The 29th Nagoya Kinen (SP1), a traditional major race heralding the start of the 2026 Nagoya racing season, kicks off on January 5th. Led by the proven performer Meisho Taisetsu, a strong field has gathered. This deep dive analyzes each horse’s rotation, recent form, and pedigree to uncover your winning strategy.

Key Takeaways

• The first major Nagoya race of 2026 centers on a clash between seasoned horses on a perfect rotation and in-form contenders from year-end races.
• Meisho Taisetsu, a decisive winner of the Yatomi Kinen, is the one to watch, entering with an ideal 3-week rest.
• Don’t underestimate the race fitness of horses like Jun Firenze, who have competed within the last two weeks.
• To conquer the Nagoya 1700m dirt track, progeny of Hokko Tarumae and power-based American bloodlines tend to have an advantage.

Table of Contents

1. Prediction Points: Rotation and Recent Form
   1. Top Contenders on a 3-Week Rest
   2. Watch Out for Horses Raced Within 2 Weeks
2. Pedigree Analysis of Top Contenders
   1. Meisho Taisetsu
   2. Manno Lightning
   3. Jun Firenze
   4. Meiner La Caille
3. Final Prediction

Prediction Points: Rotation & Recent Form

This year’s Nagoya Kinen hinges on comparing the proven performers entering off a break against the horses who leverage their “race sharpness” from recent year-end competitions.

Top Contenders on a 3-Week Rest

The race favorite, Meisho Taisetsu (5-year-old colt, Aichi, stable of Hideki Uto), enters after a decisive victory in the Yatomi Kinen (OP) on December 5th. In his last race, he stalked the leader from second, broke away early, and dominated the field in a display of pure class. He now competes on an ideal 3-week rotation. His front-running ability and consistency will be major assets in the 1700m contest.

Manno Lightning (6-year-old colt, Aichi, stable of Yukio Abe), who finished second in the same race, follows an identical rotation. While he was 0.8 seconds behind the winner last time, his finishing kick is reliable.

Watch Out for Horses Raced Within 2 Weeks

On the other hand, the “race fitness” of horses who have competed in the last two weeks cannot be ignored. From the group that ran in the “Holy Night Tokubetsu (A)” on December 24th, Jun Firenze (5-year-old colt, Aichi, stable of Kiyomi Sakoda) is a key contender. He showed great early speed to hold on for third on a sloppy track and will likely dictate the pace of this race.

Additionally, Papita (7-year-old colt, Aichi, stable of Isao Nishikimi), who placed second in the “Toji-bai Tokubetsu (A)” on December 23rd, and Ultimate Saga (6-year-old colt, Aichi, stable of Mitsuru Enokiya), who finished third in the same race, are formidable forces maintaining their form from the end-of-year races.

Pedigree Analysis: Source of Power & Stamina

Conquering the 1700m dirt course at Nagoya requires both power and endurance. Let’s examine the bloodlines of the top contenders.

Meisho Taisetsu

Sire:Hokko TarumaeDam:Meisho KunoichiDam’s Sire:Empire Maker

Sired by the dirt legend Hokko Tarumae and with the American bloodline of Empire Maker on the dam’s side, this pedigree offers an excellent balance of stamina and power, allowing him to persevere in tough races.

Manno Lightning

Sire:Tosen RaDam:Manno VictoriaDam’s Sire:Tokai Teio

While his sire is from the Deep Impact line, his maternal line traces back to the deep reserves of stamina from Tokai Teio and Symboli Rudolf. His key strength is his ability to maintain a long, sustained kick.

Jun Firenze

Sire:GhostzapperDam:Street CashDam’s Sire:Street Boss

His sire, a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, is one of America’s top sires for speed and power. His dam’s sire, Street Boss, also excelled in dirt sprints. This is a pure American dirt pedigree, perfectly suited for a front-running, pressuring style.

Meiner La Caille

Sire:Just a WayDam:Cosmo ReticulumDam’s Sire:Danon Chantilly

A 4-year-old on the rise after winning the “Tora Fugu Tokubetsu” on Dec 9th. He combines the developmental potential from his sire Just a Way with the speed from his dam’s sire Danon Chantilly (Fuji Kiseki line).

Final Prediction

For our final selections, betting strategy, and detailed analysis based on the latest data and race dynamics, visit our partner link below.

See the Final Picks