December 16, 2025
A complete professional breakdown of the B1/B2 class race at Kawasaki Racecourse on December 18, 2025, featuring top contenders like Soul Strike and Latisana. This analysis dives deep into course characteristics, all 12 runners, pedigree, training data, and recent form to unveil key race dynamics and our top recommendations.
To build a solid forecast, we must first understand the unique characteristics of the Kawasaki Racecourse 1500m dirt track.
The Kawasaki 1500m starts from a pocket on the backstretch, providing a long run to the first turn. While this mitigates extreme disadvantages from gate positions, the track’s notoriously tight corners (spiral curves) demand excellent cornering ability and agility.
The long initial straight often leads to an intense battle for the lead and a fast pace. However, the homestretch is short, making it difficult to win without being in a forward position by the fourth corner. Therefore, the essential skill is “mobility”—the ability to secure a good position with early speed and accelerate through the turns into the stretch.
In mid-December, Kawasaki’s track condition can vary significantly due to factors like de-icing agents and sand replacement. It can be a tough, power-draining track or a fast one. This field includes many horses with American pedigrees, suggesting that a combination of both speed and power will be required to win.
Jockey: Ryu Kimatsuka (57kg) / Trainer: Yoshiyuki Yano
Pedigree/Suitability: A pure American dirt pedigree (Henny Hughes x Distorted Humor). A bundle of speed and power, perfectly suited for the acceleration contest on Kawasaki’s tight track. The 1500m is well within his range, and a clean run from the inside gate could unleash his pedigree’s explosive potential.
Condition: Showed “powerful strides” in his final workout, indicating an upward trend. His training times suggest he has been worked hard and is responding well.
Recent Form: Returns to the B1 class, facing an easier field. Has placed at Kawasaki before, and trainer Yano comments, “The Kawasaki course suits him.” A major improvement is possible if he leverages the inside draw.
Jockey: Ryo Tanaka (55kg) / Trainer: Yoshihisa Suzuki
Pedigree/Suitability: A speed-focused pedigree (Fine Needle x Sakura Bakushin O). The numerous corners at Kawasaki 1500m allow for breathers, making it possible to win on pure speed.
Condition: His final 3F workout time of 37.3s is among the best in the field. Rated as “full of energy,” he appears to be in peak condition.
Recent Form: A 4th place finish on this course proves he can compete at this level. Drawing inside his rivals is a major advantage. Trainer Suzuki is confident, stating, “There’s not much difference.” Expect him to be a tenacious contender.
Jockey: Norifumi Mikamoto (55kg) / Trainer: Shoichi Kawashima
Pedigree/Suitability: A combination of Jo Cappuccino and Captain Steve, making him exceptionally suited for regional dirt tracks. His incredible 10 wins in 16 starts speaks volumes about his ability.
Condition: Moved effortlessly in his workout, showing definite improvement from his last race.
Recent Form: Didn’t collapse despite a tough race last time out after a break. He is a perfect 2-for-2 at 1500m, making the distance reduction a huge plus. Trainer Kawashima is confident, saying, “I expect a different response.”
Jockey: Shuma Niihara (53kg) / Trainer: Takayuki Hayashi
Pedigree/Suitability: Sired by Pyro, a dominant force on regional dirt tracks. She boasts an incredible affinity for the Kawasaki 1500m, with 4 top-two finishes in 5 starts, giving her top-class course suitability.
Condition: Was slightly behind in a paired workout but rated as “no concern.” Her condition is being maintained well.
Recent Form: The Rosita Kinen (2100m) was likely too long. Returning to her favored 1500m with a light weight of 53kg is a major weapon. She cannot be underestimated, even against older horses for the first time.
Jockey: Ryo Nobahata (55kg) / Trainer: Kenichi Takatsuki
Pedigree/Suitability: Possesses the sustained speed typical of Smart Falcon progeny, combined with the versatility to race from off the pace.
Condition: Returning from a refreshing spell at an external training facility. He has been posting good times on the uphill track and appears to be in great shape.
Recent Form: Showed a brilliant transformation last time out, proving his ability at this level. Trainer Takatsuki is exceptionally motivated, stating, “This time for sure,” making him a must-watch top contender.
Jockey: Takumi Ikeya (55kg) / Trainer: Junichi Murata
Pedigree/Suitability: A blue-blood pedigree (Real Steel x King Kamehameha), tracing back to the famed mare Air Groove. While he has immense underlying potential, his ability to handle a fast pace is the key question.
Condition: Was pushed hard in his final workout and is “showing improvement after one race.” Expect him to be sharper for his second start back.
Recent Form: Poor starts have been his downfall in recent races. Trainer Murata notes, “The start remains an issue.” He will need some luck in how the race unfolds.
Jockey: Yuki Furuoka (57kg) / Trainer: Hiroshi Iwamoto
Pedigree/Suitability: Sired by Talismanic, a turf champion, but his offspring show tenacity over middle distances on dirt. He has the pedigree to adapt to around a mile.
Condition: Was pushed hard and received a “good for a solo run” rating. No concerns with his physical condition.
Recent Form: His last race can be ignored due to the distance and strong opposition. He finished 2nd on this course in July, and trainer Iwamoto is looking for a rebound, saying, “He’s back to his own conditions. If the pace allows him to use his late kick…”
Jockey: Takayuki Yano (55kg) / Trainer: Hitoshi Sasaki
Pedigree/Suitability: A son of Majestic Warrior (A.P. Indy line), he is rich in power and stamina, which matches his front-running style.
Condition: Clocked an outstanding 4F time of 49.5s in his final workout. Rated as “extends well when asked,” he is in top form.
Recent Form: Has a “5-for-5” record when leading at the 4th corner, so getting to the front is everything. Trainer Sasaki welcomes the longer distance, but his success will depend on the pace battle with other front-runners.
Jockey: Riku Takami (54kg) / Trainer: Yoichi Tanabe
Pedigree/Suitability: His pedigree (Transcend x Tony Bin) suggests tenacity. At 8 years old, he relies more on experience and race flow than explosive power.
Condition: Has been on an interval training schedule, making it difficult to find strong points in his preparation.
Recent Form: Lacks consistency due to his difficult temperament. Trainer Tanabe is cautious, “If he can overcome age-related decline…” Best considered for a minor placing if the race unfolds perfectly for him.
Jockey: Yuma Kato (52kg) / Trainer: Hiroki Sato
Pedigree/Suitability: A cross of Sinister Minister and Symboli Kris S. A pedigree built for grueling battles on regional dirt tracks.
Condition: Received a short “well-finished” comment for his easy workout. Trainer Sato confirms, “He is ready,” indicating good condition.
Recent Form: A front-running strategy is essential for him. Expect an aggressive ride to take advantage of his light weight of 52kg.
Jockey: Tsubasa Sasagawa (57kg) / Trainer: Kiyoshige Arai
Pedigree/Suitability: Sired by Screen Hero with Sakura Bakushin O on the dam’s side. The shorter distance to 1500m should be a positive.
Condition: Light training due to a quick turnaround. Recovery from fatigue will be key.
Recent Form: The start remains a significant concern. Trainer Arai commented, “He is hard to rely on.” Has a chance to place depending on the race flow, but is difficult to use as a primary pick.
Jockey: Hikaru Sakurai (57kg) / Trainer: Yoichi Tanabe
Pedigree/Suitability: A high-speed pedigree with Smart Falcon and Zensational.
Condition: His final workout was rated “not quite at peak after a layoff.” He could use another step up.
Recent Form: Trainer Tanabe’s cautious comment, “He will likely need a race to get back in form,” suggests it might be best to watch him this time.
The primary focus is the front-running duel between #6 Yapushi and #2 Der Sturm. If they push each other into a high pace, the race will set up perfectly for stalkers like #10 Soul Strike and #4 Latisana, who can conserve energy just behind the leaders.
Pay close attention to horses shortening in distance. #4 Latisana (perfect 2-for-2 at 1500m), #7 Chacha Hatsugo (suited by sire Pyro), and #5 Nagata Ace (better conditions) are all expected to perform better at this more suitable distance.
Based on trainer comments and workout times, three horses show particularly strong intent to win: Soul Strike (“This time for sure”), Latisana (“expect a different response”), and Der Sturm (“full of energy”).
The core of this race revolves around two horses: #10 Soul Strike, for his versatility and excellent preparation, and #4 Latisana, who is poised for a peak performance returning to her best distance.
◎ Top Pick
#10 Soul Strike
The most reliable choice based on his last race, excellent condition, and the stable’s high confidence.
○ Contender
#4 Latisana
High suitability for Kawasaki 1500m and expected improvement in her second race back are major draws. Jockey Mikamoto is another plus.
▲ Dark Horse
#7 Chacha Hatsugo
Her 53kg weight and course suitability are her weapons. Experience in the tough Rosita Kinen could pay off.
△ Watch List
#6 Yapushi, #2 Der Sturm, #1 Land Max
Covering the front-runners who could steal the race, and Land Max who can capitalize on the inside draw.
For the final selections, including analysis of race-day track conditions and paddock observations, please check the experts’ sites.View Final Forecast on netkeiba
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of December 16, 2025. Conditions may change due to race-day track conditions, horse scratches, weather, etc. All wagering is at your own risk.