Kyoto Race 9 - Azusa Sho
Small field but five or six decent chances. ECHIGO DRAGON (6) pushed forward last time and boxed on to finish 1.1 lengths away in third over 2000m at Hanshin. This looks a sterner test than last time but on his best form he is one of the key runners. SATONO IVORY (4) ran a bold race over this journey when resuming last start, racing on the pace and sticking on strongly to finish 0.8 lengths away in second at Hanshin. A bit more depth to this but on his best form he is capable of testing his rivals. A SHIN IGNIS (9) is a talented colt who was well held last time out in the tougher race won by Matenro Gale over 2000m at Hanshin, beaten 6 lengths into seventh. Should settle handy and will be in this for a long way. SAIMON CHARIOT (3) finished third last time over 2000m at Fukushima, beaten 3.5 lengths. Will trim down following recent racing. In the mix.

Jockey: Riki Takasugi
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run raced behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 15 at Tokyo in LR on May 3 over 2000m, 4 len behind Meisho Hachiko with 57.0kg at $44.60. Before that won by 2.5 len at Chukyo March 14 over 2000m defeating Saimon Chariot with 57.0kg at $4.80. Among the better chances.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/15 | 03/05/2026 | 50 | LR OPEN 3 | $356,730.00 | Tokyo | 2000m | Good | Akira Sugawara | 57kg | 1:58.50 | 3-2-7 | 14 |
| 3.9L | $44.60 |
| 1/18 | 14/03/2026 | 20 | MDN 3 | $101,660.00 | Chukyo | 2000m | Good | Riki Takasugi | 57kg | 2:00.40 | 1-1-1 | 5 |
| 2.5L | $4.80 |
| 3/13 | 22/02/2026 | 78 | MDN 3 | $104,560.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | Kanta Taguchi | 57kg | 2:00.10 | 2-2-3 | 11 |
| 4.8L | $9.20 |
| 6/16 | 06/12/2025 | 21 | MDN 2 | $103,880.00 | Hanshin | 1800m | Good | Mirai Iwata | 56kg | 1:53.70 | 8-8-6 | 9 |
| 12.8L | $45.90 |
| 4/11 | 15/11/2025 | 84 | MDN 2 | $105,160.00 | Kyoto | 1400m | Good | Cristian Demuro | 56kg | 1:25.00 | - | 9 |
| 9.1L | $5.50 |
| 5/10 | 23/08/2025 | - | NEWC 2 | $147,620.00 | Chukyo | 1400m | Good | Kanta Taguchi | 55kg | 1:22.30 | - | 2 |
| 4.0L | $5.90 |

Jockey: Ryuusei Sakai
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after two months 5th of 15 at Tokyo in LR on May 3 over 2000m, 3.5 len behind Meisho Hachiko with 57.0kg at $54.80. Previously second-up 3rd of 18 at this track on January 10 over 2400m, 2.5 len behind Gaudi carrying 57.0kg at $4.30. Improver with definite claims.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/15 | 03/05/2026 | 71 | LR OPEN 3 | $356,730.00 | Tokyo | 2000m | Good | Koji Nishizuka | 57kg | 1:58.50 | 11-10-5 | 2 |
| 3.6L | $54.80 |
| 1/16 | 21/02/2026 | 20 | MDN 3 | $104,560.00 | Kokura | 1800m | Good | Koji Nishizuka | 57kg | 1:49.30 | 8-3-1 | 10 |
| 1.3L | $4.30 |
| 5/18 | 01/02/2026 | 22 | MDN 3 | $104,560.00 | Kokura | 2000m | Good | Koji Nishizuka | 56kg | 2:00.10 | 5-5-5 | 12 |
| 2.2L | $5.40 |
| 3/18 | 10/01/2026 | 48 | MDN 3 | $107,740.00 | Kyoto | 2400m | Good | Mirai Iwata | 57kg | 2:27.20 | 3-1-3 | 14 |
| 2.5L | $4.30 |
| 6/16 | 23/11/2025 | 64 | MDN 2 | $105,160.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | Cristian Demuro | 56kg | 2:00.40 | 10-3-6 | 12 |
| 3.4L | $8.30 |
| 6/10 | 20/09/2025 | 20 | MDN 2 | $110,310.00 | Hanshin | 1800m | Good | Mirai Iwata | 55kg | 1:55.30 | 6-4-6 | 3 |
| 5.2L | $4.00 |

