Kanazawa Racecourse – In-depth Predictions
Held on December 7, 2025, the 61st Chunichi Hai is the grand finale of the Kanazawa racing season. We dive deep into the data for all 11 contenders, focusing on the reigning champion Namida no Kiss and the formidable challenger Mangan.
Key Takeaways
- The 61st Chunichi Hai, Kanazawa’s season-ending grand prix, runs on December 7, 2025.
- The race centers on the duel between proven winner Namida no Kiss and Mangan, who holds an exceptional time over 2000m.
- Pegasus Turbo (in hot form) and Kurfürst (ridden by ace jockey Hiroto Yoshihara) are key players in shaping the race’s outcome.
- The stamina-draining course favors horses that can handle an early pace battle and a decisive mid-race surge.
Contents
Introduction
The Chunichi Hai’s Prestige as Kanazawa’s Climax
On December 7, 2025, Kanazawa Racecourse will host the 61st Chunichi Hai, a graded stakes race for horses aged three and older over 2000m on dirt. This is more than just a local stakes race; it carries the weight of being the season’s grand finale in the Hokuriku region. Held as winter approaches, this long-distance contest is a true test of not just speed, but profound stamina and mental fortitude. It is, without exaggeration, the grand prix that determines the “true champion” of the Kanazawa racing year.
The Unique Challenge of the Kanazawa 2000m Dirt Course
The 2000m dirt course at Kanazawa features four turns, creating a tough layout that leaves no room for faking it. The burst of speed seen in sprints is not enough to win here; a horse must have tactical pace, the ability to launch a long surge down the backstretch, and the grit to hold on in the final straight. This field is a mix of horses who specialize in shorter sprints and miles (1400m-1500m) and those with proven records over 2000m and beyond. The biggest question for the Chunichi Hai is how speed types like Pegasus Turbo and Marine Dundun will fare against stamina specialists like Mangan and Namida no Kiss. This contrast in distance aptitude is the core of our prediction puzzle.
Full Field Analysis
1Marmalade Love (6F)
Sire: Danon Legend / Damsire: Taiki Shuttle
A pedigree built for speed, likely best up to 1600m. The 2000m distance is a major concern.
Evaluation: Given her recent form, the stretch to 2000m seems too challenging. Her best chance is to use the inside draw to save ground, but she’ll likely be outmatched in a stamina contest.
2Pegasus Turbo (8H)
Sire: Lord Kanaloa / Damsire: Agnes Tachyon
Well-bred son of a global sprint champion. Shows no signs of slowing down at age 8. Finished 2nd over this 2000m distance, proving his capability.
Evaluation: With his recent momentum, versatility, and proven 2000m performance, he has few weaknesses. With top jockey Tsubasa Sasagawa aboard, he’s a prime contender to win.
3Weathercock (5H)
Sire: Talismanic / Damsire: Deep Sky
His pedigree suggests an abundance of stamina and power, making the stretch to 2000m a positive.
Evaluation: A consistent performer who is always in the mix against local competition. While lacking an explosive finishing kick, he could secure a top spot if the race unfolds in his favor.
4Kurfürst (4H)
Sire: Kizuna / Damsire: French Deputy
Bred for conditions that require power and stamina. As a 4-year-old, he still has room for growth.
Evaluation: Ridden by Kanazawa’s top jockey Hiroto Yoshihara. He could improve significantly at this more suitable 2000m distance. If he can take the lead and control the pace, he has the power to hold off the top contenders.
5Diamond Line (5F)
Sire: Rainbow Line / Damsire: Brian’s Time
A true “stamina type” whose pedigree excels over longer distances. The 2000m is a plus.
Evaluation: The question is whether she can close the time gap with the leading horses. If the race becomes a grueling war of attrition, she has a chance to move up.
6Teikoku (5H)
Sire: Espoir City / Damsire: Seeking the Dia
His pedigree suggests 1600m-1800m is his optimal range. Finished 1.7 seconds behind Mangan over 2000m previously.
Evaluation: A reliable runner but seems to lack the winning punch needed in a stakes race. His final placing will depend on the race flow.
7Precioso (8G)
Sire: Black Tide / Damsire: Boston Harbor
A veteran whose racecraft is his main weapon. Won his last race by taking the lead early from second position.
Evaluation: A front-runner who holds the key to the race’s pace. If he can dictate his own terms, he has the strength to hang on for a win, just like in his last start.
8Mangan (8H)
Sire: I’ll Have Another / Damsire: Agnes Tachyon
Boasts top-class stamina in Kanazawa, with an outstanding record in long-distance races. His win over 2000m was dominant.
Evaluation: If we ignore his last baffling defeat, his ability is top-tier. The power he showed at 2000m was genuine, and a bounce-back is highly probable.
9Namida no Kiss (4H)
Sire: Hokko Tarumae / Damsire: Manhattan Cafe
A pedigree that seems tailor-made for middle-to-long distance dirt races. Won the Hyakumangoku Sho (2100m), defeating Mangan.
Evaluation: A true “absolute champion” candidate based on his record. His performance in the Hyakumangoku Sho suggests he is a must-win contender here.
10Ryuno Break (6G)
Sire: Makfi / Damsire: Empire Maker
Limited recent data. The question is how well his sprinting speed will hold up over 2000m.
Evaluation: The 2000m distance is likely to be a significant disadvantage. He is an unlikely contender.
11Marine Dundun (5H)
Sire: Tobe’s Corner / Damsire: Pyro
Speed is his main asset, but stamina is a major concern at 2000m.
Evaluation: He could disrupt the pace and play the role of a spoiler, but a win seems out of reach.
Data-Driven Prediction Points
Ability Analysis by Time Comparison
Let’s compare the recent performances of the main contenders in races around the 2000m distance.
| Horse Name | Race Name (Date) | Distance | Finish | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mangan | Inuwashi Sho (9.30) | 2000m | 1st | 2:08.6 | Dominant Win |
| Namida no Kiss | Hyakumangoku Sho (6.8) | 2100m | 1st | 2:14.7 | Stakes Victory |
| Pegasus Turbo | Inuwashi Sho (9.30) | 2000m | 2nd | 2:09.6 | 1.0s behind Mangan |
| Precioso | Inuwashi Sho (9.30) | 2000m | 3rd | 2:09.9 | Held on from lead |
This comparison highlights the excellence of Mangan’s 2:08.6 time. In terms of 2000m suitability, he appears to be a cut above. However, Namida no Kiss’s time over 2100m is also high-level when considering the extra distance.
The Pace Battle: Key to the Outcome
The race is expected to unfold with Precioso, Marine Dundun, and the forwardly-placed Pegasus Turbo setting the pace. Precioso will likely push for the lead, with others marking him closely. Over 2000m, it’s highly probable that stamina specialists like Mangan and Kurfürst will make an early move down the backstretch—a “mid-race surge.” The deciding factor will be whether the front-runners can withstand this pressure.
Jockey and Stable Strategy
The presence of Hiroto Yoshihara (aboard Kurfürst), who knows Kanazawa Racecourse inside and out, cannot be ignored. His tactical acumen is a significant threat. Likewise, the skill of Tsubasa Sasagawa (aboard Pegasus Turbo), visiting from the major NAR circuit, could bring out more than the horse’s base potential.
Final Conclusion
The 61st Chunichi Hai is set to be a fierce battle where form, fitness, and track suitability collide. Our comprehensive analysis leads to the following conclusions:
Top Pick: MANGAN
We can disregard his last poor performance. His overwhelming power and finishing kick shown at 2000m earn him the top evaluation. He will demonstrate his true value on Kanazawa’s demanding winter track.
Main Contender: NAMIDA NO KISS
As the “Hyakumangoku Sho” winner, his underlying class is undeniable. His victory over Mangan in a head-to-head matchup carries significant weight. If he’s in form, he’s the leading candidate to upset.
Dark Horse: PEGASUS TURBO
His recent string of strong performances and versatile running style are major assets. With jockey Tsubasa Sasagawa guiding him, he has the potential to break through the ranks of the stamina specialists.
Place Contenders: KURFÜRST & PRECIOSO
Kurfürst, with jockey Hiroto Yoshihara, can leverage his last race experience. Precioso is a threat to stick around for a podium finish if he gets a favorable pace scenario.
Check the Experts’ Final Picks
For final selections, more detailed betting slips, and last-minute odds analysis, we recommend consulting professional opinions.View Professional Predictions (netkeiba)
※ This article was created based on provided materials. Race tendencies may change due to weather and track conditions. Please wager responsibly.
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