Following a proven strategy is imperative if you want to profit from horse racing. Build edges from form, pace, distance/surface suitability, jockey-trainer stats, and daily track bias; then scale up to exactas/trifectas only when your reads are consistent. In this guide, we explore the top five betting strategies for horse racing to ensure you pick the right strategy for you.
There are plenty of horse racing betting strategies to consider, and it’s important to assess their value and risk. Keep reading to learn about the pros and cons of each system, and how you can choose a strategy that works for you.
Best Horse Racing Betting Strategies
A good horse betting strategy can help you make smarter picks and win more money. Betting on horse racing should not be treated like the lottery. Most strategies focus on picking the right type of bet based on how each horse is expected to perform in the race.
Dutching Horse Racing Betting Strategy
Dutching is perhaps the most popular horse racing bet strategy for beginners. Dutching spreads your stake across multiple horses so that the return (or profit) is the same no matter which of your selections wins. Instead, you want to either only go for two selections, or look for higher odds to guarantee a profit should one of them win.
Value Betting
Value betting is a sports betting strategy that involves identifying and placing wagers on outcomes where the odds offered by the bookmake. In practice, this requires converting odds to implied probabilities, estimating true probabilities, and staking appropriately (often via Kelly) to grow bankroll sustainably.
Pick 3 Horse Racing Betting Strategy
Placing a Pick 3 bet involves selecting three horses from three separate races to win. A Pick 3 bet requires you to back the winners in three consecutive races. You’d earn an $8000 return from a $100 wager if all three selections win. Strategists often use trifectas on simple, short track races with few runners.
Each Way Betting Strategy
This is the most frequent strategy and is used by many people. An each-way bet offers some protection if your horse doesn’t win but does place.