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How to Pick a Horse to Win

Horse Racing? How to Pick a Horse to Win

Santa Anita races

Horse racing may offer one of the more traditional and ancient events for gambling throughout history, but it can be tough for beginners.

We tend to see the majority of rookies using offshore horse racing betting sites to place a wager on the Kentucky Derby or the Grand National, but often those wagers are small and based on liking the name of the horse or even the colour of the hat. It's hard to do, but let's take a look at how to increase your chances of winning when betting on horse racing. 

Look at the Horse History

Like any other sport, form plays a massive role in the event. If a champion horse isn’t winning races anymore, maybe its best days are behind it. Or if a new player is placing well consistently, it’s time to back the horse.

While on one of the horse racing websites, delve into greater detail about their race history. Are there trends to consider? Does the horse race well on hurdles, or prefer a regular race? What about the surface and distance? These aspects can help you determine whether a horse deserves your backing in an upcoming race.

Another significant criterion is whether the horse has raced on the same track before. Some horses have a penchant for specific race conditions.

A horse that might not be very competitive might thoroughly love the Wolverhampton track and always finish in the top three when it races there. To a lesser extent, you can also consider the jockey if they have had prior success on a track.

Track Conditions are Very Important

New horse racing bettors often overlook one critical aspect: the track conditions for a race. If the ground is in poor condition, firm from reconditioning or wet from the weather conditions, it can have a massive impact on how a race plays out.

When the weather forecast is available for the race, be sure to cross-reference that with the horse race history to see if they have a good record in such conditions.

Bill Shoemaker, jockey

Does the Jockey Know the Horse?

While jockeys can succeed on many horses, as can horses with different riders, a solid relationship between the two parties can make for an unstoppable combination; if a pair has succeeded before, it’s easier to see them triumphing again.

Bet to Place

One advantage of horse racing over other sports is that you can often bet on a horse to win but have some safety in your selection. That’s because most horse racing betting operators offer placement bets as standard.

This generally means you'll still win your bet if your horse finishes in the top three. Some sites offer even more placement bets, i.e. the top six horses all payout, especially on significant horse racing events.

Use Bonuses and Other Promotions

Many companies offer horse racing experiences, especially with the online market only growing daily. This has made an excellent opportunity for bettors to earn lucrative incentives by signing up for the best deals. If you qualify as a new customer, use these as you can end up with enhanced odds or other incentives.

Take your time to understand Horse Racing

The worst thing you can do with horse racing betting is to rush in. If you bet without knowing or understanding your selection, you’ll soon find yourself less enthused and with less money in your account. Use all available resources.

There are magazines, blogs, and websites covering all manner of horse racing content – whether it be reports, reviews, or tips- so gather as much information as possible to feel comfortable before you place a bet.

Don’t think you need to bet on a specific race because there are many opportunities to bet on the horses. Given the worldwide markets, bettors are never short of options, with races occurring almost 24/7 worldwide.

Alex Ferguson Horse Owner & Football Manager

Start with Smaller Bets

While you might be eager to win millions and millions on the horses, it’s crucial that, as a beginner, you should start with nominal bets.

Use your first few bets to get a feel for betting on the horses and gauge your success with tiny wagers so you do not lose too much during this embryonic phase. Keep gradually increasing the wager amount after your successful bets.

Just Pick the One with the Funniest Name

If you want to get into horse racing but don’t have the time and resources to research the horses as outlined in this article, there is another way… pick a horse with an amusing name.

‘Crazy Horse 1995’ might win, even if it’s a rank outsider. There are worse ways to choose a selection for a race. If you want to get into horse racing just a little without full dedication, this method will certainly be amusing.

How To Pick A Horse To Win Conclusion

So, while a lucky win based on a funny name isn't out of the question, for a more consistent and informed approach, follow these tips. Remember, horse racing is a thrilling sport, and with a little research and strategy, you can elevate your enjoyment and potentially turn a profit from the ponies!

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