Horse racing betting is a vital contributor to the popularity of the sport, as it is straightforward to get started. You can place wagers on a horse race without knowing much about the sport or even betting. However, it is necessary to grasp a few basics before parting with precious cash when betting on such races. Here are some helpful tips worth knowing as a beginner to help you become more successful in horse race betting.
Understand Horse Racing Terminology
Horse racing has its unique set of terminology, just like any sport around the world. Therefore, it is vital to learn the different phrases and terminologies to understand what the sport entails fully. You must also understand different bets and what they mean, so you can make informed wagers moving forward.
Start With Small Bets
It is somewhat unrealistic to believe you will make significant cash at the onset of your betting endeavours. Since losing is far more likely, it is essential to keep your losses minimal by starting with small stakes, which is why using free bets for the grand national instead of real money is smart. Over time, you can use the experience gathered from your losses as the foundation for more solid wagers that are likely to reap significant returns.
Avoid Betting On Only The Favourite
Horse racing is mostly unpredictable, and even the bookie favourite has an unconvincing 30% probability of winning the race. Therefore, avoid betting all your money on favourites because you will likely end up without anything to show for. Instead, invest in knowing your selections and conducting sound research to discover knowledge that can genuinely help you win your wagers.
Know Your Surfaces
Some horses have preferences for particular surfaces, so it is always prudent to check your horses’ preferred surfaces before backing them. Dry race courses typically record the fastest speeds and are more suitable for daintier horses. However, horses that hit the ground hard when running prefer softer turfs. As such, always check the surfaces your horse will be racing on. Also, look out for its previous form on that surface to decide whether backing that horse at that moment is genuinely your best bet.
Know Your Jockey
Some jockeys do well at specific places because their skill sets are naturally suited to particular courses. Many trainers are also likely to pair great riders with the strongest horses, so understanding specific trainer and jockey combinations is crucial.
Pay Attention To Trainers
The trainers who rear horses are equally crucial to your betting success, so it is vital to know your preferred horses’ trainers. Trainers typically enjoy varying records on different tracks. As a general rule, beginners can identify dominant trainers at racecourses, as they are likelier to field multiple horses in one race. Good tipping guides will show a trainer’s record over a course of races in recent months, so you can analyze the stats for yourself to identify winning patterns and make bets that bring you significant gains. Similarly, finding out that a trainer has an abysmal record at some venues is a sign that you shouldn’t back them, helping you avoid any devastating losses.