2025 Saitama Shimbun Eikan Sho (SIII) Preview: 3-Year-Old Champ Mountain Laurel vs. Urawa Specialist Ranryo O? A Deep Dive on All 10 Runners

October 29, 2025

A preview of the Saitama Shimbun Eikan Sho (SIII) on October 29, 2025. On the Urawa 2000m track, 3-year-old champion Mountain Laurel challenges older horses. The field of 10 includes course specialists like Ranryo O and Your History, and JRA transfer Suleiman. We break down the tricky course, race dynamics, final workouts, and suitability for all contenders, highlighting potential dark horses.

Key Takeaways

• 3-year-old champion Mountain Laurel, on a 5-race winning streak, faces older horses and the Urawa course for the first time.
• Local Urawa hero Ranryo O is in peak condition, aiming to capture the title.
• The Urawa 2000m is a unique course where early speed and an inside draw are key.
• The field is deep with contenders, including proven JRA horse Suleiman and Your History, who has performed well in this race for two consecutive years.
• The early pace battle between Hero Call and Ranryo O will likely dictate the race’s outcome.

Course Analysis: The Unique Urawa 2000m Track

The 2000m course at Urawa Racecourse is known as one of the trickiest among the four NAR tracks in the southern Kanto region. The short distance from the start to the first turn and the tight corners make it extremely difficult for horses to close from behind. With a short final straight of only 200m, the key to victory is “positioning.”

The race demands a horse that can secure a good position without losing ground and move smoothly at the critical moment. This gives an advantage to horses with early speed and those who can skillfully navigate from an inside draw.

This year, with strong front-runners like Hero Call and Ranryo O, a fierce battle for the lead is likely from the start. If they push each other into a fast pace, the front-runners could tire in the final stages, opening the door for closers who have conserved stamina. Conversely, if one horse easily takes the lead and sets a slow pace, it could become a front-runners’ race.

2025 Saitama Shimbun Eikan Sho: Analysis of All 10 Runners

This year’s Saitama Shimbun Eikan Sho features a highly competitive field. Here, we provide a thorough analysis of all 10 runners, covering their final workouts, trainer comments, pedigree, and course suitability.

Gate 1, No. 1: Suleiman

Overall Evaluation: A former JRA open-class horse aiming for a revival in the NAR circuit. This talented horse, with a graded stakes placing in the JRA, makes his NAR debut. While his recent form is poor, his ability is top-class in this field. If he adapts to the NAR track and pace, he could win this graded race right away.

Final Workout: In top condition after training at an external facility. He showed a sharp finish in his final workout on the uphill track, clocking 12.1 seconds for the final furlong, showing no signs of rust from the layoff.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Terunobu Fujita is optimistic, stating, “His preparation is going smoothly. I believe he’s a talented horse, and I’m excited to see how he runs.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by King Kamehameha. He has proven his suitability for the Urawa course with a 2nd place finish in last year’s Teletama Hai Oval Sprint. The partnership with jockey Norifumi Mikamoto is also a plus.

Gate 2, No. 2: Alula

Overall Evaluation: A consistent performer making his graded stakes debut. He boasts remarkable stability, having finished off the board only once. The competition is much tougher here, but he has defeated graded stakes winners in the past and has untapped potential.

Final Workout: After a spell at the farm, his final workout was decent. He appears ready to perform at his best.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Takeshi Minowa commented, “He handles layoffs well. I’m looking forward to seeing how he measures up against this strong field.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by Belshazzar. He loves the Urawa course, with 4 wins and 5 second-place finishes in 14 starts. He’ll look to capitalize on his light weight of 54kg.

Gate 3, No. 3: Ranryo O

Overall Evaluation: In peak form, aiming for a coveted title on his home track. The winner of the 2022 Ohi Kinen (SI) is a proven talent. He demonstrated his course suitability with a 2nd place finish in this race two years ago and signaled a full return to form with a win two starts back.

Final Workout: His workout was simply spectacular. Described as “full of fighting spirit,” it suggests he is in prime physical and mental condition.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Satoshi Kokubo showed immense confidence, saying, “His condition is excellent. If he can get into his rhythm and run a smooth race, he should be right there.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by Pyro. He has an outstanding record at Urawa with 4 wins and 2 seconds in 9 starts. If he can set his own pace up front, it’s hard to see him faltering.

Gate 4, No. 4: Two Shadow

Overall Evaluation: The distance is the biggest question mark. This speedy mare, who has excelled in sprints and miles, attempts 2000m for the first time. While she likes the Urawa course, her success has been at 1600m or less, making the extra distance an unknown.

Final Workout: Her workout times were considered underwhelming. Although her condition should be improving after her last race, she doesn’t seem to be at her absolute peak.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Koji Ozawa was cautiously optimistic: “As she’s gotten older, she doesn’t rush to the lead, which might make the race easier for her. But the stamina is a concern.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Her pedigree (sire Danon Legend, dam’s sire South Vigorous) is that of a typical sprinter. Based on bloodlines, handling the distance will be a major challenge.

Gate 5, No. 5: Seika Meteopolis

Overall Evaluation: A 5-time graded stakes winner looking for a big improvement in his second start back. He finished a disappointing 9th in his return from a long layoff, but the improvement from that race will be significant. If he runs to his true ability, he is a contender.

Final Workout: His training has shown a dramatic turnaround. Positive comments like “sharpened up by the last race” and “full of energy” suggest a major step forward.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Kazuo Watanabe feels a clear change: “He has improved dramatically since his comeback race. He also likes the colder weather, so I’m expecting a much better performance.”

Pedigree & Suitability: He has a stamina-rich pedigree. Despite a jockey change, his record of five graded stakes wins and the expected improvement make him a serious threat.

