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Horse Betting Tips: How to Pick Winners and Make Money at the Track

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Horse racing is among the oldest existing bets in the world but also one of the riskiest, so it is handy to read our guide to horse racing betting for beginners to find out more. By making this bet, you must know how to control yourself, even if the adrenaline can completely get you into the game. Otherwise, you can easily get carried away, which can have bad results, and you will lose a lot of money. 

Select a horse racing betting website that best fits your goals.

There are a lot of horse racing betting sites available, with just about a smaller number of them approved sites that are also legal to use. So, selecting a website that lives up to your expectations is crucial, especially if you're a beginner.

In reality, your decision will differ if your objective is to consistently earn money from horse racing betting instead of spending a modest amount for fun on a third party. Alternatively, if you only want to benefit from horse racing betting bonuses, your choice will increase if your goal is to wager minimal sums while taking pleasure in a lot of live streaming.

It is best to specify your goals in detail, regardless of your level of experience so that you can make the right decision.

Pay close attention to the horses' most recent performance and unique characteristics.

It should go without saying, but you must unquestionably pay attention to both the specifics and the race (the most recent one) of the horses you plan to bet on. Even if some horses you preferred frequently have made you money, betting only on the horses with the highest reputations is not always the smartest course of action. 

If you’re interested, for instance, in the Brown Advisory Novices Chase, www.britishracecourses.com can be a great resource for finding information on the horses' past performances at the previous race and unique characteristics, among other information. Pay close attention to the horse's recent races, as form is crucial in determining how they will perform. 

You should also consider factors such as track conditions, jockey experience, and whether or not the horse has previously run at that particular distance or racecourse. Additionally, each horse has unique traits and abilities that can make them better suited for certain races. By considering all of these elements, you will have a better chance of making a successful bet on the races.

How to choose the optimal odds and increase your chances of winning?

As you are aware, depending on the type of horse racing bet you intend to place, the betting odds (and thus your predicted winnings) vary greatly. For instance, if you nearly exclusively wager on straights + (very hard to win), your variance will be quite high, and your long-term winning odds will be rather low.

If you wish to gamble on odds giving you a strong chance of winning over the long term, “simpler” bets like 2/4, single-placed bets, and the winning couple bet are much better advised.

Manage your horse betting account using the bankroll management principle.

If you don't want any unpleasant shocks in the medium to long term, proper money management is crucial whether you're playing online poker, live poker, or placing a horse bet on betting sites.

The majority of players consistently lose and the bookies make large profits because they do not practice good bankroll management. Avoid making this mistake while placing a wager on horse racing, and always manage your finances!

Keep track of all your horse racing bets via Excel.

The top horse racing bettors will all agree that it is imperative to keep an accurate record of your wagers and write them down in a convenient program. Excel spreadsheets are ideal for this purpose, and you should include the following information: amount wagered, percentage of bankroll wagered, type of bet, name of race or competition, odds offered, name of the horse, and jockey.

This is due to several factors. First, this makes it simple to spot any potential mistakes or bet types where you struggle. Second, it enables you to maintain confidence (if it worked before, I don't have to doubt everything) and to keep your composure.

Understand and research racetracks

Every racetrack, every horse race, and every horse has unique characteristics. Some race tracks provide races you can bet on regularly and weekly. It is crucial to be aware of some particulars. Focus on the three most important horse race locations that are most well-known and keep track of them. That way, you will ensure to always be up to date, making sure you bet only on those races that are very likely to win.

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Emma Drew

Emma has spent over 15 years sharing her expertise in making and saving money, inspiring thousands to take control of their finances. After paying off £15,000 in credit card debt, she turned her side hustles into a full-time career in 2015. Her award-winning blog, recognized as the UK's best money-making blog for three years, has made her a trusted voice, with features on BBC TV, BBC radio, and more.

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