On February 2, 2025, the 39th Negishi Stakes, categorized as GIII, unfolded at the Tokyo Racecourse. This eagerly awaited event, running 1400 meters on dirt, acts as a significant precursor to the prestigious February Stakes. With the sound of hooves reverberation filling the air, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as fans gathered to witness the spectacle of horse racing.
The official weights of the competitors were recently announced, offering insights on the participating horses’ readiness. Leading the field was Freem Faxi, trained by Naosuke Sugai. The 5-year-old stallion has impressed on the track with his record of two wins out of two races at this distance, weighing in at 524 kg, though this presented a drop of 2 kg from his previous weight. His strong performance on dirt has made him a favorite heading to the race.
Another notable entry was Costa Nova, also aged five, from Tetsuya Kimura's stables, aiming for victory. Costa Nova arrived with confidence, carrying 496 kg—down by 1 kg. Known for his formidable record of being undefeated on the Tokyo course, he was anticipated to pose stiff competition to Freem Faxi.
The race attracted considerable attention not just for its contenders but for the significance it held within Japan's horse racing calendar. Winning the Negishi Stakes could provide invaluable momentum heading toward the upcoming February Stakes.
The competitors included several other horses, each with unique stories and past performances. Among them were Kurojishijo at 460 kg (an increase of 8 kg), and Don Frankie, significantly heavier at 604 kg. The diverse weight shifts sparked discussions among racing analysts on how it might impact the outcomes.
Motivated by last year's performances, Kurojishijo, who has consistently showcased solid performances, boasted impressive statistics: 2 wins, 1 place, and 1 show from his last four runs. His maintained issue of distance, moving back to 1400 meters for the first time since spring when he turned three, raised questions about his capability to manage the track.
Experts like horse racing analyst Motonari Tahara noted, "This race acts as a precursor to the February Stakes and showcases the readiness of the competitors. Kenji Nakagawa added more weight to the analysis, underscoring Freem Faxi's track performance but cautioning about his recent weight loss potentially impacting his race results.
The anticipation for the Negishi Stakes built as fans reflected on the statistical data from past races, including insights from the last decade, feeding the excitement and speculation surrounding each horse's chances. Statistical data indicated strong performances by horses coming from the Kansai area, highlighting the competitive nature and unpredictability of this grade of racing.
Revelations from the field suggest each horse had undergone rigorous training, carefully calculated adjustments, and strategic preparations to optimize their performance on race day. Just moments before the race, the suspense captivated the audience as they collectively held their breath, awaiting the sound of the starting bell.
With the race finally approaching its start time of 15:45, stakes were high. Each competitor was poised at the starting gates, and the crowd erupted as the bell rang, sending them racing down the stretch.
Expectations brewed around Freem Faxi and Costa Nova, both of whom had garnered significant attention. The essence of competition lay not only within their physical preparation but also within the psychological game of racing. The complex interplay of tactics, stamina, and heart would soon determine who would emerge victorious.
The Negishi Stakes showcased more than just the thrill of horse racing; it symbolized the culmination of passion, rigorous preparation, and the dream of triumph on the tracks, capturing the spirit of the sport as it neared the February Stakes. The anticipation lingers: will Freem Faxi reclaim his status or will Costa Nova outshine him? The answer awaited just around the next turn.