Forecast, Reverse Forecast and Tricast

Forecast and Tricast bets are for punters who want to predict not just the winner, but the exact finishing order of the leading horses.

A Straight Forecast requires you to pick the first 2 horses home in the correct order.

A Reverse Forecast covers both possible finishing orders of your 2 selections.

A Tricast requires you to pick the first 3 horses home in the exact order.

These bets are harder to land than a win or each way bet, but the payouts can be significantly bigger when you get them right.

You must pick:

• 1st in the correct position
• 2nd in the correct position

Example:

• Horse A 1st
• Horse B 2nd

If they finish the other way around, the bet loses.

This is effectively two straight forecasts in one:

• Horse A 1st, Horse B 2nd
• Horse B 1st, Horse A 2nd

It costs more than a straight forecast, but gives you cover for both orders.

You must pick:

• 1st
• 2nd
• 3rd

All in the exact order. Harder to land, but capable of producing large returns in the right race. You can also do a combination tricast for 3 selections ot finsih 1st, 2nd and 3rd but in any order. Costs more but also offers more chance of winning.

Forecast and Tricast bets tend to make the most sense when:

• you have a strong opinion on the shape of the race
• you think one or two horses dominate the contest
• you are trying to oppose a weak favourite but still like the market principals to feature
• you want a bigger return than a straight win bet can offer

They are usually less attractive in wide-open handicaps where lots of horses have similar chances.

As always, the key is not just trying to be clever. It is making sure the bet fits the race and still offers value.