What Is A Forecast Bet In Horse Racing?

In horse racing, there are many different betting options available, allowing bettors to tailor their wagers based on confidence, risk, and potential returns. Alongside popular bets such as singles, each-way bets, and accumulators, one of the most interesting options is the forecast bet.

A forecast bet focuses on predicting the horses that will finish first and second in a race, in a specific or flexible order. While it may sound simple, forecast betting can be a great option when used correctly. In this guide, we’ll explain what a forecast bet is, how it works, the different types available, and when it can be most effective.

A forecast bet requires you to correctly predict the first two finishers in a horse race. There are two main types of forecast bets: Straight Forecast and Combination Forecast. Unlike accumulator or multiple bets, a forecast bet only applies to one race, but the difficulty lies in accurately selecting the top two horses. Forecast betting is particularly popular in this sport, meaning you might have heard of it if you watch horse racing frequently.

Let’s break down the two forecast options:

A straight forecast means you must correctly predict both the first and second horse in the exact order.

Example:

1st place: Horse A

2nd place: Horse B

If Horse A wins and Horse B finishes second, your bet wins, and if they finish in reverse order, the bet loses. This option usually offers higher odds due to the increased difficulty.

A combination forecast allows you to select two or more horses to finish first and second in any order.

Example (2 horses):

Horse A

Horse B

If either horse finishes first or second, your bet wins. If you select more than two horses, the bet covers all possible finishing combinations between them, which increases your stake but improves your chances of predicting correctly.

Let’s say you place a £1 combination forecast with three horses:

This creates 6 individual forecast bets, as every possible first-and-second combination is covered.

Possible Outcomes:

Horse 1 finishes 1st, Horse 2 finishes 2nd ✅

Horse 3 finishes 1st, Horse 1 finishes 2nd ✅

Any two of the three horses finish in the top two ✅

If only one or none of your selected horses finish in the top two, the bet loses.

Forecast betting is different from each-way betting, as it focuses purely on the top two finishers, rather than outright and place terms. For those who watch horse racing frequently or even keep up with horse racing results, you might be familiar with each-way betting more than forecast betting, so it is essential to know the difference.

However, forecasts can sometimes be more appealing than each-way bets when:

Forecast bets are especially popular in non-handicap races, short-field contests, and races with a clear class gap.

Before placing a forecast bet, it’s important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros –

✅ Ideal when two horses stand out from the field

✅ Combination forecasts increase chances of success

✅ Simple structure compared to large multiples

Cons –

❌ Requires accurate prediction of the top two finishers

❌ Combination forecasts increase total stake

❌ No return if selections finish outside the top two

Forecast betting works best when you have a strong opinion about the race outcome, particularly when two horses appear significantly stronger than the rest of the field.

Ideal scenarios include:

As with any bet, research is key. Consider factors such as recent form, horse racing racecards, race conditions, draw bias, pace setup, and jockey bookings before placing your forecast bet.