On May 11, 2025, the NHK Mile Cup (GⅠ, Turf 1600m) will take place at Tokyo Racecourse, marking the start of five consecutive weekends of GⅠ racing at this venue. This year’s event features a competitive lineup, including Admire Azure, the only GⅠ winner among the entrants, who triumphed in the Asahi Hai FS with a two-and-a-half-length victory. The race promises excitement as various contenders, including Immigrant Song, Lance of Kaos, Magic Sands, and Mapious, clash in a battle for the prestigious title.
Admire Azure, trained by Norio Tomomichi, has been a standout performer, and her victory in December 2024 showcased her talent against formidable foes. The filly is aiming for her second GⅠ win and is considered a strong favorite heading into this race. Tomomichi is looking to secure his third NHK Mile Cup win, which would make him the most successful trainer in the race's history. Jockey Yuga Kawada, who rode Admire Azure to victory in the Japan Dirt Derby in 2024, will be looking to add another GⅠ title to his resume.
However, Admire Azure faces stiff competition from Immigrant Song, who is gaining attention after defeating her in the New Zealand Trophy (GⅡ) in April 2025. Immigrant Song, trained by Tetsuhide Tsuji, has shown impressive form, finishing with the fastest final three furlongs in all but one of his races since debuting. Tsuji expressed confidence in his horse, stating, "He is easy to ride, accelerates smoothly in the stretch, and has plenty of energy left at the end, so I believe he has a good chance." Immigrant Song is on a quest for his first GⅠ victory, and a win would be a significant milestone for Tsuji, who is in his fourth year of training.
Another notable contender is Lance of Kaos, who recently won the Churchill Downs Cup (GⅢ) in April 2025. With a remarkable time of 1:32.2 in that race, Lance of Kaos is looking to carry his momentum into the NHK Mile Cup. Jockey Yoshimura Seinosuke, at just 19 years old, is aiming to become the youngest JRA GⅠ winner in history, surpassing the record set by Yutaka Take in 1988. Yoshimura expressed gratitude for the opportunity to ride Lance of Kaos, saying, "I have been riding him since his debut, so I understand him well and feel confident going into this race."
The NHK Mile Cup has a rich history, and in the past decade, horses that participated in the Satsuki Sho or Oka Sho have shown strong results, with a record of 5 wins and 4 seconds from 22 starters. This year, Mapious, who finished 4th in the Oka Sho, is the only horse from that race meeting the successful criteria. Her assistant trainer noted, "She has shown great progress since the Oka Sho and is ready to give her best performance here."
Magic Sands, who finished 6th in the Satsuki Sho, is another horse to watch. The stable assistant is optimistic about her ability to handle the mile distance, stating, "She is a forward-going horse, so I think she will be able to handle the mile for the first time, and she has the power to use her legs until the end."
As the race day approaches, the horses from the Kansai region have arrived at Tokyo Racecourse without any complications, despite concerns about traffic delays due to construction on the Isewangan Expressway. All 11 horses arrived smoothly between 3:22 PM and 3:45 PM on May 10, 2025. Admire Azure's team reported, "We changed the route and were able to come without any traffic congestion. She finished her feed and drank plenty of water. Tension is an issue with this horse, but she is clearing it now, and her condition is definitely improving."
With the NHK Mile Cup set to kick off at 3:40 PM on May 11, 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling showdown among these talented contenders. The stakes are high, and the potential for surprises is palpable, especially given the varied backgrounds of the horses and their recent performances. Will Admire Azure defend her title as the favorite, or will Immigrant Song, Lance of Kaos, or another challenger rise to the occasion? The excitement builds as this prestigious event draws near.
As the horses prepare for their moment in the spotlight, the anticipation among fans and trainers alike is electric. With a mix of established champions and rising stars, the NHK Mile Cup promises to deliver a memorable day of racing.
