Horse Racing Bet Types
Win
A horse bet to win must cross the finish line first, with the exception of any disqualifications.
Place
A horse bet to place must cross the finish line either first or second. This bet is less risky but also normally pays less than a winning win wager on the same horse.
Show
Any horse bet to show must finish either first, second, or third. Again, this wager is not as risky but will usually pay less than either a win or place wager on the same horse.
Daily Double
The object is to choose the correct horses that will win two designated consecutive races. Take, for example, a 1-5 daily double placed in the first race. The number 1 must win the first race and the number 5 horse must win the second race.
Pick-3
Correctly select the winners of three designated consecutive races.
Pick-4
Correctly select the winners of four designated consecutive races.
Exacta
The object is to correctly select the first two horses across the finish line in the exact official order. For example, if you placed a "3-4" exacta, the number 3 horse must win the race and the number 4 must finish second.
Trifecta
The trifecta is basically just an extension of the exacta. The object of a trifecta is to select the first three horses across the finish line in the exact official order. An example trifecta would be "4-2-7." The number 4 horse must win, number 2 must finish second, and the number 7 must finish third in that exact order.
Superfecta
A winning superfecta must select the first four horses across the finish line in the exact official order. Due to their probabilities, superfectas are routinely one of the most difficult wagers to hit but often pay hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
It's Off to the Races
Again, always check your printed ticket before you leave the betting window to make sure your bet was recorded correctly. Once you leave the window, your bet can't be changed!
One last tip! Never tear up your ticket until the race has been declared "official."
See you at the track!
