Exacta Betting: A Comprehensive Guide to Predicting the Top Two Finishers
Introduction
Exacta betting is a form of horse racing wager in which you must select the first and second place finishers in exact order. This can be a challenging but potentially lucrative bet, as the payouts are often much higher than win or place bets.
How to Place an Exacta Bet
To place an exacta bet, you must select two horses from the field and specify which one you believe will finish first and which one you believe will finish second. You can do this by filling out a bet slip or using the self-serve betting terminals at the racetrack.
The cost of an exacta bet varies depending on the racetrack and the odds of the horses you select. However, most exacta bets cost between $1 and $2.
Payouts
The payouts for exacta bets vary depending on the odds of the horses you select. However, the average payout for an exacta bet is around 12-to-1. This means that if you bet $1 on an exacta bet and your horses finish first and second in the correct order, you will win $12.
Tips for Winning Exacta Bets
There are no guaranteed ways to win exacta bets, but there are a few tips that can help you increase your chances of success:
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Do your research. Before you place an exacta bet, take some time to research the horses in the race. Read the racing form, watch replays of previous races, and talk to other handicappers. The more you know about the horses, the better equipped you will be to make an informed decision.
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Consider the odds. The odds of a horse winning are based on a number of factors, including its past performance, the distance of the race, and the condition of the track. When you are making an exacta bet, it is important to consider the odds of each horse and to bet accordingly.
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Look for value bets. Value bets are horses that are offering a higher payout than their odds would suggest. These are the types of horses that you want to target when you are making exacta bets.
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Bet multiple horses. The more horses you bet, the greater your chances of winning. However, it is important to remember that the cost of your bet will increase as you add more horses.
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Don't be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to bet exactas. Experiment with different strategies and see what works best for you.
Stories of Exacta Betting Success
There are many stories of people who have won big on exacta bets. Here are a few examples:
- In 2019, a bettor at the Kentucky Derby won $1 million on an exacta bet. The bettor selected Country House and Tacitus to finish first and second, respectively. Country House was a long shot at 65-to-1, but he pulled off the upset and won the race.
- In 2018, a bettor at the Breeders' Cup won $2 million on an exacta bet. The bettor selected Accelerate and Gun Runner to finish first and second, respectively. Accelerate was the favorite to win the race, but Gun Runner gave him a run for his money and finished second.
- In 2017, a bettor at the Belmont Stakes won $500,000 on an exacta bet. The bettor selected Tapwrit and Irish War Cry to finish first and second, respectively. Tapwrit was the favorite to win the race, but Irish War Cry upset him and finished second.
What We Can Learn from These Stories
The stories of exacta betting success show us that it is possible to win big on this type of bet. However, it is important to remember that exacta betting is a challenging endeavor. You need to do your research, consider the odds, and look for value bets. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can increase your chances of winning.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between an exacta bet and a trifecta bet?
A: An exacta bet requires you to select the first and second place finishers in exact order. A trifecta bet requires you to select the first, second, and third place finishers in exact order.
Q: What is the average payout for an exacta bet?
A: The average payout for an exacta bet is around 12-to-1.
Q: How much does an exacta bet cost?
A: The cost of an exacta bet varies depending on the racetrack and the odds of the horses you select. However, most exacta bets cost between $1 and $2.
Q: Can I bet on exactas online?
A: Yes, you can bet on exactas online through a number of different websites and apps.
Q: What is the best way to bet exactas?
A: There is no one right way to bet exactas. However, the tips in this article can help you increase your chances of success.
Q: Is exacta betting legal in my state?
A: Exacta betting is legal in most states. However, there are a few states where it is illegal. Check with your local laws to see if exacta betting is legal in your state.
Call to Action
If you are looking for a challenging but potentially lucrative betting option, then exacta betting is worth considering. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of winning. So what are you waiting for? Place an exacta bet today!
Additional Resources
