2025 Naruo Kinen (GIII) & Stayers Stakes (GII)
December 6, 2025
Executive Summary
On December 6, 2025, the Japanese horse racing calendar marks the beginning of its December schedule with two significant graded stakes races. The Naruo Kinen (GIII), a traditional middle-distance race, will be held at Hanshin Racecourse in the west, while the Stayers Stakes (GII), contested over Japan’s longest flat distance of 3600m, will take place at Nakayama Racecourse in the east.
This report comprehensively analyzes the final training data, stable comments, past performance, and pedigree of all expected runners, with a primary focus on “workout evaluations” to assess each horse’s condition, physical development, and race suitability beyond mere timing.
Naruo Kinen 2025 (GIII)
Hanshin Racecourse | 1800m Turf
Race Overview and Course Characteristics
The Naruo Kinen is run on the Hanshin Racecourse’s 1800m turf track (outer course), featuring a single turn starting from the backstretch. While the long run to the first corner minimizes the impact of draw bias, the race demands explosive power and stamina for the long straight, which includes a steep uphill finish. In 2025, the race features a mix of established performers and rapidly improving horses, making workout condition a crucial factor for betting decisions.
Westnow (Colt, 4)
Evaluation: S
Training Analysis: On Dec 3rd, sharply overtook two horses from the inside in a three-horse drill, clocking an impressive 80.5s for six furlongs with a final furlong of 11.4s. Condition is on a clear upward trend.
Stable’s Impression: Trainer Shozo Sasaki expressed absolute confidence, stating, “He responded well and showed good spirit… We’ve incorporated everything we thought was best.”
Pedigree & Aptitude: By Kizuna out of a Frankel mare, he combines power with speed. His exceptional stretch in the workout showcases his pedigree’s full potential for Hanshin’s explosive finishes.
Allnut (Colt, 4)
Evaluation: A
Training Analysis: Returning after ~3 months, a strong workout last week showed race-ready fitness. Final workout was a gentle tune-up, following the stable’s winning pattern. Condition is good.
Stable’s Impression: Trainer Tomokazu Takano notes Allnut is “improving overall,” indicating maturity. High expectations for the future, stating he “shouldn’t be satisfied with just a GIII win.”
Pedigree & Aptitude: By Satono Diamond, known for sustained speed, making the endurance-testing Hanshin 1800m suitable. Well-bred with high potential as he enters his prime.
Grand Vinoss (Colt, 5)
Evaluation: A
Training Analysis: After a long layoff, shows significant improvement. In his final workout, he pulled away from a partner with notable acceleration and a sharp response.
Stable’s Impression: Trainer Yasuo Tomomichi commented, “He ran strongly all the way.” Despite past injuries, his racing style has become more forward, and the horse feels “solidified.”
Pedigree & Aptitude: Top-class pedigree (Kitasan Black x Halwa Sweet). His stamina and high aptitude for the Hanshin course are blossoming as he enters his fifth year.
Sentz Blood (Colt, 3)
B+ | Improving condition after last race.
David Burrows (Gelding, 6)
B+ | Sharp final furlong, in peak form.
Shonan Magma (Gelding, 6)
B+ | Energetic movement, perfect for 2nd start after gelding.
Namura Eihab (Colt, 4)
B+ | Sharp final furlong, carrying momentum.
Onyankopon (Gelding, 6)
B | Diligently trained, mentally key.
Durae Rede (Colt, 5)
B | Condition looks good despite average times.
Nihonpiro Keif (Colt, 5)
B | Condition maintained, 1800m is suitable.
Black Shield (Colt, 6)
B | Dynamic movement, inside draw is key.
Matenro Leo (Colt, 6)
B | Good time but stable is cautious.
Lafleur (Colt, 6)
B | Stable confident, “better than last time.”
Sun Stockton (Colt, 6)
C | Unruly in workout, temperament issues.
Stayers Stakes 2025 (GII)
Nakayama Racecourse | 3600m Turf
Race Overview and Course Characteristics
The Stayers Stakes, run over JRA’s longest flat distance of 3600m, is a “marathon race.” The unique layout of Nakayama’s inner course, requiring two laps, demands absolute stamina, mental composure, agility, and strong legs. The jockey’s pace judgment is also crucial, making it a test of the horse and rider’s combined ability.
Hohe Elite (Filly, 4)
Evaluation: A
Training Analysis: Light and brisk final workout, effortlessly extending her lead while clocking 11.6s for the final furlong. Her stride shows both ease and power, and speed has not diminished despite long-distance training.
Stable’s Impression: Trainer Toshiaki Tajima gave a passing grade, “Her movement was good without any issues.” Optimistic about the 3600m, noting, “She has no issues with settling.”
Pedigree & Aptitude: A stamina powerhouse by Ruler Ship out of a Stay Gold mare. The Nakayama long-distance course is a perfect match for her bloodline.
Warp Speed (Colt, 6)
Evaluation: A
Training Analysis: Mental recovery is the biggest positive factor, with trainer noting “motivation has significantly increased.” Finished final workout in a dead heat under no pressure.
Stable’s Impression: Trainer states, “His stamina is not an issue,” and that the 3600m distance is ideal for his patient riding style. Expected to bounce back from previous poor performance.
Pedigree & Aptitude: Dam’s line includes Deep Impact and Sadler’s Wells, indicating significant inherited stamina. Tends to show strength in grueling races.
Chrominance (Colt, 8)
Evaluation: B+
Training Analysis: Appears youthful at 8. Strong final workout with “better movement than his previous race.” Matched GI winner Durretsa in a drill last week, highlighting current form.
Stable’s Impression: Improvement is evident in his second start after a break, a change confirmed by his training progression.
Pedigree & Aptitude: Dam’s lineage (Manhattan Cafe, Tony Bin) supports his stamina even in later years, which should help him cope with the extended distance.
Meiner Campana (Colt, 5)
B+ | Smooth training, Gold Ship pedigree suits distance.
Brave Locker (Gelding, 5)
B+ | Good time, condition improving for target race.
Chuck Nait (Gelding, 7)
B+ | Fully prepared after strong work last week.
Vermicelle (Filly, 5)
B | Condition unchanged, proven stamina.
Vertenberg (Colt, 5)
B | Training focuses on settling, temperament helps.
Pure Kian (Colt, 4)
B | Enthusiasm will be key after strong workout.
Meisho Brege (Colt, 6)
B | Outlook depends on race flow.
Las Cambres (Colt, 4)
B | Improving, tack will be adjusted.
Silbron (Colt, 7)
C | Wavered in workout, not at peak.
Mixology (Gelding, 6)
C | Irregular form, improvement is slow.
Wise Gold (Filly, 5)
C | Lacked power, few positives.
Key Horse Data Comparison
Naruo Kinen (GIII)
| Horse Name | Workout | Evaluation | Pedigree | Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westnow | Ritto CW, Strong 80.5-11.4 | S | Kizuna x Frankel | Very High |
| Allnut | Ritto Woodchip, Gentle 55.7-12.2 | A | Satono Diamond x Open | High |
| Grand Vinoss | Ritto Woodchip, Strong 54.7-12.2 | A | Kitasan Black x Machiavellian | High |
| Sentz Blood | Ritto CW, Strong 81.1-11.6 | B+ | Ruler Ship x Harbinger | Medium |
| David Burrows | Ritto CW, Gentle 83.3-11.3 | B+ | Lord Kanaloa x Sunday Silence | Medium |
Stayers Stakes (GII)
| Horse Name | Workout | Evaluation | Pedigree | Aptitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hohe Elite | Miho W, Gentle 86.6-11.6 | A | Ruler Ship x Stay Gold | Very High |
| Warp Speed | Miho W, Gentle 86.1-12.1 | A | Drefong x Deep Impact | High |
| Chrominance | Miho W, Strong 81.5-11.9 | B+ | Lord Kanaloa x Manhattan Cafe | Medium |
| Meiner Campana | Miho W, Gentle 82.8-12.3 | B+ | Gold Ship x Linamix | Very High |
| Brave Locker | Ritto CW, Applied 80.4-11.8 | B+ | Duramente x Elusive City | Medium |
Conclusion: Recommended Horses
Naruo Kinen (GIII)
◎ Westnow
Improvement is outstanding. His powerful workout signals full maturity and his fighting spirit is a key asset for Hanshin’s long straight. The stable’s confidence seals him as a top contender.
○ Allnut
Excellent training balance aligns with the stable’s winning preparation pattern. Carries momentum from a previous graded stakes victory.
Stayers Stakes (GII)
◎ Hohe Elite
Remarkable final furlong speed during a long-distance pace workout. She possesses the speed and stamina to outclass rivals. Pedigree suggests the 3600m is her ideal course.
○ Warp Speed
Mental recovery and increased motivation are the key factors. He has GII-level ability, and if his spirit is engaged, he should be a strong competitor.
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