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Horse Matchups are a relatively new wager for horseplayers to ponder. It's simply a Matchup between two horses in a particular race. Some racebooks offer these on a daily basis at major tracks, but mostly they are available for major horse racing events like the Triple Crown races and the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.
Instead of handicapping an entire field, it comes down to the handicapper deciding between two horses. Similar to a money line on a sporting event, there is usually a favorite and an underdog.
An example would be a Matchup that was available for the 2006 Breeders' Cup Classic. Bettors could decide between backing Bernardini at -125 or go with the underdog Invasor at +105.
In this wager a bettor would have to put up $125 to collect $225 backing Bernardini. Or going with the underdog, a bettor could back Invasor, putting up $100 to collect $205 for a win.
Of course, to win your wager your horse actually does not have to win the race. The horse you backed just needs to finish in front of the other horse in the Matchup wager. Your horse could finish sixth, and as long as the other runner finished seventh or worse, you cash your wager.
Matchup wagers can be utilized by horseplayers when they have a strong opinion for a particular horse or a strong opinion against another horse.
An astute handicapper can take advantage of pace scenarios that might put one of the two at a big disadvantage. While the race may not set up for your choice to win the race, you might find a situation where your choice has a decided edge over the opponent in the Matchup.
For instance, you might side with a closer while the opponent you are trying to beat is a speed horse in a race loaded with early speed. While the speed horse is dueled into submission and fades, your choice rallies up to pass the tired foe late. Your horse does not have to win the race. As long as your choice gets by the opponent in the Matchup, you cash your ticket!
Saratoga
Saratoga opens for the 143rd year on Friday, July 22 for an outstanding 40-day meeting that includes over 50 stakes races and 17 Grade 1 races. The marquee event of the meeting is the $1 million Travers Stakes (G1) on Saturday, Aug. 27.
Michael Dempsey will be providing his full card selections throughout the meeting. Mike’s Reports include his selections, analysis, fair odds, and wagering recommendations for every race.
Get your day off to a good start with Michael’s Free Pick of the day from Saratoga.
For information on Saratoga including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here.
Keeneland
Get info on racing dates, stakes races scheduled and track contact information by Clicking Here
Get Free Racing Picks for Keeneland from professional handicapper Michael Dempsey or purchase his top selections by Clicking Here
Churchill Downs
The spring/summer meeting at Churchill Downs gets underway on Saturday April 30, with 24 graded stakes on the betting menu. The marquee events are the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Michael Dempsey will be providing Full Card Analysis for Churchill Downs from Friday through Sunday each week.
Each racing day Michael will be providing his Free Betting Selection of the day for Churchill Downs.
For information on Churchill Downs including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Belmont Park
Racing in New York shifts to Belmont Park on Friday April 29 for the spring / summer meeting, which includes the Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday June 11.
Michael Dempsey will be providing Full Card Analysis for Belmont Park each racing day from Wednesday through Sunday.
Each racing day Michael will be providing his Free Betting Selection of the day for Belmont Park.
For information on Belmont Park including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Gulfstream Park
For information on Gulfstream Park including stakes information, wagering menu, post time information, and track layout Click Here
Get Free Selections for Gulfstream Park from professional handicapper Brian Mulligan or purchase his highly rated selections by
Clicking Here
Aqueduct
For Aqueduct racing info including racing dates, stakes schedule, track layout and contact information, Click Here
Get Free Picks for Aqueduct races from professional handicapper Michael Dempsey or purchase his top selections by Clicking Here
Daily past performances, track entries and race results.