December 11, 2025
TOP PICKS
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SHINMERUBUS
Main Pick
Possesses the highest class achievement with a win in the Hokkaido A1 class. The presence of top jockey Tsubasa Sasagawa signals a strong winning intent. Clearly superior in this field based on ability and past performance.
Horse #5
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WILL SHINE
Contender
Experience in dirt grade races and a favorable distance reduction are significant advantages. Her inherent finishing speed has a strong chance to explode.
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MODEL HUNT
Dark Horse
Recorded an outstanding training time, indicating peak condition. A transfer debut with immense potential for a major upset.
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PRESTO MOULIN
Underdog
Currently on a three-race winning streak with the advantage of a light weight of 52kg. Her momentum could overcome the stronger competition.
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MILLE NUIT
Underdog
A Funabashi course specialist known to perform well after a break. Paired with skilled jockey Kunihito Mikamimoto.
RACE & COURSE OVERVIEW
Race Background
The “Queens Audition” is a crucial trial for the prestigious Queen Sho (JpnIII). It attracts top A2 class fillies aiming for the year-end major event. The race showcases a dynamic clash between experienced older horses and promising three-year-olds over Funabashi’s unique 1600m dirt course.
Funabashi’s Spiral Curve
The course is famed for its “spiral curve” – a gentle entry and a tight exit. This design challenges jockeys, as horses tend to drift wide at the corner exit. While the start position is less critical, losing ground on the turns can be fatal. A jockey’s strategy in the final corners is paramount for victory on the 308m straight.
CONTENDER ANALYSIS
Gate 1, Stall 1
Grind Out
Ryo Nobata (54kg)
1
Placed 3rd in last year’s Kanto Oaks (JpnII) but has been in a slump. Her previous race was a significant defeat. Recovery is key, and while improvements are expected, she may not be at her peak. Holding on from the innermost gate will be her challenge.
Gate 2, Stall 2
Blue Passion
Ryuu KImatsuka (52kg)
2
Her 4th place in the JpnIII Marine Cup places her among top contenders. Disregard her last race due to a stumble. Returning to her home course at Funabashi with a light weight of 52kg, a comeback is highly probable. Training has been smooth.
Gate 3, Stall 3
Suzuran
Kaede Ono (52kg)
3
Performance has steadily improved since transferring from Hokkaido, indicating she is the most in-form horse. Despite a step up in class, her energetic training confirms excellent condition. Aims for an upset with a light handicap.
Gate 4, Stall 4
Will Shine
Shigeu Honda (54kg)
4
A proven horse that won the Laurel Sho. Recent performances have been commendable. The distance reduction to her preferred mile is a positive factor. If she settles well, her inherent finishing speed can be explosive. A potential winner.
Gate 5, Stall 5
Shinmerubus
Tsubasa Sasagawa (55kg)
5
Her victory against males in Hokkaido’s top A1 class makes her clearly superior. With a proven record and a top jockey, the stable’s determination is evident. The strongest candidate in terms of ability and achievement.
Gate 6, Stall 6
Karen Chunky
Makoto Kuwamura (55kg)
6
Has a record of placing in similar conditions, but this is her first race since a long layoff. While her condition is not a concern, this might be a preparatory run. Jockey’s skill is a key factor.
Gate 7, Stall 7
Model Hunt
Ko Harita (54kg)
7
The “special pick”. Recorded an exceptional workout time of 51.1 – 37.6, indicating peak condition. Despite being a transfer debut, her inherent ability and form suggest she can contend for the win immediately.
Gate 7, Stall 8
Saransk
Ryu Sawada (54kg)
8
Recent performances are very consistent. Her chances depend on her race from the outside gate. If she can maintain a forward position without being crowded, a tenacious run is possible. A formidable opponent in good form.
Gate 8, Stall 9
Presto Moulin
Naomichi Machida (52kg)
9
On a three-race winning streak, her upward trend is remarkable. This race is a true test against stronger opponents. Good training times and a light weight of 52kg give her a strong chance to defeat the older horses.
Gate 8, Stall 10
Mille Nuit
Kunihito Mikamimoto (55kg)
10
A course specialist who performs well after a break. With a skilled jockey and a smooth race from the outermost gate, she can demonstrate the resilience of an experienced horse and contend for a top position.
TRAINING DATA ANALYSIS
| # | Horse Name | Course | 4F | 3F | Pace | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Model Hunt | Funabashi Outer | 51.1 | 37.6 | Full | S |
| 4 | Will Shine | Funabashi Outer | 51.5 | 38.9 | Gentle | A+ |
| 9 | Presto Moulin | Funabashi Outer | 51.9 | 37.8 | Strong | A |
| 2 | Blue Passion | Funabashi Outer | 51.9 | 38.5 | Full | B+ |
| 5 | Shinmerubus | Urawa | 53.6 | 39.3 | Strong | B+ |
| 8 | Saransk | Kobayashi Outer | 50.4 | 37.7 | Gentle | B+ |
| 3 | Suzuran | Kawasaki | 52.0 | 38.8 | Gentle | B+ |
| 10 | Mille Nuit | Kobayashi Outer | 52.6 | 38.8 | Gentle | B |
| 6 | Karen Chunky | Urawa | 55.3 | 39.9 | Latter Strong | B |
| 1 | Grind Out | Kawasaki | 54.2 | 40.1 | Full | C |
Analysis: Model Hunt’s time is outstanding, clearly indicating excellent condition. Will Shine and Presto Moulin also recorded strong times, confirming they are highly rated based on training performance.
KEY SYNERGIES
- ▶Shinmerubus: Top jockey Tsubasa Sasagawa signals the stable’s all-out effort to win.
- ▶Model Hunt: The father-son combination of the Harita Stable & Jockey is a strength for race coordination.
- ▶Mille Nuit: Entrusting the ride to Kunihito Mikamimoto, a master of the Funabashi course, is a strategic choice.
RACE SIMULATION
Expect Saransk to take an early lead with Blue Passion and Suzuran close behind at an average pace. Strong contenders like Will Shine and Presto Moulin will make their move at the crucial third corner. The final straight projects a fierce battle between the front-running Shinmerubus and Will Shine, challenged by the closing power of Model Hunt and Mille Nuit from the outside.
FINAL VERDICT & BETTING STRATEGY
This race is expected to be a contest primarily among four horses: Shinmerubus with superior achievements, the in-form three-year-olds Will Shine and Presto Moulin, and the transfer horse Model Hunt who is in excellent training condition.
Quinella / Exacta
Anchor: #5 Shinmerubus
Opponents: #4, #7, #9, #10
Trifecta
1st: #5
2nd: #4, #7
3rd: #2, #9, #10
Long Shot Bet
Single win/place & wide bets on:
#7 Model Hunt
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the provided data and does not guarantee results. Please place your bets at your own discretion.