Horse racing can often feel like one of the most confusing sports to understand for novices, as the terms used can often mean that it feels like experts are speaking a different language. 

However, a growing number of people are beginning to show interest in the sport, and understanding that it isn’t as challenging to pick up the basics of the sport as first feared. 

The opening six months of the year is an incredibly popular time of the year for newcomers to show an interest, with the key stats ahead of the Preakness Stakes in mid-May found here: https://www.twinspires.com/preakness-stakes/betting/

So, what are some of the terms and stats that make for important reading when considering a horse racing bet, and what basics should beginners understand?

Understanding The Form

One of the most important pieces of information that is considered by every racing bettor before making a selection is the form. This displays the recent runs of each horse involved in the field, outlining where they have finished and in what calibre of race their results were achieved. 

The numbers displayed indicate a finishing position, with ‘1’ representing a winner. Horses with a ‘0’ next to their name finished outside of the top nine. 

Hyphens on a racecard indicate breaks in between runs, while letters will typically represent unfinished races. These can be displayed as Fallen (F), Refused (R), and Pulled Up (PU). 

Track Performances

Beginners will typically hear the saying ‘horses for courses’ a lot, because it is one of the most respected methods to find regular winners. Horses that have proven records at certain tracks are always respected when they line up at a circuit where they have previously won. 

This information can easily be found on a race card, with a ‘C’ indicating a horse that has previous course form. Meanwhile, a ‘D’ represents a horse that has previously won over the distance. 

One of the most crucial indicators comes in the form of the letters ‘CD’, which indicates a horse that has won over the course and distance, showing that it knows what it takes to win on the terms that he/she will compete over. 

Key Stats Worth Examining 

Not all information on a race card is black and white, with some stats requiring extra research. For example, information surrounding the track conditions should be considered, as bettors will need to ask themselves whether a horse will prefer the type of ground that they are running on. 

For example, a horse with their best form on good ground may struggle to replicate that form on heavy ground. 

A number can also be found on a race card, which will indicate the number of days since a horse last run. This is an interesting stat that will be dependent on the runner. Some horses go well fresh, meaning that over 100 days off the track may not be a negative. 

However, for others, it could mean that a runner may lack fitness. A short gap in between races could also indicate a horse that is potentially fatigued. But, some horses do tend to thrive when they have kept busy. 

A vitally important factor to consider also relies around the strike-rate of trainers and jockeys. Yards and riders in excellent recent form will stand a better chance, as the horses will be at their near peak level. However, those with diminished strike-rates could point toward something being amiss in the stable or jockeys being low on confidence. Both of which could play a direct role on the outcome of a potential race. 

Advanced Metrics to Consider

While form is the most notable factor to consider, there are also advanced metrics that can delve deeper into the form in the book. One of the most trusted comes in the form of speed figures. 

This will give each horse involved in the race a figure, with their most recent number indicated how far they ran on their previous start. This will take into account track conditions and potential weight penalties that were imposed. Horses that regularly hit high numbers will be respected, as it will indicate that they are largely progressive and consistent at the highest level. 

Bettors can also consider times when betting on major races for three-year-olds, with the clock able to show the fastest horses in races on the road to Triple Crown events. 

Key Takeaways for Beginners

Beginners should ensure that they carefully read through the form before making selection, prioritizing a horse’s most recent run, which will indicate their current form. It is important to look out for 1s, as that will indicate a horse in winning form. 

However, racing is a sport all about opinions, meaning that it is common that even the most experienced professionals rarely agree on the same horse, meaning that it is always important to form your own argument surrounding the chances of a runner.