A deep dive into the Jan 11, 2026 debut races at Nakayama & Kyoto, featuring elite prospects like the royally-bred Petrichor and Gold Dream’s progeny, Million Voice.
Article Highlights
- 3-year-old maiden (Make Debut) races are scheduled for Jan 11, 2026, at Nakayama and Kyoto.
- Nakayama Race 5 features Million Voice (by Gold Dream) and the power-bred Satono Fencer.
- Kyoto Race 2 spotlights Petrichor, a filly with an incredible “Triple Crown x Triple Crown” pedigree.
- The Nakayama 1800m dirt requires power and stamina, while Kyoto’s 1800m dirt favors raw potential.
- Find the link to final picks and expert analysis at the end of this article.
Table of Contents
- Nakayama R5: 3YO Maiden (1800m Dirt)
- Kyoto R2: 3YO Maiden Fillies (1800m Dirt)
- Prediction Summary
- Access Final Picks & Bets
Two Key Races
Nakayama’s Grit vs. Kyoto’s Class
1800m Dirt
12:25 JST
Nakayama Race 5: 3YO Maiden (1800m Dirt)
A true test of power and stamina. Nakayama’s challenging dirt course, known for its undulations, demands more than just speed; it requires grit and finishing power. With no past performance data, pedigree and training become paramount indicators.
| Horse | Sex/Age | Trainer | Sire / Dam’s Sire | Jockey | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Million Voice | Colt/3 | K. Kato (Miho) | Gold Dream / Asakusa Kings | Yuji Tannai | Sired by dirt champion Gold Dream (winner of February S. & Champions Cup). Reports praise his “sharp reactions” in training. Expected to handle Nakayama’s tough final slope with a powerful stride. |
| Satono Fencer | Colt/3 | M. Takayanagi (Miho) | Declaration of War / Empire Maker | Kosei Miura | A “golden cross” for dirt, combining US sire Declaration of War with legendary dirt sire Empire Maker. Bred to be tenacious and excel in grueling, stamina-draining races. |
| Gram Edge | Colt/3 | T. Tezuka (Miho) | Nadal / Dance in the Dark | Yukinori Ishikawa | Progeny of new stallion Nadal, known for producing large, powerful runners. The stamina from dam’s sire Dance in the Dark should be a perfect match for the 1800m distance. |
10:20 JST
Kyoto Race 2: 3YO Maiden Fillies (1800m Dirt)
This fillies-only race has attracted global attention due to its star-studded pedigrees. Kyoto’s dirt course is flatter than Nakayama, placing a greater emphasis on sustained speed. In a field rich with elite bloodlines, raw talent could easily trump experience.
| Horse | Sex/Age | Trainer | Sire / Dam’s Sire | Jockey | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrichor | Filly/3 | H. Uemura (Ritto) | Justify / American Pharoah | Yuichi Kitamura | A dream pedigree, sired by 2018 US Triple Crown winner Justify out of a dam by 2015 US Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. While her aptitude for Japanese dirt is unknown, her sheer talent could be overwhelming. |
| Rouge Eterna | Filly/3 | Y. Tomomichi (Ritto) | Epiphaneia / Tiznow | Mirai Iwata | Though Epiphaneia’s offspring often excel on turf, her dam’s sire is Tiznow, a two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic champion. If she inherits her maternal dirt ability, she’s a serious contender. |
| Vestaluca | Filly/3 | T. Takano (Ritto) | Wootton Bassett / War Front | Katsuma Sameshima | From the rising European sire Wootton Bassett. Her dam’s sire, War Front, imparts American speed. If this blend suits Japanese dirt, she could simply outrun the field. |
Prediction Summary
Today’s maiden races are a tale of two philosophies. At Nakayama, the focus is on the proven dirt lineage and race-readiness of Million Voice. At Kyoto, all eyes are on the immense, world-class potential of Petrichor. Her performance could signal the arrival of a new dirt superstar. Keep a close watch on the odds and paddock condition to finalize your wagers.
Get the Final Verdict & Pro Picks
Ready to see the expert conclusions? For finalized betting slips and professional analysis based on the latest data, check the link below. Don’t miss out on the information that could lead you to a winning ticket.
👉 Access Today’s Top Selections for All Races