Boxed Trifecta Odds
Example: Tell the clerk, 'Give me a $1 trifecta box numbers 1, 3, and 7. If you box your selections, as long as the horses you have picked finish first, second, and third in any order, you win. As the number of horses in the bet are increased, the key and box bets can quickly become very costly. Boxed trifectas are often combined with flexi bets to allow the bettor to only pay a certain percentage of the trifecta cost in return for the same percentage dividend. For example, if the bettor wanted to place a box trifecta for seven runners, the cost would be $210 for a full $1 unit.
The Trifecta Wheel bet is picking sets of horses to finish in first, second and third position. This bet improves your chances of winning because 1 or more horses can be chosen to finish in each position.
Select the Trifecta bet type. To 'box' the Trifecta, make all selections in the first column. Go to bet builder on right-hand side or select Bet Builder icon on mobile devices. Enter the Bet Amount. For a Flexi bet, select the Flexi button after entering the amount you want to spend (flexi should be highlighted green with flexi. A boxed trifecta will cost you more than a straight trifecta, as you will need to pay for every combination. Even though the minimum bet for a boxed trifecta is only $1, you will need to pay a minimum of $6 if you select three horses. Example: Let’s say you select horse #8, #6, and #3 to finish in any order with a boxed trifecta bet. Therefore, the trifecta box is a relatively expensive bet (a $1 trifecta box with four horses would cost $24). One of the problems with the basic trifecta box bet is that it gives equal weighting to all of the selections. If the bettor has a stronger feeling about one or more horses, placing a standard trifecta box bet is unnecessarily expensive.
Difference between Trifecta Wheel and Trifecta Box Bets?
Trifecta Wheel betting requires a specific order from 3 sets of horses. Trifecta box betting requires any order of 3 or more horses.
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The Trifecta 'Key' Concept
The following video explains how to place this bet. The steps are the same for Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta. Rewind the video to review each straight bet.
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Keying means selecting a set of horses to finish in a certain position. Trifectas are for first, second and third position. That means 3 keys must be made for each Trifecta Wheel.
Start with the first position key. Select 1 or more horses. For example, suppose horses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 are racing.
Example 1st Horse Key: Horses 1, 5
That means horses 1 or 5 must finish first. You can only win if 1 or 5 finish first.
Example 2nd Horse Key: Horses 2, 3
That means horses 2 or 3 must finish second. You can only win if 2 or 3 finish second.
Example 3rd Horse Key: Horses 4, 6, 7
That means horses 4, 6 or 7 must finish third. You can only win if 4, 6 or 7 finish third.
| Finishing Order | Result |
|---|---|
| 1,2,4 | Win |
| 1,2,6 | Win |
| 1,2,7 | Win |
| 1,3,4 | Win |
| 1,3,6 | Win |
| 1,3,7 | Win |
| 5,2,4 | Win |
| 5,2,6 | Win |
| 5,2,7 | Win |
| 5,3,4 | Win |
| 5,3,6 | Win |
| 5,3,7 | Win |
| Finishing Order | Result | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| 1,2,3 | Lose | Horse 1 correct. Horse 2 correct. Horse 3 not in third key. |
| 7,4,1 | Lose | Horse 7 not in first key. Horse 4 not in second key. Horse 1 not in third key. |
| 8,1,5 | Lose | Horse 8 not in any key. Horse 1 not in second key. Horse 5 not in third key. |
| 1,5,4 | Lose | Horse 1 correct. Horse 5 not in second key. Horse 4 correct. |
| 2,7,6 | Lose | Horse 2 not in first key. Horse 7 not in second key. Horse 6 correct. |
What Is A Trifecta Box
Trifecta Wheel Bets Cost $1 Per Finishing Combination
Consider the following examples. We’ve keyed horses into the first, second and third positions. Trifecta Wheel cost is $1 multiplied by total number of combinations.
Trifecta Wheel Cost Calculation:
The calculation is more complicated because there are more possible combinations. Also, putting the same horse in multiple keys must be considered.
Let A equal Key 1 number of horses, B equal Key 2 number of horses, C equal Key 3 number of horses.
Let AB equal number of same horses in both Key 1 and Key 2.
Let BC equal number of same horses in both Key 2 and Key 3.
Let AC equal number of same horses in both Key 1 and Key 3.
Let ABC equal number of same horses in all keys: Key 1, Key 2 and Key 3.
