Win
A bet on a horse to finish first.
Horse Racing Guides
Horse Racing Terms Dictionary
Learn the language of horse racing betting with clear, beginner-friendly definitions you can use on race day.
Bet Types
Place
A bet on a horse to finish first or second.
Show
A bet on a horse to finish in the top three.
Exacta
Pick the first two finishers in exact order.
Trifecta
Pick the first three finishers in exact order.
Superfecta
Pick the first four finishers in exact order.
Race Card Terms
Morning Line
The track handicapper’s projected starting odds before betting begins.
Post Position
The gate number where a horse starts.
Tote Board
The live odds and wagering display for a race.
Scratch
A horse withdrawn from a race before start time.
Field
All horses entered in a race.
Favorite
The horse with the lowest odds (most backed by bettors).
Performance & Strategy
Pace
The speed and race flow, especially early fractions.
Class Drop
A horse moving into a race against easier competition.
Speed Figure
A rating that compares how fast a horse ran.
Trip
How a race unfolded for a horse (traffic, wide turns, clean run).
Track Bias
A tendency for certain running styles or lanes to perform better.
Form Cycle
A horse’s recent progression in performance and fitness.