Race Overview
DateJan 17, 2026
RacecourseKyoto
Track1400m Dirt
ConditionGood (Predicted)
Kyoto 1400m Strategy
Outer gates are advantageous due to the turf start. Quick starters securing an early favorable position tend to dominate. Front-running ability is key.
Top Contenders Analysis
#1 Favorite
Piemanson
Jockey: K. Ikezoe
1st
- Favorable Course: Proven winner on Kyoto Dirt 1400m.
- Front-runner: Strong, consistent racing style.
- Peak Condition: Excellent training times (52.4s, final 12.2s).
#2 Favorite
Vero Cuore
Jockey: R. Takasugi
2nd
- Class Acclimated: Now familiar with 3-win class competition.
- Close Finisher: Only 0.1s behind the winner in last race.
- Versatile: Adaptable style suits various race developments.
#3 Favorite
Estrella de Belen
Jockey: C. Lemaire
3rd
- Skilled Jockey: C. Lemaire has a strong record at Kyoto.
- Strong Finish: Powerful kick (final 36.2s split).
- Improved Control: Better responsiveness due to bit changes.
AI Analysis: Dark Horse Pick
Surge Expected: Nobori Shoryu
Projected as 9th favorite, but our AI data shows top-tier potential. Rested and in improved condition, this horse is a serious threat for top positions.
Ability Index
Rank 1st
Improvement Rate
Rank 1st
Other AI Data Points
- High Improvement: Shigeru Solosolo, Jasper Burrows
- Top Jockey Value: C. Lemaire, R. Sakai, J. Nishimura
- Distance Suitability: Estrella de Belen, Piemanson, Vero Cuore
Rashomon Stakes 2026 Entry List
| Gate | No. | Horse Name | Sex/Age | Weight | Jockey | Odds | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Grand Central | M5 | 58.0 | M. Akiyama | 96.9 | B |
| 1 | 2 | Jarvis | M6 | 58.0 | K. Fujikoshi | 61.8 | B |
| 2 | 3 | Hard Wired | M6 | 58.0 | H. Hammer | 28.2 | B |
| 2 | 4 | Nobori Shoryu | M5 | 58.0 | S. Hamanaka | 23.7 | B |
| 3 | 5 | Estrella de Belen | M5 | 58.0 | C. Lemaire | 6.9 | B |
| 3 | 6 | Shigeru Solosolo | F6 | 56.0 | S. Samejima | 41.3 | C |
| 4 | 7 | Piemanson | M4 | 57.0 | K. Ikezoe | 2.5 | B |
| 4 | 8 | Rose Balsam | F6 | 56.0 | Y. Take | 25.0 | B |
| 5 | 9 | Smart Reafal | M5 | 58.0 | K. Matsuwaka | 56.2 | B |
| 5 | 10 | Jasper Burrows | M6 | 58.0 | K. Yoshimura | 19.8 | B |
| 6 | 11 | T M Runway | M7 | 58.0 | R. Samejima | 18.0 | C |
| 6 | 12 | Danon Switch | M5 | 58.0 | R. Sakai | 12.8 | B |
| 7 | 13 | Vero Cuore | F5 | 56.0 | R. Takasugi | 6.6 | B |
| 7 | 14 | Helmos | M5 | 58.0 | T. Kitamura | 19.0 | B |
| 8 | 15 | Semimaru | M6 | 58.0 | J. Nishimura | 7.2 | B |
| 8 | 16 | Grass Chiffon | F6 | 56.0 | H. Hishida | 125.0 | C |
*Odds are predicted values. Please refer to official announcements for the latest information.
Prediction Summary & Strategy
The primary selection is Piemanson, leveraging his superior course suitability and current momentum. Vero Cuore stands as a strong second choice for her consistency, followed by Estrella de Belen with the C. Lemaire advantage.
For value betting, quinella and trifecta combinations incorporating the AI’s top-rated dark horse, Nobori Shoryu, are highly recommended. Also, closely watch the front-running battles from horses in the outer gates as per the course tendencies.

