In horse racing, a multi—specifically an exotic multi like an Exacta, Trifecta, or First Four—is a bet that combines multiple selections to predict the finishing order of a race. Punters use these to cover various combinations of runners, increasing their chances of hitting a larger dividend.
The critical factor for any punter is balancing the cost of the combinations against the potential payout to ensure long-term profitability.
Managing the cost of exotic multis
A full 3x9x9x12 First Four bet costs $1512, which represents a significant outlay for a single race. To mitigate this, punters use a flexi-bet, which allows them to bet a percentage of the total combinations for a smaller stake while still maintaining the spread of horses.
Improving ROI by trimming selections
Elite Racing’s data shows that a 2x9x9x12 strategy yielded a net profit of $32,000, compared to a net profit of $8,285 for the more expensive 3x9x9x12 version over 101 races. Reducing the number of selections in the winning leg dramatically lowers the cost without proportionally decreasing the probability of a win.
The impact of Top-2 rated winners
Our analysis of 101 races shows that Top-2 rated horses won 52% of the time, whereas third-rated horses only won 10.1%. This demonstrates that including a third-rated horse in the winning leg of a multi often adds unnecessary cost and can lead to a level stakes loss, as seen with the $3,760 loss associated with third-raters.
How to set up your multi strategy
Focus your selections on the Top-2 rated runners to maximise your strike rate and keep the ticket cost manageable. Use flexi-bets on the TAB to maintain your bank while ensuring you have enough coverage to snare a bolter in the minor placings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flexi-bet in a multi?
A flexi-bet allows you to pay a fraction of the full cost of a multi, meaning you receive a proportional percentage of the final dividend. It is the most effective way to cover a wide spread of horses without risking big bickies on one race.
Which exotic multis are most common?
The most common Australian exotic multis are the Exacta (first two), Trifecta (first three), and First Four (first four). Each increases in complexity and cost as you add more finishing positions to the bet.
Why is the winning leg the most important part of a multi?
The winning leg drives the cost of the ticket; adding even one extra horse to the top spot can double your outlay. Sticking to Top-2 rated runners is the best way to maintain a positive profit on turnover (POT).
Horse racing betting involves financial risk. Bet only what you can afford to lose. For support, visit Gambling Help Online or call 1800 858 858.