Iizaka Onsen Tokubetsu 2025 Predictions | Top Contenders & Data Analysis

November 8, 2025 / Updated: November 8, 2025

A thorough analysis of the key prediction points for the Fukushima Racecourse “Iizaka Onsen Tokubetsu” (1200m turf) held on November 8, 2025. This is a sprint race where adaptability to the fast track of the opening week is crucial. Based solely on official information such as stable comments and training evaluations, this article provides data-driven assessments of top contenders like Kouseki, Vanvive, and Foodman, as well as potential dark horses that could cause an upset.

Key Takeaways

• (8) Kouseki:A firm track on the opening week is essential. His previous loss on soft ground can be disregarded.
• (6) Vanvive:Proven track record at Fukushima. Highly reliable as this race was his main target.
• (10) Foodman:Performance drastically improved with “shallow blinkers.” May have reached his full potential.
• (15) Jasper Divine:Boasts the highest training evaluation among all runners, but has mental and gate issues.
• (13) Basileus City:A “repeater” who finished 2nd in this same race last year. A dark horse to watch.

Top 3 Contenders According to Data

The three horses gathering top-tier support from objective data—predicted odds, AI ratings, and expert picks—are naturally the prime candidates for the “axis” of your betting slip. Here, we rigorously verify the reliability of these three contenders based on data.

(8) Kouseki: Trainer Nishizono Declares “A Class Above”. Key is a “Firm Track”

Based on objective data, this horse is the strongest candidate. Ranked #1 by AI, with predicted win odds of 5.2, he is also the focus of expert picks. The main question is how to evaluate his 4th place finish in his last race (Mibu Tokubetsu, Oct 26). Jockey C. Lemaire clearly stated after the race, “This kind of soft ground didn’t suit him,” attributing the loss to the track condition. Considering this, trainer Masato Nishizono’s confident comment, “His condition is maintained. He’s fast out of the gate, and I think the opening week’s track will be good for him. He’s a class above,” suggests that perfect conditions are now in place. If his odds drop due to his last performance, he becomes an excellent bet.

(6) Vanvive: Reliable “Course Record” and “Targeted Race” Preparation

Following closely behind Kouseki is this horse. Ranked #2 by AI with predicted odds of 5.5, his greatest strength is his track record at Fukushima and similar small-circuit courses. Regarding his last race (Tomakomai Tokubetsu, Aug 3, 6th place), trainer Mitsunori Makiura commented, “I felt his condition was declining in the last race. We gave him a rest and targeted this race.” This indicates it’s not just a comeback from a break, but an “intentional rotation” aimed at his specialty course. The “recovering well” evaluation from his final workout supports this, making him a highly reliable choice for the axis of your bet as he enters his favored stage in peak condition.

(10) Foodman: Transformed by “Shallow Blinkers”. Riding Momentum from Last Race’s 3rd Place

Challenging the top two is the 3-year-old Foodman. Ranked #3 by AI with predicted odds of 5.4, he is neck-and-neck in popularity. The key prediction point is his “dramatic improvement from equipment.” The “shallow blinkers” he wore for the first time in his last race (Mibu Tokubetsu, Oct 26) had a tremendous effect, leading to a strong 3rd place finish. Both jockey Mirai Iwata and trainer Minoru Oguri have acknowledged the equipment’s effectiveness, and the stable is confident, saying, “We’re excited even with just one week between races.” His last performance should be seen not as a fluke but as the horse reaching his full potential, making him a prime candidate to threaten the top two.

The Dark Horses: Peak Condition & Course Specialists

While the top three have strong cases, other horses have the potential to break their dominance. Horses with outstanding training evaluations or a particular aptitude for the course require the utmost caution, especially at Fukushima’s opening week.

(15) Jasper Divine: Training Evaluation “Movement Still Excellent”. Superior Speed but Mentality is Key

This horse is the biggest “high-risk, high-return” entry in the race. His final workout was rated “movement still excellent,” the highest training evaluation among all runners. Assistant trainer Ryo Shimizu also praised his ability, stating, “His speed is top-tier.” However, the assistant also hinted at fragility, noting, “His mentality will be key as he’s been stabled for a while,” and he also has gate instability issues. Possessing peak fitness and speed but also carrying risks, if he gets a clean break and stays focused, he has the explosive power to overtake the top three.

(13) Basileus City: A True “Repeater” with a “2nd Place Finish in Last Year’s Race”

With predicted odds of 18.5, he’s not a popular choice, but the fact that he “finished 2nd in this race last year” cannot be overlooked. A “repeater” with a top-two finish record at Fukushima’s 1200m turf is a horse to be wary of. Assistant trainer Obayashi commented, “His break was longer than expected, but he’s been doing well since returning to the stable. He should be able to perform, and we’re looking forward to it on his favorite course.” While the long layoff is a concern, he seems ready to run. He is a classic dark horse who could surface on course aptitude alone if the favorites falter, making him a necessary inclusion in your bets.

Promoted Horses and Other Notables

Promoted Horses Comparison: (4) Ajuman vs. (11) Spellcaster

Two horses are making their debut in this class. There’s a clear difference in their reliability. (4) Ajuman won his last race at Hakodate 1200m, and his stable believes he can handle the class jump, saying, “If he can run his own race, he’ll be consistent.” On the other hand, (11) Spellcaster’s victory was on the unique Niigata 1000m straight course, and his stable has raised concerns: “We’ll see how he adapts to 1200 meters.” Our analysis suggests Ajuman is the more reliable of the promoted horses.

(14) Pico Argyle: Stable Comments “Preparation is on Track”

Ranked #4 by AI with predicted odds of 7.9, he is one of the top contenders. Trainer Hitoshi Ito is confident in his fitness and distance suitability, stating, “He’s back from a break, but he’s training well and his preparation is on track,” and “This course should suit him.” While he lacks a compelling “buy factor,” he has few weaknesses, making him a very solid choice as a supporting contender.

Iizaka Onsen Tokubetsu 2025: Final Training & Stable Evaluations for All 16 Horses

To make a final decision, let’s compare the “AI Rank,” “Final Workout Evaluation,” and “Stable Comments (Brief)” for all runners in a single table.

Summary of Prediction Points and Final Conclusion

Here is a summary of the key prediction points analyzed in this report:

• Track Suitability: (8) Kouseki requires a “firm track.” His loss on soft ground in the last race can be disregarded.
• Equipment Effect: (10) Foodman’s performance was transformed by “shallow blinkers.” The stable expects the effect to continue.
• Course Aptitude: (6) Vanvive has a “proven course record” and is “recovering well” for this targeted race. As a longshot, (13) Basileus City is a “repeater” who was “2nd in this race last year” and is a more dangerous threat than his popularity suggests.
• Condition: (15) Jasper Divine is at his peak, with his final workout rated “movement still excellent.” However, he is a high-risk, high-return horse with “mental” and “gate” issues.

While top AI-rated horses Kouseki and Vanvive have prepared perfectly, the newly potent Foodman (due to equipment) and the peak-condition Jasper Divine are eagerly waiting to pounce. Furthermore, the course specialist Basileus City adds an element of unpredictability, making this a highly competitive race.

Final Predictions and Betting Slip Here!

This article has provided the essential facts and data-based analysis for the Iizaka Onsen Tokubetsu. For our final betting slip, which considers all these factors plus last-minute track conditions and paddock observations, please check the link below.See the Final Predictions & Betting Slip