Handicapping
When spectators are interested in betting on a trotting race, they can first observe the toteboard which displays each race’s win odds and the win, place and show pools. However when handicapping a horse, it is important to be aware of several factors which will should influence your decisions.
Firstly, the driver’s ability is important so it is essential to check his statistics prior to betting. When searching for a driver’s name take note of the numbers following his name. These numbers will give an indication as to how good the driver’s capability is. The first number indicates the amount of races the driver has competed in, followed by his number of wins, seconds and thirds. These are then followed by a decimal number which is the Universal Driver Rating, any number above .300 is excellent.
Following this, you will need to look at the horse’s consistency in past races. Next to the horse’s name there will also be a list of numbers indicating their fastest winning mile of the year, number of starts, wins, seconds, thirds and the amount of money won for the year and last year. If the horse you are interested in has been placed in the top three placing throughout the year, your chances of success will be increased. Better trotters will always race for more money so keep an eye out for the amount of money staked on each horse. If a horses money is less than the last time he raced his racing is not improving.
Lastly, bettors need to be aware of where the horse is positioned at the beginning of the race. If a horse is placed on the inside of the track, they will have less distance to travel compared to someone on the outer section of the track. Also mark which horses did well running on the outside last time and if they are on the inside position for this race they will find racing easier which makes these trotters great to bet on.
Types of Wagers
To bet on a horse you can select several methods: win, place, show, daily double, Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta.
Win: Select a horse to win.
Place: Select a horse to finish first or second.
Show: Select a horse to finish first, second or third.
Daily Double: Select the winners of two consecutive races.
Quinella: Select first and second places in one race – the two horses can finish in any order.
Exacta: Select first and second places in one race – the two horses must finish in the order selected.
Trifecta: Select top three finishers of a race.
Superfecta: Select first four finishers of a race.
Understanding Odds
Odds give betters an indication of the popularity of each horse competing in a race. Odds are calculated by dividing the amount you have wagered on one horse with the total amount wagered. However betters need to be aware that the track and state laws deduct a specific amount from each wager. When reading the odds, bettors must remember that the odds are not stating how much money you can win on each trotter. The odds are stating how much profit you can make and what the minimum bet amount is. For example, if the odds are at 9/2, you will get receive $9 in profit for every $2 that you have wagered. However odds will normally appear as 8/1 or 12/1 rather than using a X/2. Furthermore, in Australia the decimal form is much more favoured on trotting tracks. So one may see 3.8 on the screen. This means you will receive $3.80 in profit for every $2 wagered.