The Osaka Hai (GII) will take place at Hanshin Racecourse on March 23, 2025, shaping up to be a highly competitive race. Historically, the event has favored the top contenders; over the past decade, horses ranked among the top five favorites have secured the victory ten times, in addition to seven second-place finishes and eight third spots. Notably, every winner in the last ten years was among the top three favorites, underscoring the strength of higher-ranked horses in this prestigious race.
This year, several horses are generating buzz as leading contenders for the title, including Shownan Laplnta, who notably finished fourth in last year’s Kikuka Sho (GI), and Veloce Ereira, who claimed a solid third in the 2024 Kyoto Kinen (GII). Others making headlines include Golden Snap, a recent winner of the Manyo Stakes (OP), as well as Warp Speed, who finished second in the Melbourne Cup (G1) last year. Sunrise Earth, who secured fourth in the Japan Derby (GI), is also expected to perform well.
Artificial Intelligence analyses have placed Shownan Laplnta as the top pick for the Osaka Hai based on his past performances and current training condition. Though he has not yet secured a graded stakes victory, his performance in previous races illustrates his potential. He notably placed in the top ranks at the Kikuka Sho and has maintained solid placements in races such as the Aoba Sho (GII) and the Nikkei Shinshun Hai (GII), where he demonstrated a commendable capacity for distance races.
In the Nikkei Shinshun Hai, for instance, Shownan Laplnta came from behind to finish second despite battling on a course that typically disadvantages late-runners, showcasing his resilience and ability to adapt. This weekend, he will have the advantage of riding with famed jockey Yutaka Take, who holds an impressive record of eight wins at the Osaka Hai, promising a noteworthy combination of experience and skill as they aim for a breakthrough victory in a graded event.
Analysts have also pointed out that experience often plays a crucial role in long-distance races, emphasizing the importance of skilled jockeys. Over the last ten years, jockeys with less than ten years of licensure have managed only one win against twenty-two losses in the Osaka Hai context, suggesting that while young talent is important, experience is equally invaluable.
Veloce Ereira is another horse to watch, as he seeks to improve upon a fourth place finish in the Nikkei Shinshun Hai. Trainer Kawada expressed confidence in the horse’s capability, stating, “Veloce Ereira showed today the best effort he could.” Looking ahead, the team has high hopes for a stronger performance as they aim for improvement in the upcoming races.
Veloce Ereira’s preparation has been steady, and warnings about overestimating his capabilities have echoed among observers. While he has dropped in terms of rankings, expectations remain high, particularly given the historical performance of strong horses when paired with highly skilled jockeys.
Moreover, another horse in the mix is Makoto Vera Key, who shares significant potential. This horse has shown promising past performances and has been recognized by experts as a dark horse candidate among the favorites for the Osaka Hai. Sources have touted him as a possible surprise contender capable of shaking up the race results.
As the mere eighteenth running of the Osaka Hai draws near, bets are being shaped based with expert predictions factoring the historical successes of intimately familiar horses with the track, as well as recent performances. Coupled with the weather, footfall at the event will be heavily influenced by the survey of pundits, fans, and unique horse interests.
As race day approaches, experts and analysts alike predict that Shownan Laplnta and Veloce Ereira are poised for an intense showdown. Given the turnout of prior races and historical contextual analysis, Daigo and various trainers have placed Shownan Laplnta as the potential front-runner.
The Osaka Hai will not only tap into the adrenaline rush of long-distance racing but also provoke discussions on the impact of jockey experience, trainer insights, and breeding factors, making it an intellectually engaging prospect for fans and analysts alike.
Fans eagerly await what could be a spectacular event at the Hanshin Racecourse, armed with predictions, statistics, and their own insights, ready to place bets on who might take home glory in this highly anticipated race.
Moreover, various celebrities and industry experts stand swift in declaring champions. Notable predictions include strong mentions for Shownan Laplnta, with further support for Veloce Ereira and newcomers like Warp Speed.
The stakes could not be higher in this thrilling pursuit of victory. With the running of this race not only a challenge for competitors but a showcase of skill and strategy as jockeys must maneuver horses through the challenging distance, fans anticipate a riveting show.
With the odds tightening and speculation plaguing the market, the race day atmosphere in the days leading to the event captures the essential thrill that races like the Osaka Hai promise, propelling it as one of the sought-after experiences in the horse racing landscape this season.
