Full Race Analysis & Prediction Insights
Nov 30, 2025
Kyoto Racecourse
Turf 1200m
Key Takeaways
Weight Matters
Namurakrara’s 5kg advantage over the favorite, Lugal, could be a decisive factor in this high-speed sprint.
Inside Draw Bias
Kyoto’s 1200m C course historically favors inside draws, giving horses like Abukir Bay a structural advantage.
Training Form is Crucial
Horses showing peak condition in training, like Eishin Fencer, are flagged as high-potential dark horses.
Pace Battle
The early pace set by front-runners like Rapier will shape the race, creating opportunities for well-positioned closers.
Course Dynamics
The unique layout of the Kyoto Turf 1200m course significantly influences race outcomes, from its uphill start to its C course track bias.
Uphill Start Effect
A 320m uphill gradient from the start naturally suppresses an overly fast initial pace, allowing front-runners to conserve energy.
Turns & Acceleration
A downhill slope from turn 3 to 4 causes natural acceleration. Horses running wide lose ground due to centrifugal force, favoring rail runners.
C Course & Track Bias
The switch to the C course covers worn turf, often reviving the advantage for inside draws. Draw #2 has the highest historical win rate (8.8%).
Contender Analysis
Scroll or use arrows to navigate through the full field.
Stall 1 | Draw 1
Lugal
Heavy Favorite
5yo59kgJ. Nishimura
Reigning champion with a heavy 59kg weight. Strong course record, but the weight is his biggest hurdle. Good condition shown in training.
Stall 2 | Draw 1
Abukir Bay
Upset Potential
3yo F55kgM. Yoshimura
Proven course winner with an excellent draw and strong pedigree (Fine Needle). A potential upset contender.
Stall 3 | Draw 2
Shonan Zanadu
Contender
3yo F55kgY. Hishida
Shortening distance, but shows powerful stride in training. Inside stall is a plus for this horse with a sharp burst of speed.
Stall 4 | Draw 2
Yoshino Easter
Strong Contender
7yo57kgH. Uchida
Still competitive at 7. Excellent draw and consistent sire (Lord Kanaloa) make him a strong contender for a top position.
Stall 5 | Draw 3
Justice Sky
Sleeper
6yo57kgK. Ogino
Inconclusive last race due to traffic. Lively training suggests good condition. Strong sprint aptitude in pedigree.
Stall 6 | Draw 3
Rapier
Pace Setter
3yo C56kgK. Samejima
On a winning streak with top-tier early speed. If he can set his own pace from the front, a win is highly possible.
Stall 7 | Draw 4
Jasper Krone
Questionable Form
6yo57kgG. Maruyama
Seasoned front-runner, but stable reports he is ‘not yet at peak condition.’ Performance is questionable.
Stall 8 | Draw 4
Meisho Sorafune
In Form
6yo57kgR. Takasugi
Won the Opal Stakes at Kyoto, showing great form. Good draw and sire affinity make him a threat for his first graded stakes win.
Stall 9 | Draw 5
Culture Day
Wildcard
4yo F55kgN. Yokoyama
Racing with blinkers to improve poor form. Fine Needle sire is a plus. A comeback is possible if equipment helps.
Stall 10 | Draw 5
AT Macfie
Closer
6yo57kgS. Tomita
Reliable finishing kick. Could be a factor if the early pace is fierce, allowing him to close from behind.
Stall 11 | Draw 6
Eishin Fencer
Top Dark Horse
5yo F56kgK. Kawamata
Exceptional training time (11.2s final furlong), arguably the best in the field. Entering her prime and showing major improvement.
Stall 12 | Draw 6
Namurakrara
Primary Candidate
3yo F54kgY. Take
Major 5kg weight advantage over Lugal. Good condition and strong pedigree make her a highly reliable favorite.
Stall 13 | Draw 7
Mozu Meimei
Style Change
5yo F55kgK. Kokubun
Switching to a closing style. Could be dangerous if the race unfolds favorably for horses coming from behind.
Stall 14 | Draw 7
Classpedia
Doubts
3yo C56kgA. Kosaki
Training evaluations are critical, with a ‘slight lack of condition’ noted. Improvement seems unlikely.
Stall 15 | Draw 7
Otal Ever
Comeback Potential
6yo57kgT. Ogino
Inconsistent recently, but training shows signs of recovery. Has a good record at Kyoto, so a turnaround is possible.
Stall 16 | Draw 8
Yamanin Alrifra
Start Dependent
4yo C58kgT. Danno
His start is the main challenge. If he breaks evenly, he possesses G3-level speed. Condition is stable.
Stall 17 | Draw 8
Team Spada
Disadvantaged
6yo F56kgS. Saito
Record holder, but the very wide draw (17th) is a massive disadvantage for a front-runner.
Stall 18 | Draw 8
Pair Pollux
Disadvantaged
4yo C57kgF. Matsuwaka
Also faces a significant handicap with the wide draw. Navigating the race without losing ground will be difficult.
Pedigree Power
Fine Needle Progeny
Win: 16.0%, Place: 20.0%
The top sire for this course. Horses to watch: Abukir Bay, Culture Day, Eishin Fencer.
Maurice Progeny
Win: 12.8%, Place: 23.1%
Excellent power and speed for Kyoto’s uphill sections. Horse to watch: Meisho Sorafune.
Lord Kanaloa Progeny
Win: 11.3%, Place: 19.4%
Known for consistency and clever racing. Horse to watch: Yoshino Easter.
Prediction Factors
1. Weight & Draw
The 5kg difference between Lugal and Namurakrara is significant. Inside draws for Abukir Bay and Yoshino Easter are major advantages.
2. “Peak Condition” Dark Horses
Eishin Fencer’s exceptional training time (11.2s final furlong) makes her a high-value bet. Rapier’s speed is a serious threat if he leads.
3. Race Development
A moderate pace favors front-runners. A fast pace brings closers like Namurakrara and Meisho Sorafune into play.
Top Picks
Yoshino Easter
Strong Contender
Benefits hugely from an excellent draw and consistent pedigree. A top candidate if he runs efficiently.
Namurakrara
Primary Candidate
The ideal combination of a significant weight advantage (54kg), strong condition, and proven course suitability.
Eishin Fencer
Top Dark Horse
Outstanding training performance and a suitable pedigree make her the most compelling upset potential.