Bet Like a Pro: Unlock the Power of Forecast Doubles & Trebles in Your Betting Strategy

Horse racing has long been a popular betting sport, offering a range of exciting and potentially lucrative wagering opportunities. Among these are forecast doubles and trebles, which provide the chance to win big when predicting the correct order of finish in multiple races.

This guide will explain the ins and outs of forecast doubles and trebles, and offer tips to help you succeed in this type of horse racing betting.

What is a Forecast?

A straight forecast (SFC) bet, commonly referred to as a forecast, is a popular type of bet placed in horse racing and greyhound racing in the UK. In a single straight forecast bet, you are predicting which horses or greyhounds will finish first and second in a specific race. 

There are two types of forecast bets: straight forecasts and reverse forecasts.

• Straight Forecast (SFC): In a straight forecast bet, you must accurately predict the exact finishing order of the first two selections. For instance, if you bet on Horse A to finish first and Horse B to finish second, both must finish in that exact order for you to win the bet. A £2 straight forecast is a single bet and therefore costs £2.
  
• Reverse Forecast (RFC): A reverse forecast bet covers both possible finishing orders of the first two selections. In this case, you would win if Horse A finishes first and Horse B finishes second, or if Horse B finishes first and Horse A finishes second. Since it covers both possibilities, a reverse forecast bet requires double the stake compared to a straight forecast bet. A £2 reverse forecast is in fact two separate bets (A-B/B-A) and therefore costs £4 in total.

Although forecast bets can be challenging to win, the payout can be substantial if you accurately predict the finishing order, especially depending on the odds and the number of runners. 

To improve your chances of winning, it’s essential to study the form, track conditions, jockeys, and trainers to make informed decisions when placing your bets.

The Basics of Forecast Doubles and Trebles

Forecast doubles and trebles take this betting option a step further by allowing you to combine forecasts from multiple races, with each correct forecast the return rolls onto the future events as the stake for the next bet. 

For example, you may select two horses to finish first and second in the first race, and then combine that forecast with another forecast for the second race to create a forecast double. If both forecasts are correct, you win the bet.

Forecast doubles and trebles can be a fun and exciting way to bet on sports, but they require a bit more skill and strategy than single bets. Forecast doubles and trebles can also be combined across many different races, giving a much greater coverage for the bet, a much higher possible return but also increasing the amount of overall risk of loss.

Forecast Doubles

1. A forecast double involves predicting the 1-2 finish in two separate races.
2. A winning return from the first race becomes the stake for the second.
3. To win, both predictions must be correct.
4. Forecast doubles can lead to significant returns if the odds are favorable.

Forecast Trebles

• A forecast treble requires predicting the 1-2 finish in three different races.
• A winning return from the first race becomes the stake for the second.
• A winning return from the second race becomes the stake for the third.
• To win, all three predictions must be accurate.
• Forecast trebles offer potentially higher returns than doubles due to the increased difficulty.

Reverse Forecast Doubles and Trebles: Expanding Your Betting Options

In addition to the basic forecast doubles and trebles, whereby the punter has to specify the first two finishers in the correct order, there are also reverse forecast doubles and trebles, which give punters more flexibility when it comes to predicting finishing orders in multiple races.

These bets work similarly to the reverse forecast bet in a single race (discussed at the start of this article), as they cover multiple possible combinations of finishing orders.

1. Reverse Forecast Doubles:
   • A reverse forecast double involves predicting the top two finishers in two separate races, but without specifying the exact order.
   • It covers all four possible combinations of finishing orders for the two races.
   • As a result, a reverse forecast double requires four times the unit stake compared to a straight forecast double but gives the punter more possible winning options.
2. Reverse Forecast Trebles:
   • A reverse forecast treble involves predicting the top two finishers in three separate races, again without specifying the exact order.
   • It covers all eight possible combinations of finishing orders for the three races.
   • Due to the increased number of combinations, a reverse forecast treble requires eight times the unit stake compared to a straight forecast treble.

