Exacta Underlays Are The Key To Profits On Favorites In Horse Racing Handicapping

We've all had the experience of picking a horse to winfocuses on the favorite and the obvious choices for
but getting such lousy odds on it that we pass it by,second. Typically, there will be a few exactas that are
figuring it is not a value bet. Then, when the horse wins,over bet, but that means there will also be underlays in
it hurts to know that we passed up cashing, eventhe pool.
though we realize that we must stick to value bets orThe most obvious way to find value is to find the
eventually lose our bankroll.horse that is the second favorite in the exacta pool, in
I will always advocate insisting on value in a bet. Indeed,other words, the lowest paying exacta with the
I'll go one step farther. The art of making profits onfavorite, and to determine if that horse deserves to be
horse races is the art of handicapping combined withthe second favorite and if it is over bet. In other words,
the business of identifying value in wagers. Withoutif you can't eliminate the favorite in the race, can you
finding value, you are only solving half the puzzle. Whileeliminate the second favorite?
handicapping and picking winners is fun, it can beThere is no reliable formula that I know of to
expensive fun if you don't discipline yourself to only betaccurately determine fair value in an exacta, though
on horses that are undervalued by the crowd.many have tried. I think that practice and experience
The favorite wins about a third of the races, butare the two keys to knowing what a good price is in
betting to win on favorites is a losing proposition. If youthe exacta pool.
like a horse to win, but can't find value in the win pool,Of course, this all depends upon your ability to
you can still put your handicapping skill to good use anddetermine that the favorite really does deserve all the
perhaps, find value in the exacta pools. The crowdaction it is taking and that requires experience, as well.