From what I can tell, my issue is something that's not really explained in the game. When you start that final run, your position is determined by where your little icon is in the prior, final phase.
I was aiming for the level 3 comfort zone there, because the game (and all the guides) told me to. But when I actually looked at the rest of the pack, all the other horses were significantly ahead of those white areas. Like not even in the level 1 forward white area, way beyond it. So when the final sprint started, I was the fastest horse on the field, but also starting hundreds of yards behind the rest.
I've since tried positioning myself further forward on the last bit and ignoring the white zones, but that predictably has the opposite problem and I have less Enthusiasm.
Basically god knows!
From what I can tell, my issue is something that's not really explained in the game. When you start that final run, your position is determined by where your little icon is in the prior, final phase.
I was aiming for the level 3 comfort zone there, because the game (and all the guides) told me to. But when I actually looked at the rest of the pack, all the other horses were significantly ahead of those white areas. Like not even in the level 1 forward white area, way beyond it. So when the final sprint started, I was the fastest horse on the field, but also starting hundreds of yards behind the rest.
Is that really an issue though? Maybe on later races where the opposition is stronger and rushes to the finish? I have to admit, I've not experienced this - the pack for me is usually quite spread out, and I'm never stuck right at the back. The only thing I've been conscious of doing on the final turn is positioning myself so that the path ahead is relatively clear for the homestretch. As soon as that starts, it means I have minimal need to move for the final sprint… but as I said, I've only run into one situation where my pace isn't already enough to get to the front before the line.
Like you say… god knows! I guess that Pace section (or whatever it's called) where the cards are all flames that boost your energy is important? I buy items from the shop too, but I'm mostly using money to complete the puzzles which do… something?
Make sure nobody at Nintendo knows about this! https://3ds.hacks.guide/