(A x B x C) – (AB x C) – (BC x A) – (AC x B) + (ABC x 2) = Total Trifecta Wheel Cost
Example 1: Trifecta Part Wheel
Horses 1 and 2 are your first key.
Horses 2, 3 and 4 are your second key.
Horses 5, 6 and 7 are your third key.
Note: 2 is in both first and second keys.
Note: No horses are in all keys.
(A x B x C) = 2 x 3 x 3 = 18
– (AB x C) – (BC x A) – (AC x B) = – (1 x 3) – (0 x 2) – (0 x 3) = -3
+ (ABC x 2) = (0 x 2) = 0
Total Example Trifecta Part Wheel Cost, $1 per Combination = 18 – 3 + 0 = 15 x $1 = $15
| Finishing Order | Cost Each |
|---|---|
| 1,2,5 | $1 |
| 1,2,6 | $1 |
| 1,2,7 | $1 |
| 1,3,5 | $1 |
| 1,3,6 | $1 |
| 1,3,7 | $1 |
| 1,4,5 | $1 |
| 1,4,6 | $1 |
| 1,4,7 | $1 |
| 2,3,5 | $1 |
| 2,3,6 | $1 |
| 2,3,7 | $1 |
| 2,4,5 | $1 |
| 2,4,6 | $1 |
| 2,4,7 | $1 |
| Total Cost | $15 |
Example 2: Trifecta Full Wheel (1,2 – ALL – ALL)
Horses 1 and 2 are your first key.
Horses 3,4,5,6,7,8 are your second key.
Horses 3,4,5,6,7,8 are your third key.
Note: Horses 3,4,5,6,7,8 are in both second and third keys.
Note: No horses are in all keys.
(A x B x C) = 2 x 6 x 6 = 72
– (AB x C) – (BC x A) – (AC x B) = – (0 x 6) – (6 x 2) – (0 x 6) = -12
+ (ABC x 2) = (0 x 2) = 0
Total Example Trifecta Full Wheel Cost, $1 per Combination = 72 – 12 + 0 = 60 x $1 = $60
8 Horse Trifecta Full Wheel Winning Combinations
Assume 2 unique horse first key, 6 unique horse second key, 0 horse unique third key + 6 from second key.
For simplicity, 60 combinations is too many to write. Use the equation to calculate winning combinations for each Trifecta Full Wheel.
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Trifecta Wheel Cost
The calculation is more complicated because there are more possible combinations. Also, putting the same horse in multiple keys must be considered.
Let A equal Key 1 number of horses, B equal Key 2 number of horses, C equal Key 3 number of horses.
Let AB equal number of same horses in both Key 1 and Key 2.
Let BC equal number of same horses in both Key 2 and Key 3.
Let AC equal number of same horses in both Key 1 and Key 3.
Let ABC equal number of same horses in all keys: Key 1, Key 2 and Key 3.
(A x B x C) – (AB x C) – (BC x A) – (AC x B) + (ABC x 2) = Total Trifecta Wheel Cost
| Horses | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 | $6 |
| 4 | $12 |
| 5 | $20 |
| 6 | $30 |
| 7 | $42 |
| 8 | $56 |
| 9 | $72 |
| 10 | $90 |
| 11 | $110 |
Trifecta Part Wheel Cost Table: $1 Per Combination
Each number represents a horse. Read 10 and 11 as two digit numbers in larger fields.
Some horses have been added to multiple keys.
