For many novice punters who would like to get in on the betting action of the trotting races in Australia, the sheer number of betting options, terminology, race statistics and wager-related information can be overwhelming!
One of the most essential resources available to those looking to place a bet on the trots is the race Form Guide, which will provide you with a wealth of information to help you understand the horses, their recent form, trainers, drivers and chances of success – all helping you to place the winning bet!
Form Guides are very detailed publications that give you all the facts and statistics about a scheduled race and the horses due to contest it. You will find all the basic information like the name and number of the race, when it is due to start and the conditions of the event.
Following the race basics, a form guide on a trotter will then detail the specifics about the horse including its sex, age, class (including number of country and metro wins) and its breeding (Sire-Dam and Broodmare Sire).
Other important details listed include the names of the horse’s owner, breeder, driver and trainer. The next line on a Form Guide will then go into more detail about the horse’s recent form and career statistics, listing everything from their number of wins from starts, their lifetime stake money, the current season’s record, their best mile rate and their record at the specific track and distance. All of these figures are crucial when it comes to gauging how a horse has been performing and what strike rate they have running in similar conditions.
So the next time you head down to your local paceway or are going to place a bet on the trots, make sure you check out the Form Guide, analyse the information about the horses and make a well-informed bet that has the best chance of returning you a nice dividend!