Kyoto Racecourse, Nov 1, 2025: Top 12 Horses to Watch | In-depth Analysis of Favorite Kattappa & High-Value Teo Sandni

November 1, 2025 / Updated November 1, 2025

An in-depth analysis of 12 horses to watch in the races at Kyoto Racecourse on November 1, 2025, held on a “yielding” track due to rain. We’ll assess the reliability of the overwhelming favorite, Kattappa, uncover high-value picks like Teo Sandni—whose expert ratings diverge from public popularity—and provide betting strategy tips by identifying promising horses for the challenging track conditions.

Key Takeaways

• The yielding track at Kyoto Racecourse on Nov 1, 2025, makes proficiency on off-tracks a key factor for victory.
• Overwhelming favorite Kattappa is highly talented, but the pedigree’s lack of proven performance on off-tracks is the sole concern.
• Teo Sandni, with a significant gap between expert ratings and popularity, could be a high-payout contender if the addition of blinkers brings a dramatic improvement.
• Horses with pedigrees known for power and off-track ability, such as the progeny of Kitasan Black, will have an advantage.
• It’s crucial to build betting strategies by carefully examining each horse’s training, stable comments, and the current track conditions.

On November 1, 2025, Kyoto Racecourse was met with tough conditions: rain and a “yielding” track. On such a surface, it’s not just speed that matters; power and adaptability to off-tracks become crucial elements for victory. Today’s report will thoroughly analyze horses to watch from two perspectives to conquer this challenging course. First, we’ll scrutinize whether the overwhelming favorite can live up to expectations. Second, as indicated by our “Value Rating,” we’ll unearth promising horses whose high expert ratings diverge from their market popularity. From newcomers making their debut to horses stepping up in class, let’s delve into the stories of the 12 contenders gracing today’s races.

Individual Horse Analysis

Kattappa – Kyoto 1R 2-Year-Old Maiden

Considered the most solid anchor bet of the day, Kattappa boasts a staggering 64% Pro Favorite Index from professional handicappers, an overwhelming rating that leaves others far behind. Many experts have marked him with a “◎” (strong favorite), seeing his talent as undeniable. However, the yielding track emerges as the sole concern, and his pedigree may hold the key to the race.

Overwhelming Expert Rating: A 64% Pro Favorite Index isn’t just a high score; it’s proof that experts consider this horse a “should-win” contender. A rare consensus has formed, making him the cornerstone of any betting strategy.

Condition Backing: In his final workout, he clocked an impressive 53.4 seconds while still holding back, earning praise for his “light-footed action.” His training evaluation arrow is pointing up (“↗”), clearly indicating his improving condition.

Stable’s Confidence and Distance Suitability: The stable has issued a confident statement: “In good form and a top contender.” Furthermore, his jockey’s comment after the last race is noteworthy: “I feel his best distance is 1200 meters, and he’s a horse that can win right away,” suggesting the current shorter distance is ideal.

Pedigree Concerns and Potential to Overcome: The only worry lies in his bloodline. The progeny of his sire, Speightstown, are known to struggle on off-tracks. While today’s “yielding” track could affect his performance, it’s entirely possible his overwhelming ability and peak condition will overcome this disadvantage. This race will test if talent can conquer pedigree.

Moonlit Isle – Kyoto 2R 2-Year-Old Maiden

After a disappointing previous race, Moonlit Isle is set for a “fresh start.” His potential is highly rated, reflected in a 43% Pro Favorite Index, making him the clear favorite. With top jockey C. Demuro aboard and excellent training reports, he aims to redeem himself here.

Stable’s Reassessment and Expectations: Trainer Hideaki Take commented, “His last race was underwhelming, but his training movements are as good as ever. This is a fresh start,” suggesting the previous result can be disregarded.

Exceptional Training: His final workout was spectacular, where he outpaced his training partner by a full 1.0 second. The official short comment “Improving with every workout” confirms his upward trajectory.

Jockey Change to a Top Rider: The switch to C. Demuro is the clearest sign of the stable’s serious intentions. Placing a world-class jockey in a 2-year-old maiden race indicates they are aiming for a win.

Pedigree and Track Suitability: Today’s “yielding” track could be a significant advantage. The progeny of his sire, Mickey Aisle, are known for their high win rates on heavy turf and sloppy dirt tracks, demonstrating excellent off-track ability. Today’s power-demanding conditions could play to his pedigree’s strengths.

Fornax – Kyoto 3R 2-Year-Old Maiden

Fornax is on the verge of victory. His high 55% Pro Favorite Index is a testament to his solid late kick and race-by-race improvement. His off-track aptitude, inherited from his sire Kitasan Black, could be his greatest weapon on today’s track.

Solid Late Kick and Race Improvement: Trainer Yutaka Okumura noted, “His second race showed progress. If he runs a similar race, he should be able to use his closing speed again.” His sharp acceleration in a slow-paced previous race is a major asset.

Impressive Workout: His final workout was phenomenal, clocking an incredible 11.4 seconds for the last furlong on the Ritto Woodchip Course and earning high praise. This shows he is in peak physical and mental condition.

