Key Takeaways
- ●The Subaru Stakes is set for Jan 10, 2026, at Kyoto Racecourse over 1400m on dirt.
- ●The course’s turf start and layout favor front-runners from wide gates, demanding speed and stamina.
- ●Top contenders Bidaya, Star Turn, Trillion Boy, and Continual are analyzed for pedigree and form.
- ●Bidaya is a strong favorite, returning to a preferred distance, while Star Turn partners with top jockey Masahisa Kawada.
Race & Course Overview
Race Details
Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
Location: Kyoto Racecourse, Race 11
Conditions: Dirt 1400m (Right-handed)
Class: Weight for Age
Kyoto 1400m Course
The course’s unique turf start benefits speedy, wide-drawn horses. A fast early pace is common, but the downhill section into the homestretch demands sustained speed and power. Adaptability to Kyoto’s characteristically light dirt is a crucial success factor.
Top Contenders
1st Favorite
Bidaya
Colt / 5 years old
1.7x Odds
Jockey: Ryusei Sakai
The overwhelming favorite, Bidaya returns to his preferred 1400m distance after a disappointing run in the Musashino Stakes. His sire, Real Steel, has produced successful dirt runners suited to Kyoto’s light surface. With excellent training performances and top condition, he is a strong candidate for a comeback victory.
Sire: Real Steel Dam’s Sire: Sing Spree Stable: Ritto/Yoshito Yahagi
2nd Favorite
Star Turn
Colt / 5 years old
4.2x Odds
Jockey: Masahisa Kawada
Star Turn’s inherent ability is considered top-tier. His last race was hampered by being boxed in, but his condition has since improved. His speed-rich pedigree (Greater London x Snitzel) suggests strong suitability for a 1400m contest. With the skilled Masahisa Kawada aboard, a smooth run could lead to victory.
Sire: Greater London Dam’s Sire: Snitzel Stable: Ritto/Tomoyasu Sakaguchi
3rd Favorite
Trillion Boy
Colt / 4 years old
9.7x Odds
Jockey: Yasunari Iwata
Currently on a winning streak after a powerful victory in the Mikage Stakes, this is Trillion Boy’s first race in open class. While the trainer expresses caution, this prime four-year-old cannot be underestimated. His sire, Make Believe, produces solid dirt performers, making him capable of handling the Kyoto course.
Sire: Make Believe Dam’s Sire: Ruler Ship Stable: Miho/Ryo Takei
Dark Horse
Continual
Colt / 6 years old
? Odds
Jockey: Yuichi Kitamura
A proven performer with inconsistent recent form. The stable is hoping for a turnaround with the addition of blinkers, suggesting a potential for significant improvement. As a Drefong offspring with a strong track record, he could surprise if he regains his true form.
Sire: Drefong Dam’s Sire: King Kamehameha Stable: Ritto/Yoshito Yahagi
Final Predictions & Further Reading
Combine this analysis with AI forecasts and professional insights to inform your final betting strategy. Check netkeiba for the complete prediction.👉 View AI Prediction on netkeiba