Doei Sprint 2025 Predictions

A Weak Spot for Special X? In-depth Analysis of All 10 Runners

The 2025 Doei Sprint (H1) focuses on the reigning champion Special X, aiming for a consecutive win. However, returning from a long layoff, he may not be in peak condition. The top contender is Candy Drive, in superb form and earning the highest rating from his stable. Furthermore, the Junji Tanaka stable holds the key to the race’s pace with four entries, while the fully recovered 3-year-old Bellagio Zero is also a serious threat. We provide an in-depth analysis of all 10 contenders to preview the race.

Key Takeaways

• ▶Reigning champion Special X is improving, but his camp’s comments suggest he may not be at his best yet.
• ▶Candy Drive, the only horse with the top rating “◎”, is in peak condition and the strongest candidate for an upset.
• ▶The fully recovered 3-year-old Bellagio Zero challenges older rivals with momentum from a recent dominant victory.
• ▶The Junji Tanaka stable’s four entries could significantly influence the race’s pace and outcome.
• ▶Dark horses like Stream (wearing blinkers) and a recovering Jasper Eagle should not be overlooked.

2025 Doei Sprint (H1) Race Outlook

The 20th Doei Sprint (H1), the pinnacle event for sprinters, concludes the Hokkaido horse racing season. This year, 10 of the north’s fastest horses gather on the 1200m dirt track.

The main focus is on last year’s winner, Special X. Although he won his last race after a long layoff, comments from his stable suggest he’s not yet back to his best. If the reigning champion shows any weakness, other talented horses have a clear shot at victory.

Leading the charge is the in-form Candy Drive. He’s the only horse to receive the highest “◎” rating from his stable, and his training condition is on a sharp rise. He aims to seize the crown, carrying the momentum from his recent dominant win.

The Junji Tanaka stable is another crucial factor in this year’s race. They’ve entered an impressive four horses: the champion Special X, the fully recovered 3-year-old Bellagio Zero, Stream (who hopes for a turnaround with new equipment), and the challenger Eiichi. How this powerful lineup will affect the race’s dynamics is a key point of interest.

With other unique contenders like the veteran Destegeo seeking a comeback and Jasper Eagle making a remarkable return from a long break, an unpredictable and thrilling race is expected.

Runner Evaluation Summary

First, let’s get an overview of each horse’s standing by looking at their stable ratings and training trends.

Full Runner Evaluation List

This table reveals the power dynamics by combining “Rating” (stable’s expectations) and “Training Trend” (current form). Candy Drive, with both the top rating “◎” and an upward trend “↗”, stands out as the most reliable horse. Additionally, Bellagio Zero, Destegeo, and Special X, all with “↗” trends, are improving and are key challengers.

In-depth Runner Breakdown

Here, we’ll dive deeper into each horse, analyzing their recent performances, training, and comments from their stables.

Gate 1, No. 1: Eiichi (Colt, 3yo / Shigeru Hattori / 56kg)

He has been consistent, finishing on the board in his last four starts (2nd, 3rd, 2nd, 1st), showing steady improvement. His versatility allows him to run from a forward or mid-pack position. While his final workout was described as “full of energy,” trainer Junji Tanaka remains cautious, stating, “It will be tough against top-class sprinters.” This race is a true test of his abilities against strong competition.

Gate 2, No. 2: Pink Venom (Filly, 4yo / Shinichi Kuwamura / 55kg)

Known for her consistency and always being in contention. Her strength is her early speed, allowing her to press the pace from second position, and she’s expected to be part of the early speed battle. Trainer Hideki Kadokawa emphasized that her “body and training have been specifically tailored for this race,” making her a dangerous contender.

Gate 3, No. 3: Stream (Colt, 4yo / Isami Iwahashi / 57kg)

While he has struggled to win, his talent is undeniable. To address his lack of focus, trainer Junji Tanaka has stated, “We will be using blinkers this time.” If this equipment change works, he has the potential to end his streak of near misses and break through for a win, making him a true wild card.

