[Updated: 2026-01-23 19:22:34] Revised by AI Assistant
Analysis by AI
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- Hanazono Stakes 2025: Race Overview & Expert Analysis
- Race Environment & Kyoto Dirt 1800m Course Analysis
- Thorough Analysis of Key Contenders
- Full Field Evaluation & Brief Analysis
- Pace Forecast & Track Bias: Decisive Race Factors
- Training & Stable Comments Data Summary
Hanazono Stakes 2025: Race Overview & Expert Analysis
The Hanazono Stakes, set to electrify Kyoto Racecourse on November 30, 2025, is a crucial 3-year-olds and up, 3-win class event contested over Dirt 1800m. This race is a pivotal stepping stone for talented contenders aiming for promotion to Open class. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the leading contenders’ chances and potential pitfalls, drawing from diverse data points including training performance, stable comments, and course characteristics, to arm you with the insights needed for informed predictions.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Top Pick: Penna Veloce boasts exceptional consistency regardless of race pace and impressive training alongside G1-level horses, making it a highly reliable anchor.
- Promising Contender: Three-year-old Hiruno Hamburg benefits from a favorable 56kg weight allowance and expected class acclimation, positioning it as a strong win contender.
- Race Dynamics: The anticipated speed duel between Aaron Ymer and Wide Blizzard for the lead will be a critical factor dictating the race’s flow.
- Dark Horses: Maruchareal is expected to show significant improvement in its second start off a layoff, while Ideai Gosto possesses explosive late speed if it can overcome gate issues.
Race Environment & Kyoto Dirt 1800m Course Analysis
Hanazono Stakes Conditions
- Race Name: Hanazono Stakes
- Date & Time: Sunday, November 30, 2025, 14:40 JST post time
- Venue: Kyoto Racecourse, 4th Meeting, Day 8, Race 10
- Class: 3-year-olds & Up, 3-Win Class (Mixed, Special Weight)
- Course: Dirt 1800m (Right-handed)
- Weight: Standard Weight (3-year-olds 56kg, 4-year-olds & Up 58kg, Fillies/Mares -2kg)
- Prize Money: 1st ¥18,400,000 / 2nd ¥7,400,000 / 3rd ¥4,600,000 / 4th ¥2,800,000 / 5th ¥1,840,000
As a standard weight race, top-performing horses can demonstrate their true abilities without handicap disadvantages. Notably, 3-year-olds carry a favorable 56kg.
Strategic Insights for Kyoto Dirt 1800m
- Start to 1st Corner: The short 280m distance from the start to the first corner makes early position crucial.
- Disadvantage of Wide Draws: Horses drawn wide must aggressively vie for position to avoid significant distance loss.
- Inside Gate Advantages & Risks: Inner gates offer a shorter path around corners but risk getting boxed in if the start is slow. The winning percentage from Gate 1 is 6.3%.
- Course Topography: While Kyoto features the “Yodo Hill” on turf, the overall elevation difference on the dirt course is less pronounced. The straight is flat, demanding sustained speed.
- Decisive Factor: The race is overwhelmingly “front-runner advantageous.” Being within the top 5 positions at the 4th corner is often key to victory.
Anticipated Track Conditions and Their Impact
Track condition is a paramount factor for race prediction. Trainer Matsushita commented, “I prefer a dry, fast track.”
- Good Track (Dry): Demands power and stamina, resulting in slower times. Horses with strong fundamental ability tend to perform well.
- Slightly Heavy to Heavy Track (Wet): The compacted sand leads to faster times, giving a significant advantage to speed-oriented front-runners. Lone leaders or horses making runs along the rail often excel.
Thorough Analysis of Key Contenders
【Core Strength】Unshakeable Anchor Candidates
9. Penna Veloce (C4)
Performance Analysis:
Boasting exceptional consistency in this class. Finished 3rd in the previous Miyama Stakes (Kyoto Dirt 1900m). Its greatest strength is its earnestness, consistently giving its all. Shows good compatibility with the Kyoto course.
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Training & Condition Insight:
Demonstrates comparable speed and stamina in training with G1-level horse Derma Sotogake. Recorded a powerful 11.3 seconds for the final furlong in its last workout. Its suitability as an anchor horse is unparalleled among the field.
12. Hiruno Hamburg (C3)
Performance Analysis:
Showed strong promise by finishing 4th in its first race in this class, the Amano Hashidate Stakes (Kyoto Dirt 1800m). With expected class acclimation, significant improvement is anticipated. Jockey Yutaka Take highly rates its potential.