Jockey: Fuma Matsuwaka
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing well recently. Last start 3rd of 9 at Fukushima on April 18 over 2000m, 3.5 len behind King Glory carrying 57.0kg at $4.60. Before that ran on from midfield and won by a neck at Hanshin March 29 over 2000m defeating Flare Of Sense with 57.0kg at $3.10. Strong winning hope.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 18/04/2026 | 20 | ALLOW 3 | $200,930.00 | Fukushima | 2000m | Good | Fuma Matsuwaka | 57kg | 1:57.80 | 5-5-3 | 4 |
| 3.5L | $4.60 |
| 1/12 | 29/03/2026 | 15 | MDN 3 | $101,660.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | Fuma Matsuwaka | 57kg | 2:00.40 | 5-3-1 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $3.10 |
| 2/18 | 14/03/2026 | 68 | MDN 3 | $101,660.00 | Chukyo | 2000m | Good | Fuma Matsuwaka | 57kg | 2:00.40 | 11-13-2 | 14 |
| 2.5L | $9.10 |
| 8/17 | 05/01/2026 | 16 | MDN 3 | $107,740.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | Kohei Matsuyama | 57kg | 2:02.30 | 4-3-8 | 16 |
| 4.7L | $12.00 |
| 4/18 | 20/12/2025 | 14 | MDN 2 | $103,880.00 | Chukyo | 2000m | Good | Hayato Yoshida | 56kg | 2:02.50 | 10-10-4 | 9 |
| 0.8L | $8.30 |
| 4/9 | 06/12/2025 | 20 | MDN 2 | $103,880.00 | Hanshin | 1800m | Good | Kohei Matsuyama | 56kg | 1:48.40 | - | 9 |
| 3.6L | $11.20 |

Jockey: Taisei Danno
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Having second run back today. Last outing 2nd in a small field at Hanshin on April 18 over 2000m, 0.8 len behind Event Horizon carrying 57.0kg at $6.70. At only start last preparation of 9 at this track in the G3 Kisaragi Sho (NHK Sho) on February 10 over 1800m, 6 len behind Zoroastro with 57.0kg at $59.50. Improver with winning prospects.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/5 | 18/04/2026 | 67 | ALLOW 3 | $142,530.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | Taisei Danno | 57kg | 2:00.00 | 2-2-2 | 4 |
| 0.8L | $6.70 |
| 8/9 | 10/02/2026 | 73 | G3 OPEN 3 | $720,800.00 | Kyoto | 1800m | Good | Taisei Danno | 57kg | 1:48.00 | - | 3 |
| 5.9L | $59.50 |
| 9/11 | 29/11/2025 | 49 | G3 OPEN 2 | $626,590.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | Taisei Danno | 56kg | 2:00.40 | 7-8-9 | 7 |
| 7.0L | $11.80 |
| 2/7 | 11/10/2025 | 41 | ALLOW 2 | $212,760.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | Taisei Danno | 56kg | 1:59.30 | 3-2-2 | 7 |
| 0.3L | $4.40 |
| 1/7 | 31/08/2025 | - | NEWC 2 | $147,620.00 | Chukyo | 2000m | Good | Taisei Danno | 55kg | 2:04.70 | 3-3-1 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $4.20 |

Jockey: Osuke Tayama
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up sat on the speed throughout before fading 7th of 12 at Nakayama on April 4 over 2200m, 6 len behind Kenton carrying 57.0kg at $11. Second-up sat behind the speed prior to fading 15th of 18 at Tokyo in the G2 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho (Japanese Derby Trial) on April 25 over 2400m, 18 len behind Going To Sky carrying 57.0kg at $256.70. Others read better. This will test.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15/18 | 25/04/2026 | 21 | G2 OPEN 3 | $961,400.00 | Tokyo | 2400m | Good | Y Iwata | 57kg | 2:23.00 | 3-2-15 | 14 |
| 18.2L | $256.70 |
| 7/12 | 04/04/2026 | 112 | ALLOW 3 | $202,300.00 | Nakayama | 2200m | Good | Y Iwata | 57kg | 2:13.70 | 2-4-7 | 7 |
| 6.2L | $11.00 |
| 1/8 | 13/12/2025 | 28 | MDN 2 | $103,880.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | Y Iwata | 56kg | 2:00.90 | 1-1-1 | 5 |
| 3.0L | $8.20 |
| 2/13 | 15/11/2025 | 20 | MDN 2 | $105,160.00 | Tokyo | 2000m | Good | Y Iwata | 56kg | 2:00.80 | - | 5 |
| 1.5L | $35.20 |
| 4/10 | 26/10/2025 | 14 | MDN 2 | $105,630.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | Y Iwata | 56kg | 2:02.50 | 5-5-4 | 3 |
| 4.6L | $14.80 |
| 9/13 | 12/10/2025 | - | NEWC 2 | $142,000.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | Yoshihiro Furukawa | 56kg | 2:00.50 | 11-11-9 | 5 |
| 7.2L | $17.90 |

