A deep dive into the top contenders for the 60th Daily Hai Nisai Stakes (G2) on Nov 15, 2025, focusing on their pre-race workouts. In this crucial race that foretells the Classic season, we scrutinize 12 talented horses, including Chukyo Nisai S. record-holder Candide and the highly-touted Admire Quads, using objective data to spot a future G1 winner.
As a foundation for our predictions, we first analyze the characteristics of this race and the abilities required to win.
The Daily Hai Nisai Stakes is known as a “stepping-stone race,” holding more significance than a typical 2-year-old G2. In the last 10 years, four winners have gone on to become G1 champions. This fact demonstrates that the race is not won by flukes and serves to identify horses with true G1-caliber talent. Therefore, our analysis should focus not just on “who can win here,” but on “who is demonstrating G1 potential.”
The race is held on the Kyoto Racecourse’s 1600m turf, B course, right-handed outer loop. The most critical factor is that it’s the “outer loop.” Unlike the inner loop, Kyoto’s outer course features a gentle curve from the third to the fourth corner and a long final straight. This layout demands sustained top speed and a powerful finishing kick that lasts to the wire, rather than agility or cornering skill. Past data confirms a trend of horses with the fastest final three furlongs performing well, making it a stage that tests both explosive speed and stamina in the home stretch.
On the Kyoto 1600m turf, certain bloodlines tend to have a strong influence. Past data shows high win rates for the Deep Impact and Lord Kanaloa lines. This trend is clearly reflected in the pedigrees of this year’s 12 registered horses.
Many of the top contenders share this background, reinforcing their suitability for the course from a pedigree perspective.
The workouts conducted on Wednesday, Nov 5, and Thursday, Nov 6, one week before the race, are the most crucial indicators for assessing each horse’s condition.
This year’s contenders can be broadly divided into two training groups: those who worked longer distances on the Ritto Wood Chip (CW) course to test stamina and finishing response, and those who focused on power and explosive speed on the Ritto Hill Course (or Miho Wood Chip).
The Wood Chip group was tested for the stamina and endurance needed for Kyoto’s long home stretch, while the Hill group was tested for instant acceleration (their finishing kick). The final furlong lap times of the Wood Chip group are particularly important data points that correlate directly to performance in the straight.
In evaluating training, the results of paired gallops (simulated races) provide an objective comparison of current condition. In this week’s workouts, the results were clearly divided.
Finished Ahead (High Rating)
These four horses clearly outclassed their partners, demonstrating excellent condition and a competitive spirit. Admire Quads and Asumiru, in particular, showed impressive moves against higher-class opponents.
Finished Together (Standard Rating)
This indicates they completed their training as planned and can be considered in good form.
Finished Behind (Cause for Concern)
While Eishin Deed’s case has mitigating factors (leading a higher-class horse), the fact that Michael Barows chased and lost to a “maiden” by 0.5s is a significant negative. This data supports the comment “Not yet in peak condition,” as discussed later.
| Horse Name | Date | Course | 5F(4F) | 3F(2F) | 1F | Comment | Paired Gallop (Partner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aigalee | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 67.4 | 36.9(11.7) | 11.7 | Smooth movement | Ahead by a neck (Maiden) |
| Asumiru | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 68.3 | 37.3(11.5) | 11.5 | Full of energy | 0.1s ahead (Older, 3 wins) |
| Admire Quads | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 65.9 | 37.2(11.2) | 11.2 | Powerful stride | 0.6s ahead (Older, 1 win) |
| Eishin Deed | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 67.5 | 36.7(11.3) | 11.3 | Training well | Behind by a neck (Older, 3 wins) |
| Kavareritzo | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto Hill | – | – (27.1) | 13.2 | Good condition despite layoff | No partner |
| Galilea | 11/5(Wed) | Miho W | 68.8 | 40.1(13.1) | 13.1 | Doesn’t show much in training | No partner |
| Candide | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 65.6 | 37.4(11.9) | 11.9 | Finished ahead with a fast time | 0.5s ahead (2yo, Maiden) |
| Good Peace | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto Hill | – | – (25.4) | 12.1 | Good finishing kick | No partner |
| Sardine Run | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 69.3 | 37.5(12.2) | 12.2 | Slightly behind, no concern | Finished together (Older, 3 wins) |
| Star of London | 11/6(Thu) | Ritto Hill | – | – (24.9) | 12.4 | (No comment) | No partner |
| Predatour | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto Hill | – | – (25.6) | 13.0 | Light movement | Finished together (Maiden) |
| Michael Barows | 11/5(Wed) | Ritto CW | 66.4 | 36.6(11.3) | 11.3 | Not yet in peak condition | 0.5s behind (Maiden) |
Based on the preceding analysis, we will now analyze the individual abilities and conditions of the 12 registered horses in a column format.
