Forecast and tricast betting in horse racing is about picking the top two or three horses correctly or in any order. Unlike single-horse betting, these require greater accuracy but can deliver higher payouts. In this article, we’ll explain what forecast in horse racing is, how to manage these bets, and offer some tips and insights to gain more.
What is a Forecast in Horse Racing?
A horse racing forecast is a bet on which two horses will finish first and second in the correct order. It’s different from a straight-win stake because you’re not just picking one winner, but two, with the added complexity of their finishing positions.
The forecast meaning in horse racing is simple: you choose the horses that will claim the top spots. If they cross the line in the predicted order, you win.
There is also a reverse forecast in horse racing where you predict the top two horses to finish but in any order. It means you need two bets covering both possible outcomes (Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd, and vice versa). Your chances of winning grow but at the cost of a double bankroll.
Suppose you want to determine how much you could win. In that case, tools like the horse racing forecast calculator can help assess odds and evaluate the likelihood of your chosen horses finishing in the correct positions. The prices for a forecast wager depend on the horses’ form, race conditions, and betting markets.
Forecast and Tricast Bets
Both forecast and tricast bets in horse racing focus on determining the order of finishers, but they have one key difference: the number of horses you need to place.
- Forecast: Choose the first and second horses in the correct order.
- Tricast: Choose the first, second, and third horses in the exact order.
Imagine a race with seven horses and their prices as in the table below. We’ll calculate potential outcomes for both a forecast and a tricast stake.
| Horse | Odds (Fractional) |
|---|---|
| Horse A | 2/1 |
| Horse B | 4/1 |
| Horse C | 5/1 |
| Horse D | 7/1 |
| Horse E | 9/1 |
| Horse F | 11/1 |
| Horse G | 14/1 |
Scenario 1: Forecast
Let’s say we choose Horse A to finish 1st and Horse B to finish 2nd.
Forecast Outcome Calculation:
- Horse A finishes 1st at 2/1.
- Horse B finishes 2nd at 4/1.
The return multiplier from a forecast will be (2/1) x (4/1) = 8/1. So, if we bet £10 on this forecast combination, we will potentially get £80, including the stake (£10 x 8).
Scenario 2: Tricast
Let’s say we choose Horse A to finish 1st, Horse B to finish 2nd, and Horse C to finish 3rd.
Tricast Outcome Calculation:
- Horse A finishes 1st at 2/1.
- Horse B finishes 2nd at 4/1.
- Horse C finishes 3rd at 5/1.
After multiplying the prices, we get a 40/1 return multiplier. So, if we bet £10 on this tricast combination, the potential payout would be £400, including the stake (£10 x 40).
| Bet Type | Combination | Multiplier | Potential Return on £10, £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forecast | Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd | 8/1 | 80 |
| Tricast | Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd, Horse C 3rd | 40/1 | 400 |
In forecast bets, picking two horses in the correct order offers a lower multiplier with simpler predictions. Tricasts require selecting three horses in the proper order and offer a higher payout, but they require much more accurate predictions.
What is a Combination Forecast in Horse Racing?
A combination forecast in horse racing allows you to place multiple forecasts at once, covering different possible outcomes. Instead of just choosing one pair of horses to finish in the correct order, you can select a range of combinations. This increases your chances of winning, but the cost also rises, as you place several forecasts in one go.
In a combination forecast, you select several horses to finish 1st and 2nd, and the bet covers all the possible pairs in the correct order. For example, if you select Horse A, Horse B, and Horse C in a combination forecast, you’re wagering on the following possible outcomes:
- Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd
- Horse A 1st, Horse C 2nd
- Horse B 1st, Horse A 2nd
- Horse B 1st, Horse C 2nd
- Horse C 1st, Horse A 2nd
- Horse C 1st, Horse B 2nd
Cost of the Bet
If you wager £10 on this combination forecast, the cost is multiplied by six (the number of combinations), and your total stake will be £60.
Payout Calculation
| Combination | Odds Multiplier | Payout on each of £10 bets, £ |
|---|---|---|
| Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd | 8/1 | 80 |
| Horse A 1st, Horse C 2nd | 10/1 | 100 |
| Horse B 1st, Horse A 2nd | 8/1 | 80 |
| Horse B 1st, Horse C 2nd | 20/1 | 200 |
| Horse C 1st, Horse A 2nd | 10/1 | 100 |
| Horse C 1st, Horse B 2nd | 20/1 | 200 |
With this type of bet, you wager on multiple outcomes, so the stake grows significantly. If one of your selected combinations wins, you will already profit, with the potential for substantial returns. However, if none of the chosen combinations wins, you will lose the entire £60 stake. This means that while the risk is higher than in a forecast or tricast (where you only wager £10), the opportunity for a larger profit also increases.
How to Place a Forecast Bet?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to place a forecast in horse racing:
- Choose the Race. Select the race you want to bet on—a major event or a smaller one.
- Select Your Horses. Pick two horses with the best chances to win. The first one will be for 1st place, and the second will be for the 2nd.
- Check the Odds. Review the prices for your selected horses, as they reflect the likelihood of each pick winning or finishing in the selected position. Conversely, a bookmaker may only want to encourage punters to wager on a particular horse.
- Place the Bet. Find the “forecast” option on your sportsbook and enter the two horses you’ve selected in the order you believe they will finish.
- Confirm Your Stake. Double-check your selection and stake, then confirm your wager. You will receive a ticket with your forecast details.
- Wait for the Race and Its Results.
Horse Racing Forecast Betting Strategy
Our experts have prepared some tips that will eventually help you to increase your chances of making a successful forecast in horse racing:
- Research Form and Stats. Look at recent performances of the horses you’re interested in. A horse’s form, track record, and jockey performance all play a key role in their chances of finishing in the top two.
- Focus on the Top Horses. While long shots can offer big returns, focusing on horses with strong recent performances or better prices (2/1 to 5/1) can increase your chances of winning.
- Use a Horse Racing Forecast Calculator. For example, input the odds for Horse A (2/1) and Horse B (4/1) into the calculator along with your straight forecast £10 stake. The calculator will instantly show your potential payout as £80 and your potential profit as £70 for a straight forecast.
- Don’t Complicate Your Selections. While combination forecasts cover multiple outcomes, sticking to 2-3 strong selections for the top two positions is often more effective than spreading your bets too thin.
- Consider Race Conditions. Pay attention to the weather, track surface, and distance that can influence horses’ performance.
- Place Your Bet Early. Prices can change as more people place their wagers. Place your stake early to lock in better odds if you find good value.
