This is a question that you might be asking yourself when the post-race bets start ringing in. The answer is, it depends on the type of bets you place and the type of horse you are racing. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common scenarios and how you should react accordingly.
Early Pacing
Most people are aware that horses are not meant to be raced for long periods of time. However, a lot of people don’t know the physical and mental limitations that horses experience when they are over-exerted. If you are planning on placing early pace bets, then you should know that the horses are already physically prepared for the race, and you are just giving them ammunition. When the gun goes off, your horse will be going full-steam ahead and might not have the energy to pace for long.
If you want to place a bet on a horse that is pecking at the bit, then you should look for races that will last less than a quarter of an hour. This way, the horse will be able to recover enough energy to race at its full potential. After a short burst of speed, the horse will have enough left for you to be able to win at least a part of your bet.
Late Pacing
This is when the horses have already been racing for some time and are approaching the homestretch. The term “home stretch”, when used with reference to a horse race, actually means “the last quarter of the race”! It’s not the best way to look at it, but the origin of the term speaks volumes. The horses that are traveling at the end of the race are often referred to as “the race horses” because it is usually the fastest horses that prevail at the end. If you are planning on placing a bet on a horse that is already traveling at a fast pace, then you should look for races that are closer to a finish. The advantage of placing a late pace bet is that the horse will have more energy left for the homestretch, and you will be able to capitalize on that final burst of speed.
Strategy
This is a scenario that we’ve discussed previously on Odds Monger. When there is a large field of horses, it can be very difficult to pick out a winner at first glance. In these instances, it is often beneficial to study the field and learn the strengths and weaknesses of each horse. For example, if you have backed the first place horse in the race, then it is smart to study the track and see if there is any likelihood of it slipping in the final stretch. If it does, then you may want to cut your losses and hope for the best. If you stick with your pick, then you may be able to win your bet with a strong finish.
Predicting The Winner
In the scenario where you have successfully picked a winner in the early stages of the race, your next step is to determine how successful you were. If you based your bet on a horse that won, then you should be elated and ready to collect on your winnings. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the first place horse can lose in a close race. In these situations, you will have to wait until the results are posted before you can finally exhale and celebrate your successful wager.
What About The Extras?
The truth is, winning a bet doesn’t always mean that you will win the entire wager. For example, if the winning horse is being carried top heavy, then you might not be able to keep your full wager. The rules of the race will determine whether or not you keep your entire stake, or if you have to pay the house some part of it. Sometimes, if one of the horses is injured or suffers from some sort of illness during the race, then the entire wager can be voided. In these situations, you will have to wait to see if the horse recovers before you can make a determination as to whether or not you will have to pay up.
Even when all parties are enjoying themselves and had a good time betting on the race, it can still feel wrong to throw away good money on a whim. For this reason, it is essential to remain calm and collected during this stage of the race. Remember that the unpredictability of the horse makes it a challenge to try and calculate the exact winnings from a single wager. For the best chance of coming out on top, it is always recommended to place multiple wagers on different horses – even if they are all in the same race.
With some understanding of the different situations that can arise during a horse race, you will be better positioned to place winning wagers and to avoid the headaches that can come from poor planning. Remember, just because you lose at one racetrack doesn’t mean that you have to be doomed to lose at all! There are hundreds of opportunities to place winning wagers all over the country, so don’t be afraid to explore your options.