Retrace one's steps to pick a different course to bet on a horse
I believe the answer is:
turn back
'retrace one's steps to pick a different course' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'bet on a horse' is the wordplay.
'bet' becomes 'back' (I've seen this in other clues).
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'a horse' becomes 'turn' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'back' after 'turn' is 'TURN BACK'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for turn back that I've seen is " Retreat".)