Key Bet Cost Calculator
Calculate key bet costs for exacta, trifecta, and superfecta wagers. Use one horse in a fixed position with others filling remaining spots.
Key horse must finish first; others can fill remaining positions.
Base stake for each combination
Key Bet Cost
$8
4 combinations
Box Cost
$40
Full 5-horse box
Savings
$32
80% less than box
Calculation
Exacta key first #3 over 4 horses:
4 combinations
4 × $2 = $8
Try These Examples
Quick-start with common scenarios
What is a Key Bet?
Key betting uses one horse in a fixed position while others fill remaining spots. Exacta key first with 4 others = 4 combos. Trifecta key first with 4 others = 4×3 = 12 combos. A $2 exacta key first with #3 over 4 horses costs just $8 vs $40 for a full 5-horse box.
Key Facts About Key Betting
- Key bet: One horse fixed, others fill remaining positions
- Exacta key first: n combinations (n = other horses)
- Exacta key with: 2n combinations (both directions)
- Trifecta key first: n × (n-1) combinations
- $2 exacta key first over 4 = $8
- $2 trifecta key first over 4 = $24
- Much cheaper than full box betting
- Use when confident one horse will hit specific position
Key vs Box Cost Comparison
| Bet Type | Key First (4 others) | 5-Horse Box | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2 Exacta | 4 = $8 | 20 = $40 | $32 (80%) |
| $1 Trifecta | 12 = $12 | 60 = $60 | $48 (80%) |
| $0.10 Superfecta | 24 = $2 | 120 = $12 | $10 (80%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a key bet in horse racing?
A key bet uses one horse in a fixed position while other horses fill the remaining positions. For example, a $2 exacta key with horse #3 first over horses 1, 5, 7 creates combinations: 3-1, 3-5, 3-7 (3 bets = $6).
How does exacta keying work?
"Key first" means your horse must win and others can run second. "Key last" means your horse must run second and others can win. "Key with" covers both directions, doubling the combinations.
How is trifecta key cost calculated?
For trifecta key first with n other horses: cost = n × (n-1) × stake. Key #5 first with horses 1,2,3,4: 4 × 3 = 12 combinations. At $2 = $24. This is much cheaper than a 5-horse box (60 combinations = $120).
When should I use key bets vs box bets?
Use key bets when you have one horse you strongly believe will finish in a specific position but are unsure which horses will fill the other spots. If you're uncertain about all positions, a box is more appropriate despite the higher cost.
Can I key multiple horses?
Yes, you can key two horses in specific positions (called a "part-wheel"). For a trifecta, you might key #3 first, #7 second, with horses 1,2,4,5 in third. This creates just 4 combinations instead of a full box.