Back-wheeling explained using Sunshine Millions Classic results

Back-wheeling was a concept briefly introduced in last Friday’s write-up on the $200,000 Sunshine Millions Classic. As a slight break from pace analysis, this post will attempt to go into further details on the back wheel key and how the average bettor can use the structure in his or her wagering.  

To back wheel means getting rid of the idea that vertical wagers need to follow a pyramid structure. In most vertical wagers, one or two horses sit on top, and the pyramid expands. Just reverse the pyramid. 

In other words, what is the proper structure and thought process for a back wheel key involving a horse such as Catholic Cowboy? He finished third in the race and went off at 8-1, but the trifecta still paid a decent $55.05 for 50 cents (partially because heavy favorite Mr. Jordan lost again at nine furlongs).

For example, in trifecta wagering most bettors will key a horse like Classic winner Jay’s Way or Mr. Jordan on top. Then two or three horses are used in the second slot, while the third slot is either the same or expanded. Only six horses ran, but what is important to remember is the basic structure.

To reverse the pyramid, key one horse in the third slot, and expand going upward. So, Catholic Cowboy is the lone horse in the third spot, while three or four horses are in the first and second slots.

Perhaps “inverted pyramid” is not the right term to use , as the first and second slots are likely to match each other. For instance, look at my two tickets. Catholic Cowboy is No. 2.

Crocodile Charlie, Flemish Cap, Jay’s Way and Mr. Jordan are on top under “1st.” Richard the Great is added to the four other horses in “2nd.” Meanwhile, Catholic Cowboy is left alone in third.

A smarter handicapper might wonder why so much respect was given to Crocodile Charlie, and why Richard the Great did not get a top spot on this ticket. Well, the former just seemed like a wild card at nine furlongs, while the latter appeared to hate two turns when reviewing his route efforts.

It is up to the handicapper to decide which horses go in the first and second slots. The point is, one horse is keyed in third rather than in first. That is why the structure is called a back wheel key.

As seen from the ticket, one horse can be keyed in second too, rather than first or third. In addition, bettors can back wheel key in the second slot by using an exacta rather than a trifecta. Three or four horses go on top, while one horse sits in the second slot. No need for an extra third row of horses.

Want to protect an exacta or trifecta back wheel key on top? Place a small win bet, in case the horse runs “too well” and wins. It sounds strange to root for a horse to run second or third rather than win. That is how back-wheeling works, though.

Does Catholic Cowboy represent a certain kind of horse preferable for backwheel keys?

Yes, although his odds turned out a bit low because of the short field. Closers are preferable.

Even when a slow pace occurs, a closer such as Catholic Cowboy might pick off enough horses to still finish third, or even fourth if bettors want to take it further and construct a superfecta back wheel.

In a fast-paced situation, the speed horse who gets back-wheeled might become knocked out early. The back wheel ticket could be done by the far turn, and that more deflating for bettors.

Is it not the same thing, though? Horses are liable to become pace compromised no matter what their running style is. Maybe that is true. Therefore, studying the pace beforehand is important before using the structure. Back wheel keying the longshot who is set to receive the pace advantage is the way to go.

This is not a magical, fail-proof plan for bettors. Playing the back wheel can be difficulty. However, using the back wheel key in larger fields than the Sunshine Millions Classic can pay healthy amounts if done right.

At least, it is one more option for bettors to consider in this difficult game.