Example:
1,2,3/1,2,3/1,2,3,4 = $12 (Horses 1,2,3 in all 3 keys)
| Combination | $1 Cost |
| 1 2 345 | $3 |
| 1 2 3456 | $4 |
| 1 2 34567 | $5 |
| 1 2 345678 | $6 |
| 1 2 3456789 | $7 |
| 1 2 345678910 | $8 |
| 1 2 34567891011 | $9 |
| 1 2 3456789101112 | $10 |
| 1 23 345 | $5 |
| 1 23 3456 | $7 |
| 1 23 34567 | $9 |
| 1 23 345678 | $11 |
| 1 23 3456789 | $13 |
| 1 23 345678910 | $15 |
| 1 23 34567891011 | $17 |
| 1 23 3456789101112 | $19 |
| 1 234 345 | $7 |
| 1 234 3456 | $12 |
| 1 234 34567 | $13 |
| 1 234 345678 | $16 |
| 1 234 3456789 | $19 |
| 1 234 345678910 | $22 |
| 1 234 34567891011 | $25 |
| 1 234 3456789101112 | $28 |
| 1 2345 345 | $9 |
| 1 2345 3456 | $13 |
| 1 2345 34567 | $17 |
| 1 2345 345678 | $21 |
| 1 2345 3456789 | $25 |
| 1 2345 345678910 | $29 |
| 1 2345 34567891011 | $33 |
| 1 2345 3456789101112 | $37 |
| 1 23456 345 | $12 |
| 1 23456 3456 | $16 |
| 1 23456 34567 | $21 |
| 1 23456 345678 | $26 |
| 1 23456 3456789 | $31 |
| 1 23456 345678910 | $36 |
| 1 23456 34567891011 | $41 |
| 1 23456 3456789101112 | $46 |
| Combination | $1 Cost |
| 123 4 567 | $9 |
| 123 4 5678 | $12 |
| 123 4 56789 | $15 |
| 123 4 5678910 | $18 |
| 123 4 567891011 | $21 |
| 123 4 56789101112 | $24 |
| 1234 5 678 | $12 |
| 1234 5 6789 | $16 |
| 1234 5 678910 | $20 |
| 1234 5 67891011 | $24 |
| 1234 5 6789101112 | $28 |
| 12 34 567 | $12 |
| 12 34 5678 | $16 |
| 12 34 56789 | $20 |
| 12 34 5678910 | $24 |
| 12 34 567891011 | $28 |
| 12 34 56789101112 | $32 |
| 12 12 345 | $6 |
| 12 12 3456 | $8 |
| 12 12 34567 | $10 |
| 12 12 345678 | $12 |
| 12 12 3456789 | $14 |
| 12 12 345678910 | $16 |
| 12 12 34567891011 | $18 |
| 12 12 3456789101112 | $20 |
| 12 12 34 | $4 |
| 12 12 345 | $6 |
| 12 12 3456 | $8 |
| 12 12 34567 | $10 |
| 12 12 345678 | $12 |
| 12 12 3456789 | $14 |
| 12 12 345678910 | $16 |
| 12 12 34567891011 | $18 |
| 12 12 3456789101112 | $20 |
| 123 123 1234 | $12 |
| 123 123 12345 | $18 |
| 123 123 123456 | $24 |
| 123 123 1234567 | $30 |
| 123 123 12345678 | $36 |
| 123 123 123456789 | $42 |
| 123 123 12345678910 | $48 |
| 123 123 1234567891011 | $54 |
| 123 123 123456789101112 | $60 |
| 12 3 456 | $6 |
| 12 3 4567 | $8 |
| 12 3 45678 | $10 |
| 12 3 456789 | $12 |
| 12 3 45678910 | $14 |
| 12 3 4567891011 | $16 |
| 12 3 456789101112 | $18 |
| See Also |
|---|
| Trifecta Betting |
| Trifecta Box Betting |
| Superfecta Betting |
If you are betting on horse racing, you should know how to place a Trifecta. This wage is hard to get right, but has big profit potential. Trifecta Betting is popular because even a small wager can have a big payoff due to the difficulty of correctly selecting the top 3 finishers. It’s one of the best ways to win big without putting a lot of money at risk.
What Is A Trifecta Bet?
A Trifecta Bet is when the bettor selects the first, second, and third places finishers in exact order. If they finish in the correct order you win, and you can win big! If those exact horses don’t finish the race in that exact order, the bet is lost.
Different Types of Trifecta Bets
There are four different types of Trifecta Bets you can place, a straight, key, box, or wheel. Even the most seasoned bettors don’t always understand how each work. Let us break each one down:
Straight Trifecta Horse Racing Betting
This is the simplest type of Trifecta Bet. It’s a single wager where you pick exactly three horses and decide the exact order you think they will finish in. That’s it. The horses MUST finish for you to win. This is not a very forgiving bet, but when you risk high, you can win big.
Trifecta Box Horse Racing Betting
A Trifecta box can also be known as a reverse triactor or a combination tricast. In this bet, you choose the top three horses, but they can finish in any order. This makes it easier to win, but it comes at a cost. It’s a multiple wager, which means you’re clearly much more likely to get a win here but you have to pay for each combination of your chosen horses. A Trifecta box on three selections costs $12 instead of $2 for the straight Trifecta. A Trifecta box can cover more than three horses. But the increase in possible combinations increases the cost. With four horses, for example, there are 24 possible combinations. The cost to cover them all is $48.
