Perseus Stakes 2025 Predictions: In-depth Analysis of Favorite Battle Cry and Key Contenders

November 1, 2025

This is a horse racing prediction article for the Perseus Stakes (Tokyo Dirt 1600m) held on November 1, 2025. We’ll explain the tough course characteristics and provide an in-depth analysis of top contenders like the favorite Battle Cry, challenger Ashurbanipal, and the wildcard Regalo del Cielo. We also delve into dark horses and key race points to guide you to a winning prediction.

Key Takeaways

• The favorite is Battle Cry, who is highly suited to the Tokyo Dirt 1600m course.
• Ashurbanipal is a strong challenger, benefiting from a shorter distance and excellent training.
• Regalo del Cielo (first dirt race) and the recovering Utitam could cause an upset.
• Stamina and endurance on the long 501m final stretch will be key to victory.

Perseus Stakes 2025: Race Outlook and Course Suitability

The Perseus Stakes is a handicap race for three-year-olds and up, held on the 1600m dirt track at Tokyo Racecourse. This course is known as one of the toughest dirt mile races in the JRA.

The race starts on turf, which can influence the initial battle for position based on turf suitability. However, the deciding factor of the race is the long final stretch, which spans approximately 501 meters. On this gently inclining straight, not just speed, but also the stamina and power to maintain pace to the end are essential. Therefore, simply being a front-runner is not enough; horses with excellent staying power are favored. Past race trends also show that horses with a strong track record on the Tokyo Dirt 1600m or those who can sustain a long, powerful run are ones to watch.

In-depth Contender Analysis: The Top Picks

We analyze the most notable contenders based on expert picks, training reports, and stable comments. First, let’s compare the data for the main entrants to see where each horse stands.

Battle Cry: The Unwavering Course Specialist

With a top rating of 68.1 among the entrants and strong support in expert picks, Battle Cry is considered the clear favorite. He carries the top handicap weight of 58.5kg, but the stable’s comments show confidence that this won’t be an issue. Trainer Noboru Takagi emphasized the ideal conditions, stating, “I was prepared for a 59kg handicap, but it’s lighter than expected,” and “The race should be easy for him under the best conditions.” Although he finished a disappointing 11th in his last race, the Ritto Stakes (Kyoto Dirt 1400m), jockey Mirai Iwata attributed the loss to course unsuitability. This means the previous defeat can be disregarded and, in fact, reinforces his high suitability for this course. His final workout was rated as “thoroughly prepared,” leaving no concerns about his condition. He is highly likely to demonstrate his full potential on his favored Tokyo Dirt 1600m track.

Ashurbanipal: The Tokyo Specialist Aiming for a Comeback

Although he finished 9th in his last race, the Sleipnir Stakes (Tokyo Dirt 2100m), the reason for the loss is clear, as the stable analyzed, “He had trouble concentrating, and the distance seemed a bit long.” This time, he’s shortening the distance to a mile and aiming for a comeback. Assistant trainer Yamazaki commented, “He can still be unreliable, but I want to see him turn things around,” acknowledging mental challenges while holding high hopes. Supporting these expectations is his spectacular training performance. In his final workout, he finished neck-and-neck with G1 winner Rousham Park and was praised for his “flawless movement.” If the stable’s strategy of shortening the distance pays off, this is a very attractive horse with the potential for a major breakthrough.

Regalo del Cielo: The Wildcard on its Dirt Debut

This talented horse, who has climbed to the open class on turf, makes an interesting switch to dirt here. Trainer Toru Kurita clearly stated his intention to try something new: “He’s been struggling a bit since moving up to the open class. We’re going to try him on dirt this time.” Looking at his pedigree, his sire Lord Kanaloa has produced successful dirt horses, so it’s not out of the question that he has an aptitude for it. His final workout was rated as “decently finished,” and he appears ready for his dirt debut. Most importantly, securing world-class jockey D. Lane shows the stable’s serious intentions. He is a horse worth betting on for his unknown potential.

Rise of the Dark Horses: Ones to Watch for an Upset

Beyond the top favorites, there are several horses with the potential to cause an upset if the conditions are right.

Trovatore: Expect Improvement in Second Dirt Race

He made his dirt debut in the Elm Stakes and finished a distant 12th, but there’s a clear reason for this poor result. Jockey C. Lemaire reflected, “He stumbled at the start and couldn’t get a good position,” but was not pessimistic about his dirt suitability, adding, “His running on dirt wasn’t bad. A one-turn 1600m seems better for him.” The experience gained from one dirt race is significant, and with the conditions changing as the world-class jockey suggested, it’s entirely possible he’ll show a completely different performance this time.

Ohgi no Kaname: Can it Overcome the Class Jump?

He won the Akefuji Stakes in his last race, earning a promotion to the open class. Jockey Akira Sugawara analyzed the win, saying, “The left-handed track and an uncontested run suited him well,” suggesting that a smooth race will be key. In terms of condition, he showed “powerful legwork” in his final workout and is highly rated as being in “stable, top-level form,” so there’s no doubt he’s coming in at his best. The 55kg weight is also appealing, and if he can run at his own pace like in his last race, he has the potential to compete even against higher-class opponents.

Utitam: Showing Signs of Recovery in Last Race

After a recent slump, he showed signs of recovery with a strong 3rd place finish in the Green Channel Cup. Trainer Naosuke Sugai feels confident, stating, “He was finally able to run his own race last time. The Tokyo 1600m suits him.” His final workout showed clear improvement from the last race, with reports of “good body and movement” and “increased concentration.” He is on an upward trend and has a good chance of making a full comeback on his favored Tokyo mile course.

Perseus Stakes 2025: Key Points and Final Conclusion

This year’s Perseus Stakes is likely to be a race where suitability for the Tokyo Dirt 1600m course plays a major role. To summarize our analysis, the key points for prediction are as follows:

• Reliable Favorite vs. High Potential: While the unwavering course specialist Battle Cry is a reliable favorite, the key will be how to handle horses with huge potential, such as Ashurbanipal with his outstanding workouts and the dirt debutant Regalo del Cielo.
• Importance of Course Suitability: The unique Tokyo Dirt 1600m course favors proven horses like Battle Cry, but it also offers a perfect opportunity for a comeback for a horse like Trovatore, who struggled in his last race.
• Assessing Condition: Horses that are clearly improving, like Utitam and Ohgi no Kaname, should be rated higher than their popularity might suggest. Utitam’s upward trajectory, in particular, should not be overlooked.

Each horse has a mix of strengths and weaknesses, making this a very interesting race. The final decision will need to take into account the race development and the track conditions on the day.

Next Steps

For the final predictions, marks, and specific betting slips, please check the link below.Check Final Predictions and Bets