[Updated: 2026-01-23 20:29:59] Revised by AI Assistant
December 14, 2025
スポンサーリンク
Analysis by AI
This article provides key prediction points for the 77th Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1), scheduled for December 21, 2025. We thoroughly analyze the readiness of top contenders, focusing on their ‘one-week-out workouts.’ Featured horses include Admire Quads, a record-breaker in the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes; Ecolo Alba, boasting otherworldly late speed; and Diamond Knot, known for its high level of maturity. We delve into the core of this two-year-old mile championship, considering the characteristics of the Hanshin Turf 1600m course and each horse’s pedigree.
Scheduled for December 21, 2025, at Hanshin Racecourse, the 77th Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (G1) over 1600m on turf (outer course) stands as a pivotal event to crown the two-year-old mile champion. This year’s field is exceptionally strong, featuring a competitive lineup of graded stakes winners and highly talented prospects.
The Hanshin Turf 1600m outer course is designed with relatively little bias towards starting gate positions. However, its most defining feature is the steep uphill climb before the finish line. This demands not just pure speed, but also “bottomless stamina” and “sustained acceleration” to maintain momentum to the very end. The following three factors are crucial for success in this race:
Most of the favored contenders are observed to utilize a combined training pattern: longer workouts on the Ritto Woodchip (CW) course along with speed training on the uphill slope. Specifically, the “hard one-week-out, light final week” adjustment pattern, where significant effort is applied a week before the race and the final week is for fine-tuning, is typical for successful horses and often differentiates top performers.
スポンサーリンク
Here, we provide a detailed analysis for each prospective runner. Integrating their one-week-out workout times, lap splits, companion horse performance, and pedigree background, we discuss their potential for the main event.
Admire Quads, who showcased overwhelming speed by setting a new record in his previous Daily Hai Nisai Stakes win, had concerns regarding potential after-effects. However, judging by his one-week-out adjustment, all anxieties are dispelled, as he appears to be in a period of complete readiness.
| Date | Course | Jockey/Rider | Time (6F-1F) | Position | Effort | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/11 | Ritto CW | R. Sakai | 82.9 – 67.6 – 52.4 – 36.3 – 11.2 | Inside | Strong finish | Powerful stride |
While the overall time is excellent, the last furlong of 11.2 seconds, demonstrating a sharp turn of foot, is particularly noteworthy. He has maintained consistent vitality throughout his intermediate training, and his springy, athletic stride, showing no signs of fatigue from his previous race, indicates his high level of current maturity.
Sired by Real Steel (Deep Impact line) out of a mare by Storm Cat, this is a golden cross that exquisitely balances the “sharpness” and “power” required for Hanshin’s mile course.
His record-breaking victory in the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes saw Jockey Sakai praise his tractability and fighting spirit. The fact that he has been trained smoothly after such a fierce race is his greatest strength, solidifying his undeniable status as a top contender for victory.
スポンサーリンク
Ecolo Alba’s performance in Tokyo’s mile race was that of a “superstar.” While long-distance transportation from Miho presents a challenge, his training movements possess a compelling power that more than compensates for it.
| Date | Course | Jockey/Rider | Time (5F-1F) | Effort | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/10 | Miho W | Assistant | 65.3 – 50.6 – 36.3 – 11.4 | Driven hard | Excellent late stretch |
His excellent time significantly surpasses the standard, and his footwork, capable of making open-class older horses look like youngsters, transcends what is expected of a two-year-old.
Sired by Mozu Ascot out of a mare by Hennessy (Storm Cat line), his pedigree is tailored for speed and power. He possesses the strength to handle Hanshin’s steep uphill without any trouble.
In the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup, he pulled off the remarkable feat of coming from last place after a poor start to overtake all rivals. While start issues remain a concern, Hanshin’s long outer course straight is the perfect stage for him to unleash his unparalleled late speed.
Diamond Knot, who clinched the Keio Hai Nisai Stakes, aims for an unbeaten record. The stable’s profound commitment is palpable.
スポンサーリンク
| Date | Course | Jockey/Rider | Time (6F-1F) | Position | Effort | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/10 | Ritto CW | Trainer | 81.0 – 65.8 – 51.9 – 37.0 – 11.5 | Inside | Strongly urged | Sure-footed |
His performance, easily beating his companion horse, was superb, revealing a strong core with no deviation in his form. There are no apparent concerns regarding his condition.
Sired by Bricks and Mortar (Storm Cat line) out of a Deep Impact mare, his pedigree aligns with modern Japanese racing trends. It is highly probable that the mile distance is his optimal condition.
He achieved a dominant victory in the Keio Hai Nisai Stakes. His excellent race sense is arguably the best in the field, and his versatility to race prominently is a significant asset. Imagining him faltering is difficult, making him an ideal anchor horse.
Although defeated to finish 2nd in the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes, Cavaliere Izzo showcased his high potential. Exhibiting the growth curve typical of a blue-blooded horse, he is a presence that cannot be ignored as a dark horse with reversal potential.
スポンサーリンク
| Date | Course | Jockey/Rider | Time | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/10 | Ritto Slopes | Assistant | 4F 58.9 – 14.1 (Hand-ridden) | – |
| 12/06 | Ritto CW | Assistant | 6F 83.1 – 12.1 (Hand-ridden) | Powerful, driving run |
Having undergone a demanding workout on the CW course over the weekend, his training progression is judged as smooth. While significant improvement is not strongly emphasized, he is maintaining a high level of condition.
Sired by Saturnalia, out of a Hearts Cry mare, and with the legendary Cesario as his granddam, he is a super blue-blooded horse. The Hanshin mile course is more than sufficient for him to unleash his full potential.
He displayed mental immaturity in his previous race, but there is high anticipation for the learning ability characteristic of Saturnalia progeny. If his immaturity is overcome, he certainly possesses the ability to contend for victory.
Riding a wave of momentum after winning the Shumeigiku Sho, Tagano Aralia exhibits sprinter-like speed in her uphill slope workouts.
| Date | Course | Jockey/Rider | Time (4F-1F) | Effort | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/11 | Ritto Slopes | Assistant | 54.8 – |