Including reverse forecast doubles and trebles in your betting strategy can increase your chances of winning, as they provide more leeway in terms of finishing order predictions. However, it’s essential to remember that these bets also require a higher stake, so always consider your bankroll and betting strategy before placing reverse forecast bets.

Placing a Forecast Double Bet

1. Choose two races: Start by selecting two races where you feel confident in your ability to predict the top two finishers in each. These are commonly either horse races or greyhound races, although forecasts can often be found in other sports and events.
2. Study your choices: Study the form, jockeys, trainers, and other relevant information to make informed predictions.
3. Make your predictions: In each race, as this is a forecast based bet, you need to predict which runners will finish first and second.
4. Place your bet: Visit your preferred bookmaker, locate the forecast double betting option, and enter your predictions. If this is online then the option should be available once you have added your selections to the betting slip. In a high-street bookmaker, you can write the bet out on a plain betting slip or there may be specific, pre-printed forecast double and treble betting slips.

Placing a Forecast Treble Bet

1. Choose three races: As with doubles, but in this instance select three races where you believe you can accurately predict the top two finishers.
2. Study your choices: Use your knowledge of horse or greyhound racing and analyse the available data to make educated guesses.
3. Make your predictions: Once you have your selections, you need to specify them to come first and second in all three races.
4. Place your bet: Go to your preferred bookmaker, find the forecast treble betting option, and input your predictions. This can be online, via a bookmaker’s mobile app or on the high-street.

Placing a Reverse Forecast Double/Treble

To place reverse forecast doubles and trebles bets the process is very similar to the basic options above, follow these steps and when it comes to bet placement either choose the ‘reverse’ option or state the option on your betting slip:

Placing a Reverse Forecast Double Bet

1. Choose two races: Start by selecting two races where you feel confident in your ability to predict the top two finishers in each, without specifying the exact order.
2. Make your predictions: Study the form, jockeys, trainers, and other relevant information to make informed predictions.
3. Place your bet: Visit your preferred bookmaker, locate the reverse forecast double betting option, and enter your predictions. Remember that this bet requires four times the stake compared to a straight forecast double.

Placing a Reverse Forecast Treble Bet

1. Choose three races: As with doubles, select three races where you believe you can accurately predict the top two finishers without specifying the exact order.
2. Make your predictions: Use your knowledge of horse racing and analyse the available data to make educated guesses.
3. Place your bet: Go to your preferred bookmaker, find the reverse forecast treble betting option, and input your predictions. Keep in mind that this bet requires eight times the stake compared to a straight forecast treble.

By following these steps, you can successfully place reverse forecast doubles and trebles bets, potentially increasing your chances of winning while also managing a higher stake.

Tips for Successful Forecast Doubles and Trebles Betting

1. Research: The more information you have on horses, greyhounds, jockeys, and trainers, the better equipped you’ll be to make accurate predictions.
2. Focus on races with fewer runners: Smaller fields can make it easier to predict the correct finishing order, increasing your chances of winning. Horse racing fields can vary quite a bit, from smaller fields all the way to large handicap races. Greyhound races tend to be more stable with, usually, a maximum of six runners in each line-up.
3. Bet wisely: Always bet within your means, and don’t be afraid to pass on a race if you’re unsure of your predictions. The stakes on this kind of bet can easily start to build up, set yourself a maximum total bet and/or limit yourself to small unit stakes.
4. Manage your bankroll: Set aside a specific amount for betting and stick to it. Proper bankroll management is essential for long-term success in horse and greyhound betting.
5. Look for value: Don’t just focus on the favourites. Seek out underrated horses with higher odds that could yield better returns.
6. Track your bets: Keep a record of your bets to identify patterns and learn from both your wins and losses.

The Bottom Line

Forecast doubles and trebles can provide an exciting and potentially profitable way to bet on horse racing. Due to the nature of the returns rolling on, there can often be larger overall returns back to the punter.

By understanding the basics of these bets, conducting thorough research, and following our tips, you can increase your chances of success in this challenging form of betting. Remember to always bet responsibly, and enjoy the thrill of the races!

Good luck and keep winning!

Forecast Double & Treble FAQs