The ultimate G1 showdown for two-year-old milers arrives Dec 21, 2025. We break down the top contenders, analyzing pedigree, form, and stable secrets to give you the winning edge.
Unbeaten G1 winners Realize Sirius and Admire Quads are the focal point of all predictions.
The Hanshin 1600m track, with its final steep slope, demands both speed and stamina.
Cavallerizzo and sleeper pick Ecolo Alba show outstanding recent workouts and cannot be ignored.
The Hanshin Racecourse’s outer 1600m turf is a true test of a young horse, demanding a blend of raw speed and deep stamina to conquer its long, uphill home straight. Here’s how the top contenders’ bloodlines stack up.
Sire: Poetic Flare
Damsire: Stay Gold
Sired by a European G1 mile champion and out of a Stay Gold mare, this colt is bred for stamina and late-career growth. His victory in the Niigata 2-year-old Stakes already proves his aptitude for the mile distance.
Sire: Real Steel
Damsire: Zoffany
Sired by the Dubai Turf winner Real Steel (a son of Deep Impact), this horse possesses a pedigree tailor-made for explosive speed. He is expected to thrive in the high-speed finish typical of the Hanshin outer course.
Sire: Saturnalia
Damsire: Heart’s Cry
With a sire who won the Hopeful Stakes and Satsuki Sho, combined with a Heart’s Cry damsire, this colt is built for sustained power. This combination should excel in the long, grueling Hanshin straight.
For rapidly developing two-year-olds, last-minute workouts and insider comments are critical. We’ve analyzed the latest intel to gauge which horses are peaking at the perfect time.
Despite a four-month layoff, his preparation appears flawless. He showed powerful propulsion in his recent hill work, indicating he’s ready to fire.
12/17 Miho Hill (Good): 54.1-39.6-25.6-12.3 (Effortlessly)
“His final work was excellent, and the jockey has a good feel for him. We’ve practiced at the gate, and if he gets a clean break, he’ll be competitive.”
Aiming for back-to-back wins after the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes. A tough workout last week was followed by a relaxed, fluid final gallop—a sign of peak condition.
12/17 Ritto Hill (Good): 54.8-39.9-25.8-12.9 (Effortlessly)
“We pushed him hard a week ago. This week, he ran with a steady rhythm and great form. The Hanshin mile will suit him perfectly.”
Finished second in the Daily Hai Nisai Stakes but is in prime condition to turn the tables. His workout a week prior was described as “outstanding,” and he looks ready for a top effort.
12/17 Ritto Hill (Good): 58.0-42.6-28.5-14.5 (Effortlessly)
“His fast work on the 13th was exceptional. He’s calm and showing all the right signs.”
This colt’s recent track work is too good to ignore, hinting at major upset potential.
Workout (12/17 Miho Woodchip): Earned a “sensational” rating after effortlessly leaving his training partner behind.
“Once his engine gets going, he’s in a different league. The long Hanshin straight seems like a perfect fit.”
This year’s Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes appears to be a duel between the undefeated stars, Realize Sirius and Admire Quads. However, the exceptional form of Cavallerizzo and the explosive potential of dark horse Ecolo Alba make this a thrilling and unpredictable contest. Success will come down to who can best handle the unique challenge of the Hanshin mile and which two-year-old has taken the biggest step forward.
Ready to place your bets? See our professional analysts’ final conclusions, top picks, and recommended wagers to finalize your strategy.View Pro Analyst Predictions