A Grand Prix showdow…
An in-depth analysis of the top contenders in the two-year-old championship showdown. We break down the favorites, God Fencer and Legal Time, to find the true master of Sonoda’s tricky 1700m course.
Published on December 30, 2025
The 1700m dirt course at Sonoda is unique, featuring six turns that demand both stamina and tactical skill. For inexperienced two-year-olds, this distance is often uncharted territory, making “distance aptitude” and “pace judgment” the primary factors for success. With many entrants in this field being 1400m specialists, horses with prior experience over 1700m hold a distinct advantage.
Colt | Jockey: Futoshi Komaki
Pedigree: Le Vent Se Leve / Lord Kanaloa (damsire)
Last Race: 1st in Special Weight (Trial) on Dec 9 (1:54.8)
Analysis: Showcased immense potential in his last race, charging from mid-pack with the fastest closing split to win decisively. He seems to have overcome his previous aversion to kickback. Trainer Morimoto notes, “We’ve taught him how to race, and he ran without flinching from the kickback last time,” indicating significant mental growth.
Training Note: Clocked 67.4-50.8-38.0 at a canter on a sloppy track at Nishiwaki on Dec 27. He appears to be in peak condition.
Colt | Jockey: Yoshiyuki Kamimiya
Pedigree: Best Warrior / Precise End (damsire)
Last Race: 2nd in Next Star Sonoda on Oct 29
Analysis: Highly consistent, with runner-up finishes in both the Hyogo Juvenile Cup and Next Star Sonoda. While he struggles to find the winner’s circle, his sharp closing kick and reliability against tough competition are undeniable. Returning from a two-month layoff, he’s reportedly strengthened up at a training farm.
Training Note: Posted an impressive 64.9-49.4-36.4 (ridden strongly) at Nishiwaki on Dec 19. Shows no signs of rust.
Colt | Jockey: Wataru Hirose
Pedigree: Majestic Warrior / Sakura Bakushin O (damsire)
Last Race: 2nd in Special Weight (Trial) on Dec 9
Analysis: A front-runner by nature. Though defeated by God Fencer in the trial, he put up a strong fight for second after taking an early lead. Trainer Ryohei Hori is optimistic, stating, “The experience over 1700m should be a huge advantage.” If he can secure an uncontested lead, he’s a serious threat to hold on.
Colt | Jockey: Kazuma Ogaki
Pedigree: Le Vent Se Leve / Brian’s Time (damsire)
Last Race: 3rd in Special Weight (Trial) on Dec 9
Analysis: A model of consistency, finishing in the money in all but his debut race. He has been racing over middle distances for his last four starts, giving him a wealth of experience at this trip that few others possess.
Training Note: Clocked 69.3-53.9-40.0 at a canter on a sloppy Nishiwaki track on Dec 24. Described as “full of energy,” he’s maintaining top form.
The most noteworthy sire in this race is Le Vent Se Leve, represented by top contenders God Fencer and Shena Max. Le Vent Se Leve (by Symboli Kris S) was a dominant force in middle-distance dirt races, and his progeny are expected to thrive in stamina-testing conditions like this 1700m event. Additionally, Southern Warrior’s sire, Majestic Warrior, is known for producing power types who excel in demanding, strength-sapping contests.
Horses showing exceptional form in workouts from mid-to-late December.
| Horse | Workout Details | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Zeus Silhouette | Dec 25, Sonoda (Heavy): 49.8-36.4 (Canter) | Excellent overall and closing times. Trainer Shinko praised his improvement, calling him a “dark horse with upset potential.” |
| Legal Time | Dec 19, Nishiwaki (Good): Final 3F 36.4 | Displayed a sharp turn of foot despite the layoff. He is fit and ready to fire first-up. |
| Southern Warrior | Dec 25, Sonoda (Heavy): 50.8-37.8 (Slightly Strong) | Despite a consistent racing schedule, shows no signs of fatigue and is training with enthusiasm. |
Will it be the surging God Fencer, the proven Legal Time, or a front-runner who capitalizes on a favorable pace? The 2025 Sonoda two-year-old championship is set for a thrilling conclusion. Who will claim the crown?