Horse Racing Analytics vs. Bracketology: Predictive Models Compared

Finding consistent winners can be challenging for bettors, who may draw inspiration from other sports to develop new strategies.

Bracketology is most popular when making wagers on North American sport, as bettors will need to correctly work out results and permutations of outcomes in succession.

This is completely different from making horse racing bets, as there isn’t a next round for runners to progress to, and they will be running to their best standard every time that they are on the track.

But, is there any correlation between the predictive models that can be utilized when taking advantage of a sign-up offer such as this one: https://www.twinspires.com/200-signup/

Horse Racing Analytics

Studying horse racing can be a long process, as there is a lot of data that a gambler will need to assess before making a selection.

This ensures that every potential angle is covered, and there is no unexpected outcome that could undermine the prospects of achieving returns.

Bettors will go through the racing analytics in the hope of finding a value edge. But, what analytics should be considered before making a wager on horse racing action?

Past Performances

One of the most important factors that racing bettors should assess is the past performances. This includes examining the finishing position, distance covered, and the ground conditions.

Speed figures could help point bettors in the right direction, but re-watching races is often a preferred method for experienced gamblers when it comes to making their final selections.

Variables

Assessing past form is crucial, as it directly affects the variables that may differ in their next run. For example, a horse may have had a poor draw, which could have affected its finishing position. Meanwhile, adverse ground conditions and running over an inadequate distance could also highlight a poor run.

Assessing the variables in play are essential to correlate the past performances and find a reason why a horse ran such a good, or poor race.

Stride Patterns

One of the most distinctive features of horse racing is that all runners have different running styles. Experienced bettors will assess stride patterns before making selections, as this could have a direct impact on a selection's chance.

Horses with certain strike patterns will be more suited to galloping tracks, meaning that tight circuits may not see them in their best light. This analysis can help pinpoint potential areas of value in the market, but it requires extensive knowledge surrounding the sport.

Bracketology

Unlike betting on horse racing, Bracketology works completely differently. Here, a bettor must predict the outcomes of a fixed-field tournament and assess each team's chances against potential future opponents.

This can often be a challenging prospect, and one mistake could see the Bracket fall apart. Bettors typically seek one or two outsiders who could upset the odds in the opening rounds, but they will likely need to have their opinion on the potential winner before making the bracket.

This type of betting option is most popular with college sports, most famously the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament, which is otherwise known as March Madness.

Assessing Win/Loss Records

As in horse racing, those constructing a bracket will need to assess past form. However, when making selections on March Madness, this will come in the form of the win/loss record. Teams with long winning streaks will likely play with greater confidence, and they may be difficult to overcome.

Therefore, they will always rank among the most popular selections to advance to a further stage of the competition. By contrast, teams on losing runs will need a reversal in form, which could be challenging under increased pressure.

Head-to-Head Record

One of the most important factors to consider in Bracketology is the head-to-head record. This could point to an area of value when making selections in tight encounters.

Teams that have previously succeeded against a rival will likely be more confident of repeating that feat, which could give them an edge in a competition where pressure is intense.

Head-to-head trends can also help to pinpoint potential average points for and against per game. Bettors will also likely need to assess home/away records, which could be an important factor when making a final selection.

Team News

One of the biggest differences between Bracketology and making wagers on horse racing is the fact that those making selections on the former will also need to assess the latest team news.

This could be incredibly important for a team’s chances, especially if they are missing a star player. The absence of a star player could limit their scoring opportunities, which would reduce their chances of being selected as a winning team.

Therefore, those making brackets will typically have to stay up to date with all of the latest news throughout a season.