A deep-dive analysis and prediction for the prestigious winter Hanshin race.
Race Overview
- Date:Dec 6, 2025
- Course:Hanshin 1800m Turf
- Runners:14
- Key Preceding Race:Challenge Cup (GIII)
Course & Pace Dynamics
The Hanshin 1800m outer course is a fair test of ability, featuring a long 473.6m straight that benefits horses with a powerful late burst.
“One-Turn” Advantage
Ideal for horses with large strides, like Kitasan Black progeny, who can build momentum without tight turns.
Pace Setters
Shonan Magma & Black Shield are expected to lead, potentially setting up a fast finish where a sub-33s final furlong will be crucial.
Main Contenders
#13 Gran Vinos
Son of Kitasan Black
Rating: 64.4
“The ‘one-turn’ course is a significant advantage. He’s still developing, but we’ve targeted this race.”- Trainer Tomomichi
Training: Clocked 54.7 – 12.2 on the woodchip course. Described as “reasonably fit,” indicating readiness with room for improvement.
Edge: Benefits from a 1kg weight advantage and a course change expected to suit his large stride.
#14 All Nuts
Son of Duramente
Rating: 67.4
“He’s improving both physically and mentally. He’s in peak form.”- Trainer Takano
Training: Recorded 55.7 – 12.2, moving “lightly with ease.” Suggests excellent condition despite average times.
Concern: Carries 58kg, 1kg more than his main rival Gran Vinos. Will his peak form be enough to overcome the weight?
Ones to Watch
#10 David Barows
Rating: 67.4
Proven course winner. A scorching 11.3s final furlong in recent training shows he’s in peak condition and loves cooler weather.
#2 Matenro Leo
Rating: 67.4
Returning to form after a slump. Also clocked an 11.3s final furlong. An inside draw could give jockey Yokoyama a perfect run.
#11 Dura Erede
Rating: 69.8 (Highest)
The wild card. A dirt G1 regular switching to turf. First time with blinkers. Raw talent is immense, but turf suitability is the big question.
#9 West Now
Rating: 63.4
A 4-year-old on the rise. Won his last start and training well (11.4s final furlong). Has the momentum and potential for an upset.
Path to Prediction
- Course Suitability: The outer course favors Gran Vinos and strong finishers like David Barows & Matenro Leo.
- Weight Advantage: Gran Vinos’ 1kg weight advantage over All Nuts could be the deciding factor.
- Training Sharpness: David Barows and Matenro Leo showed S-Tier finishing speed, making them serious threats.
Conclusion
Gran Vinos is poised for a maiden graded stakes victory, benefiting from a course change and weight advantage. However, the exceptional training performances of David Barows and Matenro Leo make them high-value contenders that could upset the favorite. All Nuts remains a strong place chance due to his current top form, while Dura Erede is the high-risk, high-reward wildcard of the race.
*Final betting strategy available via the provided link. This analysis does not guarantee results.*
Appendix: Key Horse Data
| # | Horse Name | Sex/Age | Weight | Jockey | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Onyankopon | Gelding 6 | 57 kg | Yutaka Take | 64.9 | Finishes with a burst |
| 2 | Matenro Leo | Colt 6 | 57 kg | Norihiko Y. | 67.4 | Has stamina, worth watching |
| 4 | Sentz Blood | Colt 3 | 56 kg | Ryusei Sakai | 60.0 | Can improve after a race |
| 9 | West Now | Colt 4 | 57 kg | Daiki Danno | 63.4 | Found a trigger |
| 10 | David Barows | Gelding 6 | 57 kg | Moichi Iwata | 67.4 | Re-evaluate 3 starts ago |
| 11 | Dura Erede | Colt 5 | 57 kg | Junya Nishimura | 69.8 | Needs a bit more time |
| 13 | Gran Vinos | Colt 5 | 57 kg | Masahiko K. | 64.4 | Aiming for a reversal |
| 14 | All Nuts | Colt 4 | 58 kg | Yuichi Kitamura | 67.4 | Entering peak condition |