If you’re building a strategy around horse racing bets, understanding the difference between horizontal and vertical wagering is essential. These are the two main styles of exotic bets — and each offers a different way to approach risk, payout, and race-day action. Whether you’re betting online with MyWinners or at a Winners venue, knowing when to go vertical or horizontal could be the key to your next big score.
What are horizontal and vertical bets in horse racing?
What are horizontal and vertical bets in horse racing?
Horizontal bets involve picking the winners of multiple consecutive races (e.g., Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Pick 6).
Vertical bets involve picking the top finishers in a single race (e.g., Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta).
Think of it this way:
Horizontal = race-to-race strategy
Vertical = finish order within a race
How did these terms come about?
How did these terms come about?
These labels became popular among serious bettors and handicappers in the early 2000s as multi-race wagering grew. They’re widely used in racing forums, betting guides, and professional strategy books — especially for distinguishing between spread-based vs. sequence-based play.
Why do bettors use both types of wagers?
Why do bettors use both types of wagers?
Horizontal bets reward consistency and offer massive carryover jackpots
Vertical bets focus on precision and can return huge payouts from smaller stakes
Using both together lets you:
Build out race-day tickets with diversified approaches
Hedge risk — e.g., cover a key horse vertically and include it in a Pick 4
Play to your strengths — some bettors prefer reading form race-to-race, others study pace matchups within fields
At MyWinners, you can combine both styles on the same card — stacking strategy across and within races.
What kinds of races are best for each style?
What kinds of races are best for each style?
Horizontal bets work best when you have confidence in multiple legs and want to chase a bigger return
Vertical bets are ideal in large fields, where high-odds horses can boost Trifecta and Superfecta payouts
Stakes races with quality data and form often suit horizontal sequences
Claiming and Allowance races with variability may favour vertical spreads
What should bettors keep in mind?
What should bettors keep in mind?
Horizontal bets require you to get every leg right — one loss and the ticket busts
Vertical bets allow for boxes and wheels to cover more outcomes
Pool sizes, race quality, and field size all affect payout potential
All exotic wagers at MyWinners are pari-mutuel — meaning final payouts are based on pool totals
Available to licensed US bettors in eligible states
💡 Did You Know? During the 2020 Breeders’ Cup, a bettor turned a $1 Pick 5 (horizontal) into $73,711 — while another player hit a $0.50 Superfecta (vertical) for $15,000. Both started with sharp handicapping — and knowing which direction to bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Win, Place, Show bets horizontal or vertical?
Are Win, Place, Show bets horizontal or vertical?
They’re technically neither — they’re considered straight bets, but more closely aligned with vertical logic since they relate to one race.
Can I place both types of bets on the same day?
Can I place both types of bets on the same day?
Absolutely. Many bettors combine both vertical and horizontal bets in a single racecard strategy — especially on big racing days.
Which type of bet is better for beginners?
Which type of bet is better for beginners?
Start with vertical bets like Exacta or Trifecta boxes. Once you’re confident with handicapping multiple races, try Pick 3 or Pick 4 horizontal bets.
Do horizontal and vertical bets have different minimums?
Do horizontal and vertical bets have different minimums?
Yes. Many vertical bets (like Superfectas) can start at $0.10, while horizontal bets often have $0.50 or $1 minimums depending on the track.
Is it easier to win vertical or horizontal bets?
Is it easier to win vertical or horizontal bets?
Neither is “easy.” Vertical bets offer more flexibility in structure (e.g., boxing), while horizontal bets depend on multiple races going your way. Both require strategy and a bit of luck.