Jockey: Hideaki Miyuki
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 5th of 12 at Hanshin in LR on March 21 over 2000m, 4 len behind Matenro Gale with 57.0kg at $17.60. Last start 3rd in a small field at Hanshin on April 18 over 2000m, 1.1 len behind Event Horizon carrying 57.0kg at $2.80. Ready to find peak form.
Last Starts 27 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/5 | 18/04/2026 | 28 | ALLOW 3 | $142,530.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | H Miyuki | 57kg | 2:00.00 | 1-1-3 | 6 |
| 1.1L | $2.80 |
| 5/12 | 21/03/2026 | 182 | LR OPEN 3 | $364,010.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | H Miyuki | 57kg | 1:58.50 | 9-10-5 | 5 |
| 4.0L | $17.60 |
| 1/7 | 20/09/2025 | 21 | MDN 2 | $110,310.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | Fuma Matsuwaka | 55kg | 1:59.70 | 1-1-1 | 3 |
| 0.2L | $1.70 |
| 2/12 | 30/08/2025 | 48 | MDN 2 | $109,810.00 | Chukyo | 2000m | Good | Fuma Matsuwaka | 55kg | 2:00.50 | 3-2-2 | 11 |
| 1.8L | $7.00 |
| 2/8 | 13/07/2025 | - | NEWC 2 | $150,950.00 | Kokura | 2000m | Good | Fuma Matsuwaka | 55kg | 2:05.10 | 1-1-2 | 1 |
| 0.3L | $8.50 |

Jockey: Yuji Hishida
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
At the latest run 4th in a small field at this track on April 25 over 1800m, 1.5 len behind Bullet Pass with 57.0kg at $23.20. The run before that 6th of 10 at Chukyo on March 22 over 1600m, 5.5 len behind T O Al Ain carrying 57.0kg at $16.20. No surprise if he was in the finish.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/6 | 25/04/2026 | 34 | ALLOW 3 | $200,290.00 | Kyoto | 1800m | Good | Yuji Hishida | 57kg | 1:45.10 | - | 1 |
| 1.6L | $23.20 |
| 6/10 | 22/03/2026 | 36 | ALLOW 3 | $199,620.00 | Chukyo | 1600m | Good | Yoshihiro Furukawa | 57kg | 1:33.70 | - | 6 |
| 5.5L | $16.20 |
| 11/11 | 14/02/2026 | 91 | ALLOW 3 | $205,040.00 | Kyoto | 1600m | Good | Yuji Hishida | 57kg | 1:34.50 | 3-3-11 | 7 |
| 8.2L | $7.60 |
| 3/8 | 15/11/2025 | 61 | G2 OPEN 2 | $718,650.00 | Kyoto | 1600m | Good | Yutaka Take | 56kg | 1:33.10 | - | 4 |
| 5.2L | $34.00 |
| 1/10 | 15/09/2025 | - | NEWC 2 | $148,300.00 | Hanshin | 1600m | Good | Yuji Hishida | 55kg | 1:36.50 | - | 6 |
| 0.3L | $33.30 |

