BOXED BETS

Many 10-cent superfecta players will put no more thought or effort into their 10-cent superfecta bets other than to just routinely "box" four or more horses.  The main
problem I have with this approach is that some of the money that is invested can be
be tied up in combinations that have little or no chance of succeeding.
 

For example, a 10-cent superfecta four-horse box costs $2.40.  When broken down, it consists of four separate $.60 betting combinations as shown below:

As you can see, each of the horses selected (A B C D) has been given an equal chance of winning.  Even a person with the most basic of handicapping skills at some point will realize that A B C and D's chances of winning are not always equal, yet the bet is made under that assumption.

Betting the 10-cent superfecta is all about having an opinion and betting accordingly.  For example, if you do not think horse D is capable of winning the race, then why tie
up that extra $.60 (25% of your money) on Combination #4?  I know its a horse race and "anything can happen" but playing the 10-cent superfecta is all about investing your money wisely.
 

The second problem I have with boxed bets is that you have to pay dearly for any "margin of error".  In a four-horse box, you have no margin for error.  It is all or nothing.  If one of your horses gets left at the gate or encounters trouble, you have no chance of winning.  Want to add a fifth horse for insurance?  How does $12 sound for a five-horse box?  What about a six-horse box?  It will cost you $36 and the costs just keep escalating from there. 

My book, The 10-Cent Superfecta Betting Guide, is based on betting combinations.  By using betting combinations you make your bets based on where you think horses might finish.  This approach also allows you the luxury of adding additional horses where needed for a "margin of error" without incurring substantial additional costs.  My book

includes a large set of tables that display hundreds of cost-effective betting combinations.

On which of the following would you rather invest $2.40?

On which of the following would you rather invest $12?

Playing  the 10-cent superfecta requires handicapping skill and the wise investment of your money.
 

If you want to learn more about playing the 10-cent superfecta be sure to get my book,

The 10-Cent Superfecta Betting Guide.

Paul Lambrakis
September 20, 2007