A Deep Dive into the Gateway for Dirt Stars
December 13, 2025
Chukyo Racecourse, Dirt 1800m
Chukyo Dirt 1800m: Course Analysis
Course Layout & Race Development
The race kicks off near the homestretch entrance with a short 300m run to the first corner, sparking intense early positional battles. An inside draw, like Pod Folc’s (Gate 2), is a significant advantage, minimizing distance loss. The backstretch features a gradual uphill slope, a crucial segment where front-runners must conserve energy while closers time their surge.
Critical Junctures & The Final Test
A downhill run from turns 3 to 4 allows for acceleration, but demands skilled cornering. The race’s defining feature is the grueling homestretch: a steep 1.8m incline starting at the 400m mark. This hill shatters stamina, making the final 200m a pure test of will and power. Horses with stamina-rich pedigrees, like Taisei Mission, often shine in this final, decisive climb.
Detailed Analysis of All Entrants
1
Shousan George
Colt, 3yo, Ritto – M. MatsushitaPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Mozu Ascot (Frankel line) and dam sire Grand Slam (Gone West line). Inherits speed and power, complemented by American dirt bloodline.Training & Condition▶
Recorded a strong 4-furlong time of 52.0s, indicating peak condition. Trainer commented, “He’s progressing smoothly.”Overall Evaluation▶
Innermost gate is ideal. Expected to contend for the win if he starts well. Continued partnership with jockey Y. Kokubun is a plus.
2
Pod Folc
Colt, 3yo, Ritto – M. NishizonoPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Le Vavasseur x dam sire King Kamehameha. A classic dirt pedigree suggesting exceptional performance on the demanding Chukyo course.Training & Condition▶
Showed strong effort in recent workouts, indicating sufficient training and high-level consistency.Overall Evaluation▶
His previous second-place finish was valuable. Consistent front-running ability and inside draw suggest he will aim to lead and hold on.
3
Tatchable
Horse, 5yo, Ritto – N. NakamuraPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Real Steel x dam sire Ruler Ship. A modern Japanese pedigree with high fundamental ability.Training & Condition▶
Final workout was light, but the stable welcomes the switch to a left-handed track.Overall Evaluation▶
With suitable conditions, his inherent ability should allow him to compete effectively.
4
Yumeha Hateshinaku
Horse, 5yo, Ritto – K. IshizakaPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Daiwa Major x dam sire Taiki Shuttle. Originally a turf sprinter, has accumulated experience on dirt.Training & Condition▶
Matched a higher-rated horse in his final workout, showing good movement with a time of 53.0s.Overall Evaluation▶
The planned use of a “Horizone Net” may improve focus. Potential for a turnaround on his favored Chukyo course.
5
King of Fuji
Colt, 4yo, Ritto – K. TsunodaPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Henny Hughes x dam sire King Halo. Combines power with stamina and resilience.Training & Condition▶
Not a strong workhorse, but has received sufficient training.Overall Evaluation▶
Performs better on left-handed tracks. Concentration is key, but could be a threat if the race unfolds favorably.
6
Box Office
Gelding, 4yo, Ritto – K. YoshimuraPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Talismanic x dam sire Dubawi. A pedigree with a strong European influence, emphasizing power and stamina.Training & Condition▶
Trainer commented his “usual liveliness has returned,” indicating improved condition.Overall Evaluation▶
A skilled left-handed track performer with high course suitability. Not to be underestimated.
7
Meito Sui
Horse, 5yo, Ritto – T. HazukiPedigree Analysis▶
Sire フリオーソ (Furioso) x dam sire French Deputy. A pedigree rich in dirt suitability.Training & Condition▶
Recorded a fast 51.8s but appeared to be pushed hard. Trainer is cautious.Overall Evaluation▶
Concerns about a long layoff make it prudent to observe this race. May improve in the future.
8
Jun La Tour
Colt, 4yo, Ritto – T. HamadaPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Pyro x dam sire Special Week. Combines sire’s strength on left-handed tracks with dam sire’s stamina.Training & Condition▶
Final workout was light. The stable is reserved about his prospects after promotion.Overall Evaluation▶
Despite suitability for Chukyo, he may need time to adapt to the new class.
9
Eikai Soul
Colt, 4yo, Ritto – H. FujiwaraPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Hokko Tarumae x dam sire Zenno Rob Roy. Stamina-oriented pedigree for middle-distance dirt races.Training & Condition▶
Showed a sharp finish (11.6s final furlong) in his final workout, indicating good condition despite a layoff.Overall Evaluation▶
Capable horse with G3 experience. “Cheek Pieces” may improve focus, potentially leading to a strong performance.
10
Wonder Sting
Horse, 7yo, Ritto – K. WatanabePedigree Analysis▶
Sire Makfi x dam sire Dehere. A pedigree combining speed and power.Training & Condition▶
Moved lightly with a sharp 11.6s final furlong. Trainer is confident in his condition.Overall Evaluation▶
Despite being 7, his inherent ability is high. Should not be overlooked, even on his seasonal debut.
11
Extra Note
Gelding, 8yo, Miho – K. KatoPedigree Analysis▶
Sire I’ll Have Another x dam sire Gold Allure. A typical dirt pedigree emphasizing toughness.Training & Condition▶
Trainer reports “condition is good, and no signs of age-related decline.”Overall Evaluation▶
May need favorable race development, but a strong finish could place him in contention.
