Key Takeaways
High-Level Contest
A crucial race shaping the next dirt racing season, featuring strong contenders.
Hanshin 1400m Demands
Requires a unique blend of initial speed from the turf start and power for the final uphill climb.
Top Pick: Yukimaru
Excellent workout, strong stable comments, and a pedigree perfectly suited for this course.
Value in Dark Horses
Keiai Shelby & Metamax show significant late improvement, offering high potential returns.
Hanshin Dirt 1400m: The Proving Ground
⚡️
Speed & Power
Early acceleration on turf is critical, but the race is won with sustained power on the final uphill straight.
🧬
Pedigree Trends
American bloodlines, especially Storm Cat and A.P. Indy lineages, dominate due to their muscularity and stamina.
🏋️♂️
Uphill Training
Success is highly correlated with strong uphill track (hanro) workouts, indicating finishing strength.
Tier 1: The Top Contenders
Top Pick
Yukimaru (Colt, 5yo)
Jockey: Hayato Yoshida | Stable: Ogata Kazuo (Miho)
Workout Evaluation
“Definitely better than last time.” Assistant trainer’s confidence is backed by lively movement and sub-11s final furlongs. In peak physical and mental condition, maintaining weight well in winter.
Pedigree & Outlook
Maternal grandsire Sinister Minister (A.P. Indy) provides ideal stamina for the Hanshin uphill. His 4th place in Shimotsuki Stakes with interference suggests untapped potential. A major contender for a comeback victory.
Noble Roger (Colt, 4yo)
Jockey: Yutaka Ishikawa | Stable: Yoshikawa (Ritto)
Workout Evaluation
Described as having an “attractive physique” and being in peak condition. Outstanding sharpness shown with a final 1F of 11.3s in a CW workout. Physical condition is considered extremely high.
Pedigree & Outlook
Sire Palace Malice (power) and dam’s sire More Than Ready (speed) offer a perfect blend for this course. Mental growth is evident, no longer bothered by kickback. Set to perform at his best.
Smart Sunny (Colt, 5yo)
Jockey: Daiki Ozawa | Stable: Ishibashi (Ritto)
Workout Evaluation
Rated as “well-prepared” after a strong final uphill workout (53.6s – 12.4s). He’s a horse known to improve with each race, and his current condition is considered perfect.
Pedigree & Outlook
A “golden combination” of Sinister Minister x King Kamehameha provides the ideal mix of power, speed, and stamina. Highly suitable for the course demands.
Tier 2: The Dark Horse Candidates
Keiai Shelby
Showed a sharp 12.2s finish in his final workout, indicating a rapid surge in condition. Blinkers could provide an extra edge. Chance for an upset.
Metamax
Top-tier pedigree for this course (sire Into Mischief). A fast final workout time of 52.3s on the uphill track shows clear signs of recovery and form.
Namura Frank
While overall evaluation is modest, a remarkable final 1F of 11.2s on the CW course cannot be ignored. Could be a major factor if the race becomes a pure sprint.
Tier 3: The Field
Good Job
A.P. Indy line is a plus, but lacks a decisive finishing kick.
Conquista
Previous race interference can be ignored. Remains a threat.
Continual
Well-bred but “unresponsive when urged” in workouts.
Success Laurel
Doesn’t show best in workouts. Potential for race day improvement.
Satono Phoenix
Racing on consecutive weekends. Could improve with aggressive style.
Smart Eye
Maintaining condition. Speed pedigree could suit a fast pace.
Batouki
Interesting pedigree, stable condition. “Well-prepared.”
Meisho Kazusa
8yo returning from jumps racing. “Not quite at his best.”
Lord Frontier
Uninspiring final workout, “lacking extension.”
Wai Wai Legend
Key factor is shedding “slightly heavy” condition from prior race.
Comprehensive Comparison Data
| Good Job | Ritto Uphill (Heavy) | 55.7 – 13.6 | Smooth movement | B |
| Keiai Shelby | Ritto Uphill (Heavy) | 55.1 – 12.2 | Improved with this workout | A |
| Conquista | Ritto Uphill (Heavy) | 60.0 – 15.4 | Maintaining good condition | B |
| Continual | Ritto CW (Heavy) | 81.7 – 11.8 | Unresponsive when urged | B- |
| Smart Sunny | Ritto Uphill (Heavy) | 53.6 – 12.4 | Well-prepared | S |
| Namura Frank | Ritto CW (Heavy) | 84.6 – 11.2 | Showing some improvement | A- |
| Noble Roger | Ritto Uphill (Heavy) | 57.4 – 14.4 | Attractive physique | S |
| Metamax | Ritto Uphill (Heavy) | 52.3 – 12.9 | Gradually improving | A |
| Yukimaru | Miho W (Good) | 83.3 – 11.7 | Lively movement | S |
Final Picks & Betting Strategy
Contenders
Noble Roger
Smart Sunny
Top Pick
YUKIMARU
Dark Horses
Keiai Shelby
Metamax
Disclaimer: This report is based on information available as of December 25, 2025. Please check the latest information regarding weather, track conditions, and any race changes on the JRA official website or other reliable sources. Betting is at your own risk.
english
english
english
english
english
english