Definition

Noun: A type of wager, typically placed on horse or dog racing, in which the bettor must correctly select the first and second place finishers in the precise order of their finish.

Usage

The word "exacta" is used primarily in the context of gambling on races. It refers to the bet itself, not the act of placing it or the outcome. * To place this bet, you would say, "I placed an exacta on horses 5 and 3." * It is often used with verbs like pick, hit, win, or cash an exacta. * It can be modified by the specific race, e.g., "the sixth-race exacta."

Examples

• The payout for the exacta was surprisingly high.
• She won a large sum by hitting the exacta in the Kentucky Derby.
• His betting slip showed an exacta box with three different horses.

Advanced Usage

• Exacta Box: A variation of the exacta bet where the selected horses can finish first and second in order. This increases the cost of the bet but also the chance of winning.
  • "Instead of a straight exacta, I played an exacta box with the two favorites."
• The term is sometimes used informally to describe any situation requiring precise prediction of a 1-2 outcome.
  • "Predicting the top two vote-getters was like calling an exacta."

Variants and Related Words

• Perfecta: A synonym for "exacta," used interchangeably in many regions.
• Forecast: The British term for an exacta bet.
• Quinella: A related but distinct wager where the bettor selects the first two finishers in order. Unlike an exacta box, a quinella is a single, cheaper bet type.

Synonyms

• Perfecta
• Forecast (UK)

Notes on Meaning

"Exacta" has a single, specific meaning related to pari-mutuel betting. It does not have other general definitions. The core requirement is the correct order of the top two finishers.

Noun

1. a bet that you can pick the first and second finishers in the right order