Quick Guide to Betting Jargon 456a63 Allison Graham Chalk, Monkey, SP and Pony…it really is a foreign language but our quick guide will help… 2q61z Ante-post – this is betting that takes place before a race starts. 272s2y Chalk – a race favourite. Dead – an underdog. Jolly – a race favourite (again). Juice – commission paid to a bookie. Monkey – betting slang for £500. Pony – betting slang for £25. Sponk – a race favourite (again, again). Springer or steamer – a horse whose odds shorten quickly in the betting. SP or starting price – the price at which bets are settled by the bookies. Tic-tac – relaying odds on the racecourse with hand signals.