Notable Speech Seeks…
Fukushima, Kyoto & Tokyo
November 15, 2025
A thorough analysis of the horses to watch in the JRA races at Fukushima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. We’ve picked out high-confidence top contenders and longshots for each race based on four key criteria: expert picks, training data, stable comments, and previous race performance. Don’t miss our five “S-Class Top Selections,” horses that meet multiple favorable conditions.
The anchor is No. 3 Romeo. He has strong support from 4 experts (Criterion 1) and his final workout was highly rated as “plenty of response” (Criterion 2). He is reliable in terms of both consensus and condition. The main rival is No. 13 Unison. He also has picks from 4 experts (Criterion 1) and expectations are high for the first-time blinkers (Criterion B). An interesting longshot is No. 10 Ten Ounce Gold. While he has no expert picks, his final workout was praised as “flawless movement” (Criterion 2), so be wary of a surprise run from this underdog.
No. 12 Astril is the one to beat. He has consistent support from 4 experts (Criterion 1) and a short comment noted he “showed a glimpse of his ability” in his debut, suggesting strong improvement in his second start. From the workouts, keep an eye on No. 15 Belle Rencontre. She showed a “powerful closing kick” in her final workout (Criterion 2) and appears to be in peak condition. Also, No. 4 Existence has confident stable comments (Criterion 3), hinting at a major turnaround after a layoff.
We recommend No. 2 London Orbital as a top selection. In addition to support from 3 experts (Criterion 1), the stable comments (Criterion 3) are exceptionally reliable. Trainer Iwato gave him a top rating (“◎”) and a confident comment that his “condition is night and day” better, making a comeback seem inevitable. The main rival is No. 5 Calendula, a solid contender with support from 3 experts (Criterion 1). From the workouts (Criterion 2), we pick No. 1 Nishino Himmel. Rated as having “light and nimble footwork,” he is fully qualified to be in the mix.
In this newcomer race, two horses have garnered the most attention. No. 9 Shogun Masamune received the highest rating (“◎”) from 2 experts (Criterion 1), with comments praising his “high-quality training.” His rival, No. 8 Kaikias, also has support from 3 experts (Criterion 1) and is “improving with every gallop,” suggesting he’s ready to perform from his debut.
A race where No. 1 Meisho Gold is highly reliable. In addition to picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1), his final workout received top marks as “getting better and better” (Criterion 2). On a proven course and in perfect condition, he should be hard to beat.
No. 3 True Successor is a top contender with support from 3 experts (Criterion 1) and a strong workout described as “eye-catching movement” (Criterion 2). Also a strong candidate is No. 1 Red Lightning, who also has picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1). In terms of training (Criterion 2), watch out for a surprise from No. 7 Liposante, who, despite no expert picks, was praised for “outstanding leg action.”
The final race centers on No. 9 Ecoro Heart. All 4 experts have given him high marks (Criterion 1), and he seems ready to perform off the layoff. The main rival is No. 2 Yamanin Recedis. He also has strong support (Criterion 1), but his temperament will be key.
Many horses to watch here. Leading the pack is No. 8 Ventiga Orsa. Three experts gave him the highest rating (“◎”) (Criterion 1), and the stable has high hopes for his switch to dirt (Criterion 3). No. 5 Kitano Shakar and No. 6 Kentucky Home are also strong contenders, each with support from 3 experts and positive stable comments (Criteria 1, 3). From a data perspective, watch for a comeback from No. 4 GT Picasso, whose strong workout (Criterion 2) aligns with stable comments (Criterion 3), and No. 9 Maroon Drive, who had clear trouble in his last race (Criterion 4).
Today’s most reliable top selection is No. 8 Smart Julius. He perfectly meets all four criteria: support from 4 experts (Criterion 1), an ambitious workout (Criterion 2), a top rating (“◎”) and a confident “we want to win this one” comment from the stable (Criterion 3), and a clear reason for improvement from his 2nd place finish last time out (Criterion 4). He is the standout contender in this maiden race.
A powerful anchor horse, No. 9 Timeless Flare. In addition to immense support from 4 experts, including three “◎” ratings (Criterion 1), the stable is confident, stating he is “a cut above in ability” (Criterion 3). The course change is also a plus (Criterion 4), making him a rock-solid pick. The main rival is No. 3 Parvo. He had trouble in his last race (Criteria 3, 4), and could bounce back with a clean run.
In this newcomer race, we favor No. 7 Grace Jeanne. In addition to picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1), her workout ratings (Criterion 2) are outstanding, and she appears to be in perfect condition. No. 15 Tagano Brave is also a strong candidate with support from 3 experts (Criterion 1).
No. 6 Point Nemo stands out. All 4 experts are in agreement with high ratings (Criterion 1), and his workout movements were sharp. No weaknesses are apparent.
No. 5 Stella Crown is the anchor. Three experts unanimously gave her a “◎” (Criterion 1), and her consistent running style makes her a sure bet to be in contention. No. 6 Key Performer also has picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1). An interesting longshot is No. 2 Jardinier. The start is a concern, but if he gets away cleanly, he has the potential for a dramatic improvement (Criterion 3).
As expected for a Listed race, the picks are divided, but No. 1 Air Sage, No. 16 West Now, and No. 15 Fフラー each have support from 3 experts (Criterion 1). A betting strategy centered on these three seems reasonable.
