Are you looking for some useful tips for betting on horse races on turf tracks? Look no further! Our guide to betting on turf track horse races covers everything you need to know.
There is no denying that dirt tracks dominate the American horse racing calendar, but turf tracks are undoubtedly the most popular courses in other key horse racing regions around the world. That’s precisely why we created this guide.
Without further ado, here are our top five tips for betting on horse races on turf tracks. Saddle up and enjoy the ride!
Evaluate the Skill of the Jockey
When it comes to dirt races, speed is everything. However, turf races are all about the jockey. Turf tracks require the jockey to save ground and gauge the ideal time to mount a perfect sprint finish.
With a big emphasis on controlled movement and precise timing, expert jockeys often outclass less experienced jockeys in the field. Be sure to evaluate the skill of the jockey when betting on turf track horse races.
Consider the Relationship Between Horse and Jockey
It’s fair to say that turf races require a higher level of communication between jockey and horse. As a result, pairings with stronger connections generally perform better on race day.
Before you start betting on horse races on turf tracks, make sure that you consider the relationship between horse and jockey. Have they raced together before? If so, how did they perform together in the past?
Assess the Horse’s Endurance Levels
Turf races tend to be longer than dirt races, making them a game of endurance. Accordingly, you only want to bet on horses that are known for remaining strong throughout races.
Bettors can analyze a horse’s previous races over longer distances to see how the horse performed. If the horse slowed down in the latter stages due to fatigue, you may want to pick a different runner.
Think About Horse Pedigree
If you want to bet on a horse with a limited race history, you should always consider pedigree. After all, turf races require unique physical attributes and certain genetics can offer useful insights for bettors.
For example, some sires are renowned for having attributes suited to turf races. Famous sires like Giant’s Causeway, Scat Daddy, Kitten’s Joy and Langfuhr have enjoyed a great deal of success over the years.
Don’t Disregard Weather and Track Conditions
Last but not least, we strongly recommend checking the weather reports and assessing the condition of the track before you bet on a turf track horse race. Why? Because these factors can have a big impact on betting.
When tracks are wet and muddy, horses require more power to drive through the field. On the flip side, dry tracks can be taxing on a horse’s legs. Be sure to always consider the state of the track before you part ways with your money.
Read our horse racing lay betting guide next to learn how to make money fading horses.