Nakayama’s 2200m turf is a demanding test of stamina and sustained speed.
Top Contender
Derby 3rd place Shohei looks to bounce back with a shorter distance and excellent training.
Course Specialist
Duradores has superior course suitability; a clean start makes him a major threat.
The Dark Horse
Giovanni, son of Epiphaneia, is a perfect fit for the current track conditions.
AI Final Verdict & Top Picks
Rank
Horse
AI Rationale
◎
Shohei
Proven ability with 3rd in the Derby. Transformed since the Kikuka Sho defeat, with sensational training performance.
◯
Duradores
Top-tier course suitability. A breakout from the prestigious Wind in Her Hair mare line is imminent.
▲
Giovanni
Sire Epiphaneia’s power is a perfect match for the current track. Proven with a 2nd in the Hopeful Stakes.
△
Echt
Ageless at 9. Showed a remarkable finishing kick in his final uphill track workout.
Deep Dive: The AI’s Logic
◎ Top Pick: Shohei – Awakening of a Royal Bloodline
The AI’s top choice, Shohei, stands out due to his pedigree and a remarkable turnaround from his last race.
Pedigree Power: Combines the speed of sire Saturnalia with the fighting spirit of grandsire Orfevre. This blend is ideal for Nakayama’s challenging final straight with its steep incline.
Optimal Distance: The previous 3000m Kikuka Sho was too long. His 3rd place in the 2400m Derby and victory in the 2200m Kyoto Shimbun Hai prove this distance is his sweet spot.
Peak Condition: His final workout with jockey Yuga Kawada was flawless, clocking a sharp 11.4 seconds in the final furlong. The camp’s goal of targeting international G1 races is well-founded.
◯ Contender: Duradores – A Prestigious Lineage’s Quest
Duradores is poised to end his string of near-misses, with the AI identifying his potential as G1-caliber.
Course Affinity: The “Wind in Her Hair” family, which includes Deep Impact and Regaleira, excels at Nakayama. His 2nd place finish on this course in the All Comers Stakes is a top credential in this field.
Bloodline Brilliance: The explosive power from sire Duramente, combined with the stamina from his European maternal line, could prove overwhelming on the demanding winter Nakayama track.
The Challenge: His tendency for slow starts is a concern. However, the long straight after the start at Nakayama 2200m allows for recovery. A patient ride from the back could turn this weakness into a strength on a track favoring closers.
▲ Dark Horse: Giovanni – The Nakayama Specialist
Giovanni’s consistency and proven track record at this course make him a serious threat that cannot be overlooked.
Track Suitability: Sire Epiphaneia has an outstanding record in middle-to-long distance races at Nakayama that require power and stamina. The current worn track condition is tailor-made for him.
Proven Performer: His 2nd place in the Hopeful Stakes as a two-year-old demonstrates he has the power to handle Nakayama’s steep hill. A forward-pressing strategy could see him outlast the top two favorites.
Fresh and Ready: While this is his first race since the Kikuka Sho, his training with jockey Kohei Matsuyama has been strong. Returning fresh to his favorite course is a significant advantage.
Race Simulation: Possible Scenarios
Scenario 1: Slow-Paced Stamina Battle
With Ausblick as the only clear front-runner, a slow pace is likely. This would lead to a long, sustained sprint from the third corner, favoring horses with endurance over a quick burst of speed. This scenario is perfect for Shohei and the stamina-rich Duradores making moves from the outside.
Scenario 2: The Outside Closer’s Advantage
As the race meeting progresses, the inner part of the track is worn down. This will force all jockeys to seek wider paths. Horses drawn inside will need skillful navigation to find clear running room in the straight. A horse like Duradores, coming from the back and sweeping wide on the better ground, could powerfully run down the leaders.
Final Thoughts: 2026 AJCC
The 67th American Jockey Club Cup sets up as a clash between the talented 4-year-old Shohei, the course-savvy Duradores, and the specialist Giovanni. Given the track’s bias towards outside closers, keep an eye on horses that can settle mid-pack or further back and unleash a powerful late run. We hope the AI’s final verdict helps shape your betting strategy.