Analysis Title: The “Otherworldly Finishing Kick” that Set a Chukyo Nisai S. Record
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), jockey Yuichi Kitamura rode him on the Ritto CW course. The time was 5F 65.6s – final 1F 11.9s. He chased Kentucky Home (2yo maiden) from the inside by 1.1s and easily finished 0.5s ahead. The comment “Finished ahead with a fast time” indicates he is maintaining a very high level of condition. In his workout two weeks prior on Oct 29, he recorded a “light canter at 11.9s,” with trainer Matsushita reporting, “He’s gotten bigger, seems a bit taller,” confirming his steady growth.
Previous Performance Analysis: His last race, the Chukyo Nisai S. (G3), was spectacular. Race analysis notes he unleashed an “otherworldly burst of speed, 1 second faster than the race’s final 3F time.” He “shattered the 2-year-old record” with a time of 1:19.4, beating the previous record by a full second. Jockey Kitamura commented, “He was relaxed in a good way and ran with a good rhythm,” and “that led to his response when I asked him to go,” proving his high racing sense.
Overall Assessment: Among all registered horses, he has the most impressive “record.” The finishing kick described as “otherworldly” in the Chukyo Nisai S. clearly indicates G1 potential. He also finished ahead with a fast time in his pre-race workout, showing no weaknesses in his condition. The long straight of Kyoto’s outer course is the perfect stage to maximize his explosive late speed. It was reported on Oct 24 that he is aiming for consecutive graded stakes wins in the Daily Hai Nisai S., showing the high expectations of his camp.
Analysis Title: The Shocking “11.2s” that Backs Up His “Graded Stakes Caliber” Reputation
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), jockey Ryusei Sakai rode him on the Ritto CW course. From a fast 5F time of 65.9s, he clocked an astonishing 11.2s for the final furlong—the fastest among all contenders. In his paired gallop, he chased Jun Raiden (older, 1 win) from the inside by 1.1s and blew past him by 0.6s. The comment “Powerful stride” strongly supports this time and dominant performance.
Previous Performance Analysis: He won his debut in a Tokyo maiden race (1800m turf) on Oct 18. The quality of this debut was extremely high. One analysis asserts that this victory was “undoubtedly at a graded stakes level.” The basis for this is that he cleared the condition of “last 1F of the race under 11.2s and own final 3F under 34.7s” in a 2-year-old maiden race at Tokyo 1800m turf—a rare feat only achieved by past G1 winners like Do Deuce and Chrono Genesis.
Overall Assessment: He replicated the “11.2s” lap time—the very basis for his “graded stakes caliber” rating—in this pre-race workout. This is strong data suggesting his debut performance was no fluke but a reflection of his inherent G1-level ability. If Candide is the leader in “record,” this horse is G1-level by the “performance metric.” His overwhelming workout on the CW course makes a repeat performance in the actual race highly anticipated.
Analysis Title: The Sole G3 Winner, Returning from the Hakodate Nisai S.
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), jockey Suguru Hamanaka rode him on the Ritto CW course. His time of 5F 67.5s to a final 1F of 11.3s is quite sharp. However, the paired gallop is a concern. He led Humbelgait (older, 3 wins) on the outside by 0.8s but was “behind by a neck” at the finish.
Previous Performance Analysis: His last race was the Hakodate Nisai S. (G3) on July 20, making this his first race in about four months. In that race, despite it being his turf debut, he “effortlessly took the lead” and won wire-to-wire. Jockey R. King commented, “He was strong.” It was reported on Oct 15 that “Eishin Deed (c) will target the Daily Hai Nisai S. (Nov 15, Kyoto, G2, 1600m turf),” indicating this race has been a long-term goal.
