The Bottom Line
- A thorough study of optimal betting strategies for exotic wagers
- Mathematics is simple to understand, writing style easy to follow
- Crist helps bettors at all levels of bankroll from weekend player to professional
- Novice horseplayers need to sharpen handicapping skills before using Crist's techniques
Description
- Chapter 1: Beyond the One-Horse Bet. Making the transition from straight to exotic play.
- Chapter 2: The Math of Exotic Betting. How to calculate combinations and probabilities.
- Chapter 3: Intrarace Exotics (Exactas, Trifectas, and Superfectas).
- Chapter 4: Multirace Exotics (Doubles, Pick Threes, and Pick Fours)
- Chapter 5: The Taxman Cometh. The effect of IRS withholding rules on your bankroll
- Chapter 6: The Pick Six. Optimal strategy for this jackpot bet, with the advantage of carryovers
- Chapter 7: Big Days, Big Bets. Pick 4 and Pick 6 strategies as applied at the Breeders' Cup
Guide Review - Exotic Betting
Bettors usually specialize in intrarace (exacta, trifecta, superfecta) or multirace (double, pick 3/4, pick 6) bets. For example, one that studies entire cards ahead of time and is good at picking winners should be playing the rolling pick threes, while those who like to do their final handicapping between races should focus on intrarace bets.
The major difference between straight and exotic betting is taxation. Payoffs in excess of $5000 are subject to automatic 25% withholding. Crist takes the time to explain the tax laws in easy to understand language, as this is an area some horseplayers do not fully understand. He shows the worst example of IRS withholding, when his $2000 profit at last year's Breeders' Cup was reduced to just $24. Clearly this is an area where horse racing is unfairly treated compared to casinos.
