Sadly, it is virtually impossible to predict the exact outcome of any race. However, based on certain facts and probability, you can make an educated guess regarding where any horse might finish. In fact – it is possible to generate a steady income just by knowing where to place your money for an optimum return.
Placing a bet in horse racing is comparable to predicting the rise and fall of stocks and shares. If you are hoping to get the best tips then you should look into learning how to read and understand the form of a horse. If you can do this, then you can compare the form to any other horses in the race. Learning how to read the form of a horse is a lengthy process, and if you don’t have all the time in the world there are a few things that you can do to make a good choice quickly.
Learn How to Study a Race Card:
The first and most important thing is to study the race card. The easiest thing to do is take a look at the horses form figures. The figures are displayed to the left of the horse’s name. If these figures are consistently 1, 2, or 3 then it is fairly safe to assume the horse performs well at every outing.
You might also take the horse’s and the jockey’s weight into account. The higher on the card a horse is listed indicates how heavy it is in relation to the other entrees and the further down the card, the lighter the horse and jockey, (including the saddle). Although this is a good indicator, it can’t be fully relied on as usually the better performing horses typically carry more weight. Obviously this can be quite confusing, but it makes the race fairer – the winner can claim his prize safe in the knowledge that none of his competitors had any physical disadvantage.
What Are the Bookmakers Predicting?
Before making any definite choices about who to back, take a look at what the bookmakers are predicting. The professionals often have inside knowledge, and using this knowledge to obtain racing tips is possibly one of the wisest decisions to make.
Don’t forget to take the odds into consideration to optimise the best return. It might be more beneficial for you to place your money on a horse to come in each way rather than putting your money on the predicted winner. Remember – if the greater the odds the greater the risk.
Consider Ground Conditions:
Ground conditions are one of the most important factors that are taken into consideration in horse racing, for each horse will have strengths and weaknesses.
Some horses can run quicker on firmer ground than they can soft, although if it is too hard it could potentially cause problems. Equally, if the ground is soft it could favour an alternative entry.
The ground conditions are something every trainer will take into contemplate before allowing their horse to race. It is one of the final things to be considered before the race begins.
If you know the abilities of the horse you are backing, then you will be able to make a decision based on the ground conditions on the day. If this is something you take into account then it would be best to place your money on your chosen horse just before the race, rather than far in advance.
Who Trains the Horse? Who Will Be Riding?
Don’t forget to do your homework on the horse’s trainer and jockey. The more successful they are, the greater the chances of winning.
Consider how long the horse has been trained by its trainer and make sure you take his maturity into account. Listen to what the trainer has to say about the horses form – prior to any big race trainers usually provide the media with information concerning the horses’ current state.
The jockey is as important as the horse in many cases, in fact, some professional followers back horses because they are being ridden by certain J=jockeys.
Find out if any given jockey has been paired with a horse before, and how that pairing paid off. If they have raced previously it is likely they will be familiar with each other’s capabilities and be able to achieve a better result.
What Is the Horses History at the Track/Meeting?
Has the horse ran at the race course before? If the horse is used to the curves and straights of a particular course they will likely run better. The more comfortable they are with their surroundings the better!
Some horses are consistent winners at certain meetings, and in certain races find out what horses these are? They will be worth taking into consideration!
In Conclusion…
These ‘easier’ methods of choosing a horse might prove to be fruitful initially but they don’t always work.
There are those who choose to place their money based on their instincts alone, leaving everything to chance. For example, last year whilst indulging in hospitality delivered through one of the luxurious Royal Ascot packages, a bet was made concerning a horse named Ardad. The horse was chosen for his name alone, and with odds of 20-1 he was unlikely to provide his backer with a return. However, he shocked everyone that day and won the Windsor Castle Stakes!
Although using your instincts can occasionally prove to be fruitful it is rare, so the general advice would be, that you do indulge in a little research, it could be more likely to pay off.
The best way of knowing how to place your bet, to achieve consistent results, is to do your homework, and learn how to study the form.
Good luck!
