In horse racing, a favourite is the horse with the highest chances of winning the race as decided by the betting public. They are usually the horse most favoured by the bookmakers and given the shortest odds. It is also known as the “odds-on” horse, meaning its odds are the lowest of any horse in the race.
What Factors Affect a Horse’s Favourite Status?
The odds of a horse becoming a favourite are determined by several factors, such as its past racing performance, pedigree, form and the opinion of the betting public.
- Past Racing Performance – A horse’s past racing performance will likely have a large impact on its favourite status. Horses that have won races consistently or have performed well in the past will likely be the favourites.
- Pedigree – The pedigree of a horse is another factor taken into consideration when deciding the favourite. Horses with strong pedigrees, particularly those with successful sires and dams, are usually favoured.
- Form – A horse’s current form is also an important factor in determining the favourite. Horses that have been performing well in recent starts will likely be the favourites.
- Opinion of the Betting Public – The opinion of the betting public is also taken into consideration when deciding the favourite. If the public believes a horse has a good chance of winning, it will likely be the favourite.
How Often Do Horse Favourites Win?
Horse favourites win about a third of the time, with the exact percentage depending on the type of race and the number of horses in the race. Generally, the longer the race, the lower the percentage of favourites that win. For example, in flat races, favourites win about 35% of the time, while in National Hunt races, the figure is closer to 25%.
What Types of Races Are Favourites Most Likely To Win?
Favourites are most likely to win in races with fewer horses. This is because their chances of winning are higher when there are fewer competitors. For example, in an eight-horse race, the favourite has a better chance of winning than in a 16-horse race.
What Types of Races Are Favourites Least Likely To Win?
Favourites are least likely to win in races with more horses, as their chances of winning are lower when there are more competitors. For example, in a 16-horse race, the favourite has a lower chance of winning than in an eight-horse race.
How Accurate Are Odds On Favourites?
Odds on favourites are usually quite accurate, as they are determined by factors such as past racing performance, pedigree, form and the opinion of the betting public. However, it is important to note that no horse is a sure thing, and favourites can still lose, even when the odds are in their favour.
What Are The Benefits Of Betting On Favourites?
Betting on favourites has several advantages, such as:
- Higher Chances of Winning – With favourites having higher chances of winning, there is a greater chance of making a return on your bet.
- Lower Risk – Betting on favourites is generally a lower risk strategy, as the odds are typically in their favour.
- Ease of Betting – Betting on favourites is typically easier, as the odds are usually known in advance and there is less uncertainty.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Betting On Favourites?
Although there are several advantages to betting on favourites, there are also some drawbacks, such as:
- Lower Payouts – Because favourites have higher chances of winning, their payouts are typically lower than other horses.
- Higher Chances of Losing – Despite the higher chances of winning, favourites can still lose, even when the odds are in their favour.
- Lack of Variety – Betting on favourites can be limiting, as there is less variety than betting on other horses.
Conclusion
Horse favourites win about a third of the time, with the exact percentage depending on the type of race and the number of horses in the race. Betting on favourites has several advantages, such as higher chances of winning, lower risk and ease of betting. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as lower payouts, higher chances of losing and lack of variety.