Horse racing is a popular sport that has been around for centuries and continues to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world today. It is a sport that is full of surprises, with the outcome of each race being unpredictable and exciting. One of the most interesting aspects of horse racing is the favourites – the horses that are most likely to win the race. But how often do favourites actually place in horse racing?
What is a Favourite?
A favourite is a horse that is widely expected to win a race, due to its past performance, pedigree, and other factors. Favourites are not always the most talented horse in the race, but they are the ones that have the best chance of winning. Favourites are usually identified by bookmakers and punters, who use their knowledge and experience to make informed predictions as to which horse is most likely to win.
Factors That Affect Favourites Placing
There are a number of factors that can affect the chances of a favourite placing in a race. These include:
- Form – The recent form of the horse is one of the most important factors in determining how successful it will be. Horses that have been performing well in recent races are more likely to place than those that have been performing poorly.
- Pedigree – The pedigree of the horse is another important factor in determining its chances of success. Horses with strong pedigrees are more likely to excel in the race.
- Conditions – The conditions of the race can have a huge impact on the outcome. Horses that are suited to the track and weather conditions are more likely to perform well and place in the race.
- Jockey – The jockey is also an important factor in determining the success of a horse. Experienced jockeys are more likely to get the best out of their horse and help them place in the race.
How Often Do Favourites Place?
So, how often do favourites actually place in horse racing? It is estimated that favourites place in around 30-40% of races. This means that, while favourites are more likely to place than other horses in the race, there is still a chance that they won’t.
It is also important to note that the percentage of favourites that place in a race can vary depending on the type of race and the conditions. For example, in handicap races, where the weight of the horse is taken into consideration, favourites are less likely to place than in non-handicap races.
Can You Profit From Favourites Placing?
Many punters look to the favourites when placing their bets, as they are deemed to be the most likely to win. However, betting on the favourite does not guarantee a profit, as there is still a chance that the horse will not place in the race.
In order to make a profit from betting on favourites, punters should look for value bets. This means betting on horses that are slightly less likely to win, but are still deemed to have a good chance of placing. This often means betting on horses at higher odds, as they are less likely to be backed by the majority of punters.
Are Favourites Always the Best Bet?
It is important to remember that favourites are not always the best bet. While they are more likely to place than other horses in the race, there is still a chance that they won’t. Therefore, it is important to consider all of the factors that can affect a horse’s chances of success before placing a bet.
How to Find Value Bets
Finding value bets can be tricky, as there are so many factors to consider. However, there are some tips that can help punters identify value bets. These include:
- Research – It is important to research the horses in the race and consider all of the factors that can affect their chances of success. This includes looking at their form, pedigree, jockey, and the conditions of the race.
- Odds – The odds of the horses can be a good indicator of value. If a horse is deemed to have a good chance of winning but is being offered at higher odds than the favourites, then it may be a good bet.
- Statistics – Looking at the statistics of the horses can also help identify value bets. For example, looking at the past performance of the horse can give an indication of how likely it is to place in the race.
Conclusion
In conclusion, favourites place in around 30-40% of horse races. While betting on the favourite does not guarantee a profit, it can be a good option for those looking for a safe bet. However, it is important to remember that favourites are not always the best bet, and punters should look for value bets in order to make a profit. By researching the horses in the race and looking at the odds, punters can identify value bets and increase their chances of making a profit.
References
- Bettor, B. (2020). How Often Do Favourites Place in Horse Racing? Retrieved from https://bettor.com/horse-racing/how-often-do-favourites-place-in-horse-racing/
- Greyhound Racing Tips. (n.d.). How to Find Value Bets in Horse Racing. Retrieved from https://www.greyhound-racing-tips.com/value-bets/
- Ladbrokes. (2020). How to Find Value Bets: A Guide for Horse Racing Bettors. Retrieved from https://news.ladbrokes.com/en/sports/horse-racing/how-to-find-value-bets
- William Hill. (n.d.). What is a Favourite in Horse Racing? Retrieved from https://betting.williamhill.com/horse-racing/what-is-a-favourite-in-horse-racing