Daigo Stakes 2025

November 23, 2025 Kyoto Racecourse, Japan

Key Takeaways

• ✔The Kyoto 1200m course’s “Yodo Slope” makes it a technical race, not just a speed test.
• ✔The C Course favors front-runners from inner gates due to good turf conditions.
• ✔Favorite McAlein is talented but has a risky tendency to start slow.
• ✔Mon Chaman is in peak condition, setting a personal best in training.

Race AnalysisContendersBetting Picks

Course Layout & “Yodo Slope”

The race starts with the “Yodo Slope,” which moderates the initial pace, allowing horses to conserve energy. A sharp downhill follows, leading into a flat 328m straight. This unique layout favors horses that can manage their energy on the slope and unleash a strong finish, contributing to the track’s reputation where front-runners are hard to catch.

Track Bias (C Course)

The C Course provides improved turf on the inner rail, giving a significant advantage to front-running horses on the inside. Horses running wide lose more ground. While some data suggests a bias for outside closers, the C Course is expected to amplify the front-runner advantage.

Pace Prediction

The uphill start typically leads to even splits or a slow-to-fast pace. If South Bank leads unchallenged at a relaxed pace, she could hold on. A contested pace would benefit mid-pack horses with a strong late burst, like Mon Chaman and Black Kelly.

Key Horse Data

Final predictions and betting tickets, considering paddock condition and track conditions on race day, are available via the provided link.