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Horse Racing Bet Types Explained

Every bet, in plain English — how many bets it is, what has to win, and whether it’s worth it.

From a simple double to a 247-bet Goliath, here’s what each bet actually means and costs, with a worked example and an honest verdict. We don’t pretend the exotic multiples are money-makers — they’re fun, and the maths favours the bookie — but they’re good to understand. For the terms behind them, see the glossary; for the one bet we do back, the Nap.

Accumulators

Double

2 selections · 1 bet · both must win

Treble

3 selections · 1 bet · all 3 must win

Accumulator

4+ selections · 1 bet · all must win

Full-cover bets

Trixie

3 selections · 4 bets · any 2 win returns

Patent

3 selections · 7 bets · any 1 win returns

Yankee

4 selections · 11 bets · any 2 win returns

Lucky 15

4 selections · 15 bets · any 1 win returns

Lucky 31

5 selections · 31 bets · any 1 win returns

Canadian

5 selections · 26 bets · any 2 win returns

Heinz

6 selections · 57 bets · any 2 win returns

Lucky 63

6 selections · 63 bets · any 1 win returns

Goliath

8 selections · 247 bets · any 2 win returns

Round Robin

3 selections · 10 bets · any 1 win returns

Tote & exotic

Placepot

6 races · pick a placed horse in each · Tote pool

Forecast

Pick 1st & 2nd · straight or reverse

Tricast

Pick 1st, 2nd & 3rd in order

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of bet in horse racing?

There’s no single “best” bet — it depends on your aim. Singles and each-way keep it simple; full-cover bets like the Lucky 15 chase a bigger return for a bigger outlay. The only selection we’ve found a genuine edge on is the Nap.

What does a full-cover bet mean?

A full-cover bet automatically places every possible multiple across your selections — for example a Trixie covers three selections in three doubles and a treble, so you don’t need every one to win to get a return.

Are any of these bets profitable long-term?

As a rule, no — the bookmaker’s margin compounds across the extra bets and legs. We publish the honest record of the ones we tip (Double, Trixie) anyway; our proven edge is the selective Nap.