One market for sports spread bettors to test themselves on is horse racing, which provides a self-opinionated punter a real chance to back his own judgement. The running markets include betting on or opposing favourites, backing the aggregate ‘Winning Distances’ at a race meeting, and backing or opposing individual horses in races.
The individual who spread bets on horse racing often believes he has an edge over the spread betting companies and their traders. It could be that he believes he has inside knowledge that a favourite runs poorly in certain conditions or is walking poorly. It may be the ground is softer than officially given, or a jockey is riding with a niggling injury no one else is aware of. That’s the romance of racing, believing you have details that provide an advantage over the bookie. However, common sense can also reign and afford you a return by not just following the crowd. In 2002 the Irish equine hero Istabraq was seeking a fourth Champion Hurdle triumph, but all had not gone comfortably on his preparation. Getting thoroughly beaten in races in the build up to the meeting suggested he may have been past his best – notwithstanding the Irish punters who continued to bet on him as if defeat was inconceivable.
In the race, people who opposed Istabraq - those few that went with the form of the horse and sold - never experienced a moment’s anxiety. The darling of the Irish punters blundered at the first hurdle and was pulled up ahead of the 2nd hurdle. Those who took the opinion the favourite was at the wrong price were paid back with a profit which was 26 times their stake.
One spread betting market that affords bettors a chance to back their judgement is a ‘Match Bet’. These are head to head contests between two horses and it does not matter wherever they finish in a race. It only bears on their relative positions against each other in lengths.
There will ordinarily be a favourite and the betting spread is structured round the expected margin of victory in lengths. At times a contest will be difficult to call, and the sports spread betting company will quote ‘your choice’ which lets you choose your favourite of the two horses. This gives the spread bettor a chance to dig into the history of two horses. Does one like soft ground? Is the other trying the trip for the first time? Will the pace be fast? Who has the easiest draw?
So whenever you are flirting with having a bet on the horses, look at the form of the horse, the stable, the trainer, the weather, the draw and let us not forget the jockey. These are just a few key things to consider in helping shape your view on the outcome.
Spreading betting can result in losses that exceed your original deposit. Remember to bet responsibly.