Gate 6, No. 6: Hero Call

Overall Evaluation: Ignore his recent JRA form; he can bounce back if he gets his kind of trip. A 5-time graded stakes winner. His last three starts were against tough JRA competition, but he is a standout talent against this NAR field.

Final Workout: While still improving off a layoff, he worked well, finishing ahead of his workmate. His condition should continue to improve leading up to the race.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Satoshi Kokubo believes the race setup is key: “This is a track where he can win easily if he gets his preferred trip. It all depends on the pace battle with other front-runners.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by Hokko Tarumae. His stamina and front-running style are top-notch. The switch to jockey Takayuki Yano signals the stable’s high expectations.

Gate 7, No. 7: Jo Espoir

Overall Evaluation: A perfect in-the-money record at his home track of Urawa. He is an incredible course specialist with 6 wins and 6 seconds in 12 starts. However, he finished 8th in his last graded stakes attempt, raising concerns about his finishing kick against top-tier opponents.

Final Workout: After a refreshing break, he showed a sharp finish in his final workout. He is in good shape and ready to perform.Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Satoshi Kokubo is hopeful: “The break has done him a lot of good. We’re looking for a better result in his second graded stakes challenge.”

Pedigree & Suitability: His greatest asset is his consistency at Urawa, but he may lack the class to beat the very best in this field.

Gate 8, No. 8: Tsukai no Kizuna

Overall Evaluation: An up-and-comer who has thrived over longer distances. He has truly come into his own since racing at 2000m and beyond, winning his last start impressively. In his current form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him win this graded stakes on his first try.

Final Workout: He worked easily and finished on terms with his workmate. Described as “maintaining good form,” he is holding his condition at a high level.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Masaki Iwasaki is confident: “The competition is tougher, but the longer distance with a steady pace suits him, so we’re heading into the race with high hopes.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by Kizuna, he is a type that has improved with distance. With a light weight of 54kg, he is expected to be very competitive.

Gate 8, No. 9: Your History

Overall Evaluation: A true course specialist who lives for this race. His record in the Saitama Shimbun Eikan Sho is the best in the field, with a 3rd place finish two years ago and a 2nd last year. His suitability for the Urawa 2000m is undeniable.

Final Workout: Although coming off a layoff, he has been specifically prepared for this race. The assessment “shaping up well” indicates he is ready to run.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Takayuki Yamashita emphasized their focus: “This was the planned spot for him. He’s in good shape, and this distance at Urawa is perfect for him.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by Rulership. His recent form is mediocre, but he is a different horse on the Urawa 2000m track. Given his record, he cannot be overlooked.

Gate 8, No. 10: Mountain Laurel

Overall Evaluation: The 3-year-old champion on a 5-race win streak, can he break through against older horses? He is the generational leader, having won the Kuroshio Hai (SII). He faces many firsts—first time at Urawa, first time racing left-handed, and first time against older rivals—but he has the momentum and talent to overcome them.

Final Workout: He galloped under a hold in his final workout with “plenty in hand.” A short break has left him refreshed and in good condition.

Trainer’s Comments: Trainer Masahiro Fukuda noted, “He’s still only about 60% developed,” but added, “I’m looking forward to seeing how he competes against the older horses.”

Pedigree & Suitability: Sired by Henny Hughes. His tactical speed could be an asset on the tight Urawa track. His biggest weapon is the 54kg he carries, 2-3kg less than the older horses.

Data Analysis: Estimated Odds & Horses to Watch

The estimated odds provide a crucial look at how the market views each horse. Here, we analyze the race’s power dynamics based on the latest projected win odds.

Initial Market View: A Wide-Open Race with No Clear Favorite

The projected odds show 3-year-old champion Mountain Laurel as the favorite, but at 3.5-1, he is far from a lock. He is followed closely by Hero Call, Tsukai no Kizuna, Suleiman, and Ranryo O, creating a tight group at the top. This reflects that every top contender has both strengths and weaknesses.

Analysis of Key Contenders

• Mountain Laurel (Favorite): Valued for his 5-race win streak and 54kg weight, but carries risks with the trainer’s “only 60% developed” comment and facing many firsts.
• Proven Veterans (Hero Call, Ranryo O): Hero Call is the second favorite based on his strong record against NAR competition. Ranryo O, despite his excellent course suitability and peak condition, is the fifth favorite, making him a potentially valuable bet.
• Intriguing Threats (Tsukai no Kizuna, Suleiman): The improving Tsukai no Kizuna is the third favorite due to his momentum and light weight. JRA transfer Suleiman is the fourth favorite, drawing attention for his class and course experience.

Dark Horse to Watch: Your History

The horse with the biggest gap between his odds and his record is Your History. Projected at 25.9-1 (8th favorite), he is being overlooked, but it’s impossible to ignore his 3rd and 2nd place finishes in this very race over the last two years. His recent poor form has lowered his price, but his trainer’s comments confirm this race has been the target. At these odds, he has the potential to be an excellent value play.

Summary & Final Thoughts

Key Factors: Pace, Condition, and Suitability

Who will win the 2025 Saitama Shimbun Eikan Sho? The answer will likely be found at the intersection of these three factors:

1. Pace: The early pace set by Hero Call and Ranryo O will be the biggest turning point of the race.
2. Condition: It’s crucial to assess which horses are in peak form, whether they are fresh off a layoff or improving in their second start back.
3. Suitability: Will the youth and talent of Mountain Laurel overcome experience, or will the “Urawa specialists” like Your History and Ranryo O prevail?

A comprehensive evaluation of these elements is the key to a winning ticket.

Find Our Final Picks Here

This article has provided a deep dive into the abilities, condition, and suitability of every runner. For our final selections and betting strategy based on this analysis, please follow the link below. We hope it helps you with your own handicapping.View Final Picks & Betting Strategy