fixed-odds wagering<\/a><\/strong>, you simply place a stake on a selected price offered by your bookmaker. If you\u2019re successful, your winnings are calculated on the value of your wager amount and the odds of your bet, whether it be a single, double, accumulator, forecast or trifecta among others.<\/p>\n\n\n Horse racing spread betting<\/strong> brings different elements into play with your wagers. It allows you to analyze the odds and buy or sell<\/strong> a horse\u2019s chances to win the race based on the starting price. Moreover, this approach also opens up a number of other exciting options for you as a punter.<\/p>\n\n\n Spread betting sites also offer markets such as race and jockey indexes, <\/strong>where horses and jockeys are given values based on their chances of winning a race(s). Here, you can back whether a runner will finish higher or lower than the anticipated value.<\/p>\n\n\n Matched bets<\/strong> allows you to pit two horses or jockeys against each other, while you can bet on the winning margin in distance. There are no shortage of spread betting options, but you should still consider the odds at hand before placing your bet.<\/p>\n\n\n Spread betting does come at a greater risk<\/strong>, as you\u2019re liable for losses based on the value of the odds at hand. However, you can also win more than you would<\/strong> for betting on fixed odds. Striking the right balance is important, so make sure that you\u2019re comfortable with the rules of spread betting and the funds at stake before placing your wager.<\/p>\n\nExamples of Horse Racing Spread Betting Markets<\/h2>\n \n\n \n There are many types of horse racing spread betting markets available online. We've described the most common examples right here in this section.<\/p>\n\n
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(Source: Spreadex)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Starting Prices\n <\/h3>\n \n\n \n You can buy or sell horses based on their starting prices for the race. Unlike fixed-odds betting, there is a greater movement of odds on spread betting on which you can capitalize. Depending on your experience, you can use your knowledge of horse racing to bet on or against horses in the field. This type of bet offers particularly good value for selling against the favourites<\/strong> in races, although it does come at a greater risk.<\/p>\n\n\n The value of your stake can secure you a significant payout, but can also cause for you to be liable if the horse wins the race. So, there is a careful balance to strike between how ambitious you want to be on this particular bet. If you have a strong conviction and have put in the time to research the horses in the field, then it could be worth your while.<\/p>\n\n
\n Race Index\n <\/h3>\n \n\n \n A race index is where points are awarded based on where a horse places in a race.<\/strong> Most bookies base their index where the winner of the race is awarded 50 points, the horse that finishes in second place receives 25, and the third-place horse gets 10.<\/p>\n\n\n Alternatively, if there is a large field for a race such as the Grand National or Cheltenham Festival, the scale is adjusted to add an additional horse at the lowest rank of 10 points, while the second-place horse and the third-place horse are scaled upwards to 30 and 20 points respectively.<\/p>\n\n
\n Race Index for Fields 11 Horses or Less<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
Position<\/th> Points<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Winner<\/td> 50 Points<\/td><\/tr> Second Place<\/td> 25 Points<\/td><\/tr> Third Place<\/td> 10 Points<\/td><\/tr> Fourth and Below<\/td> 0 Points<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Race Index for Fields 12 Horses or More<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
Position<\/th> Points<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Winner<\/td> 50 Points<\/td><\/tr> Second Place<\/td> 30 Points<\/td><\/tr> Third Place<\/td> 20 Points<\/td><\/tr> Fourth Place<\/td> 10 Points<\/td><\/tr> Fifth and Below<\/td> 0 Points<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Before every race, a horse is awarded a value by the bookies based on where they are expected to finish.<\/p>\n\n
\n For example, a favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup could be awarded a value between 40 <\/strong>and 42. <\/strong>You can either sell or buy respectively on the two values.<\/p>\n\n\n You can sell the value of 40 value on a stake of your choice, and the principal is exactly the same for buying.<\/p>\n\n