Jockey: Mirco Demuro
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes here off a 35-day let-up. Most recently 9th of 12 at Hanshin Dirt on April 11 over 1800m, 12 len behind Chuwa Carnegie with 57.0kg at $15.20. The race before that 7th of 13 at Hanshin Dirt on March 22 over 1800m, 7 len behind Saint Elmo's carrying 57.0kg at $9. Can do a lot better than that last run.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/12 | 11/04/2026 | 20 | ALLOW 3 | $142,530.00 | Hanshin | 1800m | M | H Miyuki | 57kg | 1:50.00 | 5-5-9 | 9 |
| 12.8L | $15.20 |
| 7/13 | 22/03/2026 | 40 | ALLOW 3 | $140,770.00 | Hanshin | 1800m | Good | Yuji Tannai | 57kg | 1:53.40 | 12-5-7 | 3 |
| 7.3L | $9.00 |
| 1/9 | 10/02/2026 | 30 | MDN 3 | $104,560.00 | Kyoto | 1800m | Good | Thore Hammer-Hansen | 57kg | 1:55.80 | 3-4-1 | 9 |
| 5.0L | $1.20 |
| 2/16 | 11/01/2026 | 21 | MDN 3 | $107,740.00 | Kyoto | 1800m | Good | Thore Hammer-Hansen | 57kg | 1:54.90 | 7-7-2 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $3.20 |
| 4/12 | 21/12/2025 | 22 | MDN 2 | $103,880.00 | Hanshin | 1800m | Good | Cristian Demuro | 56kg | 1:55.10 | 6-4-4 | 9 |
| 1.0L | $1.90 |
| 2/11 | 29/11/2025 | 69 | MDN 2 | $105,160.00 | Kyoto | 1800m | Good | Cristian Demuro | 56kg | 1:53.60 | 6-1-2 | 9 |
| 0.3L | $2.60 |

Jockey: Mirai Iwata
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Comes off a 56 day let-up. Resuming won by 3 len at Kokura February 22 over 2000m defeating Meisho Narukami carrying 57.0kg at $9.30. Last start 7th of 12 at Hanshin in LR on March 21 over 2000m, 6 len behind Matenro Gale with 57.0kg at $39.80. Promising galloper. Should go well.
Last Starts 55 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/12 | 21/03/2026 | 27 | LR OPEN 3 | $364,010.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | Kanta Taguchi | 57kg | 1:58.50 | 7-6-7 | 8 |
| 6.0L | $39.80 |
| 1/13 | 22/02/2026 | 105 | MDN 3 | $104,560.00 | Kokura | 2000m | Good | Koji Nishizuka | 57kg | 2:00.50 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 3.0L | $9.30 |
| 4/8 | 09/11/2025 | - | NEWC 2 | $141,370.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Y | Daisuke Sasaki | 56kg | 2:04.50 | 5-4-4 | 8 |
| 5.5L | $18.20 |

Jockey: Keisuke Dazai
Weight: 57kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First-up after three months raced on the pace before fading 12th of 15 at Tokyo in LR on May 3 over 2000m, 9 len behind Meisho Hachiko carrying 57.0kg at $92. Previously second-up 7th of 13 at Tokyo on November 15 over 2000m, 4 len behind Olufsen carrying 56.0kg at $52.50. Unlikely to threaten.
Last Starts 12 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/15 | 03/05/2026 | 82 | LR OPEN 3 | $356,730.00 | Tokyo | 2000m | Good | Shu Ishibashi | 57kg | 1:58.50 | 2-2-12 | 9 |
| 9.5L | $92.00 |
| 4/7 | 10/02/2026 | 17 | ALLOW 3 | $203,650.00 | Tokyo | 2400m | Good | N Yokoyama | 57kg | 2:28.10 | 1-1-4 | 3 |
| 2.6L | $18.80 |
| 7/13 | 24/01/2026 | 28 | LR OPEN 3 | $385,960.00 | Kyoto | 2000m | Good | N Yokoyama | 57kg | 2:01.20 | 12-13-7 | 5 |
| 8.1L | $20.40 |
| 11/16 | 27/12/2025 | 20 | G1 OPEN 2 | $1,329,480.00 | Nakayama | 2000m | Good | N Yokoyama | 56kg | 2:01.00 | 9-13-11 | 8 |
| 5.7L | $151.90 |
| 1/8 | 07/12/2025 | 22 | MDN 2 | $103,880.00 | Hanshin | 2000m | Good | N Yokoyama | 56kg | 2:02.00 | 3-5-1 | 7 |
| 0.5L | $7.70 |
| 7/13 | 15/11/2025 | 21 | MDN 2 | $105,160.00 | Tokyo | 2000m | Good | N Yokoyama | 56kg | 2:00.80 | - | 1 |
| 4.1L | $52.50 |