The excitement is palpable as the spring GI series opens with the highly anticipated Takamatsunomiya Kinen on March 30, 2025, at Chukyo Racecourse. This prestigious sprint race, covering 1200 meters on turf, has drawn a competitive field of horses, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating contest.
For years, the sprinting circuit has been described as lacking an "absolute champion," and this year is no exception. However, the lineup is impressive, featuring last year's champion, Mad Cool, who is aiming to defend her title. Alongside her, Lugal, the winner of the GI Sprinters Stakes last autumn, and Mama Cocha, who recently made a stunning comeback by winning the GIII Ocean Stakes, are among the top contenders. Other notable entries include Namura Claire, who is eager to secure her first GI victory, and Town Macao, who narrowly missed out on glory with a second-place finish in last year's GI Sprinters Stakes.
As the race approaches, the unpredictability of the Takamatsunomiya Kinen looms large. According to Naoki Ota, a journalist for Nikkan Sports, this race is notorious for its surprises. "It's a race that can be very chaotic. In the last five years, the top favorite has only managed to finish second once, and that was in 2021. The other years saw favorites finishing far behind, making it one of the most challenging GIs to predict," he stated.
Indeed, the past decade has shown that the top pick has only won once, with dark horses frequently rising to the occasion. Notably, the trifecta payouts have been substantial, with payouts exceeding 4.4 million yen in 2019 and over 2.7 million yen in 2022. This trend underscores the Takamatsunomiya Kinen's reputation as a race where anything can happen.
One of the key factors influencing race outcomes is the track condition. Ota emphasized the importance of the weather, particularly in the last five years, where races have been held on heavy or poor ground. "Last year, for instance, Mad Cool and Namura Claire capitalized on a favorable inner track to finish one-two," he noted. As for this year's conditions, rain is forecasted from Thursday night through Friday, with temperatures expected to drop over the weekend. This could lead to a tricky track for the competitors come race day.
In light of these factors, Ota has identified two potential dark horse candidates for the race. The first is Eishin Fencer, a five-year-old mare currently riding a two-win streak. Her recent form makes her a contender to watch.
In the lead-up to the race, training assessments have been conducted on the participating horses, providing insights into their readiness. Mad Cool, trained by Yuga Kawada, has shown promising signs, having marked a good time in training despite challenging weather conditions. "She is in the same condition as last year, aiming to reproduce her victory," said Kawada.
Winged Lay Test, an eight-year-old horse, has also demonstrated improvement, clocking a sharp 5 furlongs in 66.7 seconds, indicating she is ready to compete. Meanwhile, Big Caesar, a five-year-old, has been noted for his recent surge in form, having achieved his first graded victory recently.
Another notable entry is Tura Vesaura, a ten-year-old veteran, who has consistently performed well in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, finishing in the top spots in all three of his previous attempts. His experience could be a crucial advantage.
Oft Leile, a four-year-old horse, has shown energetic movement in training, suggesting he could surprise in the race. Lugal, another five-year-old, has been impressively dynamic in his workouts, raising questions about how this will translate into race performance.
As for the other contenders, Kanchenjunga has clocked an impressive 4 furlongs in 49.8 seconds, showing strong potential. Meanwhile, Satono Laveau, with a solid training regimen under J. Moreira, is also in peak condition, having marked a time of 49.8 seconds in his final push.
Other horses to keep an eye on include Suzuka Halom, who has shown good response in training, and Town Macao, who has demonstrated speed and agility in workouts. Eishin Fencer's dynamic running style and winning streak make her a formidable competitor, while Namura Claire's consistent performance in various conditions adds to her appeal.
As the Takamatsunomiya Kinen approaches, fans are eager to see how these horses will fare against each other. With the unpredictable nature of the race and the potential for surprises, this year's event is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle.
In conclusion, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen is set to be a high-stakes event, with a strong lineup of horses and the ever-present possibility for unexpected outcomes. As the weather conditions unfold, trainers and jockeys will be keenly analyzing the track to strategize their approaches. The excitement is building, and fans can't wait to witness the drama of the race unfold.
