An in-depth analysis of all 12 runners, including K’s Reve, Smile Mambo, and Bellagio Dream, for the 3-year-old graded race at Sonoda Racecourse on November 6, 2025.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each horse by post position, including objective data from four perspectives: Analyst’s Take, Recent Performance, Training Evaluation, and Stable Comments.
Analyst’s Take: His biggest challenge is settling. In his last race, the Sonoda Autumn Trophy (1700m), he showed improved ability by securing 3rd place despite pulling hard early. Given his temperament, a steadily paced sprint is more suitable than a middle-distance race with pace changes. The cutback to 1400m is a major plus.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Final workout on Oct 30 (Thu) at Nishiwaki. Clocked 50.0 – 37.1 at a full gallop. Comment: “Vibrant movement,” a high rating.
Stable Comments: Trainer Sakamoto: “Considering his tendency to pull, the likely fast pace of this field should be a positive. If he can settle smoothly, he should perform well here.”
Analyst’s Take: Boasts a near-perfect quinella rate of [5-5-0-2] in 12 starts, and [5-5-0-1] on dirt. While primarily a sprinter, she ran well to finish 2nd by a neck in a 1400m race four starts ago, so the distance extension is within her range.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Final prep on Nov 1 (Sat) at Ohi. Clocked 68.0 – 53.2 – 39.2 at a canter. Comment: “In good condition.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Suzuki: “Training has been smooth for this target” and “1400 meters is within her scope.” However, he notes that handling “her first long-distance travel and a new course” will be key.
Analyst’s Take: Lacks a decisive kick in middle-distance races, but this weakness is mitigated in sprints. Both of his wins have come at 1400m, and he recorded the fastest final furlongs in last year’s Hyogo Junior GP (JpnII). He’s a dark horse if the pace suits him.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered at Sonoda on Oct 30 (Thu) (59.2 – 42.9). Finished level with his work partner. Comment: “Good spirit in company.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Hori: “A 1400-meter race is better for him at this stage,” welcoming the shorter distance. “The competition is tough, but he’s been training well.”
Analyst’s Take: Won the Gold Soha last time out, his first race against older horses, closing strongly despite trouble. His talent is proven, having finished 5th (top among regional horses) in the Hyogo CS (JpnII) in May. He has gained nearly 20kg in six months, showing remarkable growth.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered at Nagoya on Oct 31 (Fri). Clocked 49.1 – 36.2. Comment: “Maintaining good form.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Enokiya: “We can run him on a shorter turnaround for the first time,” and “His condition is good.” The stable’s confidence is high, noting, “We’re targeting the Hyogo Gold Trophy after this.”
Analyst’s Take: Finished 6th in her first start after transferring to Hyogo, but that can be overlooked as she wasn’t fully prepared due to a minor injury. Her training has intensified since, and she has an excellent course record, having won last year’s Sonoda Princess Cup decisively.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered at Sonoda on Nov 2 (Sun) (51.9 – 37.6). Finished 0.9 seconds ahead of her work partner. Comment: “Full of energy,” indicating recovery.
Stable Comments: Trainer Tanaka: “She was coming off an injury last time, but we’ve trained her hard for this one. A weight around 440kg should be just right.” He emphasizes clear improvement from her last race.
Analyst’s Take: Won his last race comfortably by setting a fast pace and never letting the field catch up. Given his difficult temperament, a sprint where he can utilize his speed is currently his best option.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Worked at a full gallop at Nishiwaki on Oct 30 (Thu), clocking 66.6 – 50.3 – 37.9. Comment: “Full of vigor.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Sakamoto states, “1400 meters is his best distance,” but also suggests versatility: “Even if he can’t get the lead, he can still be competitive from just off the pace if he gets into the flow of the race.”
Analyst’s Take: Won consecutive races after transferring to Kawasaki, including the New Year Cup. Her lack of wins on right-handed tracks is a concern, but her 8th place in the Tokyo Princess Sho two starts ago can be attributed to a tough pace battle with another front-runner.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Trained on the farm’s uphill track until Nov 1 (Sat). Clocked 38.0 – 24.6 – 12.2 at a canter. Comment: “Trained at an external facility.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Uchida gives a “◎” (Top Pick) rating. “She’s in great shape for this target,” and “1400 meters, where she can settle, is her best distance.” The stable’s expectations are at the highest level.