Trifecta Key Box Horse Racing Betting
This bet is a good one when you have confidence in one of your picks, but you’re unsure about the others. So you choose one “key” selection and other “non-key” selections. The Trifecta Key box keeps the total cost lower, while allowing you to bet on your key players. For example, you can bet on the first and third place finishers and choose one or more other horses to fill in the second place spot.
Trifecta Wheel Horse Racing Betting
A Trifecta wheel is where you pick one horse to finish in a specific position, and back all possible combinations with the rest of the field. You pay for each possible combination, which depends on how many horses are taking part in the race. As long as your winner wins, you win; but you’re relying on one horse to win the race. You can opt for a part wheel Trifecta, which means you pick one horse to finish first, and then pick a select number of horses that will finish second and third. Here, you’re only covering less possible combinations, so you’ve reduced your overall chances of winning but you’re being much more efficient with your money.
What is the Minimum Stake on a Trifecta Bet?
The minimum betting amount for a Trifecta Bet both online and at the track is $0.50 or $1. These bets are very popular, because they are a low cost bet. Of course, the larger the field, the larger the payout.
How To Calculate the Payout for An Exacta Bet
Trifectas are a form of pari-mutuel wagering which means that payouts are calculated based on the share of a betting pool. A new pool is created for each race. The bigger the pool, the bigger the payout if you win. Here’s a basic example of how this works.
- 10,000 $1 Trifecta tickets are sold for a race
- The betting pool is $10,000 (10,000 x $1)
- There are 100 tickets with the correct finishing order of the first three horses.
- Each ticket receives a payout of $100 ($10,000 / 100)
In a real betting situation, you also have to factor in that not all bets are $1 and the track will take their cut before the prize pool is calculated, so there are additional payouts to consider. However, don’t let that worry you. Trifecta Bets can still give huge returns.
Trifecta Bet Calculator
Each type of Trifecta Bet is calculated a bit differently, which is why it’s important to know how much money you’re putting in based on the risks involved. Let’s look at how to calculate the costs of a Trifecta Bet.
$1 Trifecta Key Costs: To figure the cost of a Trifecta Key, use this simple equation: $ x Number of horses x number of horses minus one.
- For example, a $1 Trifecta Key 1 with 2,3,4,5 would be 1 x 4 x 3 = 12 possible combinations costing you $12.
- $1 with 2,3,4: $6
Trifecta Part Wheel Costs: Multiply the number of horses used on top or the win position of the exacta with the number of horses used in the second position (less one if the same number is used on top in the exacta).
- # of horses in the first position x # of horses in the second position minus 1 x # of horses in the third position minus 2.
- For example, a $1 Trifecta Part Wheel 1 with 2,3,4 with 2,3,4,5 = 1 x 3 x 3 = $9 (9 possible combinations)
$1 Trifecta Cost Chart
Trifecta Box Costs: To figure the cost here simply multiply the number of horses used by the number of horses used less one.
- $1 Trifecta Box with three horses: $6 (6 possible combinations)
- $1 Trifecta Box with four horses: $24 (24 possible combinations)
- $1 Trifecta Box with five horses: $60 (60 possible combinations)
Cost Of 7 Horse Trifecta
The more horses you add to an Exacta Bet, the more likely you are to lose money in the end. If you bet on 8 horses, you have more chances of winning, but you would be lucky to make $30, resulting in a loss of nearly $650. For this reason, Exacta Box horse racing betting is generally best left to experienced handicappers, or those who employ the services of a veteran handicapper.
Of course, the track will take out its portion before the prize pool is calculated so the payout wouldn’t be exactly $120. But still, a $100 return on a $2 bet is amazing odds.
Whether it’s a huge race or an unexpected win, an Exacta payout usually gives a decent return, which is why it’s one of the most popular bets.
And They’re Off!
You can place Trifecta Bets at any racetrack or off-track betting bureau. At the track, you simply complete a betting slip or you can just request your selection verbally at the counter. If you’re not sure what to do, just ask a member of staff for some assistance. If you’re still a little unsure about how to place your bets or where to put your money, don’t worry. You’re not the first person to need a bit of help, which is why AmWager is here.
Horse betting can be an intimidating endeavor until you get used to the wagers, lingo, and payouts. AmWager has an easy to use online betting platform anyone can use to place their bets. Check it out and try your hand with the horses, it might be the one step to your next lucky break.