Horse racing has a lot of different betting terms, and one you might come across is "ante-post". This isn't as complicated as it sounds. Simply put, an ante-post bet is a wager placed on a race well before it actually happens.
Why would someone place a bet so early? Because of the potential for better odds. Since the race is so far away, it's more difficult to tell how it will go due to all of the events that could transpire in the meantime.
However, there are risks involved. If your chosen horse doesn't end up running on the day, you most likely lose your stake. That's an important rule to remember.
In this guide, we'll explore what ante-post betting involves, the key rules, and some handy tips to keep in mind. Whether you're new to horse racing or looking to expand your betting knowledge, you'll find this useful.
What Does Ante-Post Mean?
Ante-post betting, often called "futures betting", is a type of wager you place days, weeks, or even months before the actual event.
In horse racing, this means picking a horse to win a race well in advance. These bets can offer higher odds compared to placing a bet on the day of the race because there's more uncertainty involved.
If the horse becomes a favourite closer to race day, the odds may drop. However, if your horse doesn't participate in the race due to injury or other reasons, you'll lose your money unless the bookie has a special offer in place.
This type of bet may appeal to those who follow the form and performance of horses closely and think they can spot a winner early. Just keep in mind the difference in odds and rules compared to standard betting, and always gamble responsibly.
How Does Ante-Post Betting Work In Horse Racing?
Ante-post betting is quite straightforward once you get the hang of it.
You place a bet on a horse race well in advance of the actual event. This could be weeks, months, or even a year before the race.
The odds at this stage can be more generous because there's more uncertainty. For example, a horse might be offered at 20/1 today but could drop to 5/1 closer to the race if it performs well in the meantime.
To place an ante-post bet, you simply choose your race and horse as usual. However, you should note the special terms. Most bookies don't refund your money if your horse doesn't run unless they have a specific offer.
This type of bet can be appealing if you follow racing closely and believe you can spot good value early. It requires a fair bit of patience and a good understanding of horse form and performance.
If you're new to this, it might be best to start with small wagers until you get a feel for how it works. Always remember to gamble responsibly.
Ante-Post Bet Rules
If engaging in ante-post betting, there are some important rules to keep in mind.
No Refunds If the Horse Doesn't Run
One primary rule is that if your horse doesn't participate in the race, your bet is typically lost. This is because ante-post markets offer better odds in exchange for higher risk.
Odds Are Fixed
Once you place an ante-post bet, the odds are fixed. This means that no matter how the odds change leading up to the race, your bet will be subject to the odds at the time you placed your bet.
Early Payments and Settlements
In some cases, bets may be settled early if a bookie decides to close their market. This can work in your favour or against it, depending on the circumstances.
Non-Runner-No-Bet (NRNB)
Some bookies offer Non-Runner-No-Bet (NRNB) markets closer to the event. This means if your chosen horse doesn't run, you get your stake refunded. Always check if this applies before placing your bet.
Dead-Heats and Rule 4 Deductions
Ante-post markets can also be affected by rule 4 deductions and dead-heat rules. Rule 4 deductions apply when there are non-runners, and they slightly reduce your potential winnings. However, it's important to remember that in a lot of instances, a non-runner simply counts as a loss in ante-post bets.
Understanding these rules can help you set realistic expectations and make more informed bets. Always read the terms of the specific bookies before placing your wager.
Tips For Ante-Post Betting
Let's take a look at some useful tips to consider for ante-post betting.
Study Form
One of the most important things you can do is to study the form of the horses. Look at past performance, track conditions, and how they've done in similar races. This can help you make a more informed choice.
However, it's important to note that anything can happen on the day of the race, so no matter how much information you gather, winning is never guaranteed.
Analyse Data
Don't just rely on a hunch. Use available data to guide your decisions. Look at statistics such as win rates, jockey information, and even the trainer's history. The more data you can gather, the better idea you may have of how different horses may perform.
Again, there are many uncontrollable variables that can affect the result on race day, so while analysing data can allow you to make a more educated guess, it cannot guarantee results.
Timing Is Important
If placing an ante-post bet, timing can be crucial. Sometimes, it's best to bet early when the odds are higher, but leaving it later can also allow you to keep an eye on any news or updates that might affect your chosen horse's performance.
Finding the right moment can make a big difference. Too early, and there's more time for something unexpected to occur that could severely impact your bet, but too late, and you may not receive as good odds as those offered earlier. Finding a balance between these factors that best suits you is the key.
Always gamble responsibly and know when to call it a day.
Ante-Post Betting FAQs
Can You Get Money Back on Ante-Post?
In most cases, if your horse doesn't run after placing an ante-post bet, you won't get your money back. However, some bookies offer a Non-Runner-No-Bet (NRNB) option closer to the race date. Always check the terms before placing your bet to see if this applies.
Do You Get The Best Odds Guaranteed on Ante-Post Bets?
Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) usually applies to bets placed on the day of the race, not ante-post bets. With ante-post bets, the odds are fixed at the time of placement. This means you could potentially get better odds early on, but you won't benefit from BOG promotions.
How Do You Place Ante-Post Bets?
Placing an ante-post bet is similar to making any other bet. Choose your horse and the race you're interested in, and look for the ante-post market on your bookmaker's website. Make sure to check the terms and conditions for this specific bookie, then place your bet. Please gamble responsibly.