Comprehensive Race Analysis & Betting Strategy
Key Insights
Tricky Course
Nakayama 1600m’s early positioning and final uphill finish are critical factors for victory.
Bloodline Trends
Epiphaneia, Kizuna, and especially Silver State progeny (25.2% win rate) show dominant performance.
Top Workout
Drop of Light earns the highest workout rating with an impressive 11.2s final furlong.
Bond Girl’s Focus
Mental maturity is the key question for the top-rated horse to unlock her full potential.
Pace Expectation
A middle to slow pace is anticipated, favoring horses positioned forward or in prime striking spots.
1. Race Overview & Positioning
Strategic Significance
The 11th Turquoise Stakes (G3) on Dec 20, 2025, is a crucial handicap race for fillies at Nakayama. It’s a crossroads for G1 competitors, summer stars, and emerging talents. The strong 3-year-old generation challenging older horses makes this a key indicator of future potential, with weight differences adding significant unpredictability.
Nakayama 1600m Course Characteristics
This course is notoriously challenging. A short 240m run to the first corner disadvantages wide gates. The 5.3m elevation change, with a steep final uphill climb, tests stamina and rewards tactical energy conservation. Rider skill is paramount.
Track & Weather
The track is expected to be “standard to slightly tiring.” With the meeting on its fifth day, the inner turf’s condition is a focal point. The course will likely test a combination of power and sustained speed.
2. Data & Bloodline Analysis
Dominant Stallions
Silver State Progeny: 25.2% place rate, exceptional speed and stamina.
Kizuna Progeny: 21.5% place rate, powerful runners on tiring tracks.
Epiphaneia Progeny: 14.1% place rate, strong sustained speed.
Noteworthy Others: Maurice, Real Impact, and Daiwa Major progeny also perform well.
Rotation Analysis
A key factor is balancing the class of horses from G1 races (e.g., Bond Girl) against the momentum and lighter weights of rising stars from conditional races (e.g., Cerviatt, Salt Queen).
Weight & Training
Winter conditions affect fillies’ form. Monitor horse weight changes alongside training times. For horses traveling from Kansai, ensure their one-week prior training was substantial.
3. Key Contenders: Workout Analysis
Drop of Light
S (Special Mention)
Stunning workout performance. Clocked an astonishing 11.2s final furlong on the Ritto CW course, easily outpacing an open-class horse. At 6 years old, she appears to have reached her peak. A top contender.
Workout: Ritto CW | 79.3-64.0-50.3-36.4 | Last 1F: 11.2s | Strongly urged
Bond Girl
S (Highest Rating)
Showed sharp acceleration (11.6s final furlong) and improved mental maturity. Stable reports her in “best level in her career” condition. Her power and speed are poised to shine.
Workout: Miho Wood | 85.3-68.7-53.6-38.5 | Last 1F: 11.6s | Driven in stretch
Cerviatt
A+
Pushed hard on Ritto wood course, maintaining good form. Continued partnership with C. Lemaire is a strong positive. Pedigree combines speed and power, suitable for Nakayama’s uphill finish.
Workout: Ritto Wood | 55.0-39.7-25.3 | Last 1F: 12.2s | Pushed hard
Umbruil
A
Clocked a respectable 11.8s final furlong under no pressure. Showing mental composure and appears ready to perform to her full potential.
Salt Queen
A
A Silver State progeny (“strongest on Nakayama mile”). Showed good performance (11.8s last 1F). Potential to contend in her first graded stakes.
Vip Daisy
B+
Distance reduction to a mile is a positive. Physique has developed, and powerful movement raises expectations for the uphill finish.
Feel Sympathy
B+
A course specialist (2nd two years ago). Movement was brisk in training. Her forward racing style makes her a key factor in pace.
4. Detailed Diagnosis of Other Horses
- Joyful News: Excellent 11.4s final furlong. A developing 3-year-old dark horse.
- Rilabonito: Exceptional 10.9s final furlong. Screen Hero progeny favor Nakayama; potential for an upset.
- Sourir Mignon: Good speed (12.0s last 1F). Could be tenacious if she races forward.
- Capillina: Power may suit the demanding winter Nakayama turf.
- Sing That Song: High mile suitability, can be expected to perform well back on turf.
- Ho O Lascars: Light and brisk movement. Veteran grit could be a factor.
- Run For Vow: Improved with workout; one to watch for a bounce back.
- Kita Wing: Improving gradually, more confirmation needed.
- June Orange: Not yet at full condition, capricious nature may show.
- Soda’s Dazzling: Movement lacking, likely a stepping stone race.
- Dantz Elan: Stable condition but may lack the final punch.
- Elise’s Diamond: Temperamental difficulty makes control a challenge.
- Duais: Harsh assessment on training movements, difficult to support.
5. Race Simulation & Positioning
Expected Pace
With no absolute front-runner, a “middle to slightly slow” pace is likely, set by horses like Feel Sympathy. This would favor front-runners, but jockey tactics will be decisive.
Key Horse Strategies
- Bond Girl: Settle mid-pack, move on the outside from turns 3 to 4. Timing is critical.
- Cerviatt: Conserve energy in the inner part of the leading group. Navigating traffic is key.
- Drop of Light: Position just behind leaders to minimize ground loss.
The Crucial Moment
The race will be decided from the 3rd to 4th turn. The ability to accelerate smoothly down the slope without being forced wide will separate the winner from the pack. Horses with good acceleration may make an early move to dictate the race.
6. Recommended Horses & Final Strategy
Final Picks & Ratings
- ◎Drop of Light (Main Pick): Outstanding workout, peak career form, and ideal racing style make her the top choice.
- ○Bond Girl (Second Pick): Best achievements in the field. A strong contender if she performs to her potential, though weight and a late surge are concerns.
- ▲Cerviatt (Third Pick): Attractive growth potential and jockey Lemaire’s skill. Versatile and well-suited to the course.
- ☆Salt Queen (Dark Horse): The “demon of Nakayama mile” bloodline cannot be ignored. Excellent betting opportunity if overlooked.
- △Joyful News (Contingency): Good workout form and developing physique. Can compete for a top spot with a weight advantage.
Strategy Keywords
Peak 6-Year-Olds vs. 3-Year-Old MomentumWorkout Acceleration is KEYTrust Silver State Progeny