An AI-powered deep dive into the December 28th race at Hanshin. We dissect the bloodlines and data of top contenders Roland Barrows and Key Performer, revealing key prediction points.
AI Win Probability
55.2%
Roland Barrows
The undisputed favorite with staggering AI backing.
Main Challenger
Key Performer
18.2%
Ranked 2nd in AI predictions.
Bloodline Focus
Potent Combination
Henry Barrows (Deep Impact line) x Symboli Kris S (Roberto line) is a key factor.
Dark Horses
Rickenbacker & Dot Crew
Emerging as potential spoilers based on high overall AI composite scores.
As the 2025 horse racing season nears its grand finale, all eyes turn to the Thankful Stakes (3-Win Class, 2000m Turf) at Hanshin Racecourse on Sunday, December 28th. This event gathers a field of talented contenders, each vying for a victory to cap off their year. Here, we leverage AI analysis, recent data, and pedigree insights to break down the key factors for your forecast.
Overwhelming AI Favorite: Roland Barrows
The clear standout in this field is the 3-year-old, Roland Barrows. Our AI win probability model gives him a phenomenal 55.2% chance of victory, translating to projected odds of 1.3. This dominant figure makes him the undeniable horse to beat.
Pedigree and Growth Potential
SIRE
Henry Barrows
DAMSIRE
Symboli Kris S
Sired by Henry Barrows (from the Deep Impact line) with a damsire of Symboli Kris S (Roberto line), his pedigree is a potent blend of speed and stamina. The demanding 2000m turf at Hanshin, which requires both toughness and a burst of speed, is an ideal stage for the Roberto line’s power to shine. His condition is also peak, with reports from his Dec 24th workout describing his movement as “on par with his best form.” Trainer Uemura confidently stated, “We see this as a stepping stone.”
Top Challenger: Key Performer
Positioned as the primary rival to Roland Barrows is the 4-year-old filly, Key Performer. The AI gives her an 18.2% win probability, the second-highest in the field, with projected odds in the 4.0-5.0 range, marking her as the top candidate for an upset.
Pedigree and Recent Form
SIRE
Kitasan Black
DAMSIRE
Neo Universe
Sired by Kitasan Black, one of the modern era’s greatest sires, and with Neo Universe as her damsire, her strength lies in a powerful, sustained late kick. Recent track work has been impressive, with powerful gallops on Dec 24th. The stable’s mood is bright, with comments like “Her spirit is high, she’s maintaining great form.” Trainer Sasaki hinted at her reaching a new level, stating, “She’s finally starting to unlock her true ability.”
Dark Horses & AI Composite Scores
While the top two are formidable, the AI’s “Composite Score” metric highlights a few horses with intriguing potential to disrupt the race.
| Horse | AI Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rickenbacker | 223 (2nd) | A proven 7-year-old. Could contend if the race flow suits. |
| Dot Crew | 213 (3rd) | A tough competitor who fights hard from a forward position. |
Thankful Stakes 2025: Final Analysis
In this year’s Thankful Stakes, Roland Barrows holds a clear advantage across all key metrics: AI prediction, pedigree, and current form. While Key Performer is the most likely challenger, the race for third place and exotic bets could be wide open.
From a bloodline perspective, the race sets up an exciting clash between the power and acceleration of the “Henry Barrows x Symboli Kris S” combination and the relentless stamina of “Kitasan Black x Neo Universe.”
Will Roland Barrows deliver the dominant performance the AI predicts, or will a dark horse cause a major upset? For our final conclusions and detailed betting recommendations, follow the link below.
View Final Predictions & Picks