The aim of a forecast bet is to predict both the winner and the runner-up of a race. There are two different types of forecast bet; a straight forecast is predicting the winner and the runner-up in the correct order, or a reverse forecast (or dual forecast) is where you must predict the winner and the runner-up in either order.
What is a forecast bet?
A forecast bet is a type of bet commonly used in horse racing and greyhound racing, although it can also apply to other sports. In a forecast bet, you are required to predict the specific order of the top two finishers (first and second place) in a particular race or sporting event. Forecast bets can be challenging to win but often offer higher potential payouts due to their difficulty.
There are two main types of forecast bets:
- Straight Forecast (SF): In a straight forecast, you predict the exact order in which the first and second-place finishers will cross the finish line. For your bet to be successful, the two selections you make must finish in the exact order you specified.
- For example, if you bet on horse A to finish first and horse B to finish second, and the actual race results are horse A in first place and horse B in second place, your straight forecast bet wins.
- Reverse Forecast (RF): In a reverse forecast, you predict the first and second-place finishers, but they can finish in either order. This bet covers both possible outcomes for the top two positions.
- For example, if you place a reverse forecast bet on horses A and B, you win if horse A finishes first and horse B finishes second, or if horse B finishes first and horse A finishes second.
Forecast bets can offer substantial payouts, especially in races or events with competitive fields where predicting the exact order of finish is challenging. The potential payout is determined by the odds of the two selections and the size of your stake.
It’s important to understand that forecast bets typically involve higher risk than simpler bets like win or place bets because they require a high degree of accuracy. If any other horse or participant finishes in the top two positions or if the order is different from what you predicted, the forecast bet is not successful, and you lose your stake.
Before placing a forecast bet, it’s advisable to research the participants, consider their recent form, and analyze the race or event carefully to make informed selections. Additionally, forecast bets are specific to races or events where the order of finish is relevant, so they may not be available for all sports or competitions.