A reverse forecast bet, or RFC, is a kind of wager that you often see on horse or greyhound racing. You pick two selections that will come first and second, but it doesn’t matter in what order they finish. Our guide will show you how to place RFC bets with real examples and whether they can be placed on football and other sports.
Reverse Forecast Meaning
It is when you pick two selections to come first and second in any order. The meaning of reverse forecasting is easier to understand in the context of horse racing. For example, if you place an RFC on Horse A and Horse B, you win if they finish first and second in any order.
This bet will suit you even if you are a beginner, as it does not require complex calculations and still offers a balanced chance of winning. However, it does require a larger investment. A £10 reverse forecast comes to a total stake of £20 because you’re essentially placing two £10 bets (each of which counts as a straight forecast stake*):
- Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd
- Horse B 1st, Horse A 2nd
*RFC differ from straight forecasts (SFC), where you must predict the exact finishing order. For instance, if you place a straight forecast on Horse A to finish first and Horse B second, you lose if the order is reversed.
Reverse forecasts might have a higher chance of winning than straight ones, but they typically give lower returns because success is more likely.
Example of Reverse Forecast Bet
Let’s take a real-life example to understand what a reverse forecast is in horse racing. Imagine a race at Sedgefield. You select two horses, Pigeon House and Sign Again, to finish in the top two positions.
Such a wager covers both possible finishes for these two horses, creating the following scenarios:
- Pigeon House 1st, Sign Again 2nd
- Sign Again 1st, Pigeon House 2nd
If you place a £10 reverse forecast bet, you’re effectively betting £10 on each outcome, making your total stake £20. To win, the results of the races must match one of the two scenarios.
If you’re wondering if you can pick more than two horses, then the answer is yes – a combination forecast lets you cover multiple outcomes with three or more selections. You can find out more in our detailed guide. And if you decide to add a forecast for the second race to your RFC bets, you’ll be placing reverse forecast doubles.
When to Choose a Reverse Forecast Bet?
An RFC is a great option when you want higher odds than single stakes but prefer flexibility. It’s handy when the favourite’s odds are too low to offer value. You can add the favourite into a reverse forecast with another strong contender to increase your potential returns.
This bet is also a good choice when you can’t decide on the finishing order between two strong competitors. The RFC is like a safety net, covering both possible outcomes. Here are some situations where you might want to consider this wager:
- You spot two strong horses but are unsure who will win.
- The favourite’s price is low, and pairing it with another runner creates better value.
- In a close race where it’s hard to pick an exact order.
Placing a Reverse Forecast Bet
The good news is that you don’t have to place two bets yourself. Most top bookmakers will automatically combine your reverse forecast for you. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to placing an RFC stake, using Betfred as an example:
- Visit the sports tab you want to bet on and click on the event.
- Choose the Forecast option and tick ‘Any’ next to the contenders you believe will finish first and second.
- The selections will then be added to your bet slip and automatically combined into a reverse forecast bet.
- Enter the amount you wish to wager in the box and click ‘Place Bet’. Note that your stake is doubled as you are actually placing two wagers.
Other Markets for Reverse Forecast Bet
While reverse forecast bets are most common in horse racing and greyhound racing, they can also apply to various other sports and events. These include competitions where first and second places are determined. Here are some popular options:
- Formula 1 and MotoGP
- Tennis tournaments
- Football leagues or World Cups
- Rugby tournaments
- Snooker championships
In motorsports like Formula 1 or MotoGP, you can use RFC to predict the top two drivers. Football involves predicting the top two teams or best scorers in a league or tournament.
But with these sports, you might not see reverse forecast bets listed for everything. You can find them in the Specials tab sometimes. Also, bookmakers like Sky Bet, Betfred, William Hill, or Ladbrokes let you request reverse forecast odds on different sports through services like ‘request-a-bet’.
