The Fast Lane: Sprinters and Shuka Sho Hopefuls Share the Spotlight
- Archie Brookes
- Sep 6
- 11 min read
Nakayama / Hanshin / Sapporo - 7th September
Speed vs. Middle-Distance Class: Grade 2 Sunday Showdown in Japan
Sunday’s JRA action brings a fascinating contrast between pure speed and emerging middle-distance class across two feature G2 races. At Hanshin, the Sankei Sho Centaur Stakes (1200m) promises a blistering tempo, with last year’s winner Toshin Macau aiming to defend his crown against a deep sprinting field that includes Mozu Meimei, T M Spada, and Mama Cocha. With several proven Group-level sprinters and emerging challengers lining up, this is one of the key stepping stones toward the Sprinters Stakes later this autumn.
Meanwhile, at Nakayama, the Shion Stakes (2000m) sets the stage for the season’s leading 3-year-old fillies chasing Shuka Sho glory. Headliners include Estupenda, who brings strong spring form, and Lynx Tip, a classic performer back on her favoured trip, alongside rising names like Jocelyn and Kelly Fled Ask. With its long home straight and testing final climb, Nakayama will demand balance, stamina, and timing as connections position their fillies for autumn success.
Two races, two very different rhythms - one a high-class sprint, the other a crucial Shuka Sho trial - but both promise to shape the early autumn narrative in Japan.
Group 2 Sankei Sho Centaur Stakes - 3yo+, Hanshin 1200m, Turf
Pace Map
T M Spada and Culture Day look the most natural leaders and should press on early; the first wave stalking them features Mama Cocha, Ecoro Sieg, and Yoshino Easter. A larger midfield pack - including Toshin Macau, Mozu Meimei, Win Greatest, Shonan Xanadu, Abu Qir Bay, Grand Est, Red Avanti, and Justin Sky - will try to slot one-off and bide time. The deepest late-kick group includes Wonder Kisara, Tinia, Kangchenjunga, Grand Est, Red Avanti, and Justin Sky, who’ll need the front to overcook it to get on terms.
Course shape matters: Hanshin’s turf 1200m uses the inner course with a short run to the first turn (~250 m), a gentle downhill through the bend, then a short home straight ~356 m that rises in the last ~200 m. This layout typically rewards speed and handy types, but if the leaders duel early, stalkers can pounce late.
Runner-by-runner
1 - Shonan Xanadu | Ridden by Kenichi Ikezoe | Trained by Takeshi Matsushita | 3F by Kizuna x Mi Sueno (Pulpit)
G2 Hochi Hai Fillies’ Revue winner who has high-class speed among her own age and sex; now tests older sprinters and drops back to 1200m for the first time.
Maps midfield or just off them - ideal if leaders roll and she can angle out late.
2 - T M Spada | Ridden by Fuma Matsuwaka | Trained by Kensuke Ogura | 6M by Red Spada x Toshi the Cozzene (Admire Cozzene)
2023 Centaur Stakes winner; pure pace and proven at this course and trip.
Key speed - projects to lead or co-lead and try to stack them before kicking.
3 - Mama Cocha | Ridden by Mirai Iwata | Trained by Yasutoshi Ikee | 6M by Kurofune x Buchiko (King Kamehameha)
G1 Sprinters Stakes heroine; returned this year with a G3 Ocean Stakes win along with a G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen placing - top-level mare dropping into G2.
Tactically versatile - marks the speed and pounces if the tempo is honest.
4 - Ecoro Sieg | Ridden by Kanta Taguchi | Trained by Hideyuki Mori | 3C by Twirling Candy x Lily Pod (Bernstein)
Rapid 3yo who bolted up in the Canna Stakes last season in slick time; reappeared this campaign with a 1000m triumph at Niigata - untapped upside at 1200m.
Should land on-pace just behind the leaders - live chance if he settles.
5 - Yoshino Easter | Ridden by Hiroyuki Uchida | Trained by Hidemasa Nakao | 7H by Rulership x Earth Pray (Zenno Rob Roy)
Seasoned sprinter; listed winner this season and a reliable late-kicker.
Maps on or near the first wave - can grind into the frame if the tempo is fair.
6 - Abu Qir Bay | Ridden by Seinosuke Yoshimura | Trained by Tomoyasu Sakaguchi | 3F by Fine Needle x Ago Bay (Heart’s Cry)
Breakout 3yo filly - G3 Aoi Stakes winner, then held her own against older sprinters; big upside getting weight.
