Significance: A crucial showdown to predict the landscape of next season’s short-distance graded races.
Key Insights and Summary
The Kyoto Turf 1200m course is renowned for its distinctive “Yodo Hill” immediately after the start, making it a highly technical race that’s far from a simple speed contest.
With the use of the C Course, the inner track conditions are expected to be favorable, potentially giving an edge to front-running horses drawn in inner gates.
The top contender, Mac Aluin, possesses superior ability, but his persistent gate tardiness remains a significant concern.
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Black Kelly, currently on an impressive three-race winning streak, and South Bank, who can capitalize on a favorable pace for front-runners, are also strong contenders.
The highest training evaluation goes to Mon Chaman, who has updated his personal best and is in peak condition.
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Deep Dive: Kyoto Turf 1200m (Inner Track, C Course) Characteristics
This sprint tests more than just raw speed. Its unique layout, including the demanding “Yodo Hill” right after the start, demands tactical brilliance and specific aptitudes. The geometric characteristics of the course layout, combined with the dynamics of “Yodo Hill,” heavily influence early positioning and energy expenditure. The C Course usage often introduces a track bias, typically favoring horses running closer to the rail, which can significantly alter race dynamics. Understanding the initial 3F (furlong) lap composition is crucial for predicting the race’s pace and identifying which horses will benefit most from the likely flow.
Detailed Analysis and Evaluation of All Entrants
(외) Mac Aluin (3yo Colt, Miho Kimura Stable)
Expected Popularity: 1st Favorite.
Stable Comment: “Certainly aiming for the top.”
Pedigree Analysis: Sired by Blue Point (one of Europe’s top sprinters) out of a dam by a speed sire. This pure sprint-oriented pedigree suggests high adaptability to Japan’s fast tracks.
Training Evaluation: A. Demonstrated effortless superiority in his final gallop, easily outworking his workmate. Experts praised his “smooth rhythm and sharp acceleration.”
Vulnerabilities & Concerns:
Gate Start: His previous race saw him break slowly. A poor start on the Kyoto C Course could prove fatal.
Transportation: The long-distance transport from Miho also needs to be factored in.
South Bank (3yo Filly, Ritto Yoshioka Stable)
Main Contender: The foremost rival to Mac Aluin.
Pedigree Analysis: Sired by Greater London (Deep Impact line) out of a dam by Afleet (Mr. Prospector line). This combination offers both power and sustained speed, making her well-suited to handle Kyoto’s uphill sections.
Training Evaluation: A. While her final gallop was light, she showed a sharp burst of 11.9 seconds over the final furlong on the uphill track a week prior. Her extensive training suggests excellent condition.
Key to Race Development: Possesses early speed and is highly likely to opt for a front-running strategy. If she can leverage the Kyoto C Course’s likely bias for front-runners, a gate-to-wire victory is well within reach.
Black Kelly (3yo Filly, Ritto Hasegawa Stable)
Momentum: Currently on an impressive three-race winning streak.
Pedigree Analysis: Sired by Maurice out of a dam by Stravinsky. True to Maurice’s progeny, she shows a late-developing tendency and is hitting her growth spurt, combining both speed and a strong will to win.
Training Evaluation: A. Clocked an excellent time on the uphill track while still under wraps (“ummanari”). Trainer comments like “untapped potential” and “has enough power” are highly encouraging.
Race Analysis: Her style of saving ground in a good position and unleashing a powerful burst in the straight is perfectly suited for Kyoto 1200m. Her versatility, being adaptable to various race developments, is a major asset.
Mon Chaman (4yo Colt, Ritto Uemura Stable)
Dark Horse Candidate: His training performance stands out significantly.
Pedigree Analysis: Sired by Mickey Isle, a sire known for producing many Kyoto specialists. He excels in sustained speed on flat courses.
Training Evaluation: Special A. Updated his personal best time on the uphill track in his final gallop, recording one of the fastest times at Ritto that day. He is in absolute peak condition.
Suitability & Outlook: As trainer Uemura commented, “He’s learned how to race and can now conserve energy,” indicating remarkable mental growth. This increased versatility is a significant advantage.
