2025 Keio Hai Nisai S, Muromachi S, & Kibitaki S: In-Depth Predictions

Analysis of Key Contenders Diamond Knot & Star Turn

November 8, 2025

A thorough breakdown of the prediction points for the main JRA races on November 8, 2025: the Keio Hai Nisai Stakes (GII), Muromachi Stakes (OP), and Kibitaki Stakes (3-Win Class). We analyze top contenders from multiple angles—training data, stable comments, and previous race performance—to pinpoint the keys to victory: course suitability and current condition. The spotlight is on Diamond Knot’s newfound versatility and Star Turn’s exceptional form.

Key Takeaways

• Keio Hai Nisai S (GII): The focus is on Diamond Knot, who has developed impressive versatility. With jockey C. Lemaire aboard, the team is perfectly prepared.
• Muromachi Stakes (OP): Star Turn is rated as being in “the best condition ever” in training, indicating peak form for this race.
• Kibitaki Stakes (3-Win Class): The stable has declared this a “must-win” race for Salt Queen. Intensified training has brought her to perfect readiness.
• Each race demands different aptitudes (distance, course, track condition), making it crucial to identify horses in top form.

61st Keio Hai Nisai Stakes (GII) 2025: Prediction Points

On November 8, 2025, the 61st Keio Hai Nisai Stakes (GII), a major race for two-year-olds, will be held at Tokyo Racecourse over 1400m on turf (B Course). This is a crucial race for gauging potential contenders for next year’s classics, testing each horse’s readiness and potential.

Detailed Contender Analysis

We analyze the condition of the top contenders from multiple perspectives: training, stable comments, and previous race performance.

1. Diamond Knot (C, 2)

• Training: In his final workout on 11/5, he cantered on the Ritto uphill track. He easily clocked a standard time of 52.6s – 12.6s, earning the highest rating of “still in excellent form.” He maintains top condition.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Fukunaga): “Despite the tight schedule, he’s not showing any damage and is doing well,” expressing confidence in his physical state. He added, “At 1400m, he can get a good position. This way, he won’t be affected by the race pace,” emphasizing his newfound tactical versatility.
• Analysis: The key takeaway is the stable’s confidence in his ability to be “unaffected by the race pace.” He has matured from his last defeat (2nd in Momiji S), and with jockey C. Lemaire, he is set up to perform at his best.

2. Red Stinger (C, 2)

• Training: His final workout on 11/5 on the Miho woodchip course was 67.7s overall, a modest time, but he showed a sharp finish at 11.6s, earning a rating of “modest time but good extension.” His powerful leg action indicates a quality workout.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Yajima): “His concentration has improved since his last race,” and “He’s always been a handy horse who can handle any kind of race,” showing confidence in his mental growth and tactical range.
• Analysis: Rapid improvement is the key point. His physical and mental development, combined with the “closing from behind” tactic he demonstrated last time, are starting to click. He is a strong contender even in a GII race.

3. Milt Best (C, 2)

• Training: He clocked an impressive 51.2s on the Ritto uphill track on 11/5 while cantering. His talent is highly praised, with comments like “high physical ability.”
• Stable Comments (Trainer Nakamura): “He breaks well, so he won’t get boxed in,” praising his race sense. However, he also noted a concern: “He can get tense, so we’ll see how the long-distance travel affects him.”
• Analysis: A high-risk, high-reward horse. While possessing great physical talent, he has two major concerns: a difficult temperament and the long travel. His jockey also hinted after his debut that the 1400m distance might be a question mark. His composure on race day will be key.

4. Route Thirteen (C, 2)

• Training: Rated as “moving sharply” on the Ritto uphill track on 11/5, his condition is on the rise. His physique also appears more toned.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Tsujino): “I want to see how he does in a faster-paced race.” This suggests the race is a test to see if a horse who has won at a mile can handle the typically faster pace of a 1400m race.
• Analysis: The main focus is his “adaptation to the shorter distance.” It remains to be seen whether the stamina he built at 1600m will be an asset or if he will struggle to keep up with the GII speed.

Keio Hai Nisai S Entry List

Muromachi Stakes (OP) 2025: Prediction Points

The main race at Kyoto Racecourse is the Muromachi Stakes, an open class special over 1200m on dirt. This handicap race promises a thrilling battle of speed and power among dirt sprinters.