Midfield with cover - wants a genuine clip to launch late.
7 - Kangchenjunga | Ridden by Yuga Kawada | Trained by Yasushi Shono | 5H by Big Arthur x Questa Volta (Novellist)
G3 Hankyu Hai winner earlier this year; genuine class and adaptable.
Profiles midfield - best tracking for one run rather than chasing a hot lead.
8 - Red Avanti | Ridden by Akira Tomita | Trained by Tomohito Ozeki | 6H by Duramente x Saunta (Invincible Spirit)
Hard-knocking sprinter with a 3-win-class stakes victory; honest and keeps closing.
Maps midfield/back - needs gaps and a solid last 600m to nick a slice.
9 - Justin Sky | Ridden by Kiwamu Ogino | Trained by Yasuo Tomomichi | 6H by Kitasan Black x Realisatrice (Numerous)
Listed winner with quality figures; sharp enough for 1200-1400m.
Likely midfield/back - relies on pressure up front to bring him into it.
10 - Win Greatest | Ridden by Masami Matsuoka | Trained by Yoshihiro Hatakeyama | 8H by Screen Hero x Great Catty (Sakura Yutaka O)
G2 Swan Stakes winner; veteran still has a strong finish when tempo is genuine.
Maps midfield - sneaks into exotics if they overcook the early sectionals.
11 - Wonder Kisara | Ridden by Keisuke Dazai | Trained by Mamoru Ishibashi | 6M by The Factor x Blue Bon Voyage (Medaglia d’Oro)
In form through the ranks this year; consistent and still edging forward.
Midfield/back - needs a drawn-out sprint and outer lanes to be strongest late.
12 - Tinia | Ridden by Riki Takasugi | Trained by Yasutoshi Ikee | 5H by Frankel x Follow a Dream (Giant’s Causeway)
3-win Nagashino Stakes victor; credible at this level and better with a target.
Settles midfield/back - wants a strong midrace to unleash late.
13 - Culture Day | Ridden by Ryusei Sakai | Trained by Hirofumi Shii | 4M by Fine Needle x L’Artista (Meiner Love)
Early-career G3 winner, more recently been plying her trade at 1200m; speed to be prominent.
One of the pace elements - co-leader or presser; major say if she breathes midrace.
14 - Toshin Macau | Ridden by Takeshi Yokoyama | Trained by Mizuki Takayanagi | 6H by Big Arthur x Yukino Mermaid (Special Week)
Defending Centaur champ; set a JPN 1400m record winning the Keio Hai Spring Cup in May - arrives in peak order.
Maps handy or midfield one-off - perfect if pressure up front lets him stalk and strike.
15 - Mozu Meimei | Ridden by Kyosuke Kokubun | Trained by Kyoko Maekawa | 5M by Real Impact x In Luxury (Frankel)
G2 Tulip Sho winner historically; now campaigned as a quick 1200-1400m type with tactical speed.
Midfield-close and stalking - competitive if she can quicken off a true pace.
16 - Grand Est | Ridden by Taisei Danno | Trained by Teiichi Konno | 5M by Lord Kanaloa x Hautvillers (Symboli Kris S)
Honest mare stacking solid figures in Listed and G3 class; faces deep test but trending well.
Maps midfield/back - wants sustained pressure to pick off tiring leaders.
Verdict
Toshin Macau
His chances are pretty self explanatory after his devastating win last time out. Granted, that came on fast Tokyo turf and over 1400m, but he has a high level of form over 1200m, including a 2nd in last year's G1 Sprinters Stakes and a 4th behind Satono Reve in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in March. At Tokyo in May, he had Mama Cocha 1 1/2 lengths behind and recorded a blistering speed figure of 125. After his workout on the Miho Woodchip course earlier this week, trainer Takayanagi said, "He's getting older, but I don't feel any decline with age. His weight is a little down after the break, and considering he'll travel for the race, it may drop a bit more. But he's not the type to underperform in the heat." Expect a stellar showing before he heads to the Sprinters Stakes and faces off with Satono Reve.
Mama Cocha
Her form ties in very closely Toshin Macau, having finished in front of him in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen and behind him last time out at Tokyo. Her speed figure of 122 was electric that day and she also broke the track record, finishing in 1:18.5, just 0.2s behind Toshin Macau. She's a full-sister to G1 winner Sodashi and was victorious in last year's G1 Sprinters Stakes, 1600m is her best trip and I'd be very surprised if she isn't there at the finish.