A Pedigree that Thrives in the Wet: His sire, Kitasan Black, was known as an “off-track demon” during his racing career, and his offspring also boast high win rates on heavy and sloppy turf. Today’s “yielding” track, which demands stamina and power, is the perfect stage for a Kitasan Black progeny like Fornax.

Teo Sandni – Kyoto 4R 3-Year-Old & Up Maiden Hurdle

Today’s “high-payout messenger” is Teo Sandni. Despite being the projected 5th favorite, his Pro Favorite Index is an astonishing 66%, and his Value Rating reaches 480%, indicating a massive gap between expert and public opinion. The reason lies in the issues from his last race and the stable’s clear solution.

Immense Expert Support: A 66% Pro Favorite Index speaks to his hidden potential. Many experts have given him high marks, making his low popularity puzzling. This discrepancy creates immense value.

The Solution: First-Time Blinkers: In his last race, he hesitated at jumps and stumbled upon landing. The stable has responded by fitting him with blinkers for the first time. An assistant from the Yasuo Tomomichi stable said, “He hesitated, so we’re putting blinkers on. If he’s smooth, he has a chance.” This equipment could dramatically improve his performance.

Versatile Pedigree: His sire is the American horse Practical Joke, whose progeny have already shown high aptitude on Japanese dirt. The conditions of a hurdle race on yielding dirt, which require power and adaptability, are likely to be a plus for him.

Overwhelming Value: A 480% Value Rating says it all. The market has discounted him due to past issues, but experts are rating him based on his potential performance with the blinker adjustment. If this change works, his current odds are a bargain. He is the epitome of a high-risk, high-reward bet.

Ecolodinos – Kyoto 9R Kitano Tokubetsu

Projected 2nd favorite with a 42% Pro Favorite Index and an attractive 227% Value Rating. His sire, Kitasan Black, gives him a pedigree that should excel on today’s track. Trainer Ryuji Okubo’s strong comment, “A great chance to win here,” shows the stable’s confidence. His training is excellent, and all conditions for a strong performance are met.

Zaratan – Kyoto 12R 3-Year-Old & Up 1-Win Class

Despite a low projection as the 9th favorite, Zaratan shines with a high 214% Value Rating. Assistant Shibata from the Kazuya Nakatake stable notes, “He has ability, expecting a turnaround.” He won his debut by showing grit, and jockey Kenichi Ikezoe praised his potential. If he gets a smooth run, he could surprise at long odds.

Hirono La Mer – Kyoto 10R Halloween Stakes

After a good run against tougher competition, Hirono La Mer returns to his own class where he is expected to be a contender. His 187% Value Rating offers good odds. Trainer Takanori Miyaji is confident: “In his own class, he should be in the mix to win.” Jockey Junya Nishimura also noted his growth. A solid choice.

Happy Danchan – Kyoto 8R 3-Year-Old & Up 2-Win Class

Moving up in class after a dominant win, Happy Danchan’s momentum is not to be underestimated. With a 168% Value Rating and a high 71% Pro Rival Index, experts see him as an immediate threat at this level. He has maintained his good condition, but adapting to the longer 1800m distance will be the key to victory.

Bele Basque – Kyoto 11R Fantasy Stakes (G3)

Stepping up to a graded stakes race, Bele Basque is the projected 6th favorite but could be a contender with the change in conditions. Trainer Hidekatsu Shimizu welcomes the shorter 1400m distance. His training has been highly praised, and his sire, Benbatl, is a new stallion whose progeny have shown an aptitude for this distance. A potential upset.

American Chief – Kyoto 7R 3-Year-Old & Up 1-Win Class

Showing signs of a return to form in his last race, American Chief has high expectations from his stable. Trainer Yukio Higashida is confident, stating, “A good chance if he runs like last time.” His condition has improved with a race under his belt, and his sire, Practical Joke, provides a solid dirt pedigree. A reliable contender.

Sfidante – Kyoto 5R 2-Year-Old Newcomer

Making his debut, Sfidante’s potential is hinted at by stable comments and training. A 290% Value Rating suggests he could be a surprise package. Assistant Tatsuhiko Nishioka praised him: “Well-balanced, has a feel for running. I have high hopes.” While his Pro Favorite Index is low, some experts rate his talent highly.

Rosophia – Kyoto 6R 2-Year-Old Newcomer

Also debuting, Rosophia is a solid, under-the-radar contender. Trainer Hiroshi Miyamoto gave a steady evaluation: “His movement in this week’s workout was up to standard. Not bad at all.” His training has been consistent, and he appears to have a good temperament, making him a solid dark horse who could finish in the money.

Conclusion & Summary of Horses to Watch

Today’s races at Kyoto Racecourse are defined by the “yielding” track conditions. For the absolute favorite, Kattappa, the main question is whether his immense talent can overcome his pedigree’s potential weakness on this surface. On the other hand, Teo Sandni, who has strong expert backing despite low popularity, is a must-watch for high-payout potential, thanks to the decisive move of adding blinkers. The key points for each horse are summarized below. Use this comprehensive view of track aptitude, expert ratings, and value to build your betting strategy.