As the 2025 local racing season culminates, we bring you an in-depth preview for the prestigious Tokyo Nisai Yushun Himba (S1). We dissect the top contenders’ track suitability, pedigree, and training to unlock the key to conquering the Ohi 1600m dirt track.
December 30, 2025 / Last updated: December 30, 2025
Key Takeaways
The essential points for this championship race for 2-year-old fillies.
- The Ohi 1600m is a true test of stamina; experience over a mile is a critical factor.
- Dominant Laurel Sho winner Angeluna brings a high-class American dirt pedigree.
- Edelweiss Sho runner-up Ryuno Flight is a top contender, with her team confident about the distance.
- Keep an eye on undefeated horses like Nursery Tale and Ride High who have yet to show their full potential.
Key Forecasting Factors
Course Suitability & The “Mile Experience” Gap
The Ohi 1600m (inner loop) features a long straight from the start to the first turn, often leading to a settled pace. However, for 2-year-old fillies, it’s a tough stage that tests both stamina and mental fortitude. A crucial dividing line is whether a horse has experience at 1600m or more and has performed well. It’s common for horses that have shown speed in sprints to struggle with the distance extension, making pedigree-based distance aptitude an important consideration.
“Laurel Sho Group” vs. “Edelweiss Sho Group”
Every year, the focus is on the power dynamic between the top finishers of the Laurel Sho (S2) at Kawasaki and those coming from the Edelweiss Sho (Jpn3) at Mombetsu, Hokkaido. This year, Angeluna, winner of the Laurel Sho, clashes with Ryuno Flight, who ran a strong second in the Edelweiss Sho. This head-to-head battle will undoubtedly be the key to your betting strategy.
Analysis of Top Contenders & Pedigree Check
Angeluna
Stable: Satoshi Kokubo (Urawa)
Pedigree: Tiz the Law / American Pharoah
In her last start, the Laurel Sho (S2), she delivered a stunning performance, winning by 4 lengths despite it being her first mile race. Her sire, Tiz the Law, was a decorated champion who won four G1s in the US, including the Belmont Stakes, and her damsire is the US Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Her elite American dirt pedigree is undeniable. If she can handle the right-hand turn, she is the one to beat.
“In terms of finishing, I can say with confidence that we are sending her out in the best condition she has ever been in.”- Trainer Satoshi Kokubo
Ryuno Flight
Stable: Ryuichi Yamaguchi (Hokkaido)
Pedigree: Hokko Tarumae / Came Home
She has shown consistent results since her debut at Mombetsu and put up a great fight against JRA horses to finish second in the Edelweiss Sho (Jpn3). The Hokko Tarumae x Came Home cross combines speed and power, which should suit the Ohi track perfectly. She shows elastic movement in her training, raising expectations despite her first trip away from home.
“Her physique and running style don’t scream ‘sprinter’. The extension to a mile should not be a problem.”- Trainer Ryuichi Yamaguchi
Ride High
Stable: Katsunori Arayama (Ohi)
Pedigree: Four Wheel Drive / Yonaguska
With a victory in the Canary Sho, she remains undefeated in two starts. Her sire, Four Wheel Drive, is a successor to American Pharoah, known for precocity and speed. There’s an allure to her as she hasn’t revealed her full potential yet.
“She handled the distance, but a significant improvement in time will be necessary. Her condition has improved steadily with the work.”- Trainer Katsunori Arayama
Nursery Tale
Stable: Shoichi Kawashima (Funabashi)
Pedigree: Rulership / War Emblem
In the Laurel Sho, she showcased her high ability by storming home for third place despite a slow start. As is typical for Rulership progeny, she’s the type to improve with more distance, and her suitability for the Ohi mile course is considered high.
“It will be different this time. We can challenge with a preparation I’m satisfied with.”- Trainer Shoichi Kawashima
Latest Intel (Workouts & Condition)
Based on training data from the last two weeks, we’ve picked out horses that are in noticeably good form.Cantare (Manabu Yamamoto Stables, Funabashi)Showed “sustained good form” in a workout on the Funabashi outer course on Dec 27. Trainer Yamamoto commented, “Her condition in between races has been good, and I’m satisfied with her finish.”Sei Christina (Yoshinori Sasaki Stables, Iwate)Displayed “light footwork” in her final breeze at Mizusawa. Long-distance transport is a concern, but her condition seems to be in order.Tokyo Anna (Katsuo Ishii Stables, Funabashi)Seemed to be feeling the effects of back-to-back races in the Laurel Sho, but this time she showed movement “with plenty in reserve,” and trainer Ishii suggests a recovery, stating “her condition during this interval is good.”
Conclusion & Betting Slip
Who will be crowned the 2-year-old queen? Will it be the highly accomplished Angeluna with her American pedigree, or the formidable challenger from Mombetsu, Ryuno Flight? Or will a new star emerge? This is a race you won’t want to miss.
See our final selections, betting slip, and confident conclusion at the link below!View Final Picks for Tokyo Nisai Yushun Himba 2025
