Extra places in horse racing enhance each-way bets by increasing the number of positions that qualify for payouts. Bookmakers offer this promotion to attract bettors to competitive races with large fields.
Extra place offers provide exceptional value for bettors targeting longer odds, particularly in major racing events. This guide explains how extra places work, their benefits, strategies for finding the best offers, and how to maximise profits.
The Sports Betting Tipsters team love to capitalise on Extra Places promotions to mitigate risk and enhance our chances of winning.
Contents
What Are Extra Places in Horse Racing?
Extra places extend payouts on each-way bets to cover additional finishing positions. Instead of paying for the top three places, a bookmaker may pay out for the top four, five, or more.
The number of additional places offered depends on factors like race size and bookmaker promotions. Popular races with large fields, such as the Grand National or Cheltenham Festival, are common opportunities for extra place offers.
How Do Extra Places Work?
Extra places apply to each-way bets, where the stake is split between a win and place portion. If the horse finishes in one of the extra positions, the place part of the bet pays out.
For example:
- A standard race might offer payouts for the top three positions.
- An extra place offer extends this to four places.
- If your horse finishes fourth, you win the place portion of the bet.
- The odds for the place payout are typically a fraction (e.g., 1/5 or 1/4) of the original odds.
Benefits of Extra Place Betting
Extra places provide tangible advantages for bettors aiming to maximise returns with minimal additional risk.
- Increased Winning Potential: Extra places boost the likelihood of securing a payout on each-way bets.
- Target Longer Odds: Bettors can confidently back higher-priced horses with improved chances of landing a profit.
- Enhanced Value: Promotions on popular events provide added value without extra costs.
- Better for Large-Field Races: Extra places add significant returns when betting on competitive races with 16+ runners.
How to Find the Best Extra Place Offers
Extra place promotions vary by bookmaker and race, making it essential to identify the most valuable offers. Below are key strategies to find and assess the best deals.
Check Race Fields
Extra places are most common in large-field races with 12+ runners. Focus on competitive events like the Grand National or Royal Ascot.
Compare Bookmakers
Top bookmakers, such as Bet365, Paddy Power, and William Hill, frequently offer additional places during major racing festivals. Use comparison tools to identify the best offers.
Understand Terms
Pay attention to payout fractions, which may differ by bookmaker. Offers with 1/4 odds provide higher returns than those with 1/5 odds.
Target Early Prices
Placing each-way bets early can secure better odds before market movements, particularly when extra places are announced in advance.
Focus on Value Bets
Look for horses at longer odds that present excellent value with additional places. Small stakes on these bets can result in substantial payouts.
Top Bookmakers Offering Extra Places
Here is an overview of bookmakers known for providing regular extra place offers:
Bet365 Extra Places
Bet365 frequently offers extra places on major UK and Irish races, including Cheltenham, Ascot, and Aintree. Payout fractions and positions are clearly stated on eligible races.
Paddy Power Extra Places
Paddy Power specialises in competitive markets, offering extra place promotions on high-profile races. Bettors can find consistent value, especially during festivals.
William Hill Extra Places
William Hill provides extensive coverage of extra places on large-field races. The bookmaker often leads with additional positions on Saturdays and major events.
Betfair Extra Places
Betfair offers dynamic promotions for extra places, focusing on major festivals. The betting exchange also allows unique opportunities for trading extra place markets.
Coral Extra Places
Coral excels in providing extra places across daily racing events. This includes midweek meetings and marquee festivals with strong field sizes.
Strategies to Maximise Extra Place Offers
To maximise profits from extra place offers, apply these strategic tips:
- Target Large-Field Races: Races with 16+ runners provide greater value due to competitive odds and more finishing positions.
- Focus on Festivals: Major events like Cheltenham, Aintree, and Royal Ascot attract generous extra place promotions.
- Assess Place Odds: Compare place fractions across bookmakers to identify the most rewarding payouts.
- Avoid Over-Betting: Stick to value selections rather than spreading bets across multiple runners unnecessarily.
FAQs About Extra Places
How do extra places differ from standard each-way bets?
Extra places extend the finishing positions that qualify for payouts in each-way bets, increasing winning potential.
What races are most likely to have extra place offers?
Extra place promotions are common in large-field races, such as those during Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, or the Grand National.
Can I combine extra place bets in accumulators?
Yes, many bookmakers allow extra place offers to apply in accumulators, though terms may vary.
Do all bookmakers offer extra places?
Not all bookmakers offer extra places, but leading brands like Bet365, Paddy Power, and Coral consistently provide them during major events.
Conclusion
Extra places offer significant value for horse racing bettors, particularly in competitive, large-field races.
By targeting the best promotions, focusing on high-profile events, and assessing place odds, bettors can maximise profits while reducing risk. Bookmakers like Bet365, Paddy Power, and William Hill lead the market, providing ample opportunities to benefit from extra place betting.
