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What are “naps” in horse racing?

Mike BrunkerMB
Horse Betting Expert · former Las Vegas Review-Journal racing writer
Updated October 2026 · 2 min read   𝕏inRJ
Horse racing journalist and handicapper who covered the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont and Breeders’ Cup for the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
HORSE BETTING GUIDE · STRATEGY
Reviewed by the Horse.bet Team
NapsHORSE RACING EXPLAINEDIN SHORTWhile racehorses nap (sleep) in their stalls, theterm nap in horse racing refers to a publichandicapper’s best bet of the day.GOOD TO KNOWThe abbreviation “nb” stands for next best and is often used todesignate the handicapper or tipster’s second-best bet of the day.horse.bet — betting guides
What are “naps” in horse racing? — explained: While racehorses nap (sleep) in their stalls, the term nap in horse racing refers to a public handicapper’s best bet of the day.

While racehorses nap (sleep) in their stalls, the term nap in horse racing refers to a public handicapper’s best bet of the day.

The abbreviation “nb” stands for next best and is often used to designate the handicapper or tipster’s second-best bet of the day.

Both terms are mainly used in the U.K. and Australia, as far as I can tell, and chances are you will never hear either term if you are a U.S. horseplayer.

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