The morning air at Nakayama Racecourse carried a quiet buzz on Sunday as trainers, jockeys, and fans prepared for a full day of high-stakes racing. A sea of expectant faces gathered at the grandstand, the tension palpable as a 12-race card promised everything from maiden breakouts to Grade 2 drama.
Some horses trotted calmly around the parade ring, while others danced on their hooves, eager for the battles ahead. The highlight of the day — The Shion Stakes (G2) — had the crowd whispering predictions, as Japan’s emerging three-year-old stars lined up to test their class on one of the country’s most competitive stages.
Early Action Sets the Pace
The day kicks off at 10:10 am with the opening jump race for 3-year-olds and up, featuring MEISHO KAGEKATSU, FESTIVE BEAM, VENT NOUVEAU, WITH YOUR DREAM, and others. While maidens hunt for their first taste of glory, trainers eye the opening race as an early chance to build momentum.
By the time Race 2 arrives at 10:45 am, the energy builds further. New contenders like RED KILLIAN, ARIAL BLACK, VIA STELLA, and OSSU ELEVEN bring fresh promise to the 1600m battle — a clash that could reveal future stars in the making.
Rising Stars and Fierce Debutants
The 2-year-old contests in Races 3 to 6 will see untapped talent taking centre stage. Names like TAYASU LORRAINE, HERITAGE BLOOM, FIELD APPEAL, and ALBANIX dominate Race 3, while COSMO RUM BUCK, MORI INVICTUS, and MEINER MONTUS headline Race 4 at 11:45 am.
By midday, in Race 5 at 12:35 pm, eyes turn to HALL OF MIRRORS, FORTE ANGELO, and WHITE NILE as the 1800m showdown sets the tone for the afternoon. An equally intriguing battle awaits in Race 6 with promising names like CHRYSOPTERONA, BLISSFUL YEAR, and SAINT PAUL HIRO looking to make their mark.
Shion Stakes (G2): The Day’s Feature Drama
All roads lead to the Shion Stakes (G2) at 3:45 pm, where Nakayama Racecourse will witness its most anticipated contest. Three-year-old fillies take the spotlight as DOMANE, SAY CUTE, LYNX TIP, SATURDAY SUNRISE, TELEOS LA LA, and SAVONLINNA lock horns over 2000 meters.
Trainers have spoken confidently of their fillies’ preparations, but whispers from the paddock suggest this could be a truly open affair — a tactical showdown likely decided in the final strides. With a purse of ¥100,340,000, this race carries more than just prestige; it could reshape the season’s narrative.
Late Battles and Curtain Call
The drama doesn’t end there. The September Stakes at 3:10 pm and the Urayasu Tokubetsu sprint at 2:35 pm promise tight finishes, while the day closes with a competitive finale at 4:30 pm featuring GLEAM STAR, CLEAR QUARTZ, and FAULTLESS in a thrilling 1200m dash.
With each race serving its own storyline — maiden breakthroughs, allowance duels, and graded fireworks – Nakayama Racecourse offers racing fans a day brimming with unpredictability, emotion, and championship-level competition.
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