Keeping Score
LIFESTYLE
THE SPORT OF
KINGS
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO HORSE BETTING BY BRITTON HEADDEN
Most folks are familiar with the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes, the three races of the Triple Crown, but horse racing is already in full force in April with races including Keeneland. Thousands of bettors wager millions of dollars each year on horse races, and Tennesseans can now participate with a number of sportsbooks. Here are some popular bets and what they mean so that you can join in on the fun!
1
2
WIN
Pick a horse to finish first. If your horse wins, you win!
3
PLACE
Pick a horse to finish second. You win if your horse finishes first or second.
SHOW
Pick a horse to finish third. You win if your horse finishes first, second or third.
1
?
2
ACROSS THE BOARD
Pick a horse to win some combination of win, place and show bets. This can result in up to three wins or losses, depending on where your horse places.
3
TRIFECTA
Pick three horses to finish first, second and third, respectively. You win if your horses finish in the order you pick. Exacta and Superfecta bets are similar, only with two or four positions picked.
1or2
1or2
QUINELLA
Pick two horses to finish first and second regardless of order. You win if both of your horses finish top two.
Now for the hard part. How do you pick a winning horse? Bettors, equestrians, breeders, trainers and more have used countless factors to create systems to determine a winning horse. Some experts say to look for the leaders by checking the trainers’ standings and jockeys competing. Others say to look for a calm horse who still has some spring in its step during the post parade (the walk to the gates before the race). A bucking horse may be wasting energy before the race, and a slow-moving horse may already be tired. No matter the preference, all will agree that any horse can win on any day.
BRITTON HEADDEN Keeping Score
Britton Headden is a born-and-raised Franklin local and Broker/Owner of Headden Home Real Estate. Britton has a lifetime love of basketball and other sports, including playing and coaching experience on all levels elementary through college.
70 | APRIL 2022
