Crossword Genius

Betting system supplying sum before end of race (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tote

'betting system' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'sum before end of race' is the wordplay.
'sum' becomes 'tot' ('tot' can be a synonym of 'sum'**).
'before' says to put letters next to each other.
'end of' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'race' is 'e'.
'tot'+'e'='TOTE'

'supplying' is the link.

(Other definitions for tote that I've seen before include "system for betters" , "Transfer" , "Wield or carry something heavy" , "Horse race betting system" , "Carry (a gun)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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