Analyst’s Take: A talented horse who consistently runs close races in local graded stakes. He fought a fierce battle with K’s Reve in the Aki no Kura two starts ago, finishing 2nd by a head. He aims for his first long-awaited graded stakes victory on his home turf at Sonoda.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered at Sonoda on Nov 3 (Mon) (58.1 – 42.2). Comment: “Excellent spirit,” indicating he is in top condition.
Stable Comments: The groom gives a “◎” (Top Pick) rating. “We’ve got him to a level where if he loses, we have no excuses. We’ve had a string of frustrating results in graded stakes, so we really want to win this time.” This is a “do or die” effort.
Analyst’s Take: Performed well against top-level competition in the 3-year-old dirt classic series, finishing 3rd in the Kumotori Sho (JpnIII) and 4th in the Haneda Hai (JpnI). Since most of his top-two finishes are at a mile or less, the cutback to 1400m is seen as a positive.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered on the Kobayashi uphill track on Nov 1 (Sat) (30.1 – 14.4). Comment: “Conditioning is decent,” suggesting steady improvement.
Stable Comments: Trainer Sakai expects a significant improvement: “The benefit of having a race after a layoff is huge,” and “The switch to 1400 meters should be good.” He adds, “We’ve also secured a top local jockey,” indicating they are fully prepared.
Analyst’s Take: Held on for 2nd in the Sonoda Autumn Trophy last time, despite pressure from the winner. His lead changes, previously an issue, have become smoother, showing progress even in defeat. The 1400m distance is where he won his first title, a favorable stage for him.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: A strong workout at Sonoda on Oct 30 (Thu) (67.5 – 51.3 – 37.8). He beat his work partner by 1.2 seconds. Comment: “Sharp finish, impressive movement.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Tanaka shows confidence in the distance: “If he breaks well and gets into the flow, he should handle 1400 meters.”
Analyst’s Take: Winner of two legs of the Kochi 3-year-old Triple Crown. He put up a good fight in the Summer Champion (JpnIII), finishing 5th against older JRA horses, albeit with a light weight. Most of his top-two finishes are at 1400m or less, so this distance should suit him.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered at Kochi on Nov 2 (Sun) (52.4 – 38.4 – 12.7). Comment: “Excellent muscle tone,” indicating good condition.
Stable Comments: Trainer Tanaka rates his condition well: “His fitness is not an issue, and the distance is perfect.” However, he adds a cautious note: “The field is strong, so we’ll see how well he can compete.”
Analyst’s Take: Finished 5th in the Gifu Seiryu Cup (1400m) at Kasamatsu four starts ago, but his closing time was comparable to the top finishers. A better result can be expected on his favorite “Sonoda 1400m” course.
Recent Performance:
Training Evaluation: Cantered at Sonoda on Oct 30 (Thu) (55.0 – 40.3). Comment: “Solid stride.”
Stable Comments: Trainer Hori seems to be aiming for an upset: “He seems to be in good shape, but we’ll see how he measures up in this field. We’re hoping to save ground and aim for the best possible finish with one late run.”
Analyzing the data for all 12 runners reveals several key trends and rivalries that will shape the race.
It’s highly likely that multiple horses will vie for the lead, making a slow early pace improbable. A “high-paced war of attrition” is expected, where stamina will be tested despite the 1400m distance. This scenario could favor closers who can conserve energy at the back.
| Post | Horse Name | Running Style/Tendency |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Half Blue | Front-runner / Pacesetter |
| 6 | Eishin Harrier | Bold Front-runner |
| 8 | Bellagio Dream | Pacesetter / Front-runner |
While many stables are giving cautious comments, two have publicly declared their horses as “◎ (Top Pick),” signaling peak condition.
| Post | Horse Name | Stable Comment Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Holy Grail | Trainer Uchida: “◎ In great shape. 1400 meters is her best distance.” |
| 8 | Bellagio Dream | Groom: “◎ We’ve got him to a level where if he loses, we have no excuses.” |
Bellagio Dream’s “◎” shows a serious intent to avenge past defeats. Meanwhile, Holy Grail’s “◎” suggests her last two races were at unsuitable distances, indicating a potential discrepancy between her popularity and actual ability, making her a horse to watch.
This article has summarized the objective data for all 12 runners in the Kusunoki Sho. For final conclusions and recommended bets based on this analysis, please check the expert opinions at the link below.See Final Picks & Bets (netkeiba.com)