TRIFECTAS
The trifecta - The trifecta is simply an extension of the exacta. It probably isn’t as good a betting vehicle, however, because the
“take-out” is greater and virtually any horse can run third. It’s lure is great, however, since on occasion longshots make the mutuel
astronomical. Probably the best trifecta bet is a part wheel featuring the second favorite (or the second and third favorites) to win
with the favorite to run second and all the horses in the third position. That ticket wins anytime the second (or maybe third) favorite
beats the favorite who hangs on for second. That is not an unusual scenario, and if we are lucky enough to have a longshot run
third, the mutuel can be quite rewarding. Boxing the second, third, and fourth favorites when we think the favorite is false is also a
fairly good way to play the trifecta. We would prefer to try to beat him by playing a part wheel using only two horses in the win
position and adding a fourth in the show slot. The cost is the same but it is easier to pick the winner than it is to try to figure out
who might run third.
