Racing Analyst • January 9, 2026
The 3rd Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai, held on January 9, 2026, sees promising 3-year-olds clash over a 1400m dirt course. This in-depth analysis breaks down the key contenders, focusing on the winning streak of Oreos and the solid performance of Mikael, examining past race data and bloodlines to highlight crucial race points.
Key Takeaways
The 2026 Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai is a 1400m dirt race for 3-year-old open class horses, held on January 9th.
Top contender “Oreos” boasts a 3-race winning streak and an excellent time record.
Rival “Mikael” has a comparable time record and could challenge for the win.
Potential upsets include debut winner “Doronpa” and horses with strong pedigrees like “American Vicky” and “Million Dollar Babe”.
The course layout at Kasamatsu’s 1400m dirt track, with its tendency for intense early speed battles, will be a key factor.
The race is highly likely to become a head-to-head duel between Oreos and Mikael.
Table of Contents
Race Overview & Course Strategy
3rd Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai Details
The 3rd Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai (P), an open race for 3-year-olds, will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, as the 10th race at Kasamatsu Racecourse. This 1400m dirt contest brings together promising young horses, and this preview will dissect the key points based on past performance and pedigree.
- Race: 3rd Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai (P)
- Date: Friday, January 9, 2026, at 15:40
- Course: Kasamatsu, Dirt 1400m (Right-handed)
Strategic Points of the Kasamatsu 1400m Dirt Course
Kasamatsu’s 1400m track features a short distance from the starting gate to the first corner, often leading to intense battles for the lead. While inside-drawn front-runners and pace-setters tend to have an advantage, a fast pace can create opportunities for closers to make a late surge.
Analyzing the Top Contenders
Among the entrants, the following horses stand out for their superior times and winning records.
Oreos: Unstoppable Speed and Momentum
The clear favorite is #8 Oreos (Jockey: Shin Higashikawa). After a second-place finish in his debut last September, he has been unstoppable, reeling off three consecutive victories. Most notably, in his last race (Dec 30, Renge-so Tokubetsu), he conquered this same 1400m course in an excellent time of 1:30.0, winning by a dominant 0.9 seconds. His ability to set the pace and control the race from the front highlights his superb racing sense.
Mikael: A True Challenger on the Clock
The main rival to Oreos is #4 Mikael (Jockey: Junki Mochizuki). While he has two wins, his recent performances are telling. He finished fourth in the 1600m Junior Crown (OP) two starts back (Dec 12) and clocked an impressive 1:30.1 over 1400m three starts ago (Nov 28). His recorded times are right on par with Oreos, suggesting he has the potential to win if the race unfolds in his favor. Despite a quick turnaround, his mental fortitude to handle a tough schedule is noteworthy.
Doronpa: The Allure of the Unknown
For a contender with untapped potential, look to #1 Doronpa (Jockey: Yusuke Tsutsui). Though inexperienced, he won his 1400m debut race (Dec 29) with a time of 1:33.7. While his time is slower than the top two, the experience gained from that first race, combined with the advantage of the inside post position, could see him challenge the leaders.
Bloodline Breakdown: Pedigree Analysis
Analyzing the suitability of key contenders for Kasamatsu’s dirt track from a pedigree perspective.
Oreos
(Sire: Taisei Legend x Damsire: Gold Allure)
His sire, Taisei Legend, was a speed specialist who won the JBC Sprint. His damsire is Gold Allure, a legendary dirt stallion. This is a classic “local dirt champion” pedigree, excelling in both power and sustained speed, perfectly suited for the current Kasamatsu track conditions.
American Vicky
(Sire: American Patriot x Damsire: Suzuka Mambo)
#9 American Vicky’s sire, American Patriot, is a son of War Front (Danzig line), known for passing on early maturity and speed. Her damsire, Suzuka Mambo, is from the Sunday Silence line and imparts stamina and resilience. This creates a well-balanced pedigree of speed and tenacity for a 1400m race.
Million Dollar Babe
(Sire: Moanin x Damsire: I’ll Have Another)
#6 Million Dollar Babe’s sire, Moanin, won the February Stakes and his offspring are successful in local racing. Her damsire, I’ll Have Another, was a U.S. dual crown winner. This pedigree emphasizes classic American power. After narrowly losing to Doronpa by 0.1 seconds last time, her high potential suggests a win is imminent.
Final Verdict
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai
The 2026 Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai is shaping up to be a duel between the time-tested favorites, Oreos and Mikael. However, the race’s intrigue lies in how close contenders like the promising Doronpa and the consistent American Vicky can get to the front-runners.
For our final selections, expert picks, and recommended bets based on this analysis, follow the link below.
👉 Get the Final Predictions for the 2026 Kasamatsu Wakakoma Hai Here