Best Trainers and Jockeys for Your Dollar

We look at the best trainers and jockeys to bet on in 2022. Horse racing betting markets are available every day, so there’s never a dull moment.

Top Trainers

Charlie Appleby

We’re focusing on American racing, but the numbers for Charlie Appleby in the U.S. are outstanding.

The head of Godolphin’s UK operation, Appleby took 12 runners Stateside this year and he recorded an incredible nine wins. The wins were dispersed over 18 total starts, which also included four placings.

With a win rate of 50%, Appleby’s success can’t be overlooked. Despite having only a handful of starts, he amassed $5.8 million in stakes money, which accounts to $323,000 per start.

The best American trainer for money per start was Bob Baffert with $43,000, so there is a considerable difference for the overseas raiders.

Bob Baffert

Love him or hate him, Baffert gets results and he’s one of the best trainers for bettors to follow.

The Hall of Fame and highly-controversial trainer saddled 325 runners for the calendar year, well below his usual amount. That’s mostly because many of his runners were rehomed after the Kentucky Derby controversy surrounding the ill-fated Medina Spirit.

He lined up 111 individual runners for 101 wins and 110 placings. It’s an outstanding record and his 65% win or place percentage ranks second behind only Appleby.

An interesting year is upcoming for Baffert, but his runners, especially the juveniles, are worth backing at the sportsbook.

Brad Cox

We have to give credit to Brad Cox. He saddled 994 starters for 262 wins, which wasn’t the most by any stretch, but he earned the most money.

Cox won over $31 million, which tops the prize money list. He edged out Steven Asmussen, despite Asmussen lining up 2,393 runners.

He surpassed Chad Brown’s calendar-year earnings record. Wins in the Belmont Stakes with Essential Quality and Breeders’ Cup Classic with Knicks Go helped.

Cox had a win rate of 26% and a win and place rate of 59%. For a trainer who lines up close to 1000 starters, that’s an excellent record.

The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) announced Cox as the winner of the Big Sport of Turfdom Award.

“What a year it’s been for Brad Cox. Whenever there was a big race to cover, it was odds-on that a horse from his barn would be one to talk about,” TPA President Wendy Davis told The Paulick Report.

“We congratulate Brad on his incredible 2021 racing season that includes the victory by Knicks Go in the Breeders’ Cup Classic as well as being chosen by the members of the Turf Publicists of America as the Big Sport of Turfdom.”

Top Jockeys

Flavien Prat

We are surprised that Flavien Prat didn’t have over 1,000 starts, but from his 902 rides, he scored 242 wins and 328 placings.

He had a win rate of 27% and a win and place rate of 63%, which is the best rate among the leading jockeys.

Horses he rides in betting online markets are often well-supported, but bettors should include him in selections.

Joel Rosario

Joel Rosario won $32 million from 1,083 starts, which was enough to win the prize money title.

He scored 228 wins and 316 placings, which gave him a respectable 50% win or place rate. That is a good number for a jockey who has more rides than most, so he’s another rider worth backing.

Ruben Silvera

He might not be the most recognizable name in horse racing, but Ruben Silvera has been riding well.

His career-best win rate of 22% was an increase from his 18% in 2020, and he has steadily improved throughout his 10-year career.

The Pennsylvania-based jockey rides a lot for Jamie Ness, who believes he’s a good rider.

“He likes to ride, and he’s a good rider. He’s the leading rider by far at Parx,” Ness said. “He’s trying to get his foot in the door. Another top rider in the jock’s colony is always better.”

Search the form guides for Silvera as he could return big profits.