Comprehensive Workou…
An exclusive look at comments from the trainers and jockeys of the leading contenders for the 2025 Champions Cup. From preliminary race reflections to current conditions and strategies, we dive deep into each team’s drive for victory.
At the joint press conference, the teams (trainers and jockeys) behind the main contenders for the 2025 Champions Cup shared detailed comments about their ambitions, current condition, and ideal race scenarios.
Out Range’s camp reflected on his previous race, the Miyako Stakes, as exceptionally tough. Trainer Ryuji Okubo stated that the fast pace and difficult track conditions were challenging, adding that for Out Range, “even 1800m feels a bit short” (his ideal is around 2000m).
Condition & Strengths:
The horse is developing well and has a serious attitude towards running and stamina. His final workout was excellent, partly because he sustained minimal damage in his last race. Jockey Kohei Matsuyama highlights the horse’s key strength as his versatility, being able to secure a good position and still deliver a strong finish.
Race Strategy:
Okubo hopes the horse will “run its own rhythm” without being swayed by the pace, allowing him to unleash his finishing kick. Matsuyama believes the central dirt 1800m course is “not a weakness” and his ideal scenario is to “get a good start, find a spot in the flow of the race, and save his energy for the end.“
Last year’s runner-up, Wilson Tesoro, enters this race seeking redemption.
Condition & Strengths:
According to trainer Noboru Takagi, his 5th place finish in the JBC Classic was a disappointing result with an unclear cause. However, they have carefully managed his recovery, and he is now in excellent condition. Jockey Yuga Kawada describes him as “always a trier,” noting significant growth: “He has become much calmer mentally, allowing for better pacing and focus.“
Race Strategy & Course Suitability:
Kawada points out that the central dirt 1800m requires stamina due to its two uphill climbs in the straight but considers it a fair course. The trainer believes his record of being runner-up two years in a row proves his suitability for the course and feels a slightly faster track (good condition) would be ideal. Kawada is determined, stating he wants to “reach the top spot that has eluded us.“
This filly makes her G1 debut after a record-breaking win in the Miyako Stakes.
Condition & Strengths:
Trainer Ryuji Okubo acknowledges that the light track in the Miyako Stakes suited her, but her performance convinced him she “can compete on equal footing with the colts.” Her strengths are her “speed, uncharacteristic of a dirt horse,” and her strong “will to run.” She has also shown growth, having “learned how to use her body more effectively,” making her more robust.
Race Strategy & Course Suitability:
Jockey Ryusei Sakai sees her as a challenger but is optimistic. He believes that on the central 1800m course, “it’s tough to win from behind on the outside,” so he plans to determine her position based on the gate and track conditions to save ground. The trainer prefers a left-handed track and hopes for an inside draw, saying, “a gate that’s not too far out would be ideal.“
This 3-year-old is on a four-race winning streak after his victory in the Japan Dirt Classic.
Condition & Strengths:
Trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka identifies the horse’s main challenge as his mental aspect, but notes he has “filled out and developed a more typical dirt horse physique.” Jockey Keita Tosaki feels the horse changed dramatically after his second start, becoming much more powerful. Narukami combines “excellent footwork, sharpness, and power,” possessing immense potential with a “massive stride and great lung capacity.“
Race Strategy & Course Suitability:
Tosaki is not concerned about the course, the scene of the horse’s only defeat, stating, “He is a completely different horse now.” However, Narukami has never been pressured in a pack, so he intends to push for the lead. Tanaka emphasizes the need to avoid stress, focusing on finding “a place where he can run in his best rhythm,” and adds that leading is not essential.
Now an 8-year-old veteran, his camp feels he has lost none of his edge.
Condition & Strengths:
Trainer Inao Okada emphasizes that even at eight, Meisho Hario’s “fighting spirit” is incredible and he “gets into peak race condition” as a race approaches. New rider Yutaka Take was impressed during his first workout, finding him more responsive than expected.
Race Strategy & Course Suitability:
While he once disliked left-handed tracks, he has overcome that issue. Okada’s ideal race plan is to “settle mid-pack on the outside, conserve energy, and unleash a strong closing kick.” Take is riding with the thoughts of the injured jockey Hamana in mind, stating, “I’ve been given the ride on a top contender, and I want to deliver a great race and win.“
He showed his dirt aptitude with a 2nd place finish in the Nambu Hai, his first race since switching from turf.
Trainer Sakae Kunieda decided to test his dirt ability after feeling he lacked presence on turf, a move validated by his Nambu Hai performance. His dam is an American G1 dirt winner, providing a strong pedigree.
Condition & Course Suitability:
The trainer says “his body is toned and well-conditioned.” Regarding the course, he believes the central dirt 1800m is “no problem at all,” as the horse has experience on left-handed tracks and is not a difficult ride. This is Kunieda’s first JRA Dirt G1 challenge, and he is determined to “get a good result.”
For Tenkajo, a filly taking on strong colts, the biggest challenge is the starting gate. Trainer Inao Okada is hopeful that if she can just “get a decent break,” she has the potential to be competitive.
This year’s Champions Cup brings together a diverse and talented field, including proven contender Wilson Tesoro, veteran Meisho Hario, the impressive filly Double Heart Bond, and the rapidly improving Narukami. A common theme from all camps is the focus on navigating the Chukyo Dirt 1800m by letting their horse run its own rhythm to conserve energy for a final push. With every horse arriving in top form, subtle factors like the break from the gate and early positioning will be crucial keys to victory.
This is much like an F1 race where cars with perfectly tuned components (engine, chassis, tires) must adapt their strategy (start, pit stops) to a specific circuit’s characteristics (curves, track surface). The interplay of the horse’s ability, the jockey’s skill, and the race’s unfolding dynamics will determine who achieves the ultimate performance.