Horse race betting odds are typically very useful when trying to decide which horses you will back and how much money you will back each one with. However, they don't always tell the whole story, and there are a few different tips you can follow to beat the odds and have greater horse race success. It comes down to being aware of your surroundings and factoring in important changes.

It is inadvisable to bet on a horse that hasn't raced in a few weeks, and not for the reasons most people might think of right away. It is not so much a question of a horse being stiff or slow from lack of competition. It is because sometimes layoffs can conceal hidden illnesses or injuries that can potentially have adverse effects on a horse's performance.

You should also shy away from horses ridden by novice jockeys in distances that are greater than a mile. The wider experience of a seasoned jockey comes into play over a longer course, and can make a small difference that changes the race. Noticing small factors like this are what give you a statistical advantage over time.

Another good rule of thumb is to give preference to horses that start fast when the track conditions are poor. By getting out ahead of the competition they can establish an early lead that's often difficult to surpass. To learn more about these and other ways of calculating your horse race betting odds and to sign up for horse race betting, visit VIPhorses.com.