This Saturday, the JRA Kyoto Shinbun Hai 2025 is set to unfold at the Kyoto Racecourse, featuring a small but competitive field of 10 three-year-old horses racing over 2200 meters. This G2 race is not officially designated as a Derby trial, yet it carries significant weight for those aiming to accumulate prize money and for trainers eyeing the prestigious Kikuka Sho in the fall. With a history of unexpected outcomes, this year's event promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
In the past decade, the trends have shown that the first and second favorites have each won twice, while horses ranked sixth or lower have surprisingly clinched victory four times. This statistic indicates a high potential for upsets, making the race particularly intriguing for bettors and fans alike. Notably, Kanto horses have historically struggled in this event, with no entries finishing in the top three over the last ten years, a trend that continues to loom over this year's competitors.
Among the contenders, Nebuladis, a colt sired by Duramente, stands out. Ridden by jockey Shutal Keke, Nebuladis comes from a strong lineage, with his dam, Liscio, having won the Queen Elizabeth Cup and Takarazuka Kinen. Despite finishing fourth in the Kyodo Tsushin Hai and third in the Mainichi Hai, Nebuladis currently sits at 4 million yen in prize money, meaning a victory is essential for him to secure a spot in the Derby.
Another horse to watch is Show Height, a Heart's Cry colt, who finished fourth as the second favorite in the Kisaragi Sho. Alongside him is Kings Cole, a Duramente colt who has shown promise with a solid performance, finishing third in the Spring Stakes and seventh in the Satsuki Sho. Both horses are in a precarious position regarding prize money, as they need to secure a win to enhance their Derby prospects.
Additionally, Top Born, a Real Steel colt, has been making waves with two consecutive victories under the guidance of renowned jockey Yutaka Take. After a rocky debut, Top Born has shown remarkable improvement, winning his last race by an impressive four lengths. His strong finish makes him a contender to watch, especially as he faces a longer distance this time.
The Kyoto Shinbun Hai is known for its unpredictability, and this year is no exception. With horses under pressure to secure their financial futures and trainers strategizing for the upcoming Kikuka Sho, fans can expect a thrilling race filled with tension and excitement. As the horses line up for the start, all eyes will be on the track to see who will emerge victorious in this survival race.
With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the JRA Kyoto Shinbun Hai 2025 promises not just a race but a showcase of talent and determination. The anticipation builds as fans and experts alike speculate on which horse will rise to the occasion and claim victory. Will it be a favorite, or will an underdog surprise everyone? Only time will tell as the horses thunder down the stretch in what is sure to be a memorable event.
