The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word STAKES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
A
K
E
S
More clues leading to the result STAKES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Race bets" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case race bets = stakes.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STAKES mean?
STAKES noun- A piece of wood or other material, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a marker or a support or stay.
- A piece of wood driven in the ground, placed in the middle of the court, that is used as the finishing point after scoring 12 hoops in croquet.
- A stick inserted upright in a lop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, flat car, flatbed trailer, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.
- (with definite article) The piece of timber to which a person condemned to death was affixed to be burned.
- A share or interest in a business or a given situation.
- That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.
- A small anvil usually furnished with a tang to enter a hole in a bench top, as used by tinsmiths, blacksmiths, etc., for light work, punching hole in or cutting a work piece, or for specific forming techniques etc.
- A territorial division comprising all the Mormons (typically several thousand) in a geographical area.
- To fasten, support, defend, or delineate with stakes.
- To pierce or wound with a stake.
- To put at risk upon success in competition, or upon a future contingency.
- To provide another with money in order to engage in an activity as betting or a business venture.
- The money wagered in gambling.
- Risks.