Wonder Kisara
One horse at a bigger price that could run into the frame is Mamoru Ishibashi's Wonder Kisara. She's a very consistent mare and seems to be improving, even at the age of six! In her last ten starts, she's won twice and placed six times. Last time out she recorded a good speed figure in the 3-win Nagashino Stakes, where she won by two lengths from previous winner Ecoro Mars. You can make a case for a whole host of others outside of the top two, but I have a feeling this mare could keep rising through the ranks and nab a place here.
Group 2 Shion Stakes - 3yo, Nakayama 2000m, Turf
Pace Map
Profiles as steady-to-slow early. Rod Horn is the most natural leader and should roll to the front soon after the short run to the first turn. The first wave stalking him includes Lynx Tip, Danon Fair Lady, Savonlinna, Meisterwerk, and Kelly Fled Ask - all capable of parking 1 or 2 off and conserving. A sizeable midfield pack - Jocelyn, Estupenda, Teleos La La, Saturday Sunrise, Say Cute, Domane, and Cutie Lip - will try to slot one-off with cover and angle out from the 600.
Course nuance: Nakayama’s inner 2000m has a short run to the first bend and a rising last 200m, so early position matters. Inside-to-middle draws can box-seat and control energy; wider gates face an early decision - press on and risk working, or snag for cover and hope the pace lifts.
Runner-by-runner
1 - Lynx Tip | Ridden by Yuichi Kitamura | Trained by Masayuki Nishimura | 3F by Kitasan Black x Dance With Kitten (Kitten's Joy)
Smart filly with Classic-season credibility - placed in the Kisaragi Sho (G3) and ran with merit in both the Oka Sho (3rd) and Japanese Oaks (5th); genuine class at 1600-2400m.
Maps handy/on-pace from a kind draw; if she drops her head early, she’s a benchmark turning for home.
2 - Domane | Ridden by Yukito Ishikawa | Trained by Yasuyuki Tsujino | 3F by Gold Ship x Randonnee (Blame)
Lightly raced improver who broke her maiden over 2000m in July when switched to turf; still learning but staying profile is obvious.
Likely midfield with cover; potential exotics player if the tempo is fair and she sees clean air at the 300.
3 - Say Cute | Ridden by Akihide Tsumura | Trained by Hirofumi Shii | 3F by Satono Diamond x Schoolmistress (Equal Stripes)
Progressed through the spring with a maiden win at 2400m and a narrow 2nd at 2200m; stamina-laden pedigree.
Maps midfield/back; wants an even-to-true clip to sustain a long run into the uphill finish.
4 - Estupenda | Ridden by Hironobu Tanabe | Trained by Mizuki Takayanagi | 3F by Saturnalia x Estrechada (Offlee Wild)
Reliable all year: 3rd in the Queen Cup (G3), 4th in the Flora (G2), then a sharp victory in the 1- win Nakago Tokubetsu; versatile at 1600-2000m.
Can park just behind the pace; major if she relaxes midrace and uses that neat turn of foot late.
5 - Jocelyn | Ridden by Christophe Lemaire | Trained by Yuichi Shikato | 3F by Epiphaneia x Katies Heart (Heart's Cry)
Blue-blooded sister to G1 winner Efforia; won only start at two and returned with solid spring efforts including 4th in the Flower Cup (G3). Won the 1-win Carnation Cup when last seen in May.
Profiles midfield one-off; dangerous if she tracks an even pace and angles clear early in the straight.
6 - Rod Horn | Ridden by Norihiro Yokoyama | Trained by Yukihiro Kato | 3F by Satono Diamond x My Miss Lilly (Tapit)
Front-running type who won a 1-win class at Hakodate (1800m) and set the pace in stakes company; genuine.
Projects as a likely leader - chance spikes if she controls the midrace without harassment.
7 - Kelly Fled Ask | Ridden by Koji Nishizuka | Trained by Hideaki Fujiwara | 3F by Duramente x Deep in Ask (Deep Impact)
Honest filly - Sweetpea (L) 3rd and Oaks run better than it looks; keeps knocking on the door.
Maps midfield; competitive late if the leaders don’t dawdle.
