THURSDAY Strategy Session: Race Selection

 Race Selection for the Superfecta Player

To any 10 CENT Superfecta player race selection is critical to powering up your bankroll. What constitutes a great wagering race? One that could bring forward a hefty payout. Here are the criteria we look at for solid race selection.

Field Size

Ten or more wagering interests will bring about a juicy payout.

Conditions

In order of potential payouts and handicapping difficulty you might order your races like this:

Maiden Claiming

Maiden Special Weight.

Claiming.

Allowance.

Stakes.

Graded Stakes.

Look over the results data of your favored track and determine the average payout for each of the classes above for a given meet. Target those that have significant payouts.

Track

Yes, the premiere tracks have larger handle, and subsequently bigger pools for the Superfecta. Top tracks like Santa Anita, Gulfstream, Belmont, Churchill, Woodbine Keeneland, and Saratoga. Major tracks also generate decent sized pools as well. Don't discount the smaller tracks like Delta Downs, Turf Paradise, and Will Rogers. Sometimes the racing secretaries will put together sizable, competitive fields.

Trainer Diversity

How many times have you examined a large field ready to play only to discover that a few trainers have multiple entrants in the race. These tend to be low payout affairs. Look for a race in which each individual entrant has a distinct trainer assigned.

Morning Line

Look for a morning line favorite of 5/2 or greater. These races are usually very competitive making for beefy payouts when the above criteria are met.

Variant Target Considerations

• Turf Sprints seem to provide nice 10 CENT Superfecta returns no matter the racetrack. Every horse has to break well to have a fine race. With a bad break it is difficult for a horse to recover making it a fabulous handicapping opportunity.
• Lucky Last. The ultimate race of the day usually has a good size field. These can be wonderful races to handicap for a decent score.
• Follow the Penta. For a number of tracks a high five carryover will attract good field sizes and decent money poured into the pools. Usually, the racing secretary is quite adept at putting together a fantastic race.

It is very important for the 10 CENT (20 CENT in Canada or Hawthorne) Superfecta player to be selective in the races they play. It provides the potential for large payouts and preservation of bankroll.

May all your Superfecta tickets cash in Q2 2026.