What Does “Top 3” Mean in Greyhound Racing Betting?
“Top 3” betting in greyhound racing means you are betting on a specific dog to finish in any of the first three positions:
- 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
It does not matter which of these three positions—as long as the dog places within the top 3, your bet wins.
This is also known as a “Place” or “Each-Way” market in some betting platforms.
Example of Top 3 Bet
Let’s say the race includes 6 greyhounds:
| Trap No. | Dog Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Speed Missile |
| 2 | Lucky Blaze |
| 3 | Dark Rocket |
| 4 | Quick Shadow |
| 5 | Thunder Bolt |
| 6 | Jetstream Jack |
You place a Top 3 bet on Trap 5 – Thunder Bolt.
- If Thunder Bolt finishes 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, you win the bet.
- If it finishes 4th to 6th, your bet loses.
Why Bet on Top 3?
- Lower Risk: You don’t need your dog to win the race outright.
- Higher Chance of Return: Especially useful in competitive or unpredictable races.
- Ideal for longshots: If you like an outsider but don’t think they’ll win, backing them for Top 3 gives a realistic shot.
Top 3 Betting Tips for Greyhound Racing
1. Check the Trap Stats
- Some tracks favour certain trap positions.
- For example, inside traps (1, 2) might have better win/place rates depending on the circuit.
2. Study Recent Form
- Look at the dog’s last 3 to 5 races.
- Are they consistently finishing in the top 3?
- Note any strong early pace or finishing power.
3. Compare Race Grades
- If a dog is dropping in class (from A1 to A2), it’s more likely to hit Top 3.
- Avoid dogs jumping up in class unless they have outstanding times.
4. Look at Early Speed
- Dogs with a fast break from the traps often control the race early, making it easier to stay in the top 3.
- Even if they fade late, they may still cling to 2nd or 3rd.
5. Use Weather & Track Conditions
- Wet or dry tracks can impact performance.
- Some dogs love heavy going; others don’t. Check past races on similar ground.
Top 3 Odds vs Win Odds
- Top 3 bets offer lower odds than win bets because the risk is reduced.
- But if you focus on consistency over outright winners, profits can still grow steadily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t just pick favourites—they may be value-poor in the Top 3 market.
- Don’t ignore slow starters—they often struggle to recover, especially in shorter races.
- Avoid Top 3 bets in small fields (4-5 dogs)—value is often too low.
When Top 3 Betting Works Best
| Scenario | Top 3 Strategy Works? |
|---|---|
| 6+ runners, tight competition | Yes |
| Your pick is consistent | Yes |
| Odds-on favourite in the race | (Back another dog for Top 3) |
| Small field (4 or less) | No – Better to bet win only |
Pro Tip
Try building a multi-leg Top 3 accumulator (e.g., 3 dogs in 3 different races to place in Top 3). The individual odds are low, but the combined payout can be solid.
Would you like an example of a Top 3 accumulator strategy or help analyzing a specific race?