A forecast concerns the first two finishers, while a tricast concerns the first three. Depending on the variation, the horses may also need to finish in an exact nominated order.
These markets may produce larger potential returns than a standard win bet because predicting multiple finishing positions is more difficult and creates more possible losing outcomes. They are not automatically better value: suitability depends on the analysis, number of lines and total stake.
What Is a Forecast Bet?
A forecast involves selecting the horses that will finish first and second. The required order depends on whether it is straight, reverse or combination.
Straight Forecast
A straight forecast requires two horses to finish in the exact nominated order:
- Silver Lantern first
- Meadow Crest second
- One betting line
It loses if Meadow Crest wins and Silver Lantern finishes second.
Reverse Forecast
A reverse forecast covers both possible orders:
- Silver Lantern first, Meadow Crest second
- Meadow Crest first, Silver Lantern second
- Two betting lines
This provides more coverage but doubles the number of lines and, at the same unit stake, the total cost.
Combination Forecast
A combination forecast covers every possible first-and-second order among three or more selections. Silver Lantern, Meadow Crest and North Harbour create six lines because each horse can win with either of the other two finishing second.
What Is a Tricast Bet?
A tricast involves predicting the first three finishers. A straight tricast requires all three in the correct sequence. Availability and settlement conditions can vary by race and operator.
Straight Tricast
A straight tricast is one exact order:
- Silver Lantern first
- Meadow Crest second
- North Harbour third
- One betting line
Any incorrect position causes the bet to lose.
Combination Tricast
A combination tricast covers every first-three order among the selected horses. Three selections create six lines, four create 24 and five create 60. The Tote similarly defines its pool-based Trifecta as selecting the first three horses in order, with combination entries covering permutations.
Forecast vs Tricast: What Is the Difference?
| Factor | Forecast | Tricast |
| Positions predicted | First and second | First, second and third |
| Minimum selections | Two | Three |
| Exact order required | For straight forecasts | For straight tricasts |
| Combination options | Available | Available |
| Relative difficulty | Lower | Higher |
| Potential line growth | Moderate | Rapid |
| Best suited to | A strong view of two runners | A supported view of three runners |
A tricast adds another finishing position, more losing outcomes and faster line growth when combinations are used.
When Are Forecast and Tricast Bets Worth Considering?
Once readers have decided whether their analysis supports predicting the first two or first three finishers, they can compare the available racing markets at 7bet and review the conditions displayed for the chosen race. Market availability, settlement methods and the treatment of non-runners can vary, so the bet slip and applicable rules should be checked before choosing a straight, reverse or combination option.
Consider a Forecast When Two Horses Stand Out
A forecast may suit a supported view that two horses are stronger than the remainder. Evidence might include a readable field, clear recent form, a class advantage or a favourable pace scenario.
When the leading two appear clear but their order is uncertain, a reverse forecast may represent the analysis better than one exact sequence. The trade-off is twice the number of lines.
Consider a Tricast Only When Third Place Is Also Readable
Confidence about the winner alone is not enough. A tricast also needs evidence for second and third, based on factors such as form, class, distance, going, pace or race shape.
A combination tricast covers every possible permutation, so it should be considered only when all three selections are supported and the full cost fits the planned stake.
When Neither Market Fits
Forecasts and tricasts may be unsuitable in large, closely matched handicaps, races with several unexposed runners or events with an uncertain pace. They are also poor fits when confidence extends only to the winner or combination coverage creates too many lines. In those circumstances, a straightforward win or each-way bet may represent the bettor’s actual opinion more accurately.
How Much Do Combination Bets Cost?
The unit stake may apply to every separate line rather than the whole combination.
| Number of selections | Combination forecast lines | Combination tricast lines |
| 3 | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 12 | 24 |
| 5 | 20 | 60 |
| 6 | 30 | 120 |
As an illustrative example, a four-horse combination tricast creates 24 lines. At £0.25 per line, the total stake is £6. This demonstrates the calculation; it is not a recommended stake.
Adding one horse can sharply increase the number of lines, especially in a tricast. More combinations increase coverage but do not remove the risk of losing. Check the full cost before submission.
How Are Forecast and Tricast Returns Calculated?
Settlement depends on the operator and market. Some bookmakers offer fixed forecast or tricast prices. Others settle using an industry dividend declared after the race. Pool alternatives, commonly called Exacta and Trifecta bets, distribute the relevant pool among winning units after deductions.
An industry forecast or tricast dividend is generally calculated using the runners’ starting prices under the applicable formula. A pool dividend depends on the net amount in the relevant pool and the number or value of winning units. The final return may therefore be unknown until settlement, and no method always pays more than another.
Check the market label, displayed potential return and applicable rules before betting.
Two Worked Examples
Forecast Example: Two Standout Horses
Suppose Silver Lantern and Meadow Crest appear stronger than the field.
A £1 straight forecast on Silver Lantern first and Meadow Crest second creates one £1 line and wins only in that order. A £1 reverse forecast creates two lines, costs £2 and covers either order. The additional coverage doubles the stake.
Tricast Example: Three Likely Leaders
Suppose Silver Lantern, Meadow Crest and North Harbour appear to be the leading three.
A £0.50 straight tricast creates one line costing £0.50 and requires the exact nominated order. A £0.50 combination tricast covers all six orders and costs £3. It therefore costs six times the unit stake.
Rules That Can Affect Settlement
Operator rules may alter bets after non-runners, dead heats, too few runners or too few finishers. A market may be cancelled, converted or settled differently when no official dividend is declared. Minimum stakes and stake displays can also vary.
There is no single universal bookmaker rule. Review the house rules, race information and final bet slip. For example, William Hill explains that a tricast affected by one non-runner may revert to a straight forecast, but another operator may apply different conditions.
Final Checklist Before Choosing the Market
- Do I have a supported opinion about two or three finishing positions?
- Must the selections finish in an exact order?
- How many separate lines will the bet create?
- Is the displayed stake per line or the total?
- What will the complete bet cost?
- Is the market available for this race?
- How will the bet be settled?
- How are non-runners or too few finishers handled?
- Would a win or each-way bet represent my opinion better?
- Am I comfortable losing the full stake?
Conclusion
Forecasts require the first two finishers to be predicted, while tricasts require the first three. Straight bets use one line but demand an exact sequence. Reverse and combination options provide more coverage by creating additional lines, increasing the total cost.
These markets are most appropriate when analysis supports a view of several finishing positions. A potentially larger return does not automatically mean better value.
Forecast and tricast bets should be treated as selective options rather than automatic alternatives to a win bet.
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