Japan Dec 24/25
 

Currently on the train to Nakayama Racecourse for the Arima Kinen...trying to save battery but here are some quick thoughts

R1: #16 took money and showed speed on debut, now cuts back and switches to dirt (by Street Sense). Sheikh Mohammed runner.

R2: #5 ran well enough in his lone dirt route last out off a small layoff (by Pyro) and #3 has taken money and ran decently in both starts (Empire Maker). 7, 12, and 13 underneath.

R3: #12 ran well on debut over this course and switches to Lemaire. 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 15 behind.

R4: #3 should handle the dirt and the distance, just depends on if he's got the ability but the price will be right. #12 also bred well for the conditions. 7, 13, and 14 have good quality families but may prefer either turf or further.

R5: Top class baby race with lots of value. #6's dam was a champ and although her other foals have been average this looks winnable. #8 is a long shot chance suited to the conditions if the ability is there. 12 and 13 have some hidden pedigree for this. 4 and 7 appear to have the quality but the distance may stretch. 10's dam was a 3yo filly champ in Argentina. 5 is the early fav but the dam was an NY-bred dirt sprinter.

R6: #8 ignore the race in the mud and the form is good. Handles the track as well. #11 the drop is class didn't do the trick to bring back the form but maybe the freshening has. 9, 12, 14, and 16 are consistent.

R7: #13 3yo was in way over his head last out and this is more reasonable. Ditto for #7 who also handles the course well.

R8: #2 loves the course and distance and switches to Iwata. May get too far back but other than that what's not to like? #12 could wire them on the upgrade to Hamanaka.

R9: #6 comes from the classiest of families and kicked strongly to win on debut. Looks the main danger to the undefeated fav (#2).

R10: #11 race sets up perfectly for the 3yo to swoop late. #1 won't get an easy lead this time but should still have enough to hold on for a minor placing. #12 my complete bomb underneath. 2, 4, 6, 16 exotics use.

R11: #8 looks a shot in the last on the upgrade to Tanabe.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to you Kitan. What an experience. Post some photos from the track so we can see the action over there.

Nice cold punch ex in the feature 10th - Hope you got Xmas money crushing the 11-1

That was a heck of a race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSVW...ature=youtu.be

I love the marching band calling the horses to the gate. Unbelievable crowd shot at start of race and you can hear them roaring throughout like it was a Seahawks game. Interesting to find out the Lemaire speaks Japanese and how emotional he was in the winners circle.