The Lucky 31 is a step up from the Lucky 15, giving you five selections and 31 ways to win. It’s a bet for punters who want coverage without the risk of a big accumulator going down with one loser. But if you don’t approach it properly, it’s just another flashy multiple. David Dooley doesn’t bet for fun. I bet to win.
I build Lucky 31s with structure. Each leg has to make sense on its own. I don’t throw in longshots for excitement or favourites for safety. I back horses that fit the day’s card, the ground, the form, and the setup. If all five tick the right boxes, the rest takes care of itself.
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Why the Lucky 31 is Worth Using
Five horses, all backed in singles, doubles, trebles, a fourfold, and a fivefold. It’s a full spread of combinations that gives you more chances to return something, even if one or two fall short. That flexibility is what makes the Lucky 31 a strong play.
It’s perfect when the card is stacked with decent angles. If you’ve got five runners across different meetings or spread throughout the day, you can stay involved without being reckless. The aim is coverage with clarity, not chaos.
How I Pick Horses for a Lucky 31
I only build a Lucky 31 when I’ve got five runners I’d back individually. No fillers, no fluff. I look for consistency, trainer intent, ground suitability, and track form. A strong jockey booking or clear pace angle can make all the difference.
Some days I’ll lean on favourites with a couple of value runners. Other days, it’s five closely matched mid-prices. I adjust based on the card but stick to one rule – every horse in the bet has to earn its place.
Managing Risk with Five Selections
Five legs means more combinations, but also more exposure. That’s why I keep the stake sensible and don’t chase monster prices unless the form genuinely supports it. Bonuses for one winner or more can soften the blow if it’s not your day.
I treat the Lucky 31 as a serious bet, not a roll of the dice. If I wouldn’t back the five as singles, I won’t stack them together. It’s about logic and trust, not blind optimism.
FAQs About Lucky 31 Horse Racing Tips
What is a Lucky 31 in horse racing?
A Lucky 31 covers five horses across 31 bets: five singles, ten doubles, ten trebles, five fourfolds, and one fivefold. It gives you multiple chances to return a profit.
How many winners do you need for a decent return?
Two or more usually brings back a good chunk, especially if they’re well-priced. Three or more can put you into profit, even with moderate stakes.
Is it worth backing all five horses to win?
That depends on the confidence. I often mix win and each way depending on the strength of the angle and the size of the field.
When should you use a Lucky 31?
When the card gives you five solid picks. Don’t force it on a quiet day. Wait for strong form and well-matched races.
What’s the best way to stake a Lucky 31?
Keep it level and smart. Small stakes add up over 31 bets, so stay disciplined. Focus on the quality of picks, not the size of the return.
Summary
The Lucky 31 is one of the best bets out there when you’ve got five sharp selections and a reason behind each one. David Dooley uses it to turn a strong day of racing into multiple chances to win. It’s not about chasing miracles. It’s about stacking form, logic and control into a bet that pays when you’ve done the work.
If you treat every leg seriously and build with purpose, the Lucky 31 becomes more than just a fun flutter. It becomes a proper tool in your punting armoury.
