morning line

American

noun

a list of entries for a horse race with the probable betting odds as estimated by a bookmaker or track handicapper, usually issued the morning of the race, before wagering begins.

Etymology

Origin of morning line

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Taj Mahal was one of three horses listed at 5-1 on the morning line behind lukewarm 9-2 favorite Iron Honor.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

He is the even-money favorite on the morning line for the 1-1/16-mile race, which will award 50 Derby points to the winner, guaranteeing a spot in the starting gate.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

The morning line has him at 8-5 odds.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025

Citizen Bull won the Robert Lewis Stakes on Feb. 1 and is the 9-5 second choice on the morning line behind Journalism at 6-5.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2025

By 4.30 the wood was cleared and the morning line restored.

From The First Seven Divisions Being a Detailed Account of the Fighting from Mons to Ypres by Hamilton, Ernest W.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023