Crowds Set for Thrills as Sapporo Racecourse Hosts 12-Race Card Today

The anticipation is running high at Sapporo Racecourse this Friday as punters, families, and racing enthusiasts gather under the cool northern skies for an action-packed 12-race card. The famous Hokkaidō track, known for its scenic backdrop and testing turf, is ready to stage an electric day of racing, headlined by the Grade 3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes — a crucial early-season clash for Japan’s rising two-year-old stars.

As the gates open for the first race at 9:50 am, there’s an unmistakable sense of excitement in the air. Trainers gave final pats, jockeys offered quiet nods of determination, and the crowd buzzed with expectation. With maidens, promising juveniles, seasoned contenders, and a G3 feature all packed into the programme, it promises a full spectrum of racing drama.

Early Card: Juveniles Set the Tone

The day begins with a string of competitive maidens that will test the mettle of Japan’s upcoming talent.

• Race 1 (1700m, 9:50 am) – Two-year-old hopefuls Wolverine, Stay Free, Unison, Gene Chen, Tiger Gate, and Tiburon get proceedings underway, with ¥10.6M up for grabs.

• Race 2 (1200m, 10:25 am) – Another two-year-old maiden where Dear Natakosu, Coco Solare, Bullet Lady, Higgs Boson, Wise Gang, and Las Vegas Sign will clash in a lively sprint.

• Race 3 (1000m, 10:55 am) – Attention turns to the three-year-old maidens, where Ryujin O, Plain Coat, Symphony Seas, Souffler, Black Empire, and others will be looking to make their mark.

By Race 5 at 12:15 pm, the focus will be on newcomers like Ecoro Seed, Nobu Peace of Love, Fine Conduct, Thunder Wind, and Queen’s State, all hoping to break their maiden on debut with ¥14.25M in prize money at stake.

Middle Stages: Stamina Meets Speed

The action intensifies as the afternoon unfolds:

• Race 7 (1500m, 1:15 pm) – Older campaigners like Courir Seul, Love Squall, Sun Piano Sonata, Dark Blonde, and Danon Mission look to assert experience over youth.

• Race 8 (1700m, 1:45 pm) – Expect a testing stamina battle featuring Rouge Mirage, Cape Wickham, The Havel, Hit Me, and Reve Drefong.

• Race 9 – Furano Tokubetsu (2000m, 2:15 pm) – The first highlight of the day, with Meiner Momentum, Nishino Lua Nova, Jacobsen, Win Tremendous, and Gloria Minoru headlining a quality field chasing ¥21.7M.

Feature Focus: The Sapporo Nisai Stakes (G3)

All eyes will turn to Race 11 at 3:25 pm, where the Grade 3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes takes centre stage. A key proving ground for two-year-old prospects, this year’s field includes:

Gene King, Justin Chicago, Million Crown, Obra Prima, Aurum Ares, Toa Sagittarius, and Shonan Gulf.

The contest offers ¥59.21M in prize money and could produce early clues about Japan’s future Classic contenders. Expect a furious pace early, with several frontrunners capable of stretching the field before the long Sapporo straight brings late closers into play.

Finale Promises Fireworks

The curtain comes down with Race 12 (1700m, 4:05 pm), where Southern Black, Bay Rum, Revolucion, Hamilton, Dubai Mission, and Vera Guerriero battle it out in an allowance race worth ¥15.2M. After a day packed with drama, this closing act promises one final surge of adrenaline before the Sapporo crowd heads home.

For more updates and in-depth coverage of today’s racing action, stay tuned to Racebuzz. 

For complete racecards, results, and updates from Sapporo Racecourse, visit Japan Racing Association.