Training & Condition Insight:
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Despite a short turnaround, clocked an impressive 51.9 seconds on the Ritto uphill track, indicating rising form. Trainer Hidekazu Take commented, “It hasn’t shown its full potential yet,” and the 56kg weight is a clear advantage.
【Race Determinants】Front-Runners Shaping the Pace
10. Wide Blizzard (G4)
Performance Analysis:
Showed tenacity by leading and holding on for 2nd in its first race after promotion. Its strength lies in its ability to maintain a strong pace when establishing a lone lead.
Training & Condition Insight:
Displayed powerful acceleration in its final workout, suggesting even better form than its last start. Trainer Yuta Sato explicitly stated, “We want to stick to our leading style.”
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15. Aaron Ymer (C4)
Performance Analysis:
Achieved a brilliant wire-to-wire victory in its previous 2-win class race (Kyoto Dirt 1800m). Its dominance is unquestionable when it secures the lead and sets its own pace.
Training & Condition Insight:
Maintaining excellent condition. The battle for the lead with Wide Blizzard will be crucial in setting the pace. From an outside gate, it’s likely to run while observing Wide Blizzard on the inside.
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【Reversal Contenders】Dark Horses with Explosive Potential
8. Ideai Gosto (C4)
Despite a slow start, this horse powered through the stretch to finish 5th in its last race. Jockey Norihiro Yokoyama remarked, “It ran very well,” and Trainer Jiro Ono is confident, stating, “It has the ability to win.” Its explosive power when the race unfolds favorably is second to none.
14. Maruchareal (C4)
Finished 4th in its last race after a year-long layoff, an excellent performance for a horse returning from a long break. Significant improvement is expected in this second start back. A victory from a forward position cannot be ruled out.
2. Lord Labyrinth (C3)
Trainer Matsushita’s preference for a “dry, fast track” suggests a reassessment is needed if the track is good. From the innermost gate, a smooth trip could present a clear opportunity.
6. Bellweather (C4)
Trainer Chaki welcomes the distance extension, noting, “1800 meters makes for an easier race.” Its impressive surge along the rail in its last start is attractive, and further improvement is expected in its second race off a layoff.
Full Field Evaluation & Brief Analysis
| Gate | No. | Horse Name | Sex/Age | Jockey | Brief Analysis & Key Insights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Jutaro | C6 | Kanta Taguchi | Trainer Akiyama is experimenting; “signs are there” but results are lacking. Needs significant pace assistance. |
| 1 | 2 | Lord Labyrinth | C3 | Katsuma Sameshima | Prefers a dry track. Could contend if it utilizes the inside gate smoothly. Trainer Matsushita is hopeful “in its own class.” |
| 2 | 3 | Meisho Fudo | C4 | Koji Nishizuka | “Aggressive training” points to potential improvement. Assistant Trainer Tashiro believes it “should perform better.” |
| 2 | 4 | Holt Barge | C4 | Ayaki Kozaki | Has issues closing. Trainer Terashima aims for “the same feel as two starts ago.” Undisturbed by a previous scratch. |
| 3 | 5 | Meisho Mikawa | C7 | Akira Tomita | Trainer Chida is cautious, “still feels heavy even after a run,” but the return to a 4-corner course is a positive. |
| 3 | 6 | Bellweather | C4 | Yuji Hishida | Distance extension is a plus. Expect improvement in its second start after a layoff. |
| 4 | 7 | Sunrise Groove | C5 | Kiwa Ogino | Trainer Maekawa hints at a “hold-up strategy.” Low training evaluation suggests it needs a favorable pace. |
| 4 | 8 | Ideai Gosto | C4 | Norihiro Yokoyama | Ability is top of the class, “certainly a contender.” The start is its biggest challenge. |
| 5 | 9 | Penna Veloce | C4 | Taisei Danno | “Consistently performs well.” The most reliable horse to build a bet around. |
| 5 | 10 | Wide Blizzard | G4 | Fuma Matsuwaka | “Will it hold on tenaciously?” If it gets a lone lead, it could surprise. |
| 6 | 11 | Simon Bouquet | F5 | Naho Kawano | Trainer Umeda is pessimistic, “still too much to handle in this class.” Expect difficulties. |
| 6 | 12 | Hiruno Hamburg | C3 | Yutaka Take | A type that “runs well regardless of competition.” Expect growth from this 3-year-old. |
| 7 | 13 | Raiwin | G4 | Riki Takasugi | “Underperformed after promotion,” but the distance extension could revive its form. Training remains strong. |
| 7 | 14 | Maruchareal | C4 | Seiji Yoshimura | Significant improvement expected in “second start after a long layoff.” Has the class to compete. |
| 8 | 15 | Aaron Ymer | C4 | Junya Nishimura | “Won’t be an easy race,” but strong when it gets its way. The duel with other front-runners is key. |
| 8 | 16 | Pashanjan | C4 | Ryuji Wada | Trainer K. Suzuki comments, “if it requires time.” Kyoto course change is welcomed. |
Pace Forecast & Track Bias: Decisive Race Factors
Pace Simulation: The Intensifying Speed Duel
The primary focus will be on the fierce battle for the lead between #15 Aaron Ymer and #10 Wide Blizzard.
- Scenario A: High-Paced War of Attrition: If both horses aggressively contest the lead, it will create a high-paced race, causing front-runners to tire. This scenario favors closers such as Penna Veloce, Ideai Gosto, and Hiruno Hamburg.
- Scenario B: Smoothly Set Pace: If the field settles into a moderate to slow pace, the “front-running bias” characteristic of Kyoto Racecourse will come into play. This would favor horses like Lord Labyrinth and Maruchareal.
The Critical Importance of Track Bias (Course Tendency)
- Wet Track (Loose Surface): Likely to result in a faster-timed race where horses on the lead are harder to catch. Wide Blizzard and Aaron Ymer’s ability to hold on to their lead should be highly rated.
- Dry Track (Demands Power): Requires more strength from horses, potentially exhausting front-runners. Horses like Lord Labyrinth, who thrive on power, and strong closers are more likely to emerge victorious.
Summary of Prediction Highlights
- Penna Veloce: The Unwavering Anchor: Its consistent performance regardless of pace and excellent training form make it the most reliable choice.
- Hiruno Hamburg’s Ascent: The 3-year-old receives a beneficial 56kg weight and showed strong signs in its last outing, making it a serious win contender.
- Front-Runner Assessment: Wide Blizzard and Aaron Ymer have a strong chance if they can secure a lone lead. Their battle for the front will be a crucial race determinant.
- Maruchareal on the Rise: With significant improvement expected in its second start after a long break, a victory from a forward position is entirely plausible.
- Ideai Gosto: The Explosive Threat: If it gets a clean break from the gate, its devastating finishing speed makes it a formidable dark horse.
Training & Stable Comments Data Summary
| Horse Name | Training Evaluation (Final Workout) | Key Stable Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Penna Veloce | Sharp legwork (Ritto CW, Hard) | Always runs up to the competition. Good affinity with Kyoto. |
| Hiruno Hamburg | No chasing delay concerns (Ritto Uphill, Hard) | Hasn’t shown its full potential yet. Could perform well from a forward position. |
| Wide Blizzard | Powerful stretch (Ritto CW, Hard) | Wants to stick to its leading style. |
| Aaron Ymer | Stable condition (Ritto Uphill, Strong finish) | Strong when it gets its own way. Depends on the battle with other front-runners. |
| Ideai Gosto | Brisk movement (Miho Wood, Hand-ridden) | Condition is improving. Has the ability to win. |
| Maruchareal | Behind, but improving (Ritto Uphill, Hard) | Has the feel it can compete in this class. Even better after this run. |
| Lord Labyrinth | Excellent flexibility (Ritto CW, Hand-ridden) | Prefers a dry track. Should be able to perform in its own class. |
| Bellweather | Maintained form (Ritto CW, Hard) | 1800m is easier to race. Expect improvement in its second start. |
| Jutaro | Fair (Ritto Uphill, Hard) | Still in trial and error. Needs more time. |
| Meisho Fudo | Stronger workout (Ritto Uphill, Hard) | Should perform better. Expect change. |
| Holt Barge | Good response (Ritto Uphill, Strong finish) | Aims for the same feel as two starts ago. |
| Meisho Mikawa | Still heavy (Ritto CW, Hard) | Return to 4-corner course is positive. |
| Sunrise Groove | Behind, but acceptable (Ritto Uphill, Hard) | Aims for a hold-up strategy. |
| Simon Bouquet | Steady (Ritto CW, Hard) | Still a bit too much for this class. |
| Raiwin | Good movement (Ritto CW, Hard) | Hopes distance extension will help. |
| Pashanjan | Maintained power (Ritto CW, Hard) | Kyoto course change is welcomed if it demands time. |


