What is a First 4? - How to place a First 4 bet
A First 4 bet is available on most thoroughbred, harness and greyhound race provided there are at least four or more runners.
A successful First 4 requires a punter to correctly select the first four runners across the line. (Getty)
What is a First 4? - How to place a First 4 bet
A First 4 bet is available on most thoroughbred, harness and greyhound races provided there are at least four or more runners.
To win a First 4, you must successfully select the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th placegetters in a given race.
There are many ways to place a First 4 wager, with punters being able to nominate from a minimum of four runners up to the whole field size.
First 4 bets are hard to land, due to the fact you have to pick the first four horses past the post in correct finishing order.
That said, the winning dividends can be quite lucrative given the difficulty of the bet.
WHERE TO PLACE A FIRST 4 BET
Below are the First 4 betting options.
BASIC FIRST 4
Correctly select the first four placegetters past the post.
BOXED FIRST 4
A boxed First 4 provides a stronger chance of winning by aloowing punters to select four or more horses to finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in any order.
BANKER FIRST 4
Keen on the chances of one runner? Then a Banker First 4 is an option.
Simply nominate the Banker for 1st and select one or more selections to fill 2nd, 3rd and 4th place.
If your Banker wins and the other selections round out the the other placings from 2nd to 4th, you to collect the dividend.
MULTIPLE FIRST 4
A Multiple First 4 gives punters the opportunity to select any number of selections for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.
For example, you may nominate three runners for 1st, three runners for 2nd, four runners for 3rd and five runners for 4th.
ROVING BANKER FIRST 4
Confident there's a lock for the First 4? If so, then a Roving Banker could be your wager.
As long as your Roving Banker tip runs 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th, and your other selections fill the rest of the placings, you collect the First 4.
SCRATCHINGS
If one or more of your selections are declared non-runners or are scratched after you have placed your bet, the money will be refunded on every combination that includes the scratched entrant.
First 4 Betting FAQ
What is a First 4 bet?
A first 4 bet involves selecting the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th placegetters in a given greyhound, harness or thoroughbred race.
How much does a First 4 bet cost?
Taking a boxed First 4 will cost $24 for 1 unit or 100% of the dividend.
For the same cost, adding a fifth runner to a First 4 will reduce the dividend to 20%.
How much can a First 4 bet pay?
Given the difficulty of the bet, a First 4 bet can pay massive dividends.
For example in the 2012 Melbourne Cup, the First 4 paid $1,467,099.
How to place a First 4 bet?
Placing a First 4 bet requires a punter to select at least four runners to fill the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th finishing positions.
Bookmakers offer markets for First 4 bets providing there's at least four or more runners.
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