How to Bet on Horse Racing: The Aces and Races Beginner’s Guide
Welcome to Aces and Races, where we break down everything you need to know to bet smarter on horse racing — whether you’re a total rookie or someone looking to sharpen your game. Betting on horses online has never been easier, and with the right approach, it’s never been more winnable.
If you’re ready to learn how to bet on horse racing or just want to tighten up your skills, you’re in the right place. Below, we cover betting basics, odds, key angles, and expert-level tips to help you bet with confidence.
Getting Started with Horse Betting
Before you place your first bet, you’ll need to set up an online betting account. Most legal online racebooks, like TVG or TwinSpires, offer fast signups and welcome bonuses for new players. Once you’re funded, you’re ready to roll — but don’t skip learning the fundamentals first.
If you’re brand new to horse racing, start by learning basic terms, bet types, and how to read the racing form. We cover all of that in our Horse Betting Terms and Horse Racing Bet Types guides.
Listen to the Experts
Handicapping can feel overwhelming at first — but one of the best ways to get better is to listen to those who’ve already put in the work. Our team at Aces and Races delivers regular race previews, expert picks, and sharp analysis to help guide your early bets.
Pay attention to different opinions, compare notes, and see which angles work best over time. You’ll pick up valuable betting strategies just by watching how pros break down a race.
How to Place a Horse Racing Bet Online
Once your account is set up, placing a bet is simple:
- Log in to your betting site (e.g., TVG)
- Click on the race you want to bet
- View the field and odds
- Select your horse
- Choose your bet type (Win, Place, Exacta, etc.)
- Enter your wager amount
- Click Bet Now
That’s it. Just make sure you’ve done your homework first.
Common Handicapping Angles to Know
There are endless ways to analyze a race, but a few tried-and-true angles show up time and again. Here are some of the key factors we focus on at Aces and Races:
Trainer Form
Top trainers attract the best horses — but stats go deeper than win percentage. Look at how a trainer performs with certain types of horses (e.g., 2-year-olds, sprinters, turf runners) to uncover profitable patterns.
Jockey Form
The best jockeys consistently ride the best horses, but also have personal strengths. Some excel on turf, others at certain tracks. Watch for rider switches and upward trends in form.
Horse Odds
Favorites win roughly one-third of all races. And about 85% of all winners come from the top four betting choices. Chasing longshots is fun, but the stats favor sticking near the top — especially for newer players.
Post Position (Gate Draw)
Inside posts often have the advantage, especially around tight turns on smaller tracks. Know which gates perform best at your chosen track and distance.
Speed Figures
Speed figures measure how fast a horse ran, adjusted for conditions. Look for horses with strong early pace or the best last-out numbers — especially if they figure to get the lead alone.
Key Stats That Help You Win
Use these evergreen stats to guide your bets:
- Favorites win ~32% of races
- Most winners come from the top 4 odds choices
- Top 10 jockeys win ~90% of races during a meet
- Morning line odds are a starting point — not gospel
Online Tools That Give You an Edge
Betting online actually gives you more tools than betting at the track:
- Track websites: surface info, bias reports, live replays
- Free past performances and betting programs
- Speed figure providers like Brisnet, Equibase, and TimeformUS
- Sharp analysis from trusted handicappers (like us)
Use these tools to cross-check opinions and uncover hidden value.
How to Read a Racing Form
Every race card shows key info like:
- Horse name and number (matches gate draw)
- Jockey and trainer names
- Past results, finish position, comments
- Speed figures and class ratings
- Surface and distance
Learning to read form takes time, but start by focusing on recent performance, speed figures, trainer stats, and track bias.
Handicapping with Pedigree (Breeding)
Bloodlines matter — especially for young or first-time starters. Look up a horse’s sire and dam to understand its natural ability, surface preference, and likely distance range.
Into Mischief, Curlin, and Tapit are a few of the top U.S. sires worth watching. A horse’s breeding can hint at whether they’ll develop into a turf miler or a dirt router — and that edge can help you beat the board.
Smart Horse Betting Tips for Beginners
Here’s your quick-start cheat sheet:
- Start small — $2 win bets are just fine
- Track your results and learn from mistakes
- Bet fewer races and wait for value
- Don’t chase big scores early (avoid exotics until confident)
- Watch replays — not just results
- Stick with strong trainer/jockey combos
Most importantly: stay consistent and don’t rush it. Winning bettors develop their edge through patience, not luck.
The Ace’s Final
Horse racing is an exciting, stats-rich game that rewards smart preparation. At Aces and Races, we believe that anyone — with the right guidance — can learn how to bet with skill, purpose, and confidence.
You’re not just throwing darts here. You’re building an edge, one smart wager at a time.
Ready to take the next step? Check out our full Horse Race Betting 101 series or join our picks membership to ride with the pros.
Let’s get to the winner’s circle.
