Bookmakers offer a wide variety of bets. Some of the most common are as follows.
Win single
This is one bet on the winner of a race.
Each way single
Two bets, one bet for the selection to win and the other for it to be placed. The place bet is settled as a fraction of the win odds. The number of places and the fraction of odds vary depending on how many runners there are and the type of race as shown below.
Number of Type of race Number of Fraction of
runners places win odds
16 or more handicap 4 1/4
12 to 15 handicap 3 1/4
8 to 15 not applicable 3 1/5
5 to 7 not applicable 2 1/4
4 or less not applicable 1 (win only) both bets win
Double
A win double is one bet on two runners to win two different races. If the first selection wins, the returns are put onto the second selection.
An each-way double is two separate bets of a win double and a place double on two runners in two different races. The win bet is the same as a win double. For the place part of the bet if the first selection is placed the returns become the stake for the second selection to be placed.
Treble
This is one bet on three selections in three different races. If the first selection wins, the returns are put on to the second selection and if the second selection wins the returns are put onto the third selection.
Accumulator
A bet on any number of selections, in different races where the winnings on the first horse go onto the second and then onto the third and then onto the fourth and so on. It is one bet win and two bets each way. Obviously, the returns can be quite large, depending on the prices of the winning selections. It is therefore worth checking that your winnings would not exceed the bookmaker’s maximum payout.
Straight forecast
Nominating which selections will finish first and second in the correct order.
Reversed forecast
Nominating two selections to finish first and second in either order. It is two bets.
Combination/full cover forecast
Selecting any number of runners in one race to finish first and second in either order. To calculate how may bets there are, Simply multiply the number of selections by one number fewer.
For example:
Tricast
Selecting three runners in the same race to finish first, second and third in the correct order.
Trixie
Three selections in three different races, comprising three doubles and one treble. It is four bets win and eight bets each way.
Yankee
Four selections in four different races, comprising six doubles, four trebles and one fourfold. It is 11 bets win and 22 bets each way.
Super yankee/Canadian
Five selections in five different races, comprising 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five fourfolds and one fivefold. It is 26 bets win and 52 bets each way.
Heinz
Six selections in six different races comprising 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 fourfolds, six fivefolds and one sixfold. It is 57 bets win and 114 bets each way.
Super heinz
Seven selections in seven different races, comprising 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 35 fourfolds, 21 fivefolds, seven sixfolds and one sevenfold. It is 120 bets win and 240 bets each way.
Goliath
Eight selections in eight different races, comprising 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 fourfolds, 56 fivefolds, 28 sixfolds, eight seven folds and one eightfold. It is 247 bets win and 494 bets each way.
Patent/twist
Three selections in three different races, comprising three singles, three doubles and one treble. There are seven bets win and 14 bets each way.
Lucky 15
Four selections in four different races, comprising four singles, six doubles, four trebles and one fourfold. It is 15 bets win and 30 bets each way. If there are four winners, a 10 per cent bonus is paid, usually at starting price. If there is only one winner, double the starting pnce odds are paid. These bonuses and consolations apply only to the win part of the bet. So if an each-way lucky 15 has just one placed horse, double the odds is not paid on the placed selection. Similarly, if one selection wins and one is a non-runner, the consolation is not paid.
Lucky 31
Five selections in five different races, comprising five singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, five fourfolds and one fivefold. It is 31 bets win and 62 bets each way.
The bonuses paid vary with different bookmakers. Some pay a bonus on four winners and five winners, others pay a bonus on only five winners. It is certainly worth shopping around to find the best offers. A consolation of double the starting price odds is paid for one winner.
Lucky 63
Six selections in six different races, comprising six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 fourfolds, six fivefolds and one sixfold. It is 63 bets win and 126 bets each way.
Bonuses vary with different bookmakers. A 10 per cent bonus is usually paid for five winners. For six winners, the bonus is likely to be between 15 and 25 per cent. A consolation of double starting price odds is paid for one winner.