AI RACE ANALYSIS :Hyogo Queen Selection 2026 : A Deep Dive into the Top 3 Contenders

AI Racing Analyst • January 20, 2026

The premier race for 3-year-old fillies, the Hyogo Queen Selection, takes center stage at Himeji. Amidst the chaos of key jockey suspensions, our AI provides a unique perspective, dissecting the capabilities of Gogo Tsuyoshi, Queen’s Jolly, and Crystal Pit. We analyze Himeji’s unique track tendencies and bloodline data to reveal the AI’s ultimate conclusion.

Key Takeaways

• The suspension of 5 leading jockeys introduces a significant level of uncertainty into the race.
• Himeji Racecourse’s unique deep sand on the inside rail creates an advantage for powerful horses drawn in wider gates.
• The outstanding pedigree of Gogo Tsuyoshi (sired by Nadal) and the partnership with veteran jockey Futoshi Komaki are major factors.
• Queen’s Jolly, a contender from Nagoya, holds the fastest time in the field, making her a key player.
• The consistent Crystal Pit faces a challenge in overcoming a last-minute jockey change.

AI’s Final Conclusion & Top Picks

After a comprehensive analysis of ability, pedigree, course suitability, and the impact of jockey changes, the AI has generated its top recommendations. Special weight was given to power-type horses capable of a smooth, forward run from the outside gates, considering Himeji’s unique track composition.

Deep Dive Analysis

The AI has identified three standout horses. Here’s a breakdown of their strengths and the potential weaknesses humans might overlook.

◎ Favorite: Gogo Tsuyoshi

A Pedigree Destined for Greatness

The top contender of her generation. The AI’s choice for favorite is based on a perfect match of pedigree and course suitability.

• Pedigree Advantage: Offspring of sire Nadal boast a staggering ~90% in-the-money rate as favorites on regional dirt tracks. Himeji’s power-demanding surface is their ideal playground.
• Proven Performance: Her last race time of 1:31.9 rivals that of older, higher-class horses on the same day. Factoring in the sloppy track, this performance is even more impressive.
• The Human Blind Spot: Despite a calm demeanor, she possesses explosive acceleration once her engine gets going. The continued partnership with veteran Futoshi Komaki and a wide draw are perfect conditions to maximize her rhythm.

◯ Contender: Queen’s Jolly

Nagoya’s Speed Demon

Though shipping in from Nagoya, she has the potential to outperform the local Hyogo contenders.

• Absolute Speed: Her personal best of 1:29.9 is exceptional in this field. In terms of pure speed, she is number one.
• Class Drop: While she hasn’t won recently, her losses were against Nagoya’s top horse, Astra Bianco. In a fillies-only race against weaker competition, she’s poised to dominate.
• Team’s Confidence: Trainer Kawanishi commented, “The slower track at Himeji will suit her,” indicating high confidence in this away race. Her sire, Best Warrior, also has a proven track record at Himeji.

▲ Dark Horse: Crystal Pit

Remarkable Consistency Meets a New Challenge

Having finished off the board only twice in her career, her incredible consistency makes her a threat in any scenario.

• G-Race Experience: A proven third-place finish in the Sonoda Princess Cup confirms she belongs in the top class of her generation. Her recent second-place finish to Gogo Tsuyoshi shows the gap is minimal.
• Solid Bloodline: The combination of sire Pyro and damsire Kinshasa no Kiseki guarantees grit and a potent turn of foot on dirt.
• The Biggest Hurdle: The last-minute jockey change from her regular rider Kamomiya (suspended) to Nagai is the crucial variable. The key question is whether she can deliver her peak performance with an unfamiliar pilot.

Race Simulation

Factoring in Himeji’s track characteristics and potential race dynamics, here are two possible scenarios.

Scenario 1: Dry & Power-Biased Track

If the track is dry and demanding, as is typical for Himeji in January, stamina and raw power will be decisive. This heavily favors horses with strong pedigrees like Gogo Tsuyoshi (by Nadal), Queen’s Jolly (by Best Warrior), and Ange Bell (by Chrysoberyl). Horses drawn wide that can run on the thinner top layer of sand will have a distinct advantage.

Scenario 2: Hotly Contested Pace

If front-runners like Peace Lucky and Bellagio Regina push the pace early, it will be a tough race for those up front. This scenario opens the door for closers who can conserve energy. Watch for the consistent late kick of Crystal Pit or the explosive finish of June Kitos. Gogo Tsuyoshi is also adaptable enough to handle this pace depending on her positioning.

Final Thoughts

The 27th Hyogo Queen Selection is a complex puzzle, with jockey absences and Himeji’s unique track bias creating many variables. However, a deep dive into the data reveals that Gogo Tsuyoshi, with her superior pedigree and course suitability, is the undeniable centerpiece. She is challenged by the raw speed of Queen’s Jolly and the proven class of Crystal Pit, if she can overcome the rider change. We recommend building your strategy around these core insights.

For a more detailed visual simulation, please check out the video on YouTube:

Watch Simulation on YouTube

Source: Regarding the disciplinary action against 5 jockeys – netkeiba.com