12
Abrams
Colt, 4yo, Miho – S. SuzukiPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Furioso x dam sire South Vigorous. Suited for sprints, but sire’s influence helps with distance.Training & Condition▶
Stable is optimistic about the course change, as his best results are on left-handed tracks.Overall Evaluation▶
Warrants reconsideration on his favored 1800m course. An interesting dark horse candidate.
13
King Blue
Colt, 4yo, Ritto – Y. ShiomiPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Deep Impact x dam sire Redoute’s Choice. Classic turf pedigree, but dam’s power aids dirt suitability.Training & Condition▶
Impressive acceleration in final workout (11.4s final furlong). Trainer highly praises his development.Overall Evaluation▶
Untapped potential. Jockey Y. Fujioka believes “a chance is near.” A strong performance is entirely possible.
14
Meikei Rosetta
Colt, 3yo, Ritto – H. KawashimaPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Real Steel x dam sire Fujikiseki. A pedigree with dirt suitability.Training & Condition▶
Good final furlong time of 11.4s. Trainer expects improvement on this course.Overall Evaluation▶
Caution advised after a significant drop in performance in his last race.
15
Taisei Mission
Gelding, 4yo, Miho – K. ItoPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Kitasan Black x dam sire Novellist. Combines stamina with toughness, ideal for this course.Training & Condition▶
Showed a sharp finish and “powerful stride” in his final workout, indicating perfect condition.Overall Evaluation▶
His previous race showed his true form. Considered to have superior ability at this class; a strong contender for victory.
16
Arare Tabashiru
Colt, 4yo, Miho – Y. NemotoPedigree Analysis▶
Sire Cape Blanco x dam sire Duranndal. Combines European stamina with Japanese acceleration.Training & Condition▶
Finished ahead of higher-rated horses in final workout, receiving high marks for his “lively movement.”Overall Evaluation▶
Blinkers have resolved his hesitation. Chukyo course suits him well, poised to make a powerful late run for a top finish.
Comparative Training Times (Last 2 Weeks)
| Gate | Horse Name | Dec 3-4 | Dec 7 | Dec 10 (Final) | Eval |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shousan George | 53.7 (Woodchip) | 57.3 (Woodchip) | 52.0 – 12.7 (Woodchip) | S |
| 2 | Pod Folc | 54.2 (Woodchip) | – | 54.3 – 12.8 (Woodchip) | A |
| 3 | Tatchable | – | – | 57.7 – 13.3 (Woodchip) | C |
| 4 | Yumeha Hateshinaku | 87.5 (CW) | 58.6 (Woodchip) | 53.0 – 12.4 (Woodchip) | B+ |
| 5 | King of Fuji | 86.8 (CW) | 60.9 (Woodchip) | 55.7 – 12.8 (Woodchip) | C |
| 6 | Box Office | 83.3 (CW) | 57.6 (Woodchip) | 54.7 – 12.4 (Woodchip) | B |
| 7 | Meito Sui | 98.7 (CW) | 56.4 (Woodchip) | 51.8 – 13.3 (Woodchip) | B- |
| 8 | Jun La Tour | 54.3 (Woodchip) | 89.7 (CW) | 57.1 – 12.9 (Woodchip) | C |
| 9 | Eikai Soul | 85.2 (CW) | 57.5 (Woodchip) | 82.1 – 11.6 (CW) | A |
| 10 | Wonder Sting | 85.8 (CW) | 60.2 (Woodchip) | 83.6 – 11.6 (CW) | B+ |
| 11 | Extra Note | 71.5 (Miho W) | – | 68.8 – 12.4 (Miho W) | C |
| 12 | Abrams | 68.0 (Miho W) | 58.0 (Miho S) | 85.2 – 12.3 (Miho W) | B |
| 13 | King Blue | 85.9 (CW) | 88.6 (CW) | 86.2 – 11.4 (CW) | A+ |
| 14 | Meikei Rosetta | 52.8 (Woodchip) | 59.5 (Woodchip) | 85.3 – 11.4 (CW) | A |
| 15 | Taisei Mission | 54.7 (Miho S) | 57.0 (Miho S) | 53.9 – 12.1 (Miho S) | A |
| 16 | Arare Tabashiru | 62.2 (Miho S) | 87.0 (Miho W) | 83.5 – 12.0 (Miho W) | S |
Final Conclusion & Recommended Horses
TOP PICK
◎
Taisei Mission (15)
No apparent weaknesses. With his pedigree, training, and recent form, he has the strength to dominate if he secures a good position from his outside draw.
○
Arare Tabashiru (16)
Outstanding training and improved focus with blinkers. The tough Chukyo course is ideal for his powerful late run from the widest gate.
▲
Shousan George (1)
A genuine contender despite the class jump. His phenomenal workout time and ideal inside gate give him upset potential.
☆
King Blue (13)
Special mention. His formidable final furlong in training signals remarkable growth. He could surprise everyone with a strong performance.
Also Consider (△)
Pod Folc (2): Strong front-runner with an advantageous inside draw.
Eikai Soul (9): Capable horse returning with cheek pieces to improve focus.
Box Office (6): A skilled performer on left-handed tracks in improving condition.