I'm in hard mode and the good thing about this new game is that, those grade 'D' or 'E' horses are able to win G1 titles too.
I'm in my 3rd year of the game and finally won 4 G1 races.
As for now, i've noticed something... the frontrunners are little bit weaken compare to the past series.
Probably, i've yet to meet the best horse but i've managed to win G1 races with an 'E' grade horse.
This is how i view the game... The starting off the barrier no doubt is important but even if u dun start off prefect... u still able to win races. the most important thing i notice is how u set your horse to the race of the pace.
now... try to maintain your horse pace in the middle of the circle.. which means , in-between the blue and red.
u will see there's a small little jackpot machine.. the best is u get a roll of 3 sevens... woww.. u will see your horse fly like bullet even it's without special abiltities. if not, the first phase.... avoid getting the cartoon with the sleepy mode... zzzz.... then u are safe... at different phase of the race... u get to roll the jackpot automatically...
Anyway, the best timing to push your horse forward.. is at the 600m-550m... push your horse to the middle of the red color bar... gently push it to the faster speed.. u will be control your horse towards inner barrier and avoid banging to other horses.... last 350M... push and whip to the finishing line.
in any of the G1 races... unless u are frontrunners.... otherwise, my suggestions will be ..... avoid the inner barrier... i rather keep my horses on the 4th or 5th lane...
oh yeahh.... inner barrier will sure to have heavy traffic... sighz....