Fantasy Horse Racing Strategy for Beginners

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Fantasy horse racing strategy for beginners

Person checking fantasy horse racing strategy on SmartB app

A person checking fantasy horse racing strategy and picking runners on the SmartB mobile app

Jumping into fantasy racing can feel a bit overwhelming if you just stare at a massive list of horses. You do not need to spend all day at the track to build a solid stable. You just need a basic plan to help you find the right runners. We put together this guide to show you exactly how to pick a strong team without the stress.

How to pick winning fantasy horses

The secret to a good draft is looking beyond the obvious favorite. The horse with the shortest odds might seem like a sure thing, but you want to look for consistent performers who regularly place in the top three. Always check the recent form guide and see how the horse runs on the current track conditions.

SmartTips community leaderboard

The SmartTips community leaderboard showing the most popular horse racing predictions

Daily fantasy strategy for a full race card

Playing a full race card is totally different from a standard head to head matchup. You need to take a few calculated risks to separate yourself from the crowd. If everyone picks the exact same top horses, you will all end up with the same score. Try to find a sleeper pick in one of the later races to help you jump up the leaderboard.

The smartest way to build your balance

A good strategy takes time to perfect. When your drafted stable performs well, you win a share of the prize pool in SmartCoins. Every time you play and win, you build up your balance. Your current SmartCoins balance is always visible in the top right corner of your screen.

Common questions about racing strategy

Do I need to know a lot about horse racing?

Not at all. Many of our top players just look at the raw numbers and the odds to make their picks. You will easily pick up the basics as you play a few rounds.

What happens if my horse is scratched?

If a horse is pulled from the race before the jump, you will receive a notification that your selected runner is scratched. You will then need to nominate a replacement before the race starts to make sure your stable is active.

Can I change my strategy mid-tournament?

Once a specific race starts, the runners in that race are locked. However, depending on the specific contest rules, you can often adjust your picks for the later races in the tournament.