Betting in horse races is a practice long enjoyed by millions of people. You can enjoy the sport and at the same time have a chance to win a significant sum of money. People use different strategies to help determine who they want to bet on. Some use the odds, some play safe and pick safe bets, and some just bet on who they like.
One strategy that can help is knowing what can affect the results. The following are four factors that may affect the outcome of the race.
Types of Race and Race Track
The type of horse race you are betting on is a crucial factor affecting the race’s outcome. This is because several different kinds of horse races also have different rules and forms of race tracks.
Some types of horse racing include flat races and steeplechasing. As the name suggests, flat races involve running on a flat race track. On the other hand, tracks in steeplechasing have obstacles the horses have to go through. It is a matter of the horse being trained and experienced enough to grapple through the tracks for them to win potentially.
Besides the actual track for a race, another crucial part may affect the race’s outcome, which is the starting position. The idea of an advantageous gate position impacts betting among enthusiasts.
For context, specific starting gates are regarded as the more advantageous ones. Of course, these do not necessarily indicate that the horses in those spots will win, but there have been starting positions notable for having been the starting gates of horses who have won.
For example, it has been noted that in the Kentucky Derby, jockeys prefer to be in the #2 position as it poses an advantage not to get stuck in the rails and between the other horses. Alternatively, positions 3-10 are also seen as advantageous.
Handicapping
Handicapping is how the horses are given weights to run in the race. The weights vary among the contenders, giving custom ones according to their capabilities and racing experience. The “strongest” horse will be given the heaviest weights and the least strong one the lightest. This is assigned by a person called the handicapper.
Handicapping is present in many horse races. It has been around since the 18th century, with the first known handicap race held in 1790. This is implemented to give equal chances for everyone to win, regardless of strength, ability, experience, and the number of wins. In other words, the horse many deem as the strongest would not necessarily have the best chance of winning as it would without the weights.
Horse’s Build and Racing Style
One of the things that makes a racehorse unique is its racing style and techniques. Each horse may have something to help them win or make them distinctive.
There are many horses with exceptional speed and endurance, either innate or gained through training. Take Secretariat, for example, which is considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Upon his death, it was discovered that he had a heart larger than the size expected of a thoroughbred. However, he also had exceptional stride, allowing him to accomplish record-breaking speeds in his time.
Another example would be Kincsem, the horse who has won all her races and holds the record for most consecutive wins from the start of her career for more than a century. The filly participated in races throughout Europe and ran in racing events mere days apart, proving excellent endurance, considering she had won them, too.
Another racing style one can look for is the horse’s pace. It is the rate indicating the horses’ runs and a running style they strategically employ. Several running styles are observed in horses, the most notable being the frontrunner, early speed, mid-pack runner, and late runner.
Depending on the style the horses may use, they must have good consistency and timing. For example, the frontrunner must keep up the pace to maintain speed and be strong enough to endure such physical exertion. On the other hand, mid-pack and late runners should know when they should accelerate their speed to have a shot at finishing first.
Unexpected Incidents/Situations
Sometimes some things happen so suddenly and without prior notice. Depending on these incidents can affect the race, especially the results. The following are some examples:
Competitors Backing Out
Sometimes horses need to back out of the race, perhaps due to an accident, an illness, or exhaustion from a recent race they had. This can be a big deal, especially if the contender is a favorite and has a great chance of winning the race.
A Change in Trainer/Jockey
A horse’s bond with the trainer and jockey is crucial for its growth. When horses have had a trainer or a jockey for a while, they will get used to the routines and their distinct style. However, when faced with someone new, it will take a while to know these people better. This can pose trouble if the change occurs on a date close to their race.
Weather
Unexpected weather changes are the worst. While races will be postponed should the weather be deemed extreme, it could be that it may not be an excellent condition for the horses. For example, it could still be too hot, or the track could be too muddy and slippery.
To Conclude
No one can be entirely sure when predicting the results of a race, especially as the unexpected can always happen. If you want to make your best bet, it helps to do research and read the news to help you decide.
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