Remember, to "Box" 4 horses in a $2 Trifecta will cost you $48. This amounts to $480 in a 10 race card and it’s very doubtful you would hit more than 2 of these and probably lose over $200 on this bet alone. If 3 of the betting favorites happen to come in, the payoff will probably be less than the amount wagered on the two that you won.
Here is a small chart that explains the amount of cash it requires to "Box" the exotics such as Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta.
No. to Box
Exacta
No. to Box
Trifecta
No. to Box
Superfecta
2
$ 4.00
3
$12.00
3
$ 12.00
4
$24.00
4
$ 48.00
4
$ 48.00
5
$40.00
5
$ 120.00
5
$ 240.00
6
$60.00
6
$ 240.00
6
$ 720.00
7
$84.00
7
$ 420.00
7
$ 1680.00
8
$112.00
8
$ 672.00
8
$ 3360.00
Don’t be afraid to bet on the so-called "Chalks". If this horse is head and shoulders above the rest of the field and it is bet down to even money (1-1) or less (4-5); your return will be 80%-100%. Example: A $20 Win bet on a 4-5 "Chalk" will return $36 or 80% on your investment. Just 2 or 3 of thesecan go a long way toward making a successful day at the track. However, when the odds go lower than 4-5, then it is time to pass.
Never get carried away when you "really" like a horse and bet a large sum of money. Clearly keep in mind the difference between a Best Bet and merely a Good Bet. Stay the course and bet only a maximum of 10% of your initial bankroll. One more thing that is very important, don’t mix Booze and Betting. The results of this mixture can be disastrous because your senses are dulled and your ability to make sound betting decisions is impaired.