By Tom Walsh

The Quiniela bet is the selection of two dogs in a race that will finish first or second with the other selection. Many players and handicappers consider the Quiniela the best bet at the track.

The selection of two dogs rather than three or four dogs as in other exotic wagering offers a greater chance of going to the cashier’s window more often. Although the quiniela payoffs are not a large as the exotic wagers payoffs, more trips to the window can show a good profit for an afternoon or evening.

There are many types of quiniela wagering. The most important factor to remember with any type of wagering in any race is

money management. By being able to use control and gauge the amounts and types of wagers for each race, you will be able to use your knowledge and capital to greater advantage.

Quiniela payoffs in most cases range from about $12 to $36. In races where the top picks or favorites place first and second, the quiniela payoff can be as low as $4. Longshot quiniela payoffs can run into hundreds of dollars, and often a longshot with a favorite can make for a good payoff.

After preparing your handicap, you should decide what type of wagers you will make on the race, and how much money you will invest. Using some control over your betting plan and creating sensible formula will help you to come home a winner.

The quiniela tote board at the track will become a very important part of your betting plan. Experience will teach you to watch the odds. Find the best combinations to bet on to gain the most advantage over the other players. Remember, there are many patrons that know as much or more than you about the track. In general, if you follow your handicap and plan you will have an advantage over the great many of the patrons who know a lot less or nothing at all, about winning at the track.

The different forms of quiniela betting offer a varied number of ways to place a bet. By betting the quiniela and having only two dogs to win and place, your chance of cashing a ticket is much better than with a straight trifecta. All the dogs in the race, whether they handicap will or not, would have about a 37% chance of being in the money if race results were random.

The simplest quiniela bet is a $2 bet on the two greyhounds that you feel will finish first and second, or second and first. Example: 1-2 quiniela.

In a $4 key quiniela, you key one dog over two other dogs. Again, use those dogs that you feel will finish first and second. Example: 1 with 2 and 3. With this bet, the 1 dog must finish first or second with one of the other two dogs in the other position.

The next key quiniela is to use one dog over three other dogs. This is a $6 bet and is the one I use for all races. Example: 1 with 2, 3, and 4. With this bet, the 1 dog must finish first or second with any of the other tree dogs finishing in the other position…

When working out the handicap for quiniela betting, I attempt to select the dogs that can finish second along with a class or favorite dog. In placing a $6 key bet, try to select your best second finisher, then use the favorite and your two other best selections.

After selection the key bet, select two or three more $2 quiniela bets with your best second or third dog. You will have $12 invested in the race at this point, giving you a good chance to make money on the race.

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