If you’re new to betting on horses, the process might seem daunting because of the many things you need to consider before making your bet. But with a little knowledge and some tips from experts, you can feel confident in your choices and start handicapping races like a pro. This article will give you six essential tips for beginner horse bettors, so read on and get ready to make some money!
Research the Horse
The first thing that a beginner at horse betting should know is that they need to research the horse thoroughly. Many first-time horse bettors simply choose a horse they think looks nice or looks confident, and that’s the extent of their research.
Yet when it comes to researching the horse, there are many things that you can research, such as its performance in the past few races and what tracks it does well on.
On the day of the race, you should also observe the horse you plan on betting on and the other horses. For example, you can find information on all Grand National entries and their weight at British Racecourses. Besides these, you should pay attention to the horse’s coat appearance and whether or not the horse is pacing back and forth.
Know the Going
The next thing you should consider as a beginner in horse betting is the going. For many people, this phrase is new. However, the going basically means the condition of the track that the horses will be racing on. It’s important to know the going because some horses might prefer one track over another.
An easy way to find out which track a horse prefers is by looking at its performance on different tracks. If you begin to notice a pattern, like if a horse is doing better on a specific track with a particular type of surface compared to another, you’ve just figured out the going that the horse prefers.
Jockeys and Trainers
Next, you’re going to want to research the various jockeys and trainers. While it is true that the jockey does not influence race’s result, it’s important to keep one thing in mind. Eventually, after doing enough research, you will see a pattern of different pairings. You might notice that when a horse is paired with a specific trainer at a specific venue, it does better. You might also realize that when a horse is paired with a particular jockey for a particular race, it wins more often.
Vary Your Bets
One of the most important things you can do as a beginner horse bettor is to vary your bets. While you might feel incredibly comfortable placing winning bets, there are many other types of bets. For instance, you could try placing a few place bets, which basically allows you to win some money if your horse is in the first, second, or third place.
Fitness and Breaks
Another thing to understand as a beginner horse bettor is the horses’ fitness levels and how a break might influence a horse. Many people new to horse betting aren’t aware that the fitness level of a horse isn’t always the best determinant of whether or not it is going to win. Consider how long ago the horse had a break and how long the break was. Both of these factors will influence whether or not your bet is successful.
Have a Budget
Finally, the most important thing you can do when betting on horses is to have a functional budget. Why? Because betting on horses is not like going to a casino where you might win thousands of dollars. The key to horse betting is making money over an extended period. To do this, you will need to have money to bet, and for this, you’ll need a budget that allows you to bet over time.