This Sunday, October 20, the JRA Grade 1 action continues at Kyoto Racecourse with the highly anticipated Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger), a 3,000-meter contest on the outer turf course. This race marks the final leg of the Triple Crown for 3-year-old colts, following the prestigious Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) and the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) held earlier this year.
First run in 1938, the Kikuka Sho has primarily taken place at Kyoto, with occasional relocations during renovations—most recently in 2021 and 2022. Notable winners over the past decade include Epiphaneia (2013), Kitasan Black (2015), and Contrail (2020), the latter being the last horse to achieve the coveted Triple Crown, an honour attained by only eight horses in Japanese racing history.
With 18 nominations for this year’s race, the maximum field size is reached, ensuring no disappointments for entrants. All colts (with no fillies nominated) will carry a set weight of 57 kg. In the last 10 years, first favourites have only triumphed three times, with Contrail being the last to do so. The Kikuka Sho has been predominantly run on good to firm ground, with only the 2017 race affected by rain. The current winner's prize stands at JPY 200 million (approximately USD 1.4 million).
Two official trial races leading to the Kikuka Sho include the Grade 2 Kobe Shimbun Hai and the Grade 2 Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen, both conducted over 2,200 meters in September.
Post time for the 85th Kikuka Sho is set for 15:40 local time, featuring as Race 11 on the Sunday card at Kyoto. Final declarations and the barrier draw will be available later this week.
Key Contenders for the Kikuka Sho:
Danon Decile: The winner of the Grade 1 Tokyo Yushun surprised many with a stunning victory at 46/1 odds. Although he hasn't raced since his Derby win, trainer Shogo Yasuda remains confident. “He showed how well he could run in the Derby, despite not having a run since the Keisei Hai,” Yasuda said. Jockey Norihiro Yokoyama hopes to guide this son of Epiphaneia to further success.
Cosmo Kuranda: Despite finishing outside the top three in the Tokyo Yushun, he rebounded with a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen. Assistant trainer Yoshinori Ito notes the colt's recovery and training improvements leading up to this race. Mirco Demuro will aim for his 35th JRA Grade 1 win aboard him.
Meisho Tabaru: Known for his front-running style, the colt by Gold Ship returns after a victory in the Grade 2 Kobe Shimbun Hai. Trainer Mamoru Ishibashi mentioned that jockey Suguru Hamanaka is mindful of pacing, allowing Meisho Tabaru to find his rhythm over the distance.
Urban Chic: After a disappointing Derby performance, he bounced back with a win in the Asahi Hai St. Lite Kinen. Trainer Ryo Takei believes this horse has matured mentally and can continue to improve. He will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire.
Ecoro Walz: With a third-place finish behind Urban Chic last time out, this horse has shown promising signs of maturity. His assistant trainer Goro Takahashi is optimistic about his performance in the 3,000-meter race, with Yasunari Iwata maintaining the ride.
Meliorem: This son of Cheval Grand has shown potential for improvement. After finishing fifth in the Kobe Shimbun Hai, trainer Yasuo Tomomichi is hopeful about Meliorem's stamina and suitability for the outer track. Yuga Kawada is set to ride him.
Redentor: With a strong record of four wins from six starts, this colt is trained by Tetsuya Kimura. After a solid victory in a three-win class race, assistant trainers report improved condition and performance.
Shonan la Punta: Although he was disappointed in the Derby, he managed a commendable third in the Kobe Shimbun Hai. Trainer Tomokazu Takano hopes for improvement as they tackle the 3,000 meters.
Additional notable contenders include Byzantine Dream, to be ridden by visiting jockey Andrasch Starke, and Admire Terra, with Yutaka Take making his debut ride for trainer Yasuo Tomomichi.
As anticipation builds for the Kikuka Sho, fans and punters alike will be keenly watching how these talented 3-year-olds perform on one of Japan’s most prestigious racing stages.
