The Tote has a long and storied history in racing, but most punters might not be aware of the new and improved tote that is one of the best punting offerings around. Bigger payouts, better value, and more excitement. In this introduction, we highlight some of the concepts that make the tote product unique, and an essential part of the SharpBetting toolbox.
Having already boosted the odds for selections featured in David's Daily football previews and the SharpBetting boxing content, here are some other reasons why you should bet with the Tote...
When it comes to finding serious value in pool betting, Tote’s exotic bet types are the punter’s playground. Exactas, Trifectas, Swingers, and Quinellas may sound like specialist tools, but once mastered, they offer unmatched opportunities to turn deep race insights into rich rewards. Unlike simple win or place bets, these exotics reward accuracy and sharp thinking. Here's how to play them like a pro.
1. Exactas: Nail the First Two in Order
The Exacta is the sharpest of the straight forecasts—you must predict the first two horses home in the correct order.
- When to Play: Use in races where you have a strong view on the winner and a shortlist of who’ll follow them home.
- Value Angle: Popular forecasts with fav-fav combos often pay less than SP multiples. Look for scenarios where the second horse is under-the-radar in the win market but well-suited by race conditions.
- Tactics: Banker your top pick and perm two or three others for second place—this is cost-efficient and still gives you coverage.
2. Trifectas: Big Risk, Bigger Rewards
The Trifecta ups the ante—you need to get the top three home in exact order. The reward? Massive payouts, especially in big-field handicaps.
- When to Play: Ideal for wide-open races where the form book offers clues, but the market doesn’t know what to do with them.
- Perming Strategy: Use a banker (your most confident horse), then perm three or four for second and third. This is the ideal balance of conviction and coverage.
- Trifecta Rollovers: Occasionally, Trifecta pools roll over from unclaimed winnings—these offer golden value, as the pool size is boosted and the risk/reward ratio improves dramatically. Tote.co.uk usually flags these opportunities in advance.
3. Swinger and Quinella: Under-the-Radar Options
Both require you to pick two horses to finish in the top three, but:
- Swinger: Any two of your selections must finish in the top three, in any order.
- Quinella: Your two must finish first and second, in any order.
- Why They’re Valuable: These bets thrive in competitive races with no standout favourite. With strong race-reading skills, it’s possible to uncover combos the market has missed.
- World Pool Boost: On international racedays included in the World Pool (Royal Ascot, Derby Day, etc.), the exotic bet pools are massive—adding real depth and stability to the dividends.
4. Key Tactics Across All Exotics
- Use Your Opinion: Exotic betting lets you get paid for having a view. Don’t just box a load of horses—structure bets around how you see the race being run.
- Race Shape Is Crucial: Think about pace, position, and running style. A race likely to collapse late favours closers, while a slowly run contest could be controlled by front-runners.
- Value Comes from the Pool: Unlike fixed-odds forecasts, Tote exotics are pool bets. Look for horses underbet in the win market or runners with a strong place profile but little public support.
Final Word: Be Brave, Be Bold
Exotic bets aren’t for the faint-hearted, but they offer unique opportunities for the clued-in punter. The key is to bet with structure, conviction and clear opinions. Play with purpose, avoid scattergun perms, and let your race-reading do the talking.
Done right, Tote exotics turn smart picks into standout profits. Whether it’s a Trifecta bomb in a Saturday handicap or a Swinger link-up in a world pool race, the value is there—you just need to unlock it.
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