Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta: Exploring Betting Types for the Belmont Stakes
Kvekhdria Pyrnathos 
The Belmont Stakes is a significant event in horse racing and a prime opportunity for bettors to target high payouts. Among the most common and potentially lucrative wagering options are the Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta. These bets involve selecting the exact finishing order of two, three, or four horses.
Compared to simple win, place, or show bets, these exotic wagers carry more risk but offer significantly higher rewards. The large field and unpredictable nature of the Belmont Stakes make it an ideal race to explore these types of bets.
The Exacta Bet
An Exacta bet is one of the most straightforward exotic wagers but requires precision. To win, you need to accurately select the two runners that will finish first and second in the precise order they cross the finish line. If your selections are Horse A to win and Horse B to place, and the actual finish is B first and A second, your bet loses. There’s no margin for error in the finishing sequence, so payouts are higher than basic bets.
Exactas are popular because they strike a balance between risk and reward. They’re not as difficult to hit as Trifectas or Superfectas, but they still offer meaningful returns—especially when one of the top two finishers is a long shot. You can view updated odds and wagering opportunities for this year’s race at FanDuel.com, which offers real-time information to help you plan your bets.
Types of Exacta Bets
Understanding the variations of the Exacta bet helps you tailor your approach to your level of confidence and risk tolerance.
Straight Exacta
This is the most basic form of the bet. You select one horse to win (1st place) and another to come in second—in that exact order. If you’re highly confident in the outcome, this bet offers the best payout potential for the lowest cost. But it’s all-or-nothing.
Exacta Box
The box option adds flexibility. You pick two or more horses, and the bet covers all possible finishing orders among them for first and second. For instance, boxing Horses 3 and 7 means you win if they finish 1-2 in any order (3-7 or 7-3). Remember, you’re effectively placing multiple Exacta bets—so a $1 Exacta box of two horses costs $2, three horses costs $6, and so on.
Exacta Wheel
This variation allows you to “anchor” one horse in the win or place position while selecting multiple others to fill the second spot. For example, if you strongly believe Horse 4 will win, you could “wheel” it with Horses 2, 6, and 8 to come in second. It creates three separate bets: 4-2, 4-6, and 4-8.
The Trifecta Bet
A Trifecta bet ups the ante from an Exacta. Instead of picking the top two horses in order, you must correctly identify the first, second, and third-place finishers in the exact order. It’s a more complex wager that significantly reduces the odds of winning, but that difficulty makes the payouts appealing.
Trifectas are a favorite among bettors looking for a big score on a relatively small wager. Hitting one requires luck and a solid understanding of the horses, pace scenarios, and value plays in the field. Even a modest bet can return hundreds or thousands of dollars when structured well.
Types of Trifecta Bets
Like Exactas, Trifectas come in multiple formats depending on how confident—or cautious—you want to be:
Straight Trifecta
This is the most basic and high-risk version. You pick one horse to finish first, another to finish second, and a third to finish third. The order must be exact, with no room for flexibility. For example, a $1 straight Trifecta on 4-7-8 only wins if the race finishes exactly in that sequence.
Trifecta Box
This option allows you to select three or more horses and cover all the possible finishing orders for the top three positions. A 3-horse box (say, 1-3-5) creates six combinations, costing $6 for a $1 base bet. The more horses you include, the more combinations—and costs—you’re covering.
Trifecta Key
It’s ideal when you’re confident about one standout horse. In this bet, you “key” a horse in a specific finishing position—usually first—and combine it with multiple other horses to fill the second and third spots. For example, if Horse 6 is your top pick, you might key 6 with 2, 4, and 7. It creates multiple exact combinations like 6-2-4, 6-4-2, 6-2-7, etc.
The Superfecta Bet
The Superfecta is the most demanding of the exotic bets. To win, you must accurately predict the first, second, third, and fourth-place finishers in exact order. It’s a high-precision wager with very low hit rates—but that’s also what makes it so attractive. The difficulty of nailing four horses in perfect sequence translates into some of the highest payouts available on a single-race bet.
Even a $1 Superfecta can turn into a four-figure win—especially if one or more long shots finish in the top four. That combination of significant potential returns and complex strategy makes the Superfecta appealing to seasoned bettors and adventurous newcomers.
Types of Superfecta Bets
There are several ways to structure a Superfecta, depending on how confident you are in your picks and how much you’re willing to spend:
Straight Superfecta
The simplest and riskiest version: pick four horses to finish 1st through 4th in exact order. It’s tough to hit, but the payout can be massive. It’s a low-cost, high-reward play best used with strong convictions about the outcome.
Superfecta Box
A more flexible option. You select four or more horses, and your bet covers every possible combination of those horses finishing in the top four positions. For example, boxing horses 3-5-7-9 results in 24 combinations (4! = 24) and costs $24 at a $1 base wager. Adding a fifth horse increases the number of combinations to 120 and the cost to $120—so box cautiously.
Superfecta Key
A strategic middle ground. Here, you “key” one horse in a specific position—usually 1st or 2nd—while combining it with a set of other horses for the remaining positions. For example, if you key Horse 6 to win and combine it with Horses 2, 5, and 9, you’re betting on all combinations where Horse 6 wins and the other three fill 2nd through 4th in any order. This approach narrows your focus while still providing coverage for variability in the outcome.
Crafting a Winning Strategy for the Belmont Stakes
Success with exotic wagers doesn’t come from luck alone. It comes from doing the homework—studying past performances, understanding race dynamics, and building well-structured tickets. Discipline is essential. Chasing unrealistic combinations or overextending your bankroll can lead to frustration instead of fun.
Take advantage of the tools available, trust your preparation, and stay focused on smart betting, not just exciting betting. The Belmont Stakes is one of the most compelling races of the year—bringing the right mindset to your wagering can also make it one of the most rewarding.