8 - Saturday Sunrise | Ridden by Takuya Ono | Trained by Koichi Ishizaka | 3F by Declaration of War x Sunday Sunrise (Sunday Silence)
Brave 2nd in the Wasurenagusa (L) and 2nd at Kokura 2000m; depth of form around 2000m is a plus.
Should land 4-6th with a toe in; genuine each-way set-up if the race is genuinely run.
9 - Danon Fair Lady | Ridden by Keita Tosaki | Trained by Shinsuke Hashiguchi | 3F by Kizuna x Mecha Corta (El Corredor)
Lightly raced talent who won stylishly at Kokura (1800m) and shaped well in spring Listed company.
On-speed/positive map; strong chance to box-seat and kick if pace is only steady.
10 - Meisterwerk | Ridden by Kazuo Yokoyama | Trained by Kazuhiro Seishi | 3F by Drefong x Masterwork (Daiwa Major)
Big-bodied filly with upside - impressive 1-win strike at Hakodate and earlier G3 fourth in the Fairy Stakes.
Can hold a first-wave spot; if she travels kindly, she sticks on for a major slice.
11 - Savonlinna | Ridden by Hayato Yoshida | Trained by Katsunori Tanaka | 3F by Satono Diamond x Saimaa (Zoffany)
Won the Wasurenagusa (L) beating Saturday Sunrise; forgive the Oaks flop - this is her sweet spot.
Likely to tag the leaders; prime chance if she gets a smooth run and the last 200m turns into a grind.
12 - Cutie Lip | Ridden by Miyabi Muto | Trained by Hirofumi Toda | 3F by Real Steel x Lips Poison (Mamool)
Took a Tokyo mile maiden then held her own in 1-win company; honest and still improving.
Maps midfield/back; needs an even pace and inside splits to grab a minor, but big jump needed.
13 - Teleos La La | Ridden by Katsuma Sameshima | Trained by Toshiaki Tajima | 3F by Siskin x Chant de l’Ange (Manhattan Cafe)
High-class juvenile - 3rd in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1) and Hagi Stakes (L) winner; stretches again to 2000m.
Should camp midfield/first wave; in the finish if stamina holds up the rise.
Verdict
Jocelyn
This Epiphaneia filly is highly-unexposed, having had just the three starts for trainer Yuichi Shikato.
She won here on debut in December before being pitched into Group 3 company in the Flower Cup, running on for a 4th place finish. The 1-win Carnation Cup was when we last saw her on the racetrack, where she scooted clear under Damian Lane with the reopposing Estupenda 2 1/4 lengths behind in 3rd. Her L3F was noticeable - 33.5s. Her full-brother Efforia had a remarkable 3yo campaign, rattling off three Group 1 wins - could she do the same? We'll find out on Sunday, but I think she could turn out to be very good. Lynx Tip The favourite coming into this race. Her profile isn't dissimilar to that of Jocelyn, having had just five starts. She swung wide round the Hanshin home bend in the Oka Sho, but couldn't reel in Embroidery and Arma Veloce. A 5th place finish followed in the Oaks, galloping upsides with Kamunyak but appearing to get outstayed. Connections have commented after a workout this week that "She feels more powerful than she did during the Oaks week. Her weight has increased by about 10 kilos, but that's normal growth. She's taller and has more depth now."
I'd imagine she'd be pretty well tuned-up for this and has a top chance of winning.
Estupenda
I think the top three in the market will play leading roles here and Estupenda is in top form at present. From eight starts she's won twice and placed on four other occasions. The Saturnalia filly came 3rd in both the G3 Fairy Stakes and G3 Queen Cup, before a close 4th behind eventual Oaks winner Kamunyak. Returning from over three months off, she put in a very strong performance at Niigata, with Keita Tosaki oozing confidence on her for a three length victory. Her sectionals were particularly impressive, recording a bullet seventh furlong time of 10.8s and a L3F time of 32.4s. Hironobu Tanabe has a great chance of guiding her to a third victory here.
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If this helped, please share it and follow me on X @archieb100 for more Japanese racing coverage, sectionals, and betting angles. I’d love your feedback too - leave a quick review and drop a comment with your picks for these races. Who’s your 1-2-3? For full spotlights and race-day notes, head to archiebrookesracing.net. Thanks for reading - and good luck this weekend.
Ah, I'm looking forward to these every weekend. Even though I'm not into the betting angle, it always gives a newcomer to horse racing like me a good overview of the field and the horses I should keep an eye on come raceday :3