An Exacta is a bet placed on two horses to finish first and second in a particular race in the exact order. This type of bet is also known as a “Perfecta” or a “Reverse Forecast”. Exacta bets are available on all horse races, but they are most popular on major races such as the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
The Different Types of Exacta Bets
There are three types of Exacta bets:
- Straight Exacta – This bet is placed on two horses to finish first and second in the exact order.
- Boxed Exacta – This bet is placed on two horses to finish first and second in any order.
- Part Wheel Exacta – This bet is placed on two horses to finish first and second in the exact order, but with other horses also included in the bet.
How to Place an Exacta Bet
When placing an Exacta bet, you must select two horses that you think will finish first and second in the exact order. If you are betting on a Straight Exacta, you must select the two horses that you think will finish first and second in that exact order. If you are betting on a Boxed Exacta, you must select two horses that you think will finish first and second in either order. If you are betting on a Part Wheel Exacta, you must select two horses that you think will finish first and second in the exact order as well as other horses that you think will finish in the top three.
Calculating Your Exacta Bet
Once you have selected the two horses that you think will finish first and second in the exact order, you will need to calculate the amount of your bet. To calculate the amount of your bet, you must multiply the odds for the first horse by the odds for the second horse. For example, if the first horse is listed at 3/1 and the second horse is listed at 5/1, then you would multiply 3 by 5 to get 15. This means that your bet would be 15 to 1.
Placing Your Exacta Bet
Once you have calculated the amount of your bet, you will need to place your bet. You can place your bet at the track or through an online betting site. When placing your bet at the track, you will need to tell the clerk which horses you are betting on and the amount of your bet. When placing your bet online, you will need to select the horses you are betting on and enter the amount of your bet.
Collecting Your Winnings
If your Exacta bet is successful, you will be able to collect your winnings at the track or through your online betting account. When collecting your winnings at the track, you will need to present your ticket to the clerk and they will pay you the amount of your winnings. When collecting your winnings online, your winnings will be automatically credited to your account.
Pros and Cons of Exacta Bets
Exacta bets can be a great way to make some extra money, but there are some pros and cons that you should consider before placing your bet.
- Pros
- The potential to win large sums of money.
- The ability to bet on multiple horses.
- The potential to win more money than a traditional win, place, or show bet.
- Cons
- The potential to lose large sums of money.
- The need to pick two horses in the exact order.
- The potential for a low return on investment.
Tips for Successful Exacta Bets
If you are looking to make successful Exacta bets, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind:
- Do your research – Before placing your bet, make sure to do your research and familiarize yourself with the horses and the track.
- Bet on favorites – Favorites are more likely to finish in the top two, so try to focus your bets on the favorites.
- Bet on long shots – Long shots can sometimes win, so don’t be afraid to bet on them if you think they have a chance to finish in the top two.
Exacta Betting Strategies
There are a number of betting strategies that you can use when betting on Exactas. Some of the most popular strategies include:
- Key Exacta – This strategy involves focusing your bets on the favorite to finish in the top two and then betting on one or two long shots to finish in the top two.
- Part Wheel Exacta – This strategy involves betting on two horses to finish in the exact order, but with other horses also included in the bet.
- Boxed Exacta – This strategy involves betting on two horses to finish in either order.
Conclusion
Exacta bets can be a great way to make some extra money, but they can also be risky. Before placing your bet, make sure to do your research and familiarize yourself with the horses and the track. You should also consider using betting strategies such as the Key Exacta, Part Wheel Exacta, and Boxed Exacta to increase your chances of winning. With a little bit of research and the right betting strategies, you can be successful with Exacta bets.