It is no secret that horse races are popular, exciting, and potentially profitable if you are lucky enough to back the right horse. However, just because these races are famous doesn't mean they are easy to win. As such, punters are always on the lookout for statistics and tips that can make their betting efforts more fruitful, this can all be found at Timeform. Below is a detailed checklist of factors to thoroughly scrutinize before betting on a horse race.

The Horse’s Idiosyncrasies

It is necessary to consider how the horse performs at the particular time of year, as some horses' performances can be significantly influenced by the current season. Preference for specific weather conditions, natural cycles, and training regimes are some essential information you should know about the horse you want to bet on to make informed gambling choices.

Jockey

Jockeys are often challenging to consider when betting on horse races. Many jockeys can win with great horses, so you should go the extra mile to find ones that can get the most out of average horses. You must also consider the jockey's performance at this particular course, whether they have ridden the horse before, and what record they have at the track.

Compare Past Competition

Some horses run the same regardless of how good or bad their competition is. However, some also tend to run with the competition, and they don't usually win. A critical mistake that many gamblers make is betting based on strings of high finishes from past race results of their favourite horses. However, the competition in past races is essential, as your preferred horse may fall short when it faces better competition. Consequently, always evaluate horse races and figure out why each horse performed the way they did in particular races.

Track Conditions

It is also vital to become a student of the tracks that your preferred horses run on to be a successful punter. Turf tracks and dirt tracks are different, and you must understand the subtle distinctions between both and how they influence performance.

Race Type

It is also vital to consider how the horse trainer performs in the particular competition type you intend to bet on. Perhaps the horse may be transitioning to a different race type, such as maiden to handicap company. Considering this is essential because some handlers are better at preparing their horses for such switches than others, which will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in deciding whether you win or not.

Number Of Runners

The horse's previous performance when competing in a comparable field size should also feature prominently in your betting checklist. Front runners, for example, perform better in smaller fields where they can easily dominate. On the other hand, hold up horses prefer several other runners for an increased probability of a more even pace.

Days Since Last Race

You must also check the horses' and trainers' performances off similar track absences to determine a noticeable pattern. Perhaps the horse you want to back has a proven history of making stunning comebacks from long layoffs, so you might be in for a massive payday if you bet on that horse when it is returning to the track after a long time off.