Dual forecast bets often crop up in racing, yet many people are not quite sure what they involve. The idea is simple once it is broken down.
This guide explains what a dual forecast is, how it works, how returns are calculated, and how it differs from a straight forecast. It also covers the key rules that affect payouts, common pitfalls, and when this type of bet tends to be used.
There is a short glossary at the end for quick reference. If you choose to bet, keep it affordable and within your means.
How Does A Dual Forecast Bet Work?
A dual forecast bet allows a player to pick two runners in a race and back them to finish first and second in any order. Both must occupy the top two places for the bet to pay out.
For example, if a player selects Horse A and Horse B, the bet wins if A beats B, or if B beats A. It covers both finishing permutations for the same pair.
Bookmakers and betting sites usually process this as a single bet that accounts for both outcomes. The return is then based on the official forecast dividend, which reflects the prices of the runners and the shape of the race.
Dual forecasts are often used when two runners appear to have a strong chance of filling the top two spots, but there is no firm view on who will finish ahead. Curious about what the returns might look like? That is where the next section helps.
How Do You Calculate Returns On A Dual Forecast?
Returns for a dual forecast are generally driven by the starting prices of the two selections, the size of the field, and how the market is balanced across all possible combinations.
Many bookmakers use a computerised forecast dividend to settle forecast bets. After the race, an official dividend is announced that reflects the odds of the two placed runners, the odds of the others in the race, and the pattern of bets struck. To work out the payout, the stake is multiplied by this dividend. If the forecast dividend is £20.50 to a £1 stake, a £2 stake would return £41 before any deductions.
Exact calculation methods can vary slightly between operators, so it is worth checking the rules shown on the bet slip or the help section of the site used. Now that the return is clear, the next consideration is how many outcomes the bet actually covers.
How Many Bets Does A Dual Forecast Cover?
A dual forecast for one specific pair covers two outcomes: one with the first selection winning and the second in the runner-up spot, and one with those places reversed.
If a player wants to include several different pairs, each pair is a separate dual forecast bet with its own stake and potential return. The overall outlay increases with each extra pair added. A simple bet calculator can be helpful when planning multiple combinations and keeping track of the total stake.
With the structure in mind, it becomes easier to see how a dual forecast compares with a straight forecast.
Dual Forecast Versus Straight Forecast: What's The Difference?
Both bet types involve the top two finishers in a race, but they are settled differently.
A dual forecast succeeds if the two chosen runners fill the first two places in any order. A straight forecast only pays if the exact order is predicted correctly.
Because a straight forecast requires a precise result, the potential return is often higher than for a dual forecast on the same pair, though this depends on the race and the prices available. Understanding this distinction helps when deciding which approach fits a view on a race. Before placing either, it is also useful to know the rules that can affect settlement.
Rules That Affect Dual Forecast Payouts
Several practical rules can influence what a winning dual forecast pays.
If there is a dead heat for first or second, the payout is usually split in line with standard dead heat rules. For instance, if two horses tie for second behind the winner and both are part of the forecast combination, the dividend is typically apportioned so that only the relevant share is paid.
Non-runners also matter. If one of the selections does not start, some bookmakers will void the bet, while others may settle it under an alternative rule. The approach is set out in each operator’s terms.
Field size influences dividends because it changes the number of viable combinations and the balance of money across them. Returned dividends can also be reduced by Rule 4 deductions when a runner is withdrawn close to the off.
Checking the settlement rules in advance avoids surprises at payout. With those mechanics covered, it is easier to sidestep a few common errors.
Common Mistakes With Dual Forecast Bets
A frequent slip is mixing up a dual forecast with a straight forecast and assuming the exact order must be named. Another is adding lots of runners without realising how quickly the number of separate bets, and therefore the total stake, can grow.
Non-runner and settlement rules are sometimes overlooked, which can change how a bet is treated after the event. It also pays to double-check the bet slip for the correct runners, stake and race, especially when placing multiple combinations.
Keeping a clear plan for staking and avoiding unnecessary duplication usually leads to more controlled betting decisions.
When Is A Dual Forecast Used?
Dual forecasts are popular when two runners look a cut above the rest, such as joint favourites or well-matched rivals with consistent form. They can also appeal in smaller fields where there are fewer plausible outcomes for the first two places.
In big-field handicaps, this type of bet is often chosen when the view is that two runners are most likely to dominate, even if the rest of the race looks competitive. Some players also use dual forecasts alongside other bets to reflect how confident they are about a pair filling the top two.
If any terms feel unfamiliar, the short glossary below sets out the essentials.
Terminology You Need To Know
Forecast bet: A bet that predicts which runners will finish first and second in a race.
Dual forecast: A bet where two runners are selected to finish first and second in any order.
Straight forecast: A bet that requires the exact first and second order to be predicted.
Dividend: The declared return for a winning forecast. It is set after the race using a computerised method that considers the odds and the balance of bets.
Dead heat: When two or more runners finish level for a placing. Payouts are usually shared according to standard settlement rules.
Non-runner: A declared runner that does not start. This can change how a bet is settled.
Stake: The amount of money placed on the bet.
Rule 4: A deduction applied to returns when a runner is withdrawn after betting has formed, to reflect the changed market.
If you choose to place any bets, keep them affordable by setting limits that suit your circumstances and taking regular breaks. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware, who offer free and confidential help.
With the basics above in mind, dual forecasts should feel much more straightforward to approach.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.