Part 4: Boxing Numbers in a Trifecta Bet
Boxing Numbers in a Trifecta Bet
Boxing numbers in a trifecta bet means that all numbers chosen are put in every possible combination to provide a greater possibility of correctly selecting the first three finishers. If the numbers 1, 2, and 5 are boxed, the combinations of 1-2-5, 1-5-2, 2-1-5, 2-5-1, 5-1-2, and 5-2-1 are covered. As long as the first three finishers involve the numbers 1, 2, and 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6 | $1($2) | $6 ($12) |
| 4 | 24 | $1($2) | $24 ($48) |
| 5 | 60 | $1($2) | $60 ($120) |
| 6 | 120 | $1($2) | $120 ($240) |
| 7 | 210 | $1($2) | $210 ($420) |
| 8 | 336 | $1($2) | $336 ($672) |
| 9 | 504 | $1($2) | $504 ($1008) |
| 10 | 720 | $1($2) | $720 ($1440) |
| 11 | 990 | $1($2) | $990 ($1980) |
| 12 | 1320 | $1($2) | $1320 ($2640) |
| 13 | 1716 | $1($2) | $1716 ($3432) |
| 14 | 2184 | $1($2) | $2184 ($4368) |
A simple rule to remember to compute the cost of a boxed trifecta wager would be as follows: the number of horses to be boxed MULTIPLIED by the next lowest number MULTIPLIED by the next lowest number MULTIPLIED by the dollar amount of the wager. EXAMPLE: A five-horse trifecta box for $3 would be computed 5 (number of horses to be boxed) x 4 (next lowest number) x 3 (next lowest number) x 3(dollar amount of the wager) = $180.