Quick info on the daily double
The daily double is a pretty popular wager you can place on horse racing in some parts of the world. As a combined bet, it is in effect a running double. Unlike a regular double, however, it’s not you but the bookmaker or racecourse itself that decides which two events on the card feature. Traditionally, the daily double is reserved for the first two races, but variants of this exist.
A hugely popular running double is the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The latter is the USA’s most famous horse race and, with the fillies’ equivalents of the three-year-old colts only event, it makes sense for American punters to have a crack at this combined bet. Unlike a typical daily double, though, the races are held on different days.
Having the daily double explained is one thing, but it’s tough to talk tactics when it’s not you but bookies or the racetrack deciding what races are included in this type of wager. You need a bit of luck before the horses even run as, if you don’t have a strong view or fancy for one of the designated events, it makes betting on the daily double odds that much more difficult.
Bookmakers certainly won’t make a running double easy for punters. They will not be chosen at random from the races on the card and like as not will be the most open events based on the betting. There’s thus little to recommend taking part in a daily double unless you have a strong view on both featured races.
Unlike a regular combined bet, you can’t bet each-way on this wager. That makes it even less attractive. There may be enhanced odds, however, not available on a standard double. With the daily double explained, it’s now down to you and your judgement to decide whether it’s a bet that’s worthwhile having.
