Spotlight on Win Tremendous & Baddeleyite: 2026 Kotobuki Stakes Analysis

January 3, 2026

Get ready for the Kotobuki Stakes (3-Win Class) at Kyoto Racecourse on January 4, 2026. This preview delivers expert analysis considering the opening week’s track conditions and a small field. We’ll break down the pedigree and training of top contenders like Win Tremendous and Baddeleyite, as well as dark horses like Tagano Dude, to uncover the keys to victory.

Key Takeaways

• ◆The Kotobuki Stakes will be held on Jan 4, 2026, on the Kyoto Turf 2000m (Inner Loop).
• ◆With an A-Course track and a small field of 9, positioning and tactics will be crucial.
• ◆Win Tremendous benefits from a shorter distance, while Baddeleyite aims for a comeback.
• ◆Keep an eye on front-runner Meisho Gekirin and Clever Taste, who can leverage the inside draw.

Contents

1. Race Overview
2. Prediction Pointers
   1. Track & Field Size
   2. Contender Analysis
3. Conclusion

Kotobuki Stakes 2026: Race Overview

Prediction Pointers

Pointer ①: Opening Week’s Inner Loop & Small Field

The race takes place on the Kyoto Turf 2000m inner loop. As it’s the opening week of the New Year meeting, the A-Course will be in use, meaning the turf on the inside rail is typically in pristine condition.

Furthermore, with only nine runners, the race dynamic changes significantly. The likely pace-setter is Meisho Gekirin (Gate 5-5). The stable commented, “We won’t insist on taking the lead, but we want an uncontested run.” If this horse can establish an easy lead in a small field, there’s a real chance it could hold on. Expect either a slow-paced sprint to the finish or a front-runner capitalizing on the fresh track. In these conditions, race positioning and tactics are paramount.

Pointer ②: Contender Analysis – Pedigree & Condition

Here’s a data-driven breakdown of the top contenders and notable dark horses.Win Tremendous (Colt, 5 / Y. Take)

Pedigree: Sire: Gold Ship / Dam’s Sire: Boston Harbor

Finished 3rd in his last race, the Hiei S. (3-Win Class, Kyoto Turf 2400m). Although he showed a tendency to pull hard mid-race, he still demonstrated a strong closing kick. Trainer Hasegawa commented, “He was a bit headstrong last time… I think 2000m will be more manageable for him,” welcoming the shorter distance.

Training: Clocked 82.2-11.7 on the Ritto Woodchip course on 12/31 at a canter. He’s rated as being in “peak form,” showing no signs of fitness issues. Combining the stamina from his sire Gold Ship with the sustained speed from his dam Ixcuse (a G3 Queen Cup winner), he has a strong chance to leverage his agility on Kyoto’s inner loop for a win.Baddeleyite (Colt, 5 / M. Iwata)

Pedigree: Sire: Satono Diamond / Dam’s Sire: Spinning World

In his first race after moving up in class, the Ohara S., he was the favorite but finished 5th. He returns after a refreshing break. Trainer Uemura is optimistic: “He has the ability to win… and he seems in better condition than last time.” Returning to the Kyoto 2000m course where he has won before, and reuniting with jockey Mirai Iwata, he’s poised for a comeback.

Training: Posted a time of 84.2-11.4 on the Ritto Woodchip course on 12/31, finishing ahead of his training partner. His condition is described as “stable at a high level.” His pedigree, combining Satono Diamond (a Deep Impact line) with a dam’s sire who won five G1 miles, suggests a high aptitude for Kyoto’s fast turf.Tagano Dude (Colt, 5 / Y. Furukawa)

Pedigree: Sire: Yamakatsu Ace / Dam’s Sire: Heart’s Cry

Showed tenacity in his last outing, the Orion S. (3-Win Class, Hanshin Turf 2200m), finishing a close 3rd. Trainer Miyake believes the change in distance is a positive factor, stating, “I think 2000 meters suits him better than 2200.”

Training: Despite the short two-week turnaround, he clocked 52.2-12.3 on the Ritto uphill track on 12/31 at a canter. He’s rated as being in “good spirits,” maintaining his fine form.Clever Taste (Gelding, 7 / H. Hamer)

Pedigree: Sire: Orfevre / Dam’s Sire: Sakura Bakushin O

Now a 7-year-old, he has drawn the coveted innermost gate (No. 1). Trainer Sato commented, “This is an inner loop on opening week. If he can run his own rhythm, he has a chance.” The ability to save ground is a major advantage. With Sakura Bakushin O’s speed in his maternal line, he could be a surprise package if he capitalizes on the favorable track conditions.

Conclusion

The 2026 Kotobuki Stakes is shaping up to be a duel between Win Tremendous, who should benefit from the shorter distance, and the high-class Baddeleyite, who returns refreshed. However, don’t discount front-runners who could take advantage of the opening week’s track bias or the rail-hugging Clever Taste.

In a small field like this, reading the race pace and assessing final paddock condition will be the deciding factors. For your final selections, we recommend consulting expert analysis to make the most informed decision.

Get the Final Verdict & Recommended BetsSee the Pro-Analysts’ Final Picks