Overall Assessment: He is the only graded stakes winner in the field, placing his record at the top. However, returning after a long layoff, the fact that he “finished behind” his partner in the pre-race workout, even if it was a higher-class horse, could be a discount factor. His final 1F time of 11.3s is good, and the comment “Training well” suggests his preparation is progressing, but a careful assessment is needed to determine if he is in top form.
Analysis Title: The G3 Runner-Up Who “Doesn’t Show Much in Training”
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: Conducted on Nov 5 (Wed) on the Miho Wood Chip course. The time was 5F 68.8s, final 1F 13.1s. This time is mediocre and not particularly noteworthy. However, the key here is the comment: “Doesn’t show much in training.”
Previous Performance Analysis: He ran well to finish 2nd in his last race, the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup (G3). This record is second only to Candide’s. Jockey Makoto Sugihara suggested he could have done better, saying, “It was a shame it took time for a path to open in the straight,” but also felt positive about the race, adding, “It was a good experience to be able to race like that (saving ground on the inside).”
Overall Assessment: The data presents a contradiction: a strong record of 2nd in a G3 and a mediocre workout time (1F 13.1s). This suggests he is a classic “race-day horse who doesn’t impress in training.” The comment “Doesn’t show much in training” is crucial data that compensates for the slow time. His sharp turn of foot and ability to maneuver on the inside, as shown in his last race, are genuine. He should not be judged solely on his workout times.
Analysis Title: A Difficult Situation, “Not Yet in Peak Condition”
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), jockey Mirai Iwata rode him on the Ritto CW course. The times of 5F 66.4s and final 1F 11.3s look sharp on paper. However, the content is concerning. In a paired gallop, he chased Access (maiden) from the inside by 0.4s but “finished 0.5s behind.” His partner was an unraced “maiden,” making this decisive loss a clear negative. The comment also bluntly states, “Not yet in peak condition.”
Previous Performance Analysis: He finished 3rd in the Chukyo Nisai S. (G3). According to race analysis, he avoided the fast pace, took an inside route, and briefly took the lead, but “the two who pulled away (Candide and Star Anise) were just too good,” indicating a decisive ability gap with the top two.
Overall Assessment: After showing a clear “gap” with Candide in his last race, this pre-race workout has produced a string of negative data: “0.5s behind a maiden” and “Not yet in peak condition.” Based on this objective data, it is difficult to expect a performance better than his last.
Analysis Title: Possesses “a Good Engine,” in Good Shape After a Layoff
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), jockey C. Demuro rode him on the Ritto Hill Course. The time was slow at 3F 27.1s, final 1F 13.2s, indicating it was not a strenuous workout. However, this was likely an adjustment for the jockey to get a feel for the horse, and the comment is a positive “Good condition despite layoff.”
Previous Performance Analysis: He won his debut in a Chukyo maiden race on Aug 31 (returning after about 2.5 months). Jockey Yuichi Kitamura rated his talent highly, saying, “He has a good engine.” The race itself showed his high explosive speed, as he was eager to go in the pack, and when a gap opened on the inside in the straight, he “shot through in an instant.”
Overall Assessment: The 1F time of 13.2s on the hill course might seem concerning at first glance. However, one should prioritize the “good engine” capable of “shooting through” that he showed in his debut, along with the qualitative assessment of “Good condition.” This was clearly a light tune-up to check his feel, not to post a fast time. His latent explosive power is evident from the data. He should not be underestimated.
Analysis Title: Data Shows Consistent “Finishing Kick”
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), jockey Junya Nishimura rode him on the Ritto Hill Course. He showed a sharp finish for a hill workout with a 3F of 25.4s and a final 1F of 12.1s. The comment “Good finishing kick” confirms a powerful stride.
Previous Performance Analysis: He won his debut in a Hanshin maiden race on Sep 20. Jockey Junya Nishimura praised his versatility, saying, “He’s a good horse. Feels like he can do anything.” Race analysis notes state, “Good sense and has a finishing kick.”
Overall Assessment: This horse’s data is consistent on one point: his “finishing kick.” Praised for it in his debut and confirmed with a “Good finishing kick” in this workout, it’s clear his greatest weapon is being sharpened. Considering the Kyoto outer course demands a strong finish, his suitability for this track is judged to be high.
Analysis Title: The “Smooth Moving” Honor Student Type
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), on the Ritto CW course. Time was 5F 67.4s, final 1F 11.7s. In a paired gallop, he led My Love Noripy (maiden) from the outside by 0.3s and “finished ahead by a neck.” The time is sharp, and the content is flawless, matching the “Smooth movement” comment—a true honor student performance.
