How to Maximise Your Wagers on Horse Racing’s Biggest Days

People who are looking to bet on horse racing will know that there are lots of different approaches and methods that can be used. Some people would always rather just bet on a horse to win the race, but there are many other options.

On top of this, people are looking into methods of maximising their wagers in other ways. This might mean spreading their budget for the day across a lot of different bets, or it may mean betting in a way that potentially enables them to get different bonuses. When betting on horse racing, people have many different approaches and tactics.

There are never any guarantees and responsible gambling is always required, but there are some ways people try to maximise their wagering.

Taking Advantage of Bonuses

This is our number one tip. On big days where there are high-profile races, there are often a lot of different bookmakers trying to offer promotions and get new customers as well as reward existing customers.

Bonuses can come in the form of totally free bets in some instances, which means that the bettors may as well take advantage. During big events like Cheltenham or the Grand National, it is also possible that the bookies may come out with some other promotions and offers, such as money back guarantees or even just changing the number of place positions to potentially increase win rates on place bets.

Before the events come around, it is possible to do a bit of research and explore what the big betting sites are offering.

Use Form and Stats

Open Notepad with Phone and Laptop

Those who are serious about betting may spend some time using form and statistics. Form guides are essential tools for bettors on big race days. These guides break down everything from recent results to trainer and jockey success rates. Analysing this data might seem overwhelming at first with so many different metrics – but focusing on key factors like a horse’s recent performances and success in similar races can make a world of difference.

Trainer and jockey combinations are another detail people consider. Certain partnerships have a knack for big wins. Legendary trainers like Aidan O’Brien often have a few different runners on the same day, so people may choose to trust horses from that stable with their money.

Don’t Overlook Lesser-Known Races

While the headline race may grab the spotlight, it is possible that undercard races can offer more betting opportunities. These smaller events often feature competitive fields and attract less public attention, and this means there can potentially be better value in the odds. It depends on the event in question, but nobody should discount those earlier races in the day, or those that may not be the “main event”.

A promising young horse from a smaller stable might go unnoticed amid the hype surrounding the day’s stars. Studying these undercard races with the same level of detail as the main event can potentially uncover hidden gems.

This is another form of research that people can do. Lesser-known races can be some of the more interesting options for those who want to find the right picks for horses rather than just betting on the big event that everybody will be watching. Popular race courses like Ascot have a whole calendar of different events that people can explore, and this means more chances to find value or picks that they are keen to back during the races.

Understand Betting Markets – Know Your Options

Man in Coat Using Tablet

Big race days come with a plethora of betting options beyond the standard win or place bets. There are many different types of bets, like exactas (picking the top two finishers in order) or trifectas (the top three), and some of them offer the potential for higher payouts. While these bets may have a lower success rate, it is possible they can pay off handsomely with a bit of strategy.

On major days, many bookmakers offer special promotions on these markets too (as we’ve already explored). These include options like boosted odds, extra places, or money-back guarantees. Exploring these promotions can increase the value of a wager and bring higher potential returns, but keep in mind that the outcomes are always going to be somewhat random.

Bet Responsibly

We’re focusing on maximising the experience here, and the easiest way to ruin this is to do something that you regret and not enjoy the day. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and remember that luck always has a part to play. It does not matter how much you study the form, there is always the potential for an upset. Don’t chase losses and make sure that you seek help if you are struggling with any of the different aspects of responsible gambling.

There are a lot of different resources out there and guides to safer gambling that people can refer to if they need to.

Gambling should be fun, and if it is done responsibly then people can add a little extra dimension to their day. Just make sure that you are being smart about things when trying to maximise your betting options.