This 2-year-old graded stakes race is a three-way battle. Popularity and picks are concentrated on No. 5 Candide (4 experts’ support), No. 6 Admire Quads (3 experts’ support), and the predicted favorite No. 7 Cavallerizzo (4 experts’ support) (Criterion 1).
Two horses stand out. No. 9 Mikki Stardom has picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1), and the stable is very bullish with a “◎” rating and a comment that “we want to win this one” (Criterion 3). His rival, No. 2 Roke Bendra, has unanimous “◎” ratings from 3 experts (Criterion 1), making him a strong contender as well.
In this race, No. 11 Festive Heart is a “Top Selection” who clears all four criteria. She has strong support from 4 experts (Criterion 1), a good workout (Criterion 2), a “◎” rating from the stable (Criterion 3), and a clear reason for her last loss, where she “spooked at something and hit the brakes” (Criterion 4). With countermeasures in place, she is expected to show her full potential this time. Her rival is No. 7 Kaseno Asteria. She also has picks from 4 experts and a “◎” from the stable (Criteria 1, 3), making a two-horse race highly likely.
No. 5 Sperluce is a strong candidate with support from 3 experts (Criterion 1) and a good workout (Criterion 2). No. 17 Go for Broke also has picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1), and based on notes from his last race (Criterion 4), the improvement from having one race under his belt should be immense. No. 10 Mansanilla also has picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1) and is a top contender.
This newcomer race will likely center on two horses who have concentrated expert picks (Criterion 1): No. 9 Reiwa no Kiseki and No. 10 Nishino Hinotori.
In this fillies-only newcomer race, pay attention to No. 13 Signanga. In addition to picks from 3 experts (Criterion 1), her jockey is Christophe Lemaire. The short comment “young but has great speed (◎)” is also encouraging.
No. 12 Sanono Wonder is the clear favorite. He has high ratings from 4 experts, including three “◎”s (Criterion 1), and a “◎” from the stable (Criterion 3). With a decisive finishing kick, he is expected to be competitive even after moving up in class. The main rival is No. 4 Grace the Crown. She also has support from 4 experts and a “◎” from the stable (Criteria 1, 3), and will be aiming for a consecutive win on her favorite course. From the workouts (Criterion 2), we recommend No. 14 All Maximum, who shows signs of improved condition.
A race with divided opinions. In terms of expert picks (Criterion 1), No. 2 Juhannus has the lead. A horse with solid data is No. 2 Sliving Road (note: possible duplicate number in original text). Based on stable comments and previous race performance (Criteria 3, 4), he could be competitive immediately after moving up in class. From the workouts (Criterion 2), watch out for No. 13 Awesome Stroke, and for a comeback from No. 1 Emanuele, who had trouble in his last race (Criterion 4).
The main race has an absolute anchor horse. No. 4 Costanova has overwhelming support from 4 experts (Criterion 1), a “◎” rating and a “very confident” comment from the stable (Criterion 3), and an undefeated 6-for-6 record at Tokyo Dirt 1600m. His role as the star is unshakable. Rivals include the up-and-coming 3-year-old No. 16 Luxor Cafe (4 experts’ support) and No. 11 Omega Guiness (3 experts’ support), who aims to bounce back on his favorite course. From the workouts (Criterion 2), also pay attention to No. 14 Peptide Nile, No. 13 Wet Season, and No. 12 Rata Forest.
We’re banking on a sure win with No. 12 Argenteus in the final race. He is considered a rock-solid pick by 4 experts (Criterion 1), and the stable (Criterion 3) and the jockey’s comments from the last race (Criterion 4) are all in perfect agreement that “the Tokyo mile is his best.” His reliability is extremely high. Rivals include No. 8 Forlanini, with support from 3 experts (Criterion 1), and No. 2 Effortless, with a “◎” from the stable (Criterion 3).
After carefully examining the data from all 36 races across the three venues, we have identified the following five “S-Class” horses to watch. These horses meet multiple conditions for a strong performance and are considered highly reliable.
Reason: He perfectly clears all four criteria: support from 4 experts (Criterion 1), improving workouts (Criterion 2), a top rating and a confident “we want to win this one” comment from the stable (Criterion 3), and clear potential for improvement from his last race (Criterion 4). He is the standout contender in this maiden race.
Reason: Overwhelming support from 4 experts (Criterion 1), a top rating and “very confident” comment from the stable (Criterion 3), and an absolute course affinity with a “6-for-6” record at the Tokyo course. This GIII should be just a stepping stone.
Reason: Like Smart Julius, she clears all four criteria (Criteria 1, 2, 3, 4). There was a clear reason for her last loss where she “spooked at something and hit the brakes,” and with equipment adjustments (Criterion 4) for this race, she is expected to show her full potential.
Reason: The support from 4 experts (Criterion 1), the stable’s top rating (Criterion 3), and the jockey’s comments from the last race (Criterion 4) are all in perfect agreement on one point: “the Tokyo mile is his best.”
Reason: In addition to support from 3 experts (Criterion 1), the stable (Criterion 3) gave him a top rating (“◎”) and strongly emphasized his transformation from the last race, stating his “condition is night and day” better. This is a horse you can’t ignore.