Previous Performance Analysis: He won his debut in a Hanshin maiden race on Sep 15. Jockey Yuji Hishida praised his excellent tractability, saying, “He has a very honest personality. He was easy to ride and ran straight.”
Overall Assessment: The data points not to “flashiness” but to “reliability.” His high tractability, praised as “honest” and “runs straight” in his debut, combined with “smooth” movement in his workout and the competitive spirit to “finish ahead” in a paired gallop, is impressive. Temperamental issues often decide 2-year-old races, but this horse shows no such concerns in the data. He can be considered a highly reliable contender.
Analysis Title: Excellent Workout, but “Right-Handed Track” Suitability is Key
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), on the Ritto CW course. Time was 5F 68.3s, final 1F 11.5s. The paired gallop was particularly noteworthy. He chased Meisho Zuiun (older, 3 wins) from the inside by 0.2s and “finished 0.1s ahead.” This is an extremely impressive performance, beating a higher-class horse, making the “Full of energy” comment well-deserved.
Previous Performance Analysis: He won a Niigata maiden race on Oct 26. Jockey Daiki Matsumoto praised his fighting spirit, “It was a close fight at the end, but he held on well,” before clearly stating, “The left-handed track suits him.”
Overall Assessment: The main analytical point is the “contradiction in the data.” The pre-race workout, with an 11.5s lap beating a higher-class horse, is top-notch. However, the jockey’s comment from his last race, “The left-handed track suits him,” casts a clear doubt on his suitability for the “right-handed” Kyoto course. This horse’s evaluation will be split between those who trust the excellent training data and those who heed the jockey’s comment on track preference.
Analysis Title: A Solid Preparation Deemed “No Concern”
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), on the Ritto CW course. Time was 5F 69.3s, final 1F 12.2s. He led on the outside of Hiruno Hamburg (older, 3 wins) and “finished together.” The time isn’t flashy, but he kept pace with a higher-class horse, and the comment “Slightly behind, no concern” signals a smooth preparation.
Previous Performance Analysis: He won a Kyoto maiden race on Oct 19. He won by “taking a safe lead early,” and jockey Kohei Matsuyama commented, “He was strong,” suggesting the performance was more dominant than the margin indicated.
Overall Assessment: The data can be summed up in one word: “solid.” He finished together with a higher-class horse and had a “strong” win in his last race. While he lacks the flashy, G1-caliber data of Candide or Admire Quads, he also has no negative factors, making him a stable contender.
Analysis Title: Light Movement with Hidden “Improvement”
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 5 (Wed), on the Ritto Hill Course. Time was 3F 25.6s, final 1F 13.0s. The time is on the slower side, but the comment is a positive “Light movement.” He led and “finished together” with Tondetondetonde (maiden) in a paired gallop.
Previous Performance Analysis: He won his debut in a Hanshin maiden race on Sep 28. Jockey Atsuya Kameda hinted at significant potential, saying, “He was getting better with each workout, and he still had plenty left in the tank, so there should be more to come.”
Overall Assessment: The workout time is ordinary, but the key to his analysis is the comment from his debut: “more to come.” Like Kavareritzo, this seems to be a training method that focuses on “light” movement to draw out potential rather than posting fast times on the hill course. His “room for improvement” is among the highest in the field, and a significant step up can be expected.
Analysis Title: Has the “Balance” Issue Been Resolved?
Pre-Race Workout Evaluation: On Nov 6 (Thu), on the Ritto Hill Course, the only horse to work on Thursday. The time of 3F 24.9s, final 1F 12.4s, is standard. However, it is important to note that there is “no comment” on this horse’s workout in the data.
Previous Performance Analysis: He finished 6th in the Suzuran Sho (OP) on Aug 30. Race analysis notes reveal critical issues that prevented him from competing: “He was leaning inwards after the start and his balance wasn’t very good,” and “He couldn’t use his legs in the straight.”
Overall Assessment: There is a severe lack of positive data. His last race revealed a clear reason for his defeat: “poor balance.” While his workout time of 24.9-12.4s is decent, the absence of a “comment” to evaluate the quality of his run makes it impossible to determine from the current data whether this fundamental issue has been resolved.