How do I read a greyhound racecard?

A greyhound racecard displays each runner's trap number, name, trainer, recent form figures, best time at the track distance, and current weight. The form figures are a sequence showing the dog's position at key points during each of its recent races — typically the first bend, second bend, and finishing position, along with the distance won or beaten by, the calculated time, and the going (track condition). Sectional times, where published, break the race into a time to the first bend and a run-home time, revealing whether the dog is an early-pace type or a strong finisher. Weight changes between runs can signal fitness shifts, and trainer details help you identify kennel form patterns. Reading the racecard fluently takes practice, but the core skill is learning to look beyond the finishing positions and into the detail of how each run unfolded.

What is the best trap position in greyhound racing?

Inside traps — particularly trap one and trap two — produce the highest overall win percentages across UK tracks, with the three inside positions (traps one to three) collectively accounting for approximately 55 to 58 percent of winners. The advantage comes from a shorter path to the first bend and less exposure to early crowding. However, the degree of inside-trap bias varies significantly between tracks. At venues with a short run to the first bend, such as Romford, the inside advantage is pronounced. At larger, more galloping tracks like Towcester or Hove, the gap between inside and outside positions narrows. The best approach is to check trap statistics at the specific track and distance you're betting on rather than relying on national averages. A dog's running style also matters — a natural wide runner drawn inside can be just as disadvantaged as a railer drawn in trap six.

How are greyhound racing odds calculated?

Greyhound odds are set initially by bookmakers' traders, who assess each dog's chance of winning based on recent form, trap draw, track record, and kennel form. These opening prices are then adjusted in response to betting activity — when money comes in on a specific dog, its odds shorten, and the odds on the other runners lengthen. The starting price (SP) is determined at the moment the traps open, based on the on-course market. Because greyhound races feature only six runners, the markets are significantly more volatile than horse racing: a single large bet can move the entire field's odds. Punters can either take the board price at the time of betting (locking in the displayed odds) or accept SP. Taking the board price is advantageous when you believe the dog is underestimated early; accepting SP is safer when you expect the odds to drift.

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