[Updated: 2026-01-23 20:18:33] Revised by AI Assistant
Analysis by AI
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The highly anticipated G1 Champions Cup, set for December 7, 2025, promises an electrifying clash at Chukyo Racecourse. With no single dominant champion, the stage is set for a thrilling confrontation between the rising 3-year-old star Narukami and a formidable field of seasoned veterans. This in-depth article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Chukyo Dirt 1800m course characteristics, historical data, and the training condition of key contenders. We’ll uncover the pivotal factors determining the race outcome and highlight the horses poised for victory. Join us as we predict the next monarch of the dirt track!
To successfully conquer the Champions Cup, a deep understanding of the unique characteristics of the Chukyo Dirt 1800m course is absolutely essential. This track possesses its own distinct “bias” that goes beyond a mere comparison of raw ability.
The Chukyo Dirt 1800m race commences partway up the home stretch’s incline, completing slightly more than one full circuit of the track.
Based on historical data and the course’s design, the Chukyo Dirt 1800m track exhibits a strong tendency towards “inner gate advantage and outer gate disadvantage.”
For the 2025 Champions Cup, key contenders are spread across various gate positions. The strategy Narukami, drawn in an outer gate, adopts to secure his preferred position will be a crucial factor in determining the overall pace of the race.
The sequence of races (rotation) leading up to the Champions Cup serves as a vital indicator for assessing a horse’s current form and fatigue levels.
Participation from the JBC Classic represents one of the most prestigious prep race routes. However, the key challenge for these contenders lies in recovering from the strenuous race on the deeper local dirt tracks.
The Miyako Stakes is an important stepping stone, yet historical data from the past decade shows no Champions Cup winners emerging directly from this race.
Horses stepping up from a mile race face the challenge of extending their distance. This has proven to be a notoriously difficult rotation, with no Champions Cup winners from the Musashino Stakes in the last decade.
The participation of the winner from the final leg of the newly established 3-year-old dirt Triple Crown series serves as a crucial test to gauge the strength of the current generation.
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Gate 1, Post 1: William Barows (Colt, 7yo, Ridden by Mirai Iwata)
Features: Drawn in the coveted innermost gate, William Barows boasts strong early speed. If he can secure his desired front-running position, he’s known for his tenacity. His latest training suggests excellent form, showing no signs of decline at seven years old. The key will be how he manages the pace against other speed horses.
Gate 1, Post 2: Double Heart Bond (Filly, 4yo, Ridden by Ryusei Sakai)
Features: Her record-breaking victory in the recent Miyako Stakes was breathtaking. She holds an impeccable 3-for-3 record at Chukyo, demonstrating an unrivaled affinity for the course. Maintaining excellent condition with no apparent rebound from her record run, she is a leading contender.
Gate 2, Post 3: Meisho Hario (Colt, 8yo, Ridden by Yutaka Take)
Features: A proven champion with back-to-back Teio Sho victories and many other accolades. His 2nd place in the JBC Classic confirms he’s still in top form, and as a horse that improves with each run, further progress is expected. Partnering with the legendary Yutaka Take, he could unleash a powerful late charge if the race unfolds favorably.
Gate 2, Post 4: Seraphic Call (Colt, 5yo, Ridden by Junya Nishimura)
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Features: While he has struggled to break through the G1 barrier recently, his stable hints at a change in tactics. If he can utilize his inside draw to conserve energy and unleash an explosive burst in the straight, he could be an interesting dark horse.
Gate 3, Post 5: Helios (Gelding, 9yo, Ridden by Yusuke Hara)
Features: A seasoned veteran at nine years old. However, facing G1 competition in the central circuit will be a tough challenge. He could play a role in shaping the early pace.
Gate 3, Post 6: Hagino Alegrias (Colt, 8yo, Ridden by Yasunari Iwata)
Features: Known for his formidable strength in G2 and G3 races, he also possesses a strong suitability for the Chukyo course. The change to his father, Yasunari Iwata, in the saddle could be a catalyst. Watch out for unconventional tactics, such as a sharp inside run.
Gate 4, Post 7: Ramjet (Colt, 4yo, Ridden by Kosei Miura)
Features: Recorded an astonishing time in his latest workout, indicating peak condition. Although he takes a moment to accelerate, his top-end burst speed is among the best in Japan. Chukyo’s long straight and steep incline are ideal for his running style.
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Gate 4, Post 8: Wilson Tesoro (Colt, 6yo, Ridden by Yuga Kawada)
Features: Last year’s runner-up, possessing world-class ability. His versatile running style allows him to adapt to various race developments, and with Chukyo’s master jockey Yuga Kawada aboard, he can handle any scenario. He stands as a highly reliable choice for the win.
Gate 5, Post 9: Outrange (Colt, 5yo, Ridden by Kohei Matsuyama)
Features: He was defeated in his last outing, but improvement is expected after that run. With some assistance from the race development, he has the potential to challenge for the top positions.
Gate 5, Post 10: Tenkajyo (Filly, 4yo, Ridden by Yusaku Kokubun)
Features: She has a solid record in races restricted to fillies, but a G1 against male horses will be a true test of her capabilities. Her current condition will be a critical factor.
Gate 6, Post 11: Sixpence (Colt, 4yo, Ridden by Christophe Lemaire)
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Features: A graded stakes winner on turf, Sixpence makes his debut on dirt. He holds unknown potential; if jockey C. Lemaire can harness his speed effectively, he could be an intriguing runner.
Gate 6, Post 12: Narukami (Colt, 3yo, Ridden by Keita Tosaki)
Features: The undisputed champion of the 3-year-old generation. His ability to lead the race and still produce the fastest final sectional time is truly G1 caliber. The primary challenge will be whether he can establish his preferred running style from an outer gate.
Gate 7, Post 13: Sunrise Zipang (Colt, 4yo, Ridden by Kenichi Ikezoe)
Features: This is his first start since changing stables, and his recent workout movements show a significant improvement. He warrants attention as a potential dark horse looking to bounce back from a poor previous performance.
Gate 7, Post 14: Peptide Nile (Colt, 7yo, Ridden by Yusuke Fujioka)
Features: The winner of this year’s February Stakes. A key factor will be the recovery of his mental condition. If the pace settles with the extended distance, he could have a chance.
Gate 8, Post 15: Perriere (Colt, 5yo, Ridden by Daisuke Sasaki)
Features: The disadvantage of an unfavorable outer gate draw is a concern, but if he can run smoothly, he certainly possesses the ability to compete.
Gate 8, Post 16: Luxor Cafe (Colt, 3yo, Ridden by Gérald Mossé)