KAWASAKI RACING PREVIEW:Ebisu Ten Sho 2026 Predictions

An in-depth analysis of top contenders like Sarasa Emperor & Running Hot for the C1 showdown at Kawasaki Racecourse.

January 2, 2026 / Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Race Highlights

The key to this race is assessing each horse’s condition, given the unconventional training schedules over the New Year holiday.

1. Race Overview & Key Factors
2. Contender Breakdown
3. Final Summary

• ➔Sarasa Emperor: Consistent since transferring and expected to contend for the win with a smooth preparation.
• ➔Running Hot: A proven contender returning from a layoff; his race-day condition is crucial.
• ➔Potenza & Lavin Roses: Watch for Potenza, who has hit his stride with blinkers, and Lavin Roses, aiming for an early lead from the inside.

Race Overview & Key Factors

Race NameEbisu Ten Sho (C1-2)Date & TimeFriday, Jan 3, 2026, 17:10 JSTVenueKawasaki RacecourseCourse1400m Dirt (Left-handed)

The Ebisu Ten Sho kicks off the new year at Kawasaki. The biggest challenges in this race are the specific demands of the Kawasaki 1400m course and the current condition of each horse. It’s particularly crucial to determine which stable has best managed the irregular training schedules over the New Year holiday to bring their horse to the starting gate in peak form.

Contender Breakdown

9

Sarasa Emperor

Jockey: Naoki MachidaStable: Katsuyoshi UchidaPedigree: Tower of London (sire) / Glorious Rose (dam) by Rock of Gibraltar

Since transferring to Minami-Kanto, he has consistently performed well with finishes of 3rd, 1st, and 3rd. While a slow start affected his last race, his ability to avoid a complete collapse is commendable. Trainer Uchida is confident in his distance suitability, stating, “For now, 1400 meters seems to be a good fit.” The horse is in excellent condition, showing smooth movement in his Dec 30 workout. If he gets a clean break, he’s a definite contender for the win.

2

Running Hot

Jockey: Akira HaritaStable: Yuya YamazakiPedigree: Pyro (sire) / Lyrical Dawn (dam) by Dawn Approach

A talented horse with a proven record, having won a JRA interleague race on this course. He demonstrated he can compete at this level with a 4th place finish, just 0.3 seconds off the winner, in his first race after promotion. This is his first run after a layoff, and trainer Yuya Yamazaki has issued a cautious note: “He still has room for improvement; a discount might be necessary.” However, his underlying ability is top-class. He posted a decent time in his final workout, and the key will be how much his raw talent can compensate for his condition.

5

Potenza

Jockey: Ryo NobahataStable: Hiroki SatoPedigree: U S Navy Flag (sire) / Appleton Drove (dam) by Street Cry

His recent performances have been steady, including a strong 2nd place finish on this same course three starts ago. His mental growth is evident, as trainer Hiroki Sato notes, “The blinkers have improved his response to the bit during the race.” He looked exceptional in his Dec 30 workout despite being held back. If he can settle into his own rhythm and run a smooth race, he has a very good chance.

1

Lavin Roses

Jockey: Wataru FujieStable: Masaki YagiPedigree: Sinister Minister (sire) / Bon Sejour (dam) by Daiwa Major

This is a horse that wants to use its natural speed from the innermost gate. His tenacity is his strong suit, demonstrated four starts ago when he finished just 0.2 seconds behind the winner. Trainer Yagi praises his condition, saying, “He has a good feel about him,” and the shorter distance could also work in his favor. Unless the track is unusually slow, he’s a threat to lead from start to finish.

Other Horses of Interest

4. Calderite (J: Mitsuhiro Masuda)A horse with a 2nd place finish in his JRA debut. He has struggled since transferring, but trainer Takatsuki commented, “I feel he has improved.” The addition of blinkers could trigger a dramatic turnaround.11. Build Rapport (J: Shin Yamarindo)His first race after transferring from Ohi. He has a record of finishing in the top two at the left-handed Ohi 1650m course, making him a dark horse not to be underestimated on his Kawasaki debut.

Final Summary

The Ebisu Ten Sho closes out the first Kawasaki meet of 2026. While the proven Running Hot’s post-layoff condition is a major question mark, the advantage in terms of smooth preparation seems to lie with Sarasa Emperor and Potenza. Furthermore, depending on the race pace, the tenacity of Lavin Roses from the inside gate could very well see him hold on for a top spot.

Want our final verdict and betting selections?See the Final Picks for the Ebisu Ten Sho (C1)