Gate 4, No. 4: Jasper Eagle (Gelding, 8yo / Ryu Abe / 57kg)

He has made a remarkable recovery from a long layoff, winning his last race impressively. His performance defied his eight years of age, signaling a return to form. Trainer Masaki Sakuma is confident, saying, “He has the ability to compete with this field.” Now showing signs of peaking, he is a horse that cannot be ignored.

Gate 5, No. 5: Dodo Kirishima (Colt, 9yo / Saki Yamamoto / 57kg)

At nine years old, this veteran’s ability is still intact. As a typical closer, his success depends on the race’s pace. Trainer Masato Kawashima commented, “A slightly slower finish would be ideal,” indicating that the track condition on race day will significantly impact his performance.

Gate 6, No. 6: Candy Drive (Colt, 6yo / Gen Ochia / 57kg)

Currently one of the hottest horses in Hokkaido racing. He won the Upopoy Autumn Sprint last time out and finished second in the Cluster Cup (Jpn3) before that. His training has been exceptional, and trainer Nozomu Ono gave him the only “◎” rating, stating, “We are sending him out with absolute confidence.” With no apparent weaknesses, he is the clear protagonist of this race.

Gate 7, No. 7: Bellagio Zero (Colt, 3yo / Isamu Miyauchi / 56kg)

A talented 3-year-old who has fully recovered. In his last race, he dominated older horses with a 1.0-second victory margin. Trainer Junji Tanaka is confident, feeling he “can compete on equal terms or better with the older, more experienced horses.” The 56kg weight is also an advantage, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he defeats the entire field.

Gate 7, No. 8: Destegeo (Colt, 5yo / Yamato Ishikawa / 57kg)

One of the most consistent horses in the field. He finished second to Candy Drive last time, but trainer Hiroyuki Oguni believes “with a slightly faster pace, we would have had a chance to win” and is eager for a rematch. His condition is improving, and with the right race setup, he has the ability to turn the tables.

Gate 8, No. 9: Special X (Colt, 5yo / Hiroshi Yoshihara / 57kg)

The defending champion and reigning king. He proved his class by winning his last race after an 8.5-month layoff. However, trainer Junji Tanaka commented, “He’s still not at his peak” and “it’s not a dramatic improvement,” suggesting he may not be at 100%. The question is how much his top-tier ability can compensate. All eyes are on the champion’s pride.

Gate 8, No. 10: Miracle Voice (Colt, 3yo / Shin Matsui / 56kg)

His performance in the Seiun Sho was genuine, and his talent is clear. However, he is returning from a layoff due to illness. Trainer Masaki Sakuma is cautious, stating, “He’s still only at about 80-90%,” so it’s best to look for his true comeback in his next race.

Prediction Points & Horses to Watch

Based on the analysis of all 10 runners, here are the key points and groupings of horses to consider.

Top Contenders

• Candy Drive: Absolute confidence from the stable, improving form, and dominant recent performances. All data points to him as the favorite.
• Bellagio Zero: A talented 3-year-old who has made a “full recovery.” His last win was impressive, and he has the potential to break through.

Strong Challengers

• Special X: Last year’s winner and the most proven horse. Concerns about his condition exist, but his raw talent cannot be underestimated.
• Destegeo: Showed his ability with a 2nd place finish last time. The stable is aiming for revenge. A contender depending on the race flow.

Dark Horses to Watch

• Stream: Will the blinkers be a game-changer? If his latent ability is unlocked, he could be the source of a big payout.
• Jasper Eagle: The 8-year-old is showing signs of a full comeback. If he carries his momentum, he could go all the way.

Conclusion: Final Picks Available Here

In this article, we’ve thoroughly analyzed all runners for the 20th Doei Sprint based on publicly available data. For our final conclusions, official picks, and recommended bets derived from this detailed analysis, please check the expert’s predictions via the link below.

See the Expert’s Final Picks and Bets