For savvy punters looking to maximise their returns, each-way betting presents a golden opportunity. This weekend's packed racing calendar, headlined by the historic Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster, is ripe with value for those who know where to look.
The Art of the Each-Way Bet
Unlike a straightforward win bet, an each-way wager is essentially two bets in one: the first part is for the selection to win, and the second is for it to place (usually finishing in the top 2, 3, or 4 depending on the race and bookmaker terms). This strategy is particularly powerful in large, competitive handicaps where finding the outright winner is a challenge, but pinpointing a horse to hit the frame is more achievable.
Weekend Value Picks: Where to Find the Edge
This Saturday's feature race, the Lincoln Handicap, is a classic betting heat. With a big field and closely-matched handicappers, it's the perfect hunting ground for an each-way steal. Focus on horses with proven form on the track and distance, a good draw, and a jockey who knows how to navigate a big field.
Look beyond the favourite. Often, well-fancied horses at attractive prices offer tremendous value for a place. A horse priced at 12/1 or higher that manages to finish in the places delivers a significantly better return than a short-priced favourite scraping into third.
Key Factors for Your Each-Way Shortlist:
- Course and Distance Form: Has the horse run well at this track over a similar trip before?
- Handicap Mark: Is it running off a competitive weight? A few pounds lower can make all the difference.
- Draw: In big field races on flat tracks, a good draw can be a massive advantage.
- Jockey and Trainer Form: Are the connections in winning form? A hot stable is always worth noting.
Always check the place terms with your bookmaker. Most firms offer 1/4 odds for a top 3 finish in 8+ runner handicaps, but some may extend to 4th or even 5th place in the biggest fields, dramatically increasing your chances of a payout.
Maximise Your Returns
Don't just settle for the default each-way terms. Some bookmakers offer enhanced places or special promotions on major races like the Lincoln. Shopping around for the best terms can add crucial extra value to your bet and turn a near-miss into a profitable result.
This weekend, approach the racing with a value mindset. Identify those hidden gems in the betting market, and let each-way betting be your key to unlocking a successful start to the flat season.
