yes & no.

Yes in regards to a place has 3 chances of a divie compared to 1 of a win. So some see that as 1/3
No in regards to real chances and acceptable odds. Bookies pay 1/4 place each way. i.e. 4/1 or $5 in the new is $2 place. which is 1/4.
a $2.60F should pay $1.40 the place << that is 1/4.
1/4 is the acceptable price.
The shorter the horse the harder to get 'acceptable' place odds as you've pointed out. So that leaves me with suggesting that if you can get 'set' on 1/4 everytime then it would be hard to lose based on the fact i cop less more then once a day.
Once the race has been run and won its sort of pointless to go back and see what the win price settled at when place betting. Of course its ok pre race but as the world turns after your on theres not much you can do so i dont keep stats on what the actual win price paid. Its a factor going in but out of my control once they jump.