How to Place an Exacta Bet for a Horse Race

You don't have to bet on just one horse in a race when you go to the track. You can challenge yourself to pick the horses that you think will finish first and second (win and place) in the correct order. Here are some tips on how to execute that bet.

Instructions

    • 1

      Read the guide available at the track or in your local paper. Review the horses' records, where they run best, and at what distance they are strongest. Check the odds on the horse. That will give you a good idea of where the pros feel that horse will finish the race.

    • 2

      Pick your horses. Remember that you also must decide the order they will finish.

    • 3

      Go to the betting window or computer module and place your bet. Identify the race, the size of your bet, the number of horses and make it clear that it is an exacta bet. For instance, you would say, "In race 3, I want to place $2 on the 6 and 7 horse in an exacta. Horse 6 to win, 7 to place." Remember, the order matters. Check the ticket before you leave the betting window to make sure it is correct.

    • 4

      Watch the race and cheer your dynamic duo on. If you win, they will announce what each horse "pays" and usually what the exacta paid. For every dollar you wagered, you multiply that times their figure. Usually it is quite substantial because it is a hard feat to pull off. Odds change right up until post time, so you must wait for the announcement.