Nakayama will open its gates with quiet intent and serious ambition on Sunday, January 4, as Japan’s racing calendar rolls forward with a card built on depth, youth, and elite competition. The focus will sharpen as the afternoon unfolds, leading toward the Nikkan Sports Sho Nakayama Kimpai (G3), a handicap that will anchor the meeting with a commanding ¥82,520,000 purse and bring proven names back into the spotlight. Alongside it, the Junior Cup (Listed) will offer an early measure of the next generation, making this meeting more than just another date on the schedule.
The day will open at 10:05 am with Race 1, a 3-Year-Olds Maiden over 1200 metres, where 16 runners will be asked to show early speed and composure for a ¥11,280,000 purse. Momentum will continue quickly in Race 2 at 10:35 am, stretching to 1800 metres for another maiden contest featuring 13 runners, again carrying ¥11,280,000 in value.
Fresh blood will arrive in Race 3 at 11:05 am, a 3-Year-Olds Newcomer sprint over 1200 metres, with a full field of 16 competing for ¥12,330,000. That energy will be met with stamina in Race 4 at 11:35 am, a 3-Year-Olds Maiden over 1800 metres, where 12 runners will be tested for balance and maturity.
Midday will see depth and density rise. Race 5 at 12:25 pm will bring together 16 maidens over 1600 metres, while Race 6 at 12:55 pm will extend to 2000 metres in another Newcomer event, drawing 17 runners chasing ¥12,330,000.
Experience will begin to matter from Race 7 at 1:25 pm, an Allowance race for 4-Year-Olds & Up over 1800 metres, followed by Race 8 at 1:55 pm, a fast 1200-metre Allowance contest with 16 runners, each worth ¥15,620,000.
The first major rise in stakes will arrive with Race 9 – Shofuku Stakes at 2:30 pm. Run over 1800 metres, this allowance race for older horses will carry a significant ¥35,900,000, often producing form lines that echo well beyond the afternoon.
Attention will sharpen further at 3:05 pm with Race 10 – Junior Cup (Listed). Reserved for 3-Year-Olds over 1600 metres, this Open Class event, valued at ¥40,250,000, will offer early clues about emerging talent capable of stepping onto bigger stages.
Everything will then funnel toward Race 11 – The Nikkan Sports Sho Nakayama Kimpai (G3) at 3:45 pm. Fourteen seasoned runners will line up for this Open Class Handicap, navigating 2000 metres where rhythm, weight, and timing will decide more than raw ability. With ¥82,520,000 on offer, this race will not simply crown a winner, it will draw the first serious line under Nakayama’s season.
Contenders: Keiai Sena, Angola Black, Canela Fina, Brandy Rock, Peace One Duc, Nishino Agent, West Now, Gran Dia, Meiner Ocean, Reframing, Kalamatianos, Meiner Mond, Sirius Colt, Licancabur
The curtain will fall with Race 12 at 4:25 pm, an Allowance race for 4-Year-Olds & Up over 1200 metres, featuring 16 runners competing for ¥22,690,000, ensuring the day closes at full speed rather than winding down.
With one Grade 3 highlight, one Listed contest, and depth running through every division, Nakayama Racecards 4 January will not ease into action. It will move forward deliberately, asking questions early and setting answers in motion.
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