What Is a Quinella Bet? A Simple Guide to Quinella Betting
A Quinella bet is a popular and easy-to-understand wager in horse racing that lets you pick two horses to finish in the top two spots in any order. It’s a bit more flexible and easier to win compared to an Exacta, where you need to predict the exact finishing order. While the payouts for a Quinella are typically lower than an Exacta, the added flexibility and simplicity make it a favorite for bettors who prefer a lower-risk bet.
In this guide, we’ll break down how Quinella betting works, tips to help maximize your payouts, and why you might choose it over other similar bets like the Exacta.
How Does a Quinella Bet Work?
With a Quinella bet, you pick two horses to finish first and second in any order. As long as your horses take the top two spots, you win. It’s different from an Exacta (or Perfecta), where you must get the exact order of finish right.
- Minimum Bet: Typically, a Quinella bet requires a $2 minimum, but some tracks offer $1 Quinella options, which makes it more affordable if you want to cover more horses.
- Payout: Since a Quinella is easier to win, the payouts are generally smaller compared to an Exacta. But you can still get a solid return, especially if you pick longshots or medium-priced horses.
Quinella vs. Exacta: What’s the Difference?
The Exacta is more common and has the potential for bigger payouts, but it’s harder to win because you have to predict the exact order of the top two horses. A Quinella offers more flexibility since the order doesn’t matter, which is why it usually pays less.
Example:
- Quinella: You pick Horses #3 and #5 to finish in the top two spots. It doesn’t matter if Horse #3 comes first and Horse #5 comes second, or vice versa you win either way.
- Exacta: You also pick Horses #3 and #5, but now you need them to finish in a specific order, like #3 coming first and #5 coming second. If the order is reversed, you lose.
With a Quinella, you’ve got better odds of winning because there’s less guesswork involved.
Boxing Horses in a Quinella Bet
Just like with other exotic bets, you can box horses in a Quinella to cover all possible combinations. This means you can bet on multiple horses and win as long as any two of them finish in the top two.
Example of a Quinella Box:
- A 3-horse Quinella Box would cost $6 for a $2 wager. You’d be betting on these combinations: Horse #1 and #2, Horse #2 and #3, and Horse #1 and #3. As long as any two of these horses finish in the top two, you win.
- The more horses you add to the box, the more combinations you’re covering—and the more it costs. For example, a 4-horse Quinella Box costs $12 (since there are 6 possible combinations).
Tips for Maximizing Your Quinella Payouts
Although Quinella bets are easier to win, the payouts can vary a lot based on the horses you choose. Here are a few strategies to boost your potential return:
Betting on Favorites
If you think the favorite is almost guaranteed to place in the top two, consider betting on a Quinella rather than an Exacta. Since many bettors focus on Exactas, a Quinella payout could actually be better, especially if the favorite finishes second.
Avoiding the Favorite
Want to go for a bigger payout? Try leaving the favorite out of your Quinella. Since most bettors include the favorite, skipping it and picking medium-priced horses or longshots gives you the chance for a much bigger win.
Keying a Horse
If you’re sure one horse will finish in the top two, but you’re unsure about the other, you can key that horse in a Quinella bet. This strategy lowers your costs while still covering multiple possibilities.
Example of a Key Quinella Bet:
Let’s say you’re confident that Horse #3 will finish in the top two, and you think Horses #5, #7, and #9 also have a good shot. You’d place a Quinella Key with Horse #3 and the other three horses. If Horse #3 and any of your other picks finish in the top two, you win.
Cost of a Quinella Bet
The cost of a Quinella bet depends on how many horses you include. A straight Quinella with two horses costs $2. But if you’re using a Quinella Box to cover more horses, the price goes up based on the number of combinations.
Cost Breakdown:
- 2-horse Quinella: $2 for one combination.
- 3-horse Quinella Box: $6 for three combinations.
- 4-horse Quinella Box: $12 for six combinations.
Some tracks also offer $1 Quinellas, making it easier to cover more horses without spending too much.
When to Use a Quinella Bet
A Quinella bet is a great option in a few different situations:
- Unpredictable Races: When there’s no clear favorite, and it’s tough to predict the outcome, a Quinella Box gives you more coverage without having to guess the exact order.
- Heavy Favorite: If you believe a favorite will definitely place in the top two, but you’re not sure if they’ll win, a Quinella gives you flexibility while still offering a solid chance to cash in.
- Longshots: Skipping the favorite and betting on two longshots to place in the top two can lead to much bigger payouts.
Is the Quinella Bet Right for You?
The Quinella is a low-risk, high-reward bet that’s perfect for anyone looking for a simpler and more flexible alternative to the Exacta. Although the payouts might not be as big, the Quinella’s easier-to-win structure makes it an attractive option. Whether you’re boxing multiple horses, keying a solid contender, or aiming for longshots, the Quinella can be a fun and profitable way to bet on horse racing.
FAQs
- What is a Quinella bet in horse racing?
A Quinella bet lets you pick two horses to finish first and second, and they can finish in any order. - What’s the difference between a Quinella and an Exacta?
In a Quinella, the top two horses can finish in any order, while in an Exacta, you have to predict the exact order of the top two finishers. - Can you box horses in a Quinella?
Yes, you can place a Quinella Box to cover multiple combinations. For example, a 3-horse Quinella Box covers all possible combinations of those three horses finishing in the top two. - How much does a Quinella bet cost?
A $2 Quinella costs $2 for one combination. A 3-horse Quinella Box costs $6, and a 4-horse Quinella Box costs $12. - When’s the best time to bet a Quinella?
Quinellas are a smart choice when a race has an unpredictable outcome or when you think a favorite might finish second. They’re also a good option when you want to bet on multiple horses without needing to guess the exact order of finish.