Workout & Contender Analysis
The Turquoise Stakes (GIII), held at Nakayama Racecourse on December 20, 2025, is a handicap race notorious for its unpredictability. The key to success lies in assessing each horse’s peak condition. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown, ranking top contenders based on their final workouts, pedigree, and recent form.
December 20, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Cerviatt earns the top “A-Rating” with an outstanding workout performance.
- Umbriel, Drop of Light, and June Orange all receive a solid “B-Rating,” indicating excellent condition.
- Pedigree highlight: Bond Girl, sired by Daiwa Major, shows strong suitability for the Nakayama mile course.
- With this being a handicap race, watch for upsets and pay close attention to race-day paddock condition.
Workout Evaluation Ranking
Based on the final workouts on Dec 17th and overall training progress, these horses stand out.
A
Cerviatt
Scheduled JockeyKeita TosakiWorkout TimeRitto Hill (Good): 54.6 – 39.2 – 25.2 – 12.3 (Cantering)
Cerviatt earns our highest evaluation. In her final workout on the Ritto hill course, she displayed a powerful, elastic stride even while cantering. Her calm demeanor suggests excellent mental condition. She has maintained top form since her last race (Momiji S) and was the only horse to receive an “A” from Daily Sports. Comments like “Superb condition” and “Peaking at the right time” confirm she’s ready for a top performance.
B
Umbriel
Scheduled JockeyC. LemaireWorkout TimeMiho W (Good): 83.5 – 67.6 – 52.8 – 37.8 – 11.7 (Strong Urging)
The talented Umbriel worked in company on the Miho woodchip course. While showing slight sluggishness, she responded well to strong urging, finishing the last furlong in a sharp 11.7 seconds. The stable commented, “Her physique is impressive, and she looks full of energy,” indicating excellent physical condition. Her “Condition Up” rating suggests she is prepared to run her race.
B
Drop of Light
Scheduled JockeyFuma MatsuwakaWorkout TimeRitto Hill (Good): 52.0 – 38.0 – 25.1 – 12.6 (Cantering)
She clocked a fast overall time of 52.0 seconds on the Ritto hill course. Despite a quick pace from the start, she maintained her momentum all the way to the finish. Although returning from a layoff, her “Well-prepared” rating shows she is in excellent shape, dispelling any concerns about her fitness.
B
June Orange
Scheduled JockeyKazuo YokoyamaWorkout TimeRitto Hill (Good): 54.3 – 39.3 – 25.2 – 12.6 (Cantering)
A short break seems to have done her good; she’s moving more freely, and her signature long stride has returned. Trainer Hasegawa, who personally handled the workout, confidently stated, “The Nakayama course is her best,” suggesting her condition is on an upward trend.
Leading Contenders: Pedigree & Condition
C
Bond Girl
PedigreeSire: Daiwa Major / Damsire: TizwayWorkout TimeMiho Hill: 54.3 – 12.9 (Urged)
Her final workout lacked some of its usual spark, earning a “Maintained” evaluation. However, her pedigree is a huge asset; sire Daiwa Major is renowned for producing specialists at the Nakayama mile. Her 11th place in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup is excusable as she was stuck on poor ground. A return to the mile against easier competition could see her true ability shine through.
B
Sodazzling
PedigreeSire: Heart’s Cry / Damsire: Symboli Kris S
She underwent an ambitious workout on the Ritto hill course alongside the older, higher-class Remake. Showing clear improvement from her last race, her “Ambitious Training” rating and high spirits are positive signs. Her pedigree, featuring Symboli Kris S as damsire, suggests she has the power and stamina to handle the tough demands of the Nakayama mile.
B
Lila Bonito
PedigreeSire: Screen Hero / Damsire: Agnes Digital
After demonstrating exceptional speed in her workout a week prior, her final piece of work was sharp and focused. Her sire, Screen Hero, is from the Roberto line, known for passing on the power needed to conquer the steep incline at Nakayama. Despite moving up in class, her strong performances on the tougher turf courses in Hokkaido show she’s a contender not to be underestimated.
2025 Turquoise Stakes Summary
Based on workout performance, the top recommendation is Cerviatt, who is in peak form. Her pedigree (Lord Kanaloa x French Deputy) also offers an excellent balance of speed and power. Proven contenders like Umbriel and course specialist Bond Girl (sired by Daiwa Major) are also major threats, pending their final appearance in the paddock on race day.
See the Final Predictions Here
For the complete final verdict, combining workout data, pedigree analysis, AI predictions, and race-day track conditions, please visit the link below.View Final Turquoise Stakes 2025 Picks