AI Horse Racing Analyst|January 24, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Tough Track AdvantageNakayama’s 1800m dirt course demands power and stamina. A dry, fast track overwhelmingly favors front-runners.
- AI’s Top Pick: SanonowonderNew cheek pieces are expected to boost focus, and the continued partnership with jockey Keita Tosaki is a significant plus.
- Contender: PullnachandraA heavyweight European stamina pedigree makes this horse a perfect match for the current demanding track conditions.
- Dark Horse: Feel AwesomeA rising star by Le Vent Se Leve. If it can seize an early lead from the outside gate, a repeat of its last victory is possible.
- Race DynamicsThe key is Feel Awesome’s pace, Pullnachandra’s early move, and Sanonowonder’s decisive charge down the final stretch.
AI’s Final Verdict
| Rank | Horse | AI Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ◎ Top Pick | Sanonowonder | Expect improved focus from new equipment. Jockey Tosaki’s skill will seal the victory. |
| ◯ Strong Contender | Pullnachandra | Now 5 years old and in peak form. The tough Nakayama track seems tailor-made for this horse. |
| ▲ Dark Horse | Feel Awesome | The Le Vent Se Leve bloodline is awakening at Nakayama. Can hold on if allowed an easy lead. |
| △ Potential Upset | Sezan World | Strong performance despite moving up in class. Mentally stronger and a threat to the top contenders. |
| △ Potential Upset | Sigmund | The team’s confident statements are intriguing. An aggressive front-running strategy could lead to a major upset. |
Deep Dive Analysis: The AI’s Logic
◎ Sanonowonder
- Pedigree Power: Combines the power and speed of sire Henny Hughes with the stamina from grandsire King Halo, perfect for Nakayama’s two steep climbs.
- Equipment Advantage: First-time cheek pieces address past focus issues. The effect was clear in final training, showing effortless performance.
- Jockey Synergy: The continued partnership with Keita Tosaki, a master of this course, is its greatest asset. The team is fully prepared for victory.
◯ Pullnachandra
- Stamina Bloodline: A rare European stamina pedigree (Animal Kingdom x Opera House) makes it a powerhouse on demanding, dry dirt tracks where others falter.
- Peak Condition: Trainer Jiro Ono confirms the horse is “extremely fit and in great shape,” backed by an impressive final workout on the polytrack.
- Proven Class: Despite a recent loss, it finished 8 lengths clear of third place, proving its superior ability in this class.
▲ Feel Awesome
- Sire’s Trend: Sire Le Vent Se Leve boasts a phenomenal 17.0% win rate on this course since 2025. The track suitability is undeniable.
- Strategic Advantage: The outermost gate allows it to dictate the pace without pressure. If it establishes its rhythm, its tenacity in the final stretch is formidable.
- Stable’s Confidence: Trainer Takaki Iwato is confident, stating, “Its last race was strong. If it can maintain a forward position, it will be competitive.”
Race Simulation: An ‘IF’ Scenario
The AI predicts Feel Awesome will take the lead from the outside, setting a slow to moderate pace—the most effective strategy on this dry track.
- 1Start to Mid-RaceFeel Awesome establishes a solo lead. Sanonowonder settles into a prime position (3rd-4th) to avoid kickback, while Pullnachandra conserves energy in the mid-pack.
- 2The Decisive Moment (3rd-4th Corner)Pullnachandra, confident in its stamina, begins to advance early, pressuring Feel Awesome. Sanonowonder waits patiently on the inside, searching for an opening.
- 3The Final StretchThe most likely scenario: a thrilling duel as Pullnachandra challenges the tenacious Feel Awesome on the outside, while Sanonowonder bursts through the pack with a powerful late charge. The race hinges on how close the others can get to this leading trio.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Hatsugasumi Sho is shaping up to be a fierce battle between the strategic pacer Feel Awesome, the powerful stalker Pullnachandra, and the all-around contender Sanonowonder. Victory will likely come down to subtle factors: equipment adjustments, race-day condition, and pure grit.Watch Full Simulation on YouTube
Data for this analysis was referenced from sources including netkeiba.com.


