Can the undefeated Dabai Sucre reign supreme, or will Pres Legend turn the tables? A deep dive into the top contenders for the January 4th showdown at Saga Racecourse.
The Saga Wakagoma Sho is a pivotal race that sets the stage for the 3-year-old generation. Here are the key details for this year’s event.DateJan 4, 2026 (Sun)Post Time17:05 (Race 2)RacecourseSaga RacecourseDistance1750m Dirt (Right-handed)Entries10 Horses
We spotlight three top contenders, breaking down their performance records and pedigree to gauge their potential for victory.
1-1
The Undefeated Phenom
Entering with a perfect 3-for-3 record, Dabai Sucre’s raw, untapped potential is his greatest asset.Recent PerformanceWon the “2yo-2” race (Saga, 1400m Dirt) on Nov 24, beating Pick Up Luck by a comfortable 0.8 seconds.Pedigree AnalysisSire: Transcend, Damsire: Casino Drive. A powerful combination of dirt champions, promising both speed and stamina.
7-7
The Experienced Challenger
As Dabai Sucre’s main rival, Pres Legend brings valuable experience in high-stakes graded races.Recent PerformanceStrong 2nd place finish in a JRA-certified graded race (Saga, 1800m Dirt) on Nov 9. Proven form over a similar distance is a major plus.Pedigree AnalysisSire: Taisei Legend, Damsire: Dance in the Dark. While his sire was a sprinter, his damsire’s influence suggests adaptability to middle distances.
8-10
The Consistent Performer
Mow Mow Gold stands out for his remarkable consistency and ability to always be in the mix.Recent PerformanceFinished 3rd in the same Nov 9 graded race as Pres Legend, clocking 1:59.9 over 1800m (heavy track), proving his stamina.Pedigree AnalysisSire: Fine Needle, Damsire: Epiphaneia. His sire was a champion sprinter, but the influence of damsire Epiphaneia adds distance versatility.
With many horses stepping up in distance, stamina from their bloodlines is a crucial factor. Here’s the full breakdown.
| No. | Horse Name | Sex/Age | Sire | Damsire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dabai Sucre | Colt, 3 | Transcend | Casino Drive |
| 2 | Fukagawa Bugyo | Colt, 3 | Majestic Warrior | Sakura President |
| 3 | Takeno Tsurugi | Colt, 3 | Kairos | King Halo |
| 4 | Paulino | Filly, 3 | Bamboo Ere | Wild Rush |
| 5 | Pick Up Luck | Colt, 3 | Henny Hughes | Sakura Laurel |
| 6 | Ersted | Colt, 3 | Nero | Tanino Gimlet |
| 7 | Pres Legend | Colt, 3 | Taisei Legend | Dance in the Dark |
| 8 | Cashino Amulet | Gelding, 3 | Talismanic | Harbinger |
| 9 | Ashu Earl | Colt, 3 | Copano Charlie | Deep Sky |
| 10 | Mow Mow Gold | Colt, 3 | Fine Needle | Epiphaneia |
Horse to Watch: #5 Pick Up Luck (Sire: Henny Hughes) showed good early speed with a recent win and a 2nd place finish. The distance is a question, but if the stamina from damsire Sakura Laurel kicks in, he could be an interesting longshot.
Will the undefeated speedster, Dabai Sucre, conquer the distance challenge, or will the stamina of veterans Pres Legend and Mow Mow Gold lead to an upset? This race is sure to be a nail-biter.
Our final AI-powered conclusions, including top picks and betting strategy, are available at the link below. Check it out!See the Final Picks for the Saga Wakagoma Sho