Finding a bet value is, usually, a hard task it self. To find a value bet for a horse race may be, for beginners, an almost impossible task. Given that, in this tutorial, we decided to explain all features to have in mind before betting on horse racing. Before explaining this process, we remind you that before betting, regardless the sport, you should study all the bet features. In that case, and concerning horse racing, the readers should be even more aware that this is quite a complex sport.

To bet online on Horse racing, enjoy Betfair’s bonus up to £25 and also Bet365.

Horse racing

Race grounds

The races’ ground is usually one of the most decisive features when we start studying in which horse and race to bet. The atmospheric conditions might change significantly the grounds’ quality, making it more heavy and, therefore, harder to the horse to perform well. Knowing that, we recommend you to be aware of these data, as it may impact directly the horse ability to present a good result. As a rule, the races cards, that you can find on Betfair, gives you all the required information. Thus, you must look for a horse able to adapt to different ground conditions. If there is no such horse in the race you are following, then you shouldn’t bet. Your bet should be always safe and you should not risk just because you need to make a profit in the short time. There are 7 different grounds: hard, firm, good to firm, good, good to soft, soft, heavy.

Race distance

As in any other sport, the race distance is also a feature that determines the athletes performance, which in this case are the horses. When we analyse the race card, it is important to select horses that have proven to be successful in the specific distance their are about to race. In this case, take advantage of Betfair’s option to select each horse last race performance and check if it was able or not to adapt to the distance or if it had any trouble starting or ending the race.

Horse Trainers

The Horse Trainers, besides not being entirely decisive for the race end up, are how spends the more time with the horses. They decide if a horse is better for a certain ground, distance, track, etc, therefore, Horse Trainers are also a part of the horse racing to keep in mind when betting. If you have available time, do analyze the Trainers quality at Betfair’s TimeForm and check if the horses had good results in the distances your horse is about to race.

Jockeys

A great jockey can make wonders with a weak horse. Nevertheless, with a good combination horse/ jockey the duo can be highly successful. Always analyze if the Jockey have already race with that horse before and if their results where good. If they are racing together for the first time, consider not to bet on them. Not knowing how their interaction will be increases the risks to bet on that duo.

Race types

It is important to understand the meaning and category of each race, since surprises may happen:

  • Conditions Stakes – Races for Class A  horses.
  • Classified Stakes – Races for horses which have the highest rating, that ran two or three times and won at least once.
  • Handicap – Races where the horses must carry a certain amount of weight. The better the horse, the high its handicap and consequently the more weight it will carry.
  • Maiden Handicap – For horses with 3 or more years with a maximum of 70 rating and that ran at least 4 times.
  • Maiden – only horses that have never won are allowed to participate.
  • Rated Maiden – For horses with a highest rating and that ran at least 3 times.
  • Novice – For horses with 2 years old and that didn’t win more than 2 races.
  • Auction Maiden – For horses with 2 years old and that were sold in auction.
  • Selling – For horses of a low class. The horses that run in this race category can be sold at the end of the race

Tracks

In the UK, there are more than 60 racecourses, each with its specific characteristics and with determinant features. Therefore, analyzing the different tracks is also crucial when betting on Horse racing. Usually, the race cards are very complex concerning races quality performed by the horses in certain tracks, so don’t forget these features.

Horse racing tracks

Shape

On the “Racecards” , that are nothing more than horses, jockeys and owners data of each race, you can analyze some relevant data regarding horses’ shape. Probably, you will find a several numbers, as 412-0. These number are simply the horse raking in the last 5 races in which he ran. Here it is important to highlight that the number “0” means a classification above the 9th place and the symbol “-” which separates the current season results of the previous. You may also find the acronyms D, C or CD, where the first indicates the horse won at the same or even longer distance he is about to run, the C if the horse have already won at this track and the CD if the horse have won both at the distance and track he is about to run.

Each Way

There are two market types in this sport, the Win and the Place. Concerning the Win market, we only win our bets if the Horse we are betting on wins the race. Yet in the Each Way or the Place, the process works as follows:

  • 5-7 runners – 1st and 2nd places, there is a payback
  • 8-12 runners- 1st, 2nd e 3rd places, there is a payback
  • 12-16 runners – 1st, 2nd e 3rd places, there is a payback

Be always aware of all possible analysis factors before betting on horse racing. understanding and knowing all aspects inherent to Horse racing is crucial for betting confidently on a bet slip.

To bet online on Horse racing, enjoy Betfair’s bonus up to £25 and also Bet365.

Enjoy your bets!