After a hiatus in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Florida Cup returned for its 18th running in 2021. Florida horse racing fans were eager to see the return of one of the richest days in US horse racing. The event is traditionally held in late March of each year.
History of The Florida Cup
Tampa Bay Downs has long been considered to be the state’s second fiddle when it comes to horse racing. Gulfstream Park gets most of the attention, and also hosts most of Florida’s major racing events. The Florida Cup has been a race that has helped to give Tampa Bay Downs its identity. The Tampa Bay Derby is also an important race when it comes to the Triple Crown chase.
The Florida Cup was created to provide a marquee event for the state. Next to the Sunshine Millions event and the Pegasus Cup, the Florida Cup remains at the top of Florida horse racing action. In the past the event has drawn the likes of trainers such as Todd Pletcher, Bill Mott, and Michael Maker. Famous jockeys like Corey Lanerie, Chantal Sutherland, and Joe Bravo are regulars in the event. The list of horses that have competed include champions and inductees into the Hall of Fame.
What is a Florida Racing Carnival or Stakes Day?
You could classify the Florida Cup racing event as a racing carnival. These are special events that can last a single day or three weeks or more. Perhaps the most famous racing carnival in the world is the Dubai World Cup. The idea of a racing carnival is to stack many stakes races on a single card. The prize money up for grabs during a racing carnival can be large.
Having a single racing day with all stakes events can present many opportunities for the horse racing bettor. These types of races are often more competitive than others. Races that are more competitive are more difficult to handicap. That leads to bigger racing pools and more favorable odds on horses. A favorite in a race at the Florida Cup could offer generous odds of 3-1 or more.
Races held during a racing carnival feature both male and female horses. There will be races for older horses as well as for juveniles. The races will be a mix of sprint races and route races. The Florida Cup is sure to test the mettle of any serious horse racing bettor.
Strategies for Betting the Florida Cup
Before you jump into an event like the Florida Cup it is best to consider some betting strategies that you will want to use at your favorite online racebook for horse betting. We have some suggestions that should improve your chances to win.
The first suggestion is to get your past performances for the race ahead of time. You want to give yourself plenty of time to handicap all of the races. Because these races are competitive it may take you longer to study the past performances and pick your favorite horses. Waiting until the day of the Florida Cup to start handicapping is a mistake.
You should also try to focus on the races with the biggest fields. When the fields are bigger there can be better odds on the horses. Better odds means a larger payoff when you are correct with your picks. Some horse racing bettors are intimidated by large fields. Don’t be. Be confident and stand by your handicapping instincts.
Finally, you should try to avoid betting on the favorites in the races. The only way to profit as a bettor on the Florida Cup is to make your wagers on horses that are offered at longer odds. Favorites do not win their fair share of races, and you will find yourself on the losing end.
Why an Online Racebook is Best for Florida Cup Betting
You could make a trip to Florida to wager on the Florida Cup, but this is not necessary for horse betting. All you need to do is sign up with one of our recommended online horse betting sites. The same betting action that is available on the track is available to you on your computer, phone, or tablet.
Something that many people overlook when it comes to online racebooks are the free handicapping tools that come with your account. You can get free past performances and access to free race replays. These are services that would cost you a large sum of money if you did not use an online racebook.
AmWager is a good choice for online horse betting. You should check all the possibilities to see which online racebook gives you the best bonuses and other perks.
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