Ante Post Betting

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Ante-post betting is a bet placed in advance of a future horse race or event. It is also commonly referred to as future betting.

Placing a bet some way ahead of an event carries an increased level of risk but it also comes with improved odds – which is its main appeal with punters.

Ante-post betting is popular on the main horse racing events, with some races being bet on almost a year ahead; these include races such as the Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and the English Derby.

Find out more about ante-post odds and ante-post bets now:

Ante Post Betting 1

What is an Ante-Post Bet?

Ante-Post is a term used for bets which are placed at least one day in advance of a race or sporting event but more often than not they are placed weeks, if not, months ahead. The word is of Latin descent, literally translating as “before the post”.

The benefits to these bets are that punters are often rewarded with larger odds with ante-post prices, as the full picture or full field is not confirmed. It also means you are always certain if your selection will run – as injury or misfortune could strike – which is the main risk factor.

Why Use Ante-Post Betting Odds For Horse Racing Bets?

The odds on a horse change the closer to the time of the race – often shortening – but with an ante-post bet you get to keep the odds you initially agreed when your bet was placed.

The bookmakers will generally have larger betting odds the further out from an actual race or event to stir betting interest.

Bookmakers and the betting exchanges will offer these betting options on most of the main races – such as the Cheltenham Festival – way in advance.

What Happens If My Horse is a Non-Runner?

The single largest factor that will interrupt the success of your ante-post horse racing bet is the horse actually running.

Selections in ante-post markets are often lost if a horse becomes a non-runner. However, if a horse is balloted out of a race, you’ll get a refund – “balloted out” is when a horse doesn’t get a run due to its rating being too low and more higher-rated horses running in its place.

With certain ante-post bets some bookmakers may offer an insurance policy in the means of a “Non-runner no bet” which means, if your selection doesn’t race, you’ll get your money back.

When is Ante-Post Betting Useful?

Once you’ve got your head around ante-post bets you can use it as part of your horse racing betting strategy. For example, if you have a particular horse that you are like and you are aware of a future race target, you can bet on it before its potential may have been realised by other punters, in turn getting better odds.

Always check with each betting site or your local bookie if you get your money back if the horse is a non-runner with an ante-post bet, as that is the only and main risk attached to this bet type.

Summary of Ante-Post Betting

Ante-post bets are a great way to get some good odds on a future event but it does come with risks that you need to way up.

Make sure you do all the research on the horse you want to bet on, the event and your bookmaker of choice to minimise risk and potentially maximise your betting returns.

Ante-Post Betting Odds

All of the below bookies offer ante-post bets on a variety of sporting events, check them out today: