The trackside lingo can feel like a foreign language for new racegoers. This can create problems when you’re trying to understand the best horse racing tips. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of the most common jargon to help you place that all-important bet.
Backed Off the Map
This is what you want when you’ve got hot Melbourne racing tips, and you’ve already placed your bets. This means that a lot of money is coming from your pick, suggesting its there for a big race.
Correct Weight
After the race, the weight carried by the runner is confirmed and the “correct weight” is the stewards signal that bets can be paid out. The correct weight is announced over the PA, so get ready to cheer.
Dead
No, you don’t need to wear black, it refers to a favoured runner drifting alarmingly in the betting.
Dwelt
This is usually associated with fractious runners, and it means that they have been slow out of the starting gate. If your pick has a wide gate and misses the jump, it isn’t a good sign for your bet.
Fractious
This is something you don’t want to hear about your pick for the best horse racing tips. It means that the horse is unsettled and highly aroused. If this happens in the barriers, your runner is not likely to get a great start.
Get Out Stakes
This is always the last race on the card and your last chance to place a bet. For some punters, this is a last ditch effort to walk off the track a winner.
Hard Held
This means that the jockey is trying to slow the horse so it won’t incur a weight penalty after the win. This is the opposite of ridden out, where jockeys urge the horses on until they reach the finishing post.
Long Shot
This is a runner that’s paying big odds. Finding them is usually beyond beginners, as even the most educated gamblers struggle to find them.
Mudlark
This is a horse that does really well on a wet track. Wet weather can often turn racing form on its head, so a mudlark can be a great find.
Off the Bit
If you hear this announcement about your horse, you should be very worried. It means that your horse is being ridden on a loose rein to allow free galloping. It means that the horse is going full steam, and if it is a way off the finishing line, it could be in trouble.
Protest
You don’t need to be worried if there is an air raid siren blasting to signal a protest. During the race, there can be a number of incidents that may influence the outcome. If an objection is lodged, the racetrack officials will decide whether a result needs to be overturned.
Scratched
If a horse is scratched, it means that it was entered to run, but was pulled. The most common reason for scratching is injury or illness. A late scratching can happen right up until the gates open.