Uncle Cross (4yo Colt, Ritto Takahashi Stable)
One-Shot Potential: Despite returning from a layoff, his excellent preparation is evident.
Pedigree Analysis: Sired by Talismanic out of a dam by Dance in the Dark. He’s the type to show his true grit in a grueling race, with a pedigree that often performs well at Kyoto.
Training Evaluation: A. Consistently clocked excellent times on both the CW and Polytrack. Trainer Ryo Takahashi also confirms his return to form, stating, “He’s back to his good old self.” He shows no signs of rust.
Stable Data: Ryo Takahashi Stable’s remarkable 36.4% win rate in this specific race is an undeniable positive factor.
Other Notable Horses & Dark Horse Analysis
Bandshell (4yo Colt, Ritto Nishimura Stable): Possesses a reliable late surge. His final furlong in training was a sharp 11.9 seconds, indicating excellent closing speed. He could emerge victorious if the front-runners falter.
Miltenberg (4yo Colt, Ritto Takei Stable): Despite recent poor form, a rider change to C. Demuro could spark a significant turnaround. His underlying talent is unquestionable.
Lord Trail (4yo Colt, Ritto Fujioka Stable): Even with just a one-week break, his training performance is reportedly better than before. He’s on an upward trajectory, and if he adapts to the Kyoto course, he could be an interesting proposition.
Training & Condition Summary
Training Evaluation Ranking:
Special A:Mon Chaman (Personal best updated, in superb form)
A:Mac Aluin (Effortless workmate lead, sharp acceleration), Black Kelly (Good time with minimal effort, outstanding consistency), South Bank (Light final gallop but strong work a week prior), Uncle Cross (Consistent fast work, well-prepared)
B+:Bandshell (Remarkable closing speed)
Recommendation:
From a training perspective, Mon Chaman is our top recommendation. While Mac Aluin shows brilliant work, concerns about transportation and gate issues remain. Black Kelly consistently performs at a high level.
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Betting Strategy & Path to Conclusion
Race Pace Simulation
Pace Assumption: We anticipate South Bank will challenge for the lead. Given the characteristics of the Kyoto 1200m and its “Yodo Hill,” a reckless early speed battle is unlikely. We project a moderate to slightly slow pace.
Favorable Horses: Front-running horses positioned along the inner rail, benefiting from the C Course advantage, or those tracking closely behind South Bank.
Key for Closers: For horses like Mac Aluin, Black Kelly, and Mon Chaman, the ability to accelerate smoothly down the downhill slope from the 3rd to 4th corner will be the crucial deciding factor.
Conclusion & Recommended Horses
◎ Ultimate Pick: Mon Chaman Reason: His personal best update in training and superb condition are paramount. His Kyoto course suitability as a Mickey Isle progeny, mental growth, and versatility—less affected by race development—are highly attractive.
〇 Major Contender: South Bank Reason: Possesses the speed to leverage the likely front-runner friendly course bias. If she can establish her preferred running style, a convincing win is possible.
▲ Single Anchor: Mac Aluin Reason: Undoubtedly the most talented horse in the field, but we must account for his gate issues and transportation risk. A smooth run could lead to an overwhelming victory.
☆ Special Mention: Black Kelly Reason: The momentum from her three consecutive wins combined with the growth potential typical of Maurice’s progeny. The stable’s confident comments further bolster her chances.
△ Underneath: Uncle Cross, Bandshell Reason: Uncle Cross is well-prepared despite his layoff, and his stable’s strong record in this race is a powerful positive. Bandshell has the potential to unleash a sharp late burst if the pace sets up favorably.
Towards Building the Final Bet Slip
Betting Strategy: We recommend building your wager with Mon Chaman as the軸 (anchor), then betting heavily on combinations with South Bank and Mac Aluin.
Value Bets: Triples (3連複) incorporating Uncle Cross and Bandshell could offer attractive payouts.
Detailed Specifications of Promising/Notable Horses (as of November 22, 2025)