Detailed Contender Analysis

We analyze the condition of top contenders based on training data and stable comments.

1. Star Turn (C, 4)

• Training: Received the highest praise of “best condition ever” for his 11/5 workout on the Ritto uphill track. Commentary noted, “He pounds the ground with his forelegs, showing immense propulsion. His physique is even more refined,” indicating a perfect preparation.
• Stable Comments (Assistant Mitsuya): Regarding his last race (3rd in Fujinomori S), he commented, “We saw signs of a return to form.” Jockey Kawada agreed, “His performance felt like he was getting back to his old self,” showing alignment between the stable and jockey.
• Analysis: The key point is that he is “peaking perfectly for this race.” His last race was a step to confirm his recovery, and the “best condition ever” rating is proof that he has been specifically prepared for this event.

2. Bonanza (C, 5)

• Training: Despite coming off a layoff, he clocked a fast 49.8s on the Ritto uphill track. However, it was noted that “even with a jockey aboard, he tired at the end of a sub-50s workout,” suggesting his finishing stamina remains a concern.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Shono): “He rested and refreshed over the summer,” and “He’s lost the excess weight and his body is ready,” expressing confidence in his fitness.
• Analysis: There’s a “slight discrepancy” between the stable’s comments and the training data. While his body is ready, it suggests a slight concern about his race sharpness and finishing stamina. His talent is high, so the focus is on whether he can hold on to the end.

3. Kitano’s Edge (C, 4)

• Training: His final workout was light, but he was driven hard on October 29th, recording 49.8s. This appears to be a deliberate training pattern.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Hata): He explicitly stated, “He’s a typical type that improves with a race under his belt.” His last start (8th in Fujinomori S) was likely just a prep race.
• Analysis: The stable’s words “improves with a race” say it all. It’s too early to discount him based on his last defeat. A significant improvement is expected in his second race back.

Muromachi S Entry List

Kibitaki Stakes (3-Win Class) 2025: Prediction Points

The main event at Fukushima Racecourse is the Kibitaki Stakes, a 3-Win Class handicap race over 1200m on turf. The tricky course, with its tight turns and short straight, makes this a challenging race to predict.

Detailed Contender Analysis

We examine the readiness of top contenders aiming to break through the 3-Win Class barrier.

1. Salt Queen (F, 4)

• Training: Her excellent condition stands out, with reports of being “increasingly sharp.” Her last race was apparently run while “slightly under-trained,” so this time her workload was intentionally “intensified.” She comes into this race in peak form.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Take (H)): A very strong statement of intent: “We want to win this.” They also see her handicap of 55kg remaining unchanged as a positive factor.
• Analysis: The key is the “stable’s determination to win.” Her high ability was proven with a 2nd place finish in her last race despite being under-trained. As the highest-rated horse, in perfect condition, and with a favorable handicap, this is an excellent opportunity.

2. Especially (F, 3)

• Training: Despite coming off a layoff, she is rated as “moving lightly,” indicating she is well-prepared.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Shii): “The tight 1200m course suits her,” suggesting a high affinity for the Fukushima track.
• Analysis: The point here is the trade-off between “suitability” and “risk.” Her course suitability is excellent, but she faces challenges with her “slightly tense” temperament and “long-distance travel.” If she can perform to her ability, she’s a contender, but the risks must be considered.

3. Lord My Life (C, 4)

• Training: Despite the layoff, he was pushed hard and set a “new personal best time,” a sign of his growth.
• Stable Comments (Trainer Sugiyama (H)): “We gave him a solid workout this week too,” and “The Fukushima course also suits him,” showing confidence in both his fitness and course suitability.
• Analysis: The fact that he “set a personal best after a layoff” is noteworthy. This indicates he has been prepared to win, and he should not be underestimated.

Kibitaki S Entry List

Final Conclusion

We have provided a data-based analysis of the key points for Saturday’s main races (Keio Hai Nisai S, Muromachi S, and Kibitaki S). We hope this information will be a valuable aid in your betting considerations.

Next Steps

For our final predictions and recommended bets (picks), please visit the link below. Use this to make your final betting decisions.

See Recommended Bets & Final Conclusion