Watching a horse race can be a thrilling experience.
The excitement of the contest and seeing a brilliant
performance from a horse and jockey provides a great
amount of entertainment even without betting on the
outcome.
However, a wager can add that extra little bit of
spice to the occasion. But what do you do if you are
not familiar with the sport? Follow our top tips below
to ensure you're well informed before taking the plunge
on a punt.
Use a small stake
To begin with, you do not want to be putting down
vast sums of money if you're a novice and even if
you are an experienced bettor - only put down an amount
you're able to comfortably afford. Using a small stake
will give you the chance to just get the feel of betting
while you're still getting to grips with the theory.
The gains, if at all, are likely to be small, but
it's better to understand the basics and the principals
of betting before thinking about going big. This way,
you have a foundation and greater confidence in your
choices.
Watch the sport
You might be a casual of racing or you might even
be a novice. There are two types of racing - flat
and jumps - therefore it's wise to
get yourself familiar with the differences before
delving into a bet online or at the bookmakers. It
will help you understand the feel and the tone of
races - and just how unpredictable they can sometimes
be. Even the great horses and jockeys can have bad
days. Watching will also prepare you for how conditions
can alter a race. A rainy day can be a great equaliser
by altering the conditions underfoot. These are little
nuances that can make all the difference.
Study the form guide
The form guide will not tell you everything about
a horse, but it does give you a strong impression
of how it has fared in its recent races. There is
a lot to unpack regarding form as the horse may have
been working its way back from injury or building
up speed. Certain trainers like to test their charges
at higher levels and greater distances before settling
on a certain range and standard of competition. Read
everything you can - and there are great resources
online to get the full picture of a race before you
place a bet such as this
one on the Melbourne Cup in 2019.
Prices can change before the build-up to a race so
it's also worth
tracking the horse racing betting odds right until
the last moment. A favourite could see their odds
tumble because of a comment by the owner or trainer.
Conditions as previously mentioned play a significant
role. A particular horse might not be comfortable
if the ground is soft - which will be seized upon
by the bookies. They rarely make mistakes so make
sure that you limit yours. These are four simple tips
for betting on horse racing. As you become more experienced
you will develop confidence and your own routines.
However, it's wise never to drift from these fundamentals.
