The 74th Nakayama Kinka, held on January 5, 2025, at Nakayama Racecourse, witnessed a stunning performance from the 6-year-old horse Arnasim, who secured victory under the skilled guidance of jockey Yusuke Fujioka. This highly anticipated race featured 18 competitors vying over 2,000 meters of turf, marking the beginning of the 2025 racing season.
Starting as the fourth favorite at 58 kg of handicap weight, Arnasim quickly established himself mid-pack, lending himself well to the race's pacing dynamics. With horses stretching across the straight and jockeys maneuvering their mounts through the field, Fujioka executed his strategy perfectly to position Arnasim for the final push. The horse surged forward at the decisive moment, showcasing his strong final sprint to claim his second graded stakes title with a time of 1:58.1.
A 1 and 1/4 lengths behind Arnasim, Myner Mont, the 6th favored runner ridden by Yuji Danai, took second place. Bone Disway, the 8th favored horse under Takumi Kowata, finished third, both competing valiantly but unable to match the pace of the winner. The unexpected race tactics often yield surprises, and this race was no exception, with the top betting favorite, Christmas Parade, under Yuuki Ishikawa, settling for fourth.
After celebrating his victory, Fujioka reflected on the race, stating, "I felt he was much healthier than he was during the Mile Championship. The last race felt too rushed, and I suggested the 2000 meters would suit him. I agreed with Norihiro Yokoyama, who previously rode for us, on the need to focus on mid-distance races this year. This was important for the horse and I'm very happy about the result." His enthusiasm spilled over as he acknowledged the significance of this win, being his first at the Nakayama Kinka after finishing fourth and second with other mounts previously.
Notably, Arnasim is the produce of the sire Maurice, with his dam being Jubel Ali, and the pedigree also traces to Deep Impact. Bred by the prestigious Northern Farm, he presently carries the colors of Lion Race Horses Co., Ltd. with his overall racing record now tallying up to seven wins out of 23 starts.
Fujioka’s insightful analysis of Arnasim’s previous outings, particularly the overwhelmingly competitive nature of the Mile Championship, helped him identify the need for adjustment in racing distance. His strategic recommendation proved pivotal to the horse's performance, affirming the partnership between jockey and mount necessary for success on the turf.
While he celebrated this significant victory, Fujioka seemed equally focused on the future, optimistic about the potential for Arnasim to continue performing well within the competitive ranks. "I want to ride without injuries this year, and I believe Arnasim has the potential to shine even brighter," he added, pushing the enthusiasm of fans and owners alike as they look forward to the upcoming races.
The resounding success of Arnasim not only heralds excitement for his connections but also for fans and spectators at Nakayama as the racing season begins anew. With tactically innovative rides and spirited performances expected, the 2025 season promises to be filled with racing drama. The Nakayama Kinka's opening role sets the stage for more thrilling contests to come.