The favorite is not necessarily the "Best Bet"
The favorite must be considered in every horse race, but consider whether or not to bet the favorite, or pass the race entirely. When a race contains more than one strong “favorite” (the 2-3 biggest favorites near post time), I recommend keeping your money in your pocket.
The not-so-glorious Show Bettor System
Apply the following simple RULES to identify horses that qualify for a show bet.
RULE 1 - The horse must have finished in the money (first, second or third) or within two lengths of the winner within the last 60 days or 4th or better in a Stakes Race.
RULE 2 - The horse must have finished in the money at least 50% of the time.
RULE 3 - The horse's post-time odds must be not greater than 5-1.
RULE 4 - Do not bet on races with less than 7 runners.
RULE 5 - Do not bet on races with more than 3 first time starters.
Once you apply these rules, if no horses qualify skip the race. If more than 1 horse qualifies, then bet the horse whose odds are closest to 5-1. If 2 or more horses qualify and are 5-1, bet the outside horse in a sprint and the inside horse in a route.
Money Management - If the horse loses, add $20 to your bet and bet the next race. If the horse comes in the money (you win), then reduce your bet by $10. Never bet less than $20 or more than $80 on a single race.
Try it on any 9 -10 race card ..
RULE 1 - The horse must have finished in the money (first, second or third) or within two lengths of the winner within the last 60 days or 4th or better in a Stakes Race.
RULE 2 - The horse must have finished in the money at least 50% of the time.
RULE 3 - The horse's post-time odds must be not greater than 5-1.
RULE 4 - Do not bet on races with less than 7 runners.
RULE 5 - Do not bet on races with more than 3 first time starters.
Once you apply these rules, if no horses qualify skip the race. If more than 1 horse qualifies, then bet the horse whose odds are closest to 5-1. If 2 or more horses qualify and are 5-1, bet the outside horse in a sprint and the inside horse in a route.
Money Management - If the horse loses, add $20 to your bet and bet the next race. If the horse comes in the money (you win), then reduce your bet by $10. Never bet less than $20 or more than $80 on a single race.
Try it on any 9 -10 race card ..
Full Field Exacta Strategy
Let me tell you what a wise man told me — Less is more! It is time to revisit the show bet with a fresh outlook and modern mindset. Now understand that I am not advocating a one-dimensional plan of attack that revolves around the show wager. Instead, use an intelligent show-wagering methodology in correlation with present handicapping philosophies.
- Criteria 1: Look only for races that have a minimum of 10 horses 'starting'.
If there is a late scratch(s) that brings the field size down below 10 horses pass the race. - Criteria 2: All races are eligible for play which pass Criteria 1
Except:
A) Maiden races with three or more first time starters
and
B) All quarter horses races. - Criteria 3: Once you find the races that pass Criteria 1 and 2 apply the following proven strategy. You will be using the top 7 picks (Group A [1,2,3,4] & Group B [5,6,7]) on our Tip Sheet.
For this example where 1 = the top pick, 2 = the second pick, 3 = the third pick, etc, play the wager as follows
Exactas:- 1,2,3 with 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 (1,2,3/1,2,3,4,5,6,7) for 1 unit ($1) which equals $18. Most of you will use $1 as your unit of wager.
- The second part of this wager is taking picks 4,5,6 with the top pick (4,5,6/1) for 1 unit which equals $3 (on a $1 unit).
The third and fourth part of the wager gives you multiple wagers involving the top pick. - 3a) The third part is taking a 1 with 2,3 BOX (1/2,3 box) for one unit which equals $4
OR (choose either 3a or 3b)
3b) If picks 2 and 3 are at overlay odds box picks 1-2-3 instead for $1 which equals $6. - The fourth part is a straight exacta top pick with picks 2 and 3 (1/2,3) for 2 units which equals $4.
- Picks 1,2,3 with picks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 for $1 (1,2,3/1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
This gives you a $1 exacta that cashes if any of the top 3 picks win and any of the top 7 picks finish second. - Picks 4,5,6 with top pick for $1 (4,5,6/1)
This gives you a $1 exacta that cashes if any of picks 4,5,6 win and the top pick finishes second. - Top pick BOX with picks 2 and 3 for $1 (1/2,3 BOX)
This gives you an extra $1 exacta if the top pick wins or finishes second with picks 2 and 3.
OR
If picks 2 and 3 are at decent odds box picks 1-2-3 for $1 - Straight top pick with picks 2 and 3 for $2 (1/2,3 STRAIGHT)
This gives you an extra full $2 exacta if the top pick wins and either of picks 2 or 3 finishes second.
- Picks 1,2,3 with picks 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 for $1 (1,2,3/1,2,3,4,5,6,7)
1 - It is recommended that you have a minimum $500 exacta bankroll to play this strategy.
2 - This strategy works very well over a long term period at all tracks. To see how well it works at your track we suggest you take some notes.
Trifecta Strategy
The key to profitable Trifecta play is to avoid playing too many combinations. One of the most common Trifecta wagers is the four horse box.
ABCD/ABCD/ABCD
This is a $24 bet for a $1 Trifecta. This wager contains only one possible winning combination and 23 combinations that are 100% guaranteed to lose. Over time, consistently making this kind of wager will surely cost you money. Here is a different Trifecta combination wagers that we have found to be particularly effective:
AB/ABC/ABCDE
This is only a $12 wager for a $1 Trifecta. Plus, you now have five horses in the wager instead of only four as you have in a four horse box.
ABCD/ABCD/ABCD
This is a $24 bet for a $1 Trifecta. This wager contains only one possible winning combination and 23 combinations that are 100% guaranteed to lose. Over time, consistently making this kind of wager will surely cost you money. Here is a different Trifecta combination wagers that we have found to be particularly effective:
AB/ABC/ABCDE
This is only a $12 wager for a $1 Trifecta. Plus, you now have five horses in the wager instead of only four as you have in a four horse box.
