New Year’s Dash Special (A):Mikanovenuce & Happy Meek Lead a Strong Field in this 2026 Showdown

Dec 31, 2025•

Nagoya Racecourse

Here are our predictions for the “New Year’s Dash Special (A)” at Nagoya Racecourse on January 1, 2026. This electric 920m dirt sprint has attracted a field of speed specialists, including the red-hot Mikanovenuce and the proven class of Happy Meek. We’ll analyze course suitability, horse conditions, and break down the top contenders.

Key Takeaways

• The “New Year’s Dash Special (A)” is a 920m dirt sprint at Nagoya Racecourse on Jan 1, 2026.
• Early speed and course suitability are crucial in this ultra-short distance race.
• Mikanovenuce is the horse to beat, coming off two consecutive wins. Her speed pedigree and current form are exceptional.
• Proven performer Happy Meek returns after a 5-month layoff but has a strong track record at this course.
• Dark horses like Ryorairai and JRA transfer Machiavelli could surprise.

Contents

1. Key Forecasting Points
   1. Nagoya 920m Aptitude
   2. Recent Track Trends & Fitness
2. Top Contenders Analysis
   1. Mikanovenuce
   2. Happy Meek
   3. Ryorairai
   4. Machiavelli
3. Other Horses to Watch
4. Final Verdict

Key Forecasting Points for 2026

This race, kicking off the new year, builds on the momentum from the 2025 season. Here are two critical factors to consider in your analysis.

1. Nagoya 920m Aptitude is Paramount

The 920m sprint at Nagoya Racecourse is an all-out dash from the start. Given the short run to the corner and the brief final straight, horses with superior gate speed and front-running ability have a massive advantage. Pay close attention to runners with a proven record on this course or those with the fastest recorded times.

2. Recent Form & Condition

The year-end holiday period often features a packed and irregular racing schedule. This makes horse conditioning a key variable. Horses that have raced recently (e.g., Dec 10th, Dec 22nd) will have a fitness edge but may carry fatigue from a tough schedule. Conversely, rested horses benefit from recovery, but their race sharpness is a question mark. Balancing these factors is crucial.

Top Contenders: Pedigree & Performance

Here’s a detailed look at the leading contenders, focusing on their bloodlines and recent results.

Mikanovenuce (6yo Mare, Aichi)

Sire: Jo Cappuccino

Dam: Sweet Paula (by Swept Overboard)

The leading contender. Her pedigree, by Jo Cappuccino out of a Swept Overboard mare, screams speed. Her recent form is impeccable: she dominated her last start on Dec 10th in the “Umehatsugetsu Sho (B)” over 920m, winning wire-to-wire in 56.3 seconds. With another win under the same conditions on Nov 13th, she’s in peak form. Her times are excellent, making her incredibly tough to beat here.

Happy Meek (6yo Mare, Aichi)

Sire: Fine Needle

Dam: Amore Eterno (by Zenno Rob Roy)

Sired by Takamatsunomiya Kinen winner Fine Needle, she possesses natural sprinting ability. This is her first race in about 5 months (22 weeks), but she has a proven track record at Nagoya’s 920m, including a victory at this distance in December 2024. Her raw speed is top-tier. The main question is whether she can fire on all cylinders after the long layoff.

Ryorairai (6yo Stallion, Aichi)

Sire: Gold Ship

Dam: Tsuu Roses (by Sterling Rose)

An intriguing mix of stamina from sire Gold Ship and speed from damsire Sterling Rose (a JBC Sprint winner). He last raced over 1700m on Dec 22nd, meaning he’s running on a very short turnaround. If his toughness allows him to handle the demanding schedule, his blend of stamina and speed could make him a factor in the final stretch.

Machiavelli (4yo Mare, Aichi)

Sire: Shanghai Bobby

Dam: Gone Krazy (by Gone West)

Her American pedigree (Shanghai Bobby x Gone West) is tailor-made for dirt sprints. This is her first start since transferring from the JRA and her first race since Sep 14th. Adapting to the tight turns of Nagoya’s 920m course is a challenge, but her bloodline suggests she has the raw speed to be a major threat.

Other Horses to Watch

Don’t overlook these runners who have been active in the last couple of weeks.

• Exaltation (Sire: Harbinger): Finished 7th in a 1700m race on Dec 22nd. The sharp cutback in distance could trigger a form reversal.
• I’ll Be Major (Sire: I’ll Have Another): 9th in his last race on Dec 22nd. This tough 9-year-old is a seasoned veteran.
• Wild Hunter (Sire: Makfi): Finished 11th in a 1400m race on Dec 19th.
• Hakusan Flash (Sire: Hakusan Moon): 7th over 1500m on Dec 9th. Hopes to leverage his sire’s speed in this much shorter 920m contest.

Final Verdict

This New Year’s Dash Special is a thrilling puzzle pitting raw speed against current form. For our final selections, betting strategy, and top picks based on a comprehensive analysis of form and track suitability, click the link below.View Final Predictions