Ante-post place in the July?

The humble place bet, seen by high rollers as the poor cousin of the wagering family, has an indispensable place in the game.

- Mike Moon

For small-scale punters, returns on strategic place bets often keep the show on the road. For the big boys and girls, the place offers welcome "insurance" for any extravagant gamble.

Smart folk at Hollywoodbets, sponsors of the Durban July, appreciate this and are now offering place betting in their recently opened ante-post market on South Africa's premier race.

They will pay out down to fifth place, which will surely draw in many a punter who fancies his long-range forecasting talent. Experienced July players know that there is almost always a longshot or two in the first five placings on the first Saturday in July.