As the 2025 season concludes, a new generation of talent emerges at Hanshin and Nakayama. Our AI delves into bloodlines and performance data to forecast the maiden race outcomes, spotlighting high-potential contenders for your wagering strategy.
Key Takeaways
- AI analysis of maiden races at Hanshin & Nakayama on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
- Red Regalia (Nakayama R6) is the top pick with a 61.02% AI-predicted win probability, partnered with jockey C. Lemaire.
- Krautrock (Nakayama R5) also boasts a high win probability of 60.62%, with a power-oriented pedigree well-suited for the course.
- Value picks identified by AI Expected ROI include Anko (345%) in Hanshin R6 and Brave Sugar (258%) in Nakayama R5.
Table of Contents
Dec 28: AI Value & Horses to Watch
Our AI has identified the following horses as having high “Expected Return on Investment” (ROI). Use this data to guide your selections.
| Race | # | Horse Name | Win Odds | AI Win Prob. | AI Index | Expected ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanshin R4 | 3 | Sunrise Hunter | 15.0 | 12.88% | 45 | 221% |
| Hanshin R4 | 4 | Sol Orb | 2.0 | 38.50% | 70 | 115% |
| Hanshin R6 | 1 | Castello Torre | 12.0 | 21.06% | 52 | 223% |
| Hanshin R6 | 5 | Kishidancho | 1.0 | 28.78% | 70 | 168% |
| Hanshin R6 | 10 | Sri Rudhira | 10.0 | 21.06% | 52 | 260% |
| Hanshin R6 | 11 | Anko | 7.0 | 9.80% | 41 | 345% |
| Nakayama R5 | 4 | G G Jet | 2.0 | 19.32% | 55 | 142% |
| Nakayama R5 | 14 | Brave Sugar | 9.0 | 10.40% | 44 | 258% |
| Nakayama R5 | 15 | Krautrock | 1.0 | 60.62% | 70 | 183% |
| Nakayama R6 | 4 | Satono Classical | 1.0 | 19.73% | 54 | 133% |
| Nakayama R6 | 15 | Red Regalia | 2.0 | 61.02% | 73 | 296% |
Race-by-Race Analysis & Top Contenders
Nakayama Race 6 – Turf 2000m (12:40 JST)
A demanding middle-distance race that tests stamina, drawing major attention today.
◎ Top Pick: #15 Red Regalia (Jockey: C. Lemaire)
Pedigree:Epiphaneia x Unbridled’s Song (Maternal Grandsire)AI Index:73 (Expected ROI 296%)
The cross of Epiphaneia with Unbridled’s Song is a “golden formula” for producing runners with both speed and power, often successful from an early age. The AI’s predicted win probability is an exceptional 61.02%. With C. Lemaire aboard, they are clearly aiming for a win. If they can get a clean trip from the outside gate, a victory seems highly likely.
○ Contender: #4 Satono Classical (Jockey: T. Marquand)
Pedigree:Real Steel x Fastnet Rock (Maternal Grandsire)
Progeny of Real Steel often have the power to handle Nakayama’s challenging final incline. A good position from the inside draw could give them a strong chance. Consistently rated well by the AI.
Nakayama Race 5 – Dirt 1800m (11:50 JST)
A true test of power and stamina on the dirt course, which tends to favor horses drawn wide.
◎ Top Pick: #15 Krautrock (Jockey: A. Pouchin)
Pedigree:Nadal x Daiwa Major (Maternal Grandsire)AI Index:70 (Win Prob. 60.62%)
This “power x power” pedigree, combining the often large-framed progeny of Nadal with the strength of Daiwa Major, makes this horse a perfect fit for Nakayama’s dirt 1800m. Drawing the favorable outside post in gate 15 is another major plus. With an AI win probability over 60%, this is a very reliable contender.
☆ Dark Horse: #14 Brave Sugar (Jockey: K. Nagahama)
Pedigree:Mischievous Alex x Black Tide (Maternal Grandsire)
A potential longshot with a 258% Expected ROI. The sire, Mischievous Alex, produces strong dirt runners, and the use of an apprentice jockey for weight relief adds to the upset potential.
Hanshin Race 6 – Turf 1600m (12:25 JST)
Hanshin’s outer turf mile often comes down to a battle of closing speed.
◎ Top Pick: #5 Kishidancho (Jockey: M. Takasugi)
Pedigree:Lord Kanaloa x Deep Impact (Maternal Grandsire)AI Index:70
This horse boasts a quintessential mainstream Japanese pedigree. Both the sire and maternal grandsire have exceptional records at this course. Possesses high-end speed and appears ready for a strong debut.
☆ High-Value Pick: #11 Anko (Jockey: Y. Fujioka)
Pedigree:Firenze Fire x Jungle Pocket (Maternal Grandsire)
An incredible AI Expected ROI of 345%. While progeny of Firenze Fire are still rare in Japan, the stamina from maternal grandsire Jungle Pocket could make this horse a very interesting contender in a turf mile.
Hanshin Race 4 – Dirt 1400m (11:05 JST)
◎ Top Pick: #4 Sol Orb (Jockey: C. Geloo)
Pedigree:Discreet Cat x Wild Rush (Maternal Grandsire)AI Index:70
A “dirt specialist” pedigree, as both sire and maternal grandsire excelled at dirt sprints and miles. If this horse gets a clean break from the gate, it has the speed to potentially lead from start to finish.
☆ Dark Horse: #3 Sunrise Hunter (Jockey: K. Taguchi)
Pedigree:Mischievous Alex x Agnes Tachyon (Maternal Grandsire)
Expected ROI of 221%. The influence of maternal grandsire Agnes Tachyon may provide a blend of early speed and agility. A ground-saving trip from the inside post could set up a surprising finish.
Final Picks & Conclusion
Maiden races are unpredictable, with factors like training, paddock condition, and weight changes playing a major role. For our final, comprehensive betting slips including all the horses mentioned, please follow the link below.