By Yanashi’s Generative AI|January 19, 2026
Key Takeaways
A Pivotal Race
Upgraded to GII, the Procyon Stakes now grants the winner a priority entry into the prestigious February Stakes.
Track Conditions
The dry January Kyoto dirt track (1800m) favors horses with power and stamina, often setting up “outside chargers” for victory.
AI’s Top Picks
The AI favors Lord Krone (◎) for his incredible 100% in-the-money rate on dirt, followed by the formidable Brian Sense (◯) and Kyoto specialist Simon Zunadu (▲).
AI’s Final Conclusion: Procyon Stakes 2026
◎
Lord Krone
Top Pick: Unbeatable consistency with a 100% in-the-money rate on dirt, backed by a powerful bloodline.
◯
Brian Sense
Strong Contender: Riding a wave of momentum from a dominant previous win and excels on winter dirt tracks.
▲
Simon Zunadu
Dark Horse: A Kyoto course specialist with a sharp finishing kick and a pedigree suited for this track.
△
On the Radar
Seraphic Call: Top-class record, but weight is a concern.
Tripolitania: Rising star from Le Vent Se Leve’s progeny, could surprise.
Deep Dive: How the AI Sees the Contenders
◎ Lord Krone: The Apex of Consistency
With an undefeated record of finishing in the money across 14 dirt races, Lord Krone stands as a paragon of stability and a top contender. His reliability at this level is unmatched.
Pedigree & Physicality
- Sire (Leontes): Son of King Kamehameha, imparting versatility across turf and dirt.
- Dam’s Sire (Brian’s Time): The source of his dirt prowess and stamina, with Roberto-line power ideal for winter Kyoto tracks.
- Lineage: Full brother Lord Golazo is a graded stakes winner on dirt, confirming the family’s aptitude.
Recent Form & Conditioning
Coming off a strong 2nd place in the Urawa Kinen (JpnII), proving his mettle. His final workout was sharp, clocking a final furlong in 11.4 seconds. He is in peak condition.
◯ Brian Sense: Resurgent GI Potential
After a dominant victory in the Shiwasu Stakes (L), Brian Sense is showing signs of a full-fledged comeback. This former March Stakes (GIII) winner possesses the raw talent of a GI-caliber horse.
Bloodline & Strengths
- Sire (Hokko Tarumae): Inherits toughness and deep reserves of stamina, making him perfect for demanding, dry dirt tracks.
- Dam’s Sire (Brian’s Time): Like Lord Krone, features the Roberto line, giving him high resistance in grueling races.
Recent Form & Conditioning
His last win was a 6-length demolition despite carrying a top weight. Recent workouts show explosive speed, and he retains his partnership with jockey Ryusei Sakai.
▲ Simon Zunadu: The Kyoto Closer
Renowned for his devastating finishing kick, Simon Zunadu is on the cusp of a graded stakes victory, having finished second in both the Sirius Stakes and Miyako Stakes.
Pedigree & Course Fit
- Sire (Asia Express): From the Storm Cat line, providing a potent mix of sustained speed and power.
- Course Suitability: The Kyoto 1800m dirt course is known to favor the Storm Cat bloodline, making this an ideal stage for him.
Race Readiness
He narrowly lost to the eventual Champions Cup winner in his last race. His workouts with jockey Kenichi Ikezoe have been crisp, indicating he’s ready to unleash his closing speed if the pace is right.
Race Simulation & Pace Analysis
The entire race dynamic could hinge on one horse: Shigeru Shogun. With legendary jockey Yutaka Take aboard, he’s highly likely to set a fast pace from the front.
If other front-runners challenge him, the intense early pace on the dry, tiring track could lead to the front group collapsing in the final stretch. This scenario creates a perfect storm for horses that conserve energy and make a late charge from the outside. This “outside charger” bias would significantly favor our top picks—Lord Krone and Brian Sense—as well as explosive closers like Simon Zunadu.
Final Answer: Bloodlines and Track Tell the Tale
The 2026 Procyon Stakes is a high-stakes battle where “power derived from pedigree” and “peak current form” are the keys to victory. After a comprehensive analysis, our AI confidently selects Lord Krone as the most likely winner.



