2025 Naruo Kinen (G3…
A Deep Dive into the Race Analysis, Top Contenders, and Predictions for Japan’s Premier Dirt Classic.
With champion Lemon Pop absent, the 2025 race is wide open, pitting established veterans against rising 3-year-old stars.
The Chukyo 1800m dirt track’s unique layout, including a spiral curve and uphill finish, heavily favors inside draws and late chargers.
Expect intense early pace battles, setting up a high-stakes attrition race where stamina and closing speed will be paramount.
The 26th Champions Cup is the pinnacle of Japanese dirt racing. Success here isn’t just about speed; it’s about mastering a course with unique biases that can make or break a contender’s chances.
Gates 1-4 (Advantage): Inside draws conserve energy, allowing for an explosive finish down the 410.7m final straight.
Gates 5-8 (Disadvantage): Wide draws force horses to either burn stamina early to get position or risk getting trapped wide on the crucial “spiral curve”.
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A 300m dash to the first turn, followed by a sharp uphill gradient, making early acceleration difficult but crucial.
A tightening radius on the final turns punishes horses running wide, draining their stamina before the final stretch.
A grueling 410.7m run with a steep 1.8m climb, demanding immense power and fortitude to the finish line.
1
7yo | M. Iwata
Mikki Isle x Diana Burrows
A tenacious front-runner from the innermost draw. Success hinges on dictating the early pace without facing too much pressure.
2
4yo | R. Sakaii
Kizuna x Persistently
Impressive record-breaking win in the Miyako Stakes and is undefeated at Chukyo (3/3). A prime contender if form holds.
3
8yo | Y. Take
Pyro x Meisho Ouhi
Proven G1 performer. His consistent closing ability makes him a threat in any race, especially a high-paced one. New jockey is a notable factor.
4
5yo | J. Nishimura
Henny Hughes x Chandrande
Has struggled in G1 company. Needs to leverage the inside draw to conserve energy for a potential turnaround performance.
5
9yo | Y. Hara
Orfevre x Ange Chouette
A 9-year-old veteran who will be a factor in the early pace but seems slightly outmatched at the highest G1 level.
6
8yo | K. Iwata
Kizuna x Tanino Calis
Strong Chukyo specialist. A jockey change could spark unconventional tactics, making him a dangerous dark horse.
SPECIAL MENTION
7
4yo | K. Miura
Majestic Warrior x Nefertiti
In peak condition with explosive acceleration. The long, uphill straight at Chukyo is ideal for his powerful finishing kick. A potential winner.
8
6yo | M. Kawada
Kitasan Black x Chest Kerose
Last year’s runner-up and a world-class contender. His tactical versatility makes him a highly reliable and formidable opponent.
9
5yo | K. Matsuyama
Leggero x Queen Pirate
Improvement is expected after his last race. Needs a favorable pace scenario to challenge the top contenders.
10
4yo | Y. Kokubun
Sunday’s Silence x Fiorello
Has a strong record against fillies but facing top-level colts in a G1 will be a major test of her ability.
11
4yo | C. Lemaire
Kizuna x Finlay’s Lucky Charm
A G1 winner on turf making his dirt debut. An unknown quantity whose pedigree and top jockey make him a dangerous wildcard.
12
3yo | K. Tosaki
Sunday’s Silence x Naruka
The dominant 3-year-old champion. A wide draw and pressure from older rivals are major hurdles. Overcoming them could signal the arrival of a superstar.
13
4yo | K. Ikee
Kizuna x Saimer
Showing significant improvement in training since a stable transfer. Too early to dismiss despite a poor last run.
14
7yo | Y. Fujioka
King Kamehameha x Queen Olive
A past G1 winner who faltered recently. His chances depend heavily on his mental state and recovery.
15
5yo | D. Sasaki
Henny Hughes x Soft Lime
Handicapped by a wide draw, but improvement is expected in his second race after a break. A comeback is possible with a smooth trip.
16
3yo | J. Geroux
American Pharoah x Maria’s Heart
A well-bred Musashino Stakes winner facing multiple challenges: wide draw, new distance, and unfamiliar course.
The 2025 Champions Cup is shaping up to be a high-paced attrition race. Intense early competition will favor horses with elite stamina and a devastating finishing kick.
2nd
Rock-solid stability, proven course performance, and tactical versatility make him a reliable core pick.
1st
Peak physical condition, an explosive finish perfectly suited to the course, and a favorable race dynamic.
3rd
Exceptional current form, a perfect record at Chukyo, and showing no signs of a post-record slump.
4th
Narukami: Monster potential but faces a tough draw. Hagino Alegrias: A course specialist with a tricky jockey.
While this analysis provides a deep dive, final decisions should consider race-day track conditions and paddock appearance. For the most up-to-date conclusions and betting slips, check the official sources just before the race.Get Final Picks