ve already secured.
Tip 4: Pay Attention to Sectional Times
Sectional times have become much more accessible than in the past, and incorporating this data into your horse racing betting system can be invaluable. While digesting this information can be time-consuming, it’s worth the effort.
Sectional timings are particularly useful for evaluating form. They help determine which performances deserve a closer look and which horses might be flattering to deceive. For instance, a horse that shows a late burst of speed to overcome poor positioning may warrant an upgrade. Conversely, be cautious of horses that benefited from a race’s dynamics, such as those held up off a strong pace.
Using sectional times alongside overall times can greatly enhance your form study and refine your horse racing betting strategy.
Tip 5: Back Big-Priced Outsiders on Exchanges
If you enjoy backing outsiders, consider doing so on exchanges rather than conventional bookmakers, as you will typically receive better odds. Even after accounting for commissions, you’ll likely come out ahead compared to traditional betting methods.
Winners may be infrequent, so maximizing returns on winning selections is crucial for a profitable horse racing betting system that includes backing long-shots. If exchanges aren’t your preference, leverage free bets to mitigate risk when backing horses at big prices.
Key Takeaway: Create Horse Racing Betting Systems
Successful horse racing betting strategies should be integrated into an overall betting system. For example, an each-way bet against a vulnerable favourite at strong extra-place terms (Tip 2) would be significantly enhanced if the horse was from a ‘hot’ stable (Tip 3).
Your horse racing betting strategy must evolve over time. Keep detailed notes and records, and review your system at the end of each season. It takes time to evaluate your horse racing betting strategy—one good month doesn’t automatically lead to riches. Always compare the latest horse racing odds before making your selections.
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By employing these strategies and continuously refining your approach, you can enhance your chances of success in the exciting world of horse racing betting.