Quinella Betting Explained
Select the first two horses in either order. Straight and box quinellas explained.
Quick Links
A quinella is a bet on the first two horses past the post in either order. You pick two horses; if they finish first and second in any order, you collect the quinella dividend. Quinellas are simpler than exactas (no need to get the order right) and are offered on most Australian thoroughbred races.
A straight quinella is when you nominate two horses and they must finish first and second in either order. That is one combination. A box quinella means you select three or more horses and any two of them can finish first and second. A three-horse box covers three combinations (A-B, A-C, B-C) and costs three units. Quinella dividends are typically lower than exacta dividends for the same result because the quinella pool is often larger and you do not need to get the order right.
Quinellas suit punters who have a strong view on the first two but are unsure of the order, or who want a lower-risk exotic than an exacta. Use form and speed maps to identify the likely top two and then decide between a straight quinella (two horses only) or a box (three or more). Our Results pages show quinella dividends after each race and our Dividend Calculator can help you work out costs for box quinellas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between quinella and exacta?
A quinella pays if your two horses finish first and second in either order. An exacta requires them in the correct order and usually pays more.
What is a quinella box?
A quinella box means you select three or more horses; any two of them can finish first and second. A three-horse box has three combinations and costs 3 × unit stake.
Do all races have a quinella?
Most Australian thoroughbred races offer quinella betting. Check the race program or your betting operator for the available bet types on each race.