Ante-Post is a bet placed well before an event begins. The term is most often linked to horse racing, but it also appears in other markets where bookmakers open the line early.

How does it work?

The player places the bet before the final field, draw, or other important details are confirmed. In return, the odds are often higher than they will be closer to the start. But there is a hard downside: if the selection does not make it to the start, the bet often loses and the stake is not refunded.

Where is it used?

Ante-Post is most common in:

• horse racing bets;

• long-term markets;

• early lines on major events.

Is it profitable or risky?

It can be both. The odds may be better than they are later on, but the uncertainty is also higher. That is the whole point of Ante-Post: a bigger possible return in exchange for more risk at the early stage.