【一級賽攻略】2025菊花賞

2025 G1 Kikuka Sho

Race Information

History

The Kikuka Sho – Japan’s St. Leger – completes the country’s Triple Crown series for colts, following the Satsuki Sho (2000m) and Tokyo Yushun (2400m). It’s the longest and most demanding of the three races comprising a 3000m stamina test around Kyoto’s sweeping turns and undulating backstretch.

This race has crowned some of Japan’s all-time greats, including Deep Impact, Orfevre and Contrail, all Triple Crown heroes. But there’s no clean sweep on the line this year – both classic winners, Museum Mile and Croix Du Nord, are absent, leaving the door wide open for a new staying star to emerge.

With the spring champions missing focus turns to the recent trial form: Eri King and Shohei from the Kobe Shimbun Hai, and Yamanin Bouclier and Red Bande from the St. Lite Kinen. Christophe Lemaire will seek a third consecutive Kikuka Sho, this time aboard Energico, the colt many believe will outstay them all.

Statistics

Favourites rule in recent years
Since 2019 at least two of the top three finishers each year have started among the first five in betting. Eight of the last ten winners have come from the top four in betting. 

Proven stamina is a must
Twenty-six of the last 30 Kikuka Sho placegetters had already won or placed in a 2200m+ graded race – an unmistakable trend in a contest where untested stayers rarely survive the climb and drop of Kyoto’s gruelling 3000m. 

Trial form stands tall
Eight of the past ten Kikuka Sho winners came through one of the two main trials – the Kobe Shimbun Hai or the St. Lite Kinen – and seven of those finished in the top three of that prep. Only one winner since 2015 has come from outside a major trial.

In short: class, proven stamina, and strong trial form are the key ingredients to winning the final classic.

Michael Cox

Angle: Proven path via Classics

The Kikuka Sho remains the truest test in Japanese racing. It’s about rhythm, judgment and timing – and Kyoto’s long rolling circuit rewards the jockeys who dare to wait.

With no Derby or Guineas winner in the field, this year feels like a throwback: a contest for the purists. Shohei has the right profile – a solid Derby third, four runs at Kyoto, and a galloping style that screams stamina. Energico is the classy choice but Shohei might just be the grinder who handles the trip best.

Selections: #7 Shohei, #9 Energico, #4 Yamanin Bouclier, #12 Goltzschtal

Masanobu Takahashi

Angle: In the blood

Can the son of a Kikuka Sho winