An in-depth analysis of promising horses like Danon Carrera and Godiamo, focusing on potential, pedigree, and AI-powered predictions for the December 6th races.
Key Takeaways
- ◆December maiden races are critical for identifying “late bloomer” contenders for next year’s Classics.
- ◆Hanshin favors power and stamina; Nakayama’s uphill finish demands sustained power.
- ◆Danon Carrerais the strong favorite in Hanshin Race 5, challenged by a well-trainedElharben.
- ◆Nakayama Race 5 anticipates a duel between Lemaire-riddenGodiamoand Kansai’sAce Flight.
- ◆AI predictions and training data are key to uncovering value beyond the favorites.
The Strategic Importance of December Races
The December 6, 2025, maiden races signal the start of the winter season and are pivotal for unearthing talent for the 2026 Classics. These races often unveil “late bloomers” whose debuts were strategically timed by top breeding farms like Northern Farm for optimal physical and mental maturation.
This report offers a deep dive into the Hanshin and Nakayama maiden races, focusing on highly-rated prospects like Danon Carrera and Godiamo. We integrate analysis of bloodlines, training, stable strategies, track bias, and AI predictions to provide evidence-based insights for discerning racing fans.
Track Bias & Bloodline Trends
Hanshin Racecourse
A tough track demanding power and stamina, especially in winter.
Turf Course
Tougher winter conditions favor horses with sustained speed. Progeny of Kitasan Black and Epiphaneia excel here.
Dirt Course
Dry winter air makes the track demanding. Power sires like Sinister Minister and Drefontein are favored.
Nakayama Racecourse
Defined by its sharp turns and challenging uphill finish.
Turf Course
Favors horses that can maintain pace and power up the final hill. Watch for progeny of Fierament and Gold Ship.
Dirt Course
Dominated by sires from the Storm Bird and A.P. Indy lines. Wide gates can be advantageous.
HANSHIN RACE 5
2-Year-Old Maiden (Turf 2000m)
A key race for identifying future Grade 1 contenders.
Danon Carrera
Predicted Overwhelming Favorite (1.5 odds)
Pedigree: Lord Kanaloa x La Colonnelle. World-class combination of speed and stamina.
Training: Exceptional final furlong of 11.1s. Described as “improving with each workout” and “highly complete”.
Stable: High-win-rate partnership of Nakauchida/Kawada.
Assessment: The clear horse to beat, boasting an ideal profile for this course and distance.
Contenders & Dark Horses
Elharben
Strongest challenger.
Profile: Maurice progeny with explosive potential. Impressive training times, consistently outperforming older horses. Forward temperament suggests readiness.
Don Testa Master
High potential.
Profile: By Triple Crown winner Contrail. Immature but possesses a large, powerful stride ideal for a spacious track. One to watch for the future.
Kitasan Susan
Well-prepared filly.
Profile: Sired by Kitasan Black. Well-prepared and suited for the 2000m distance. Her physical condition on race day will be key.
Capua
Needs time.
Profile: Large frame and slow to react. Trainer suggests he will improve with racing experience. Less likely to feature on debut.
| Horse Name | Pedigree | Training | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danon Carrera | Lord Kanaloa / Colonel John | S (81.8-11.1) | Excellent acceleration |
| Elharben | Maurice / Kurofune | A (66.1-11.7) | Ahead of older horses |
| Don Testa Master | Contrail / Intikhab | A- (52.9-11.9) | High potential, immature |
| Kitasan Susan | Kitasan Black / Champs Elysees | B+ (79.5-12.0) | Well-prepared |
HANSHIN RACE 6
2-Year-Old Maiden (Dirt 1400m)
A test of raw speed with a focus on foreign-bred talent.
Elul (Foreign-bred)
The Frontrunner
Profile: Boasting a pure US dirt sprinter pedigree (Yaupon x Speightstown), Elul is built for speed. Praised for a “powerful stride” and quick gate in training, she is expected to lead from the start and prove hard to catch under jockey Hiroji Hishida.
Other Key Runners
Narcissus
Caravaggio progeny with US dirt power. An anticipated matchup with Elul.
Wide Potiron
Small but well-built, fitting the profile for a dirt sprinter.
Tiger Road
Solid build with a running style suited for dirt. Expected to improve.
Nobody Came
Spirited with a quick gate. Aims to hold on using the apprentice weight allowance.
NAKAYAMA RACE 5
2-Year-Old Maiden (Turf 2000m)
A preview of the Hopeful Stakes course featuring top Kanto contenders.
Godiamo
AI Top Pick (27.4% Win Prob.)
Profile: Well-bred filly with European stamina, perfectly suited for Nakayama’s demanding finish. Training reports highlight “increased power” and “light, agile movement”. Securing top jockey Christophe Lemaire signals immense confidence from the stable.
Ace Flight
Top Contender (26.3% Win Prob.)
Profile: A strong contender from the prestigious Ikegawa stable in Kansai, debuting at Nakayama—a show of confidence. Progeny of Contrail show top-class acceleration. Partnered with Keita Tosaki, indicating a strong intent to win.
| Horse Name | Pedigree | Jockey | AI Win % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godiamo | Lion Dies / Workforce | Lemaire | 27.4% (1st) | Excellent training |
| Ace Flight | Contrail / Bellamy Road | K. Tosaki | 26.3% (2nd) | Strong win intent |
| Immortalis | Mickey Rocket / Special Week | Y. Ishikawa | 9.2% (3rd) | Dark horse |
| Best Brothers | Kiseki / Heart’s Cry | A. Tsamura | 7.1% (4th) | Ample stamina |
NAKAYAMA RACE 6
2-Year-Old Maiden (Dirt 1200m)
A competitive sprint where AI data can find an edge.
Twilight Site
AI Top Pick (29.4% Win Prob.)
Profile: Sired by renowned dirt specialist Sinister Minister, whose progeny have a strong record at this course. Trainer notes a “spirited temperament” and good stride, suggesting he’s well-suited for a competitive sprint debut.
Other Key Runners
Mitsukane Mercurio
AI’s 2nd pick (20.6%). Fast workout times and a forward-thinking nature. Expected to run well immediately.
Il Damerino
AI’s 3rd pick (10.7%). Kansai horse with a champion dirt sire. Aims for a front-running victory.
Live Martini
Shows significant improvement and has a 3kg weight allowance from the apprentice jockey. Potential for an upset.
Tsukuba Avalon
From the first crop of Kiseki. Attracting attention in AI predictions (8.4%) with good leg action in training.
Final Insights & Strategy
AI vs. Market Perception
AI predictions often align with market favorites like Godiamo but also highlight strong contenders like Ace Flight, suggesting that even top picks are not certainties. In maiden races, AI’s focus on pedigree and training data provides a reliable baseline for betting considerations.
Recommended Strategy
- Hanshin R5: Bank on Danon Carrera. Use Elharben and Don Testa Master as main challengers.
- Hanshin R6: Center bets around the speed of foreign-breds Elul and Narcissus.
- Nakayama R5: A two-horse race. Use Godiamo and Ace Flight as the core of trifecta bets.
- Nakayama R6: Focus on AI pick Twilight Site and the well-trained Mitsukane Mercurio.
Ready for the Final Picks?
Access the final betting conclusions, including specific picks and selections, based on this in-depth analysis. Remember to check final race day conditions!View Final Betting Selections