Last Updated on July 8, 2026
In the world of horse racing betting, punters have more options than simply picking a single horse to win. One of the more intriguing — and potentially rewarding — alternatives is the Reverse Forecast. It’s a bet that asks a little more of you in terms of prediction, but also offers bigger returns if your hunch pays off.
So, what exactly is a Reverse Forecast bet, how does it compare with other types of bets, and when should you consider placing one?
What Is a Reverse Forecast Bet?
A Reverse Forecast is a bet where you pick two horses to finish first and second in either order in a specific race. You win if your two selections occupy the top two places — regardless of which of the two wins.
To place this bet, you’re essentially making two straight forecast bets: one with Horse A to beat Horse B, and another with Horse B to beat Horse A. That means the Reverse Forecast costs twice your stake. For example, a £1 Reverse Forecast bet will cost you £2 in total — £1 on each possible finishing order.
Let’s say you fancy Horse 4 and Horse 7 in an eight-runner race. You place a £5 Reverse Forecast bet. If Horse 7 wins and Horse 4 comes second, you win. If Horse 4 wins and Horse 7 comes second, you also win. If either horse finishes outside the top two — no payout.
How Does It Compare With Other Bet Types?
Understanding how Reverse Forecast stacks up against other popular horse racing bets is key to knowing when it’s the right option.
Straight Forecast
A Straight Forecast requires you to correctly predict the exact order of the top two finishers. It’s a single bet, so it costs less than a Reverse Forecast — but it offers no flexibility. If you get the order wrong, you lose.
A Reverse Forecast covers both possible outcomes by placing two Straight Forecasts (one for each finishing order). The payout for each correct forecast is the same, but because you’re placing two bets, the total stake is double. So if your Reverse Forecast wins, your return will be the same as a Straight Forecast for the correct combination, just with more outlay.
Exacta / Quinella
If you’re betting through the Tote or a pool-based system (as opposed to fixed-odds with a bookmaker), the equivalent of a Reverse Forecast is a Quinella — choosing two horses to finish first and second in either order. The Exacta, on the other hand, is the Tote version of a Straight Forecast.
The odds and payouts vary depending on how many punters are in the pool, but the principle is much the same.
Each-Way Bet
An each-way bet is really two bets in one — one for your horse to win, and one for it to place (usually in the top 3 or 4, depending on the race size). It’s popular with punters who want a return even if their horse doesn’t win.
By contrast, a Reverse Forecast has a narrower window — your horses need to finish first and second — but the returns are generally higher.
Tricast
If you’re feeling particularly confident (or lucky), a Tricast requires you to name the first three horses in the correct order. It’s significantly harder to land, and you’ll often see huge payouts — but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The Reverse Forecast offers a more realistic challenge with better odds than a single win or each-way bet.
When Is a Reverse Forecast a Good Choice?
A Reverse Forecast is a smart bet in certain conditions, especially when:
Two Horses Stand Out
If you believe two horses are clearly better than the rest of the field, but you’re unsure which one will come out on top, a Reverse Forecast is a logical choice. You’re betting on the duel — not who wins it.
You’re Avoiding Odds-On Favourites
Let’s say there’s an odds-on favourite, but you fancy a couple of horses that offer better value. Backing them both in a Reverse Forecast gives you a better return than an each-way bet if they outperform expectations.
The Race Has a Small Field
Smaller fields naturally have fewer combinations of finishers. In a five-runner race, a Reverse Forecast is more likely to come off than in a 14-runner handicap. If your top two picks look solid, this can be a sensible play.
You Want a Bit More Excitement
Let’s be honest — cheering home two horses adds a little extra thrill to the race. A Reverse Forecast turns a single win bet into something more strategic, without diving into the complexity of tricasts or combination bets.
Payouts and Returns
Reverse Forecasts can return decent profits, particularly if the horses involved are longer odds. Bookmakers typically use a set formula or refer to the Computer Straight Forecast (CSF) dividends to calculate winnings.
Keep in mind that your return is not fixed at the time of placing the bet — it depends on the starting prices (SPs) and how those horses are expected to finish relative to others in the field.
Final Thoughts
A Reverse Forecast sits neatly in the middle ground between simplicity and strategy. It’s perfect for races where you can confidently narrow it down to two strong contenders but aren’t willing to risk everything on getting the exact order right.
While it costs a little more than a basic win bet or straight forecast, the increased chance of success — and the larger potential return — makes it a popular option for seasoned punters and casual fans alike.
So next time you’re scanning a racecard and two names jump out at you, consider whether a Reverse Forecast might just be your best bet.
