Part 2: Boxing Numbers in an Exacta Bet
Boxing Numbers in an Exacta Bet
Boxing numbers in an exacta bet means that all numbers chosen are put in every possible combination to provide a greater possibility of correctly selecting the first two finishers.
If the numbers 1, 2, and 5 are boxed, the combinations of 1-2, 1-5, 2-1, 2-5, 5-1, and 5-2 are covered.
As long as the first two finishers involve the numbers 1, 2, or 5, the boxed ticket is a winner. The more numbers used in a box, the greater the number of possibilities covered. However, the more numbers boxed, the greater the cost to cover the wager.
| # of choices | # of combinations | $ amount of bet | Cost of bet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | $1 ($2) | $2 ($4) |
| 3 | 6 | $1 ($2) | $6 ($12) |
| 4 | 12 | $1 ($2) | $12 ($24) |
| 5 | 20 | $1 ($2) | $20 ($40) |
| 6 | 30 | $1 ($2) | $30 ($60) |
| 7 | 42 | $1 ($2) | $42 ($84) |
| 8 | 56 | $1 ($2) | $56 ($112) |
| 9 | 72 | $1 ($2) | $72 ($144) |
| 10 | 90 | $1 ($2) | $90 ($180) |
| 11 | 110 | $1 ($2) | $110 ($220) |
| 12 | 132 | $1 ($2) | $132 ($264) |
| 13 | 156 | $1 ($2) | $156 ($312) |
| 14 | 182 | $1 ($2) | $182 ($364) |
A simple rule to remember to compute the cost of a boxed exacta wager would be as follows: the number of horses to be boxed MULTIPLIED by the next lowest number MULTIPLIED by the dollar amount of the wager. EXAMPLE: A five-horse exacta box for $3 would be computed 5 (number of horses to be boxed) x 4 (next lowest number) x 3 dollar amount of the wager) = $60.