the decision is made not to bet on a race in which the favourite is at odds on. Off side: The right hand side of a horse. On course tote: The totalisator which is situated at the race course. On the bit: When a horse is eager to run. On the nod: A betting transaction between a punter and bookmaker without money changing hands. A credit bet. On the nose: A bet placed on the win only One large: A term used for one thousand dollars. Ordinary cattle: A derogatory term for a low class field of runners. Outlay: The money an investor bets or wagers is called their outlay. Outsider: A horse whose chances of winning a race are not considered very strong. An outsider is usually quoted at the highest odds. Overs: Odds about a horse which are considered to be good value because they are longer than its estimated probability of winning. Overweight: Excess weight carried by a horse when the rider cannot make the allocated weight, including apprentice allowances. P Pacifiers: Mesh eye-covers used to calm horses down. Racing stewards may restrict their use in wet weather for safety reasons, as mud can stick to them. Pay the grandstand: Often said of a likely exotic tote dividend when one or more outsiders win or run a place. "It will pay the grandstand." Penetrometer: A device used for measuring the hardness or softness of the track by measuring the extent to which the device penetrates the ground. [See "Going".] Persuader: Colloquial term for a jockey's whip. Photo finish: Where the finish of the race is so close that a photograph has to be used to determine the eventual winner/placer. Pigskin: A jockey's saddle. Pig-root: Horse which bucks and tries to throw the rider. Pilot the field: To lead the race. Placed: Finished in the first three in a race. Place bet A place bet will win if the selected horse finishes in the first three in fields of eight or more horses. If there are only six or seven runners the horse must finish first or second to place. Plonk: A sizeable amount wagered on a horse. Not quite a plunge but a "decent plonk" nevertheless. : In the bookmakers' ring, a massive and sudden support for a horse. Postilion: Jockey. Preliminary: The walk, canter or gallop by a horse on the way to the starting stalls.