What is a Tricast bet?
A tricast bet is a racing wager where players pick three runners to finish first, second, and third in the exact order.
Tricasts are primarily used in horse racing and greyhound racing.
Most bookmakers calculate returns using a computer algorithm based on Starting Price (SP) odds after the race finishes, rather than offering fixed odds upfront.
How Tricast payouts are calculated
Most tricast bets settle via Computer Tricast dividend, calculated by a complex algorithm after the race.
The formula considers Starting Price odds of each runner, field size, the favourite's finishing position, and track-specific factors like draw bias. Players won't know their potential return when placing the bet.
The dividend is expressed per £1 stake. If the Computer Tricast dividend is £800.00, a £5 stake returns £4,000.
Example:
At the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, three longshots (50/1, 66/1, 40/1) filled the top three positions. The Computer Tricast dividend paid £73,711.25 per £1 stake.
Tote Trifecta offers an alternative. This parimutuel pool bet combines all stakes, deducts costs, and splits the remainder among winners.
Fixed-odds tricasts exist but are rare and typically cover only selected runners.
Types of Tricast
The default tricast is sometimes called a “straight tricast”, but you can also place a combination tricast to adjust the difficulty and cost of the wager:
A straight tricast covers one specific outcome. A combination tricast covers all six possible finishing orders of your three selections.
If a player picks Horse A, B, and C in a combination tricast, they are placing six separate straight tricast bets covering: ABC, ACB, BAC, BCA, CAB, CBA.
This costs six times the unit stake but dramatically improves their chances of winning.
When any of the player three selections fill the top three positions in any order, one of the six bets wins. However, the payout is lower because only one of the six combinations is correct.
Below is a summary of the difference between straight and combination tricast:
Feature | Straight Tricast | Combination Tricast |
|---|---|---|
Selections | 3 runners in exact order | 3 runners in any order |
Number of bets | 1 | 6 |
Total stake | £10 | £60 (£10 per combination) |
Win condition | Exact 1st-2nd-3rd order | Top 3 in any order |
Payout | Full dividend | One of the six bets |
Difficulty | Extremely high | Moderately high |
Difference between a Tricast, Exacta, and a Forecast bet
Bet Type | Positions Predicted | Order Required | Common Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Forecast | 1st, 2nd | Yes | UK racing | Predicts top two in exact order; simpler than tricast |
Exacta | 1st, 2nd | Yes | US racing | US equivalent of a forecast bet; same structure |
Tricast | 1st, 2nd, 3rd | Yes | UK racing | Predicts top three in exact order; more complex |
When to use a Tricast bet
Tricasts suit specific scenarios where high risk meets high reward potential:
- Large fields: Races with 10+ runners generate bigger dividends. More runners mean longer odds and higher payouts.
- Longshot opportunities: When outsiders have realistic placing chances based on form or track conditions, small stakes can yield substantial returns.
- Predictable favourites: If a player is confident about the winner and runner-up, focus analysis on the third-place finisher to narrow the challenge.
- Low-stake, high-reward appetite: Many bookmakers accept minimum tricast bets of £0.50-£1.00, making them accessible for those willing to risk small amounts.
Conclusion
A tricast bet predicts the first, second, and third finishers in exact order. Computer algorithms calculate dividends after the race based on Starting Price odds, making returns unknown when placing the bet. It is of two types; straight and combination.
While extremely difficult, tricasts can deliver substantial payouts for small stakes, making them attractive for experienced bettors with detailed racing knowledge and appetite for high-risk opportunities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is the Tote Trifecta better value than a Computer Tricast?
Tote Trifecta payouts fluctuate with the pool and number of winners, while Computer Tricast uses fixed SP-based calculations. Longshot races usually favour Trifecta, and favourite-led races often favour Computer Tricast.
What happens if there's a dead heat in my Tricast?
A dead heat does not void your bet. Standard bookmaker rules apply proportional settlement. For example, a dead heat for first divides the "winning" stake equally between the two first-place combinations, reducing the payout. Always check your bookmaker's specific dead heat rules before betting.
Can I place a Tricast on non-handicap races?
Computer Tricast applies mainly to handicap races with 8+ runners. Tote Trifecta is available on most UK races with at least 3 runners. A few bookmakers offer fixed-odds tricasts for big non-handicap races, but these cover only selected runners. Always check the race card to confirm what’s available.
Can I combine Tricasts with other bets across multiple races?
No. A tricast can only be placed on a single race and can’t be rolled into a standard accumulator. Some bookmakers offer “tricast doubles,” but these are separate tricasts on two races rather than a true multi-race accumulator.
Why doesn't the combination option appear for some races?
The combination tricast option only appears in handicap races with enough runners for a Computer Tricast dividend. If the race doesn’t qualify, the option won’t show, and bettors should use Tote Trifecta instead.