【2025年ひまわり…
未分類目次 舞台は整った：2025年ひまわり賞…
Is the 6-win streak champion, Sanmaruship, a sure thing? A deep-dive analysis of the Funabashi 1200m course and its top contenders.
December 10, 2025
The 11th race on December 12, 2025, at Funabashi Racecourse—the “Toyofuta Sprint (B1/B2, Selected, Dirt 1200m)”—is a pivotal clash in the Nankanto horseracing short-distance circuit. While officially a mixed B1/B2 class race, it attracts talented horses with sights set on open class or graded stakes races. The undeniable star is Sanmaruship, a horse with a dominant record on local dirt and currently riding a six-race winning streak. This report will meticulously examine training data, past performance, and pedigree to derive an optimal betting strategy from a multi-faceted analysis.
The most defining feature of the Funabashi Dirt 1200m course is the “spiral curve” from the 3rd to the 4th corner. This unique design, with a gentle entry and a tight exit, creates complex dynamics in the race.
The gentle angle allows horses to maintain speed, often sustaining a high pace.
The tighter curve increases centrifugal force, causing horses on the outside to lose significant ground.
Therefore, the winning formula at Funabashi 1200m is to establish an early lead and secure the most economical inside track through the corners.
In mid-December, Funabashi’s dry air tends to make the sand loose. A low-moisture dirt track demands immense power for propulsion. Funabashi’s track is particularly deep, meaning pure speed isn’t enough to dominate. Horses with a balanced pedigree of American speed and stamina-providing power lines tend to perform well here.
Sanmaruship (7-year-old male, Funabashi, Kazuo Kawashima stable) boasts a phenomenal win rate of “23 wins in 27 starts” on local dirt. Defying his age, he is on a 6-race winning streak. His last victory was a masterclass in front-running, pulling away from the pack despite a fast pace, proving he’s a cut above the B1/B2 class.
Trainer Kazuo Kawashima commented, “He has trimmed down through hill training, and his condition has improved. Naturally, we have high expectations for this race.” This suggests the horse is entering the race in peak physical condition, reflecting the stable’s confidence.
In his latest workout, he clocked “38.1 – 24.5 – 12.2” on the farm’s uphill track with ease. A final furlong of 12.2 seconds on a steep incline is exceptional, proving his physical functions are far from declining.
Sired by dirt legend Kurofune, his progeny’s characteristic sustained speed and front-running ability perfectly match Sanmaruship’s style. The stamina and developmental strength inherited from his damsire, Zenno Rob Roy, have forged a robust constitution that allows him to maintain high performance even at age seven.
Dread (4-year-old male, Funabashi, Yamashita stable) is impressively consistent, never finishing out of the money since transferring (“4 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third in 7 starts”). Despite a poor start in his last race, he secured second place behind Sanmaruship (0.5s margin), hinting at a potential upset with a clean break. His pedigree (Drefong x Ghostzapper) is a potent mix of American dirt sprint bloodlines, making him highly suited for the Funabashi track.
Fun You (4-year-old female, Funabashi, Kazuo Kawashima stable) is in prime form, finishing in the top two in her last five races. Her greatest weapon is her light weight of “▲50kg”—7kg less than Sanmaruship and Dread. This advantage will significantly impact her start and finishing kick. She has also posted exceptional times in training and can race from off the pace, making her a threat if the race unfolds in her favor.
Henry (5-year-old male, Funabashi, Yamashita stable) has beaten graded stakes winners in the JRA, marking him as a horse with top-tier potential. Though he has struggled since transferring, the addition of blinkers this race could be a game-changer. His track work has been impressive, and if he can overcome his mental hurdles, he is a dark horse capable of a stunning turnaround.
All Flag (6-year-old male, Funabashi, Sato Hiroshi stable) is known for his powerful late kick when the pace is right. With one race under his belt after a long layoff, his condition is improving. If the front-runners engage in a fierce pace battle and tire, he could sweep past them all in the final stretch.
| No. | Name | Date | Course | Time (4F-3F-1F) | Analysis & Insight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Sanmaruship | 12/6 | Farm Uphill | 38.1 – 24.5 – 12.2 | Exceptional final 1F of 12.2s. Superior acceleration and smooth transition to top speed. |
| 1 | Henry | 12/8 | Funabashi Outer | 69.3 – 50.8 – 37.5 | Dominated his workmate by a large margin. Blinkers may be enhancing his focus. |
| 3 | Fun You | 12/8 | Funabashi Outer | 48.3 – 36.2 (3F) | 3F time of 36.2s is among the best. Clocked with ease, indicating great form and speed. |
| 10 | Dread | 12/8 | Funabashi Outer | 68.1 – 50.5 – 37.2 | Not flashy, but consistent splits. Highly reliable in races. |
| No. | Name | Sire (Lineage) | Damsire (Lineage) | Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Sanmaruship | Kurofune | Zenno Rob Roy | S | Kurofune’s power and sustained speed are perfect for Funabashi’s dirt. Dam’s stamina is a plus. |
| 10 | Dread | Drefong | Ghostzapper | S | A golden cross for dirt sprinting: American speed x American power. |
| 1 | Henry | Henny Hughes | Deep Brillante | A+ | Henny Hughes is a premier dirt sprint sire. High potential if he brings his A-game. |
| 2 | Star of Faith | Danon Legend | Sunday Silence | A | Danon Legend progeny have a high win rate in local dirt sprints. Power-speed type. |
With proven front-runners like Sanmaruship and Fun You in the field, a “High Pace” is almost certain. Expect a fierce battle for the lead right from the start.
◎ Main Pick: 8 Sanmaruship
With an overwhelming record, peak condition, and ideal course aptitude, he has few weaknesses. The perfect anchor for any bet.
○ Contender: 10 Dread
Exceptional consistency and course suitability. He can stalk Sanmaruship and is the top candidate for an upset.
▲ Dark Horse: 3 Fun You
The 50kg weight is a powerful weapon in a sprint. In top form, she could leverage her speed to go all the way.
☆ Special Note: 1 Henry
His potential is of graded stakes quality. An equipment change and strong training could lead to a surprising performance and a big payout.
△ Place Contenders: 7 All Flag, 9 Yoru no Teio, 2 Star of Faith
Have the ability to contend for a top-three finish if the race develops favorably.
1st: 8
2nd: 3, 10
3rd: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10
Axis: 1
To: 8, 10, 3, 7
Disclaimer: This report is an analysis based on available information and does not guarantee winnings. Please wager responsibly.
For final betting slips and fund allocation, cross-reference your own judgment with insights from accredited professional analysts via the link below.View Pro Analyst Picks on Netkeiba