【阪神9R 御影S …
未分類【阪神9R 御影S 2025/12/21…
Deep Dive into Namura Clair, Danon McKinley & Top Contenders
A thorough analysis for the December 27th showdown, featuring G1-caliber stars. We break down the course, bloodlines, workouts, and race dynamics to find the winning edge.
The 2025 Hanshin Cup is the grand finale of the sprint circuit, a “Super G2” featuring a G1-level talent pool.
The Hanshin 1400m turf is a grueling test of speed, stamina, and raw power, culminating in a steep final climb.
A fast pace is almost guaranteed, likely leading to a war of attrition among the front-runners.
Contenders include defending champ Namura Clair, 1400m ace Danon McKinley, and class-dropper Serifos.
The Hanshin Cup, the final act of the 2025 sprint season, is contested on the unique and demanding Hanshin 1400m turf course, a stage for many legendary battles.
The Hanshin 1400m (inner loop) features a long run from the start to the second corner, often leading to intense battles for position. The gentle downhill slope from the third to the fourth corner makes it difficult for horses to catch a breath, resulting in relentlessly fast fractions. The final challenge is the infamous steep hill in the home stretch. This course doesn’t just demand raw speed; it requires a trinity of talents: the quick burst of a 1200m sprinter, the sustained kick of a miler (“stamina”), and the raw strength to conquer the final incline (“power”).
Recent data reveals clear trends for successful sires on this course. Grit and power often triumph over pure speed, with progeny of power-oriented stallions like Maurice and Harbinger showing high success rates—a key factor for your predictions.
| Rank | Sire | Win % | Place % | Show % | Profile & Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maurice | 12.2% | 20.5% | 30.1% | Carries Roberto line stamina, excelling in wars of attrition. Danon McKinley is a prime example. |
| 2 | Deep Impact | 13.0% | 22.0% | 31.5% | Succeeds on pure class, but best when damsire adds power (e.g., US or Storm Cat lines). |
| 3 | Daiwa Major | 9.2% | 18.4% | 27.6% | A master of this course. His progeny’s forward-running, tenacious style is a perfect fit. |
| 4 | Kizuna | 8.0% | 17.5% | 26.0% | Offers a great balance of power and stamina, often surfacing on tougher track conditions. |
| 5 | Harbinger | 17.6% | 25.0% | 35.2% | Heavy European blood thrives on the tough winter turf. His high win rate is noteworthy. |
Bloodline/Aptitude: Sired by Mikki Isle out of a Storm Cat mare, this pedigree offers a perfect blend of sustained speed and power, tailor-made for the Hanshin 1400m. She proved it by winning this very race in 2024.
Recent Form: Consistently in the money at the G1 level in 2025, with a 2nd in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen and 3rd in the Sprinters Stakes. Her last race showed immense grit, securing 3rd despite a wide trip, proving her stamina and spirit are intact.
Workout/Condition: Reports suggest a blistering solo workout on the Ritto hill course, clocking in the 50-second range for 4 furlongs. Her sharp, responsive movements indicate she’s been specifically prepped for this target.
Bloodline/Aptitude: A son of Maurice with a Holy Roman Emperor (Danzig line) damsire, his pedigree screams overwhelming power and sustained speed. He is arguably the top 1400m specialist in the field.
Recent Form: Gained international experience in 2025. His powerful victory in the Swan Stakes (1:20.5) this autumn reaffirmed his dominance at this distance. The ample time between races is a major plus, ensuring he arrives fresh.
Workout/Condition: In his recent workout on the woodchip course, he easily overtook his training partner in the stretch, showing a sharp response. Despite the potential for stiffness common in Maurice progeny, his footwork is fluid, suggesting he is in peak condition.
Bloodline/Aptitude: Sired by Daiwa Major, one of the best sires for this course. While a Mile Championship winner, Serifos has shown a tendency to favor shorter distances with age, making 1400m a potentially ideal trip now.
Recent Form: While he has been competitive in G1 mile races recently, the cutback in distance could be the key to unlocking a new level. The expected fast pace will allow him to settle without fighting the jockey and save his explosive kick for the finish.
Workout/Condition: Showed excellent control and responsiveness in a recent workout. Now a 6-year-old, his physique remains powerful, and there are no signs of declining speed.
Mama CochaA Sprinters Stakes winner whose sire, Kurofune, imparts power that excels in grueling races. Freshened up after a dip in form, she could rebound.Win GreatestAn 8-year-old veteran from the Screen Hero (Roberto line) who relishes a tough track and a demanding pace. Still competitive in the sprint series.Mozu MeimeiBy Real Impact out of a Frankel mare, her world-class bloodline is suited for 1400m. She won on this course as a 3-year-old and can’t be underestimated.Win MarvelPast winner of this race. While just short at the 1200m G1 level, he’s a main contender in a 1400m G2 and handles the weight well.
With front-runners like Mozu Meimei, Asakara King, and Win Greatest in the field, a blistering early pace is almost certain. Historically, the Hanshin Cup becomes a war of attrition with no mid-race breaks, grinding down the field. This scenario favors miler-types who can sustain a high cruising speed or closers who can unleash a turn of foot off a hot pace.
The late December Hanshin turf can show wear on the inside rail. However, modern track maintenance often prevents an extreme outside-closing bias. Still, drawing a middle-to-outside gate is often advantageous, allowing for a clear run in the stretch. Horses sired by power stallions will be less affected, and may even be upgraded, if the track becomes worn or soft.
In a race packed with top-tier talent, jockey psychology is crucial. Expect Christophe Lemaire (on Namura Clair) to prioritize rhythm, while Yuga Kawada (on Serifos) may make an aggressive, early move. The tactical duels between these elite riders will be a fascinating subplot.
Based on this comprehensive analysis, here are the final recommendations for the 2025 Hanshin Cup.
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Reasoning: She is the defending champion with proven, undeniable aptitude for this specific course and distance. Her consistent top-three finishes in G1 races, combined with excellent workout reports, make her the one to beat with very few weaknesses.
○
Reasoning: A true “1400m demon.” The faster the pace, the more his Maurice-line stamina comes into play. Reaching his physical peak as a 4-year-old.
▲
Reasoning: Dropping back from G1 mile races could unlock an explosive performance. In terms of raw ability, he is on par with Namura Clair.
Example Betting Strategy
Win/Place: ◎ Namura Clair
Exacta/Quinella Box: ◎, ○, ▲ (Namura Clair, Danon McKinley, Serifos)
Trifecta Formation: ◎ → ○, ▲ → All marked horses
This is not financial advice. Please gamble responsibly.