chalk eater

English

Etymology

From the betting odds being written in chalk.

Noun

chalk eater (plural chalk eaters)

1. (slang) One who bets on racehorses that are favourites to win.

   Synonym: chalk player

   • 1949, Time, volume 54, page 36:

     At six major race tracks across the nation, chalk-eaters (form players) were choking last weekend over a straight flush of longshots.

   • 1953, Mac Davis, Say it Ain't So!, page 149:

     Of horse players and the ragged army of grifters, touts and downright swindlers who attach themselves to the noble sport of kings there is no end of stories. Get a few of the chalk eaters and long shot hounds together during a lull in the day's occupation—picking the next day's card of winners—and the tales begin to come, thick and fast.