Best backed horses highlight runners attracting significant support in betting markets, often influenced by recent form, connections, or insider confidence.
These horses, commonly referred to as market movers, see price shifts that indicate increased optimism about their chances.
Here at Sports Betting Tipsters, we stay updated on the latest market movers and use all of the racing data available to us, to make informed and data-driven decisions on the latest race fixtures.
Find all of the market movers racing today as we constantly update all of our horse racing tips.
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What Are Best Backed Horses?
Best backed horses are runners receiving substantial bets, causing their odds to shorten.
This surge in backing signifies confidence from punters and bookmakers alike. Market movement occurs when a horse garners increased financial support, often resulting in its price dropping significantly.
Is Best Backed the Same as Market Movers?
Yes, best backed horses are essentially market movers, with odds shortening due to heavy betting activity.
Conversely, horses whose odds drift indicate a lack of market confidence. Market movers can be divided into:
- Steamers: Horses with shortening odds due to strong backing.
- Drifters: Horses with lengthening odds reflecting reduced support.
How Are Best Backed Horses Identified?
Spotting best backed horses requires analysing:
Opening Prices vs Current Odds
Compare the opening odds to the current market prices. Significant shortening suggests heavy backing, while drifters indicate limited support.
Example:
Horse A opens at 5/1 but shortens to 2/1. This proves that the particular horse is being backed, a good indicated that they are a backed horse and popular option.
Market Trends
Monitor bookmakers and betting exchanges to identify horses experiencing price changes. Early market movements often highlight horses tipped for strong performances.
Keep an eye on the odds and any changes. We are constantly watching all of the latest market trends.
Trainer and Jockey Influence
Well-backed horses are often linked to in-form trainers or top jockey bookings, signalling confidence in the horse’s potential.
Recent Performance
Horses with impressive recent runs or strong form attract substantial bets, especially when racing under favourable conditions.
You can often guarantee that in-form horses or jockeys will come with a lot of backing by other punters.
Why Do Best Backed Horses Matter?
Best backed horses often present strong betting opportunities. The key reasons include:
- Confidence Indicator: Market backing reflects growing confidence among punters and connections.
- Favourable Form: Shortened odds typically align with horses showing consistent or improving performances.
- Strategic Insights: Identifying these runners can help punters align their bets with market momentum.
At Sports Betting Tipsters, we look at more than just a trending or favourable horse, but this is one of many factors we consider when processing our tips.
How to Use Best Backed Horses to Your Advantage
Spotting and understanding market movers can enhance your betting strategy:
- Analyse Early Movements: Early odds shortening indicates strong backing and insider confidence.
- Combine with Form Analysis: Cross-reference market movers with their form, trainer trends, and race conditions.
- Bet with Bookmakers Offering Best Odds Guaranteed: Secure the highest value even if odds shorten further.
- Monitor Close to the Off: Late market support often highlights horses expected to perform well on the day.
FAQs for Best Backed Horses
Why do odds shorten for best backed horses?
Odds shorten when a high volume of bets is placed on a horse, prompting bookmakers to adjust prices to balance their liabilities. This often reflects growing market confidence in the horse’s chances of winning.
Do best backed horses always win?
No, while best backed horses receive significant support, success depends on multiple factors like competition, track conditions, and race dynamics. However, they statistically outperform long-shot contenders.
Are best backed horses a reliable betting strategy?
Best backed horses provide insight into market sentiment, but relying solely on them is risky. Combining this information with other factors like speed ratings, form analysis, and race conditions improves reliability.
What are early market movers?
Early market movers are horses whose odds shorten significantly during the initial stages of betting. This often indicates early confidence from professional punters or insider knowledge.
How can you track the best backed horses?
The best backed horses can be identified through betting exchanges, live odds trackers, and bookmaker reports. Tools like ATR Market Movers provide real-time insights into horses gaining strong betting support.
What causes sudden betting activity on a horse?
Sudden betting activity can result from factors such as insider tips, favourable weather changes, last-minute trainer updates, or significant backing by professional gam
