With over 60 tracks in operation throughout Australia, greyhound racing betting is one of Australia’s favourite pastimes. Greyhounds can regularly reach speeds of 60 km/h in their races, and the sport is referred to as “the fastest sport on legs”. With race meetings in the morning, afternoon and evening every day of the week, greyhound racing provides great opportunities for the savvy bettor.
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Greyhound Racing Types
The different greyhound tracks in Australia provide a betting opportunity for a well-prepared bettor. Racing takes place on straight tracks (e.g Healesville and Richmond), turning tracks (e.g Maitland and Hobart) and circle tracks (e.g Wentworth Park and The Meadows).
Just like their equine counterparts, greyhound races are graded to ensure a close contest and to stimulate betting activity. Young greyhounds start out in Juvenile races before progressing to Graded races. The lower the grade, the better the event and the higher the prize money.
Some greyhounds are pure speedy “chasers” who love the straight tracks, while others prefer to “hug the rails” and save ground on the turning tracks. Races can be run over short distances of less than 300m, while distance races can go for 700+ metres.
Betting on Greyhound Racing
The three most common bet types are listed below:
Win – This is the simplest form of betting. You do the form, pick out a dog and place a bet on them. If they win, so do you!
Place – Similar to a winning bet but with more options to win. In races of 8 starters, place bets are paid out on the top 3 placings, while fields of 7 or less payout on the first 2 past the post. The payouts aren’t as large as winning bets, but the frequency of payouts is greater.
Quinella – This is a bet placed on who will finish in the top 2 of a particular race, in any order. Payout figures are larger than that of a winning bet as it is more difficult to find the top 2 finishers in a race.
Key Form factors
Countless variables come into each and every greyhound race. Listed below are key factors in how a greyhound will perform in any given race.
Speed – Greyhound racing is all about speed. Fast dogs can get clear running early in races and enjoy a great deal of success. Strong dogs that aren’t explosive early can be frustrating for punters as they attempt to navigate their way through the field in the run home. Experienced bettors love to see their dogs up in the lead with a clear galloping room.
Box Draw – This is one of the key factors to consider before placing a bet. On the straight tracks, the box draw is not that important, but on the turning and circle tracks, they are crucial. Dogs that are drawn closer to the rails and have good speed can get off to a great start and put a gap on the field while those drawn middle and higher boxes battle it out for clear running. Some dogs do prefer to draw wide so that they can get some clear running early and look to power late. A study of each dog’s statistical information will provide a great guide before placing a bet.
Fitness – It is not unusual for greyhounds to race multiple times each week. A greyhound that is racing regularly is building up good stamina and must be respected, especially in races over longer trips.
Track Record – Some dogs perform better at some tracks than others. Maybe they are trained at the track and train there regularly, or maybe the track dimensions and gap between turns suit their natural racing tempo.
Grade – As a greyhound wins races, they work their way through the grades and meet other dogs that are also in form. A greyhound that has beaten opponents in a lower grade may find the step up to race faster dogs difficult to overcome. Alternatively, greyhounds that have been struggling in higher graded races will find it easier to win against more moderate opposition.
Confidence – There is nothing more exhilarating than watching an in-form greyhound in full flight. When confidence is high, greyhounds take the runs when presented and power to the line. A greyhound who has been bumped in recent starts may struggle to run at its best.
Betting on Greyhound Racing
The three most common bet types are listed below:
Win – This is the simplest form of betting. You do the form, pick out a dog and place a bet on them. If they win, so do you!
Place – Similar to a winning bet but with more options to win. In races of 8 starters, place bets are paid out on the top 3 placings, while fields of 7 or less payout on the first 2 past the post. The payouts aren’t as large as winning bets, but the frequency of payouts is greater.
Quinella – This is a bet placed on who will finish in the top 2 of a particular race, in any order. Payout figures are larger than that of a winning bet as it is more difficult to find the top 2 finishers in a race.
Greyhound Betting Tips & Previews
Palmerbet provides free sports betting tips and greyhound predictions as well as updated betting markets, breaking news and information on a variety of upcoming events.
The Palmerbet Blog is a great source for free expert opinion, daily greyhound racing betting previews, and up to date greyhound racing odds, as well as the all-important greyhound tips.
Palmerbet is your one-stop for bet on racing tips as well as racing and sports betting markets. Visit their website at Palmerbet.com.au or download the Palmerbet app via the app store.
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