On November 1, 2025, future star horses will make their debut at racetracks in the east and west. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the talented prospects clashing in these highly anticipated maiden races. We’ll delve into the pedigree, training, and course suitability of top contenders like Saliente, a promising progeny of Kizuna, and Rajabrook, who carries the hopes of new sire Nadal, to provide key insights for your racing predictions.
Key Takeaways
- Numerous future classic contenders will debut in maiden races across eastern and western Japan on November 1, 2025.
- In the Kyoto 5R (Turf 2000m), “Saliente,” a progeny of Kizuna with outstanding course suitability, is the overwhelming favorite.
- In the Kyoto 6R (Dirt 1800m), attention is on “Rajabrook,” a progeny of new sire Nadal, who has drawn a favorable outside gate.
- The Tokyo 5R (Turf 1600m) features a showdown between “Satono Vancool,” ridden by C. Lemaire, and the perfectly conditioned “Mikki l’Amour.”
- This article provides comprehensive analysis of each horse’s pedigree, training, and stable comments to enhance your prediction accuracy.
Kyoto 5R (Turf 2000m) – A Clash of Well-Bred Classic Hopefuls
Race Overview: Kyoto’s Inner 2000m Demands Stamina and a Burst of Speed
This race, a test of suitability for classic distances, is crucial for identifying future stars. The Kyoto Turf 2000m (inner course) features a tough layout, starting in front of the main stand and navigating a 3.1m incline. Conquering this course requires both the stamina to handle the hill and the explosive speed to break away in the short final stretch, testing a horse’s overall ability.
Top Contenders Analysis
◎ #5 Saliente (Filly, Sire: Kizuna)
A prodigious talent drawing overwhelming support with predicted win odds of 1.8, thanks to high expectations for her raw ability. Her sire, Kizuna, boasts the most wins on this course, giving her exceptional suitability. She has shown powerful strides in training and will be ridden by the master jockey C. Demuro, creating a perfect setup. Trainer Manabu Ikezoe is confident in her condition, noting the only question is “whether she can unleash her full power in a real race.”
○ #1 Shadow Master (Colt, Sire: Kitasan Black)
Considered Saliente’s biggest rival. He possesses the stamina and endurance inherited from his sire, Kitasan Black, who has a high success rate on this course. Trainer Haruki Sugiyama notes he “can be a bit one-paced,” making a strategy that leverages his staying power ideal. The skill of jockey Yuichi Kitamura will be key.
▲ #3 Gaudi (Colt, Sire: Rey de Oro)
Sired by Derby winner Rey de Oro, his pedigree is highly attractive. However, trainer Hiroyuki Uemura comments that his “immaturity is a challenge,” making his mental readiness the deciding factor. If he can tap into his latent potential, he could threaten the top contenders, but he also carries the risk of temperamental fragility.
| Horse Name | Sire | Jockey | Training Evaluation | Strengths | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saliente | Kizuna | C. Demuro | Powerful Strides | Exceptional course suitability from pedigree, high physical ability | Slight question about agility due to large build |
| Shadow Master | Kitasan Black | Yuichi Kitamura | Improving with each workout | Strong pedigree for the course, good conditioning | Responsiveness in a sprint finish |
| Gaudi | Rey de Oro | Mirai Iwata | Decent movement | Course-suited pedigree, above-average movement | How temperament issues will affect the race |
Kyoto 6R (Dirt 1800m) – The Search for the Next Dirt Champion
Race Overview: Power and Endurance Tested on Kyoto’s Dirt 1800m
The Kyoto Dirt 1800m starts in front of the main stand, with its defining feature being the long uphill stretch on the back straight. Overcoming this incline is a non-negotiable requirement of power and stamina. Data shows a strong advantage for front-runners, with an especially high success rate for horses in outside gates (particularly Gate 8) who can avoid traffic.
Top Contenders Analysis
◎ #15 Rajabrook (Colt, Sire: Nadal)
The main contender, favored with predicted win odds of 3.4. Sired by the new stallion Nadal, who is quickly making a name in Japan’s dirt scene, his pedigree holds immense promise. His training movements are rated as “better than the clock suggests,” and he will be ridden by C. Demuro. Most importantly, he drew Gate 15 in the 8th post position, the most advantageous spot on this course, giving him an ironclad setup.
○ #3 Macaron Bleu (Filly, Sire: Sinister Minister)
A well-bred prospect from top dirt sire Sinister Minister. The stable has given its seal of approval, stating her “physique and bloodline are perfect for dirt.” With her proven ability, she is expected to be a strong contender.
▲ #10 T M Sun Reve (Colt, Sire: Le Vent Se Leve)
A horse highly rated by experts. Sired by dirt champion Le Vent Se Leve, the stable has commented that he “looks ready to perform from his first race,” indicating they expect him to be competitive. He has the potential for a dramatic improvement in a real race setting.
| Horse Name | Sire | Jockey | Training Evaluation | Gate | Strengths | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajabrook | Nadal | C. Demuro | Movement better than time | 8-15 | Most favorable gate, promising new bloodline for the course | The unknown factor of a debut race |
| Macaron Bleu | Sinister Minister | Kanta Taguchi | Good finishing kick | 2-3 | Highly reliable dirt pedigree, solid preparation | Handling pressure if boxed in from an inside gate |
| T M Sun Reve | Le Vent Se Leve | Taisei Danno | Improving with each workout | 5-10 | High expectations from the stable, positive expert reviews | Sire is new, so progeny tendencies are unknown |
Tokyo 4R (Dirt 1400m) – A Battle of Speed and Power
Race Overview: Unique Start and Long Straight are Key at Tokyo Dirt 1400m
This course features a pure dirt start, a long straight, and a steep incline before the finish line. Speed alone is not enough to win; the power and stamina to climb the final hill are essential. Data clearly shows a trend favoring horses that race from the front (“pacemakers” and “front-runners”).
Top Contenders Analysis
◎ #12 Taiki Plaisir (Colt, Sire: Danon Premium)
His greatest asset is his power, which the stable describes as “exceptional propulsion.” This is the perfect weapon for conquering the final hill on the Tokyo dirt course. He showed strong, responsive movement in his final workout and expectations are high for his debut.
○ #16 Lily Sunrise (Filly, Sire: New Year’s Day)
A promising filly from the prestigious Yoshito Yahagi stable, ridden by top jockey Keita Tosaki. Her sire, New Year’s Day, is known for producing horses with high aptitude for dirt races around 1400m, giving her an excellent pedigree. A forward-running strategy is planned, which should suit the race dynamics.
▲ #13 Birbante (Colt, Sire: Mind Your Biscuits)
His sire was a dominant force on the world’s sprint dirt circuit. Inheriting that speed and power, he is considered highly suitable for this course. Paired with jockey Kazuo Yokoyama, known for his aggressive riding style, he has the potential for an upset.
| Horse Name | Sire | Jockey | Strengths | Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiki Plaisir | Danon Premium | Shu Ishibashi | “Exceptional propulsion” to conquer the hill | Sire was a turf horse, so dirt suitability is unknown |
| Lily Sunrise | New Year’s Day | Keita Tosaki | Top stable & jockey, dirt-oriented pedigree | Slight delay in gate training raises minor conditioning questions |
| Birbante | Mind Your Biscuits | Kazuo Yokoyama | Ideal dirt sprinter bloodline for the course | Showed some sluggishness in response during workouts |
Tokyo 5R (Turf 1600m) – Future Mile Champions Assemble!
Race Overview: The Gateway to the Classics, Tokyo Turf 1600m
This is the main stage for Japan’s mile division, hosting numerous G1 races like the Yasuda Kinen and NHK Mile Cup. The long straight and final hill make it a true test of a horse’s ability with few flukes. Many G1 winners have emerged from this debut race, and top-rated favorites are known to be highly reliable here.
Top Contenders Analysis
◎ #7 Satono Vancool (Colt, Sire: Poetic Flare)
The leading candidate, favored with predicted win odds of 2.9. His biggest advantage is being ridden by C. Lemaire, who has an outstanding record on this course. The stable is confident in his grand, sweeping stride, stating he has “a big stride suited for Tokyo,” which will be an asset on the long Fuchu straight.
○ #1 Mikki l’Amour (Colt, Sire: Saturnalia)
This horse is number one in terms of training performance. He received the highest praise of “perfect in both physique and spirit” and enters his debut in flawless condition. As a hopeful from the Noriyuki Hori stable, which has a reputation for preparing newcomers, he is expected to be a contender from the start.
▲ #13 Red Avion (Colt, Sire: Epiphaneia)
Progeny of Epiphaneia have an excellent record at Tokyo Turf 1600m and longer, giving him strong pedigree support. With world-class jockey Damian Lane secured for the ride, the stable is confident, stating “a quality prospect is ready.”
△ #6 Itoshisa (Colt, Sire: Indy Champ)
As a first-crop progeny of mile champion Indy Champ, he is one to watch. The stable has noted his rapid development, commenting that “his improvement over the last two weeks has been remarkable.” If his potential blossoms, he could certainly challenge the leaders.
| Horse Name | Sire | Jockey | Training Evaluation | Strengths | Points to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satono Vancool | Poetic Flare | C. Lemaire | Well-prepared | Partnership with C. Lemaire, running style suited for Tokyo | Unknown factors due to new sire |
| Mikki l’Amour | Saturnalia | Takuya Ono | Perfect physique & spirit ↑ | Flawless condition, high hopes from a top stable | How the jockey compares to the top foreign riders |
| Red Avion | Epiphaneia | D. Lane | Shows tenacity | Partnership with D. Lane, bloodline of a Tokyo specialist | Comments about slight soreness (sokue) |
| Itoshisa | Indy Champ | Kosei Miura | Average despite workouts | Expectations for a new sire, noted rapid growth | How he performs while still developing |
Conclusion: Final Picks and Predictions
The maiden races on November 1, 2025, are unmissable, featuring a lineup of talented prospects who will shape the future of horse racing. At Kyoto, the focus will be on Saliente and Rajabrook with their excellent course suitability, while at Tokyo, Satono Vancool ridden by a world-class jockey and the perfectly prepared Mikki l’Amour are the central figures.
This article has provided a thorough analysis of each horse’s abilities and key prediction points. For our final picks and betting conclusions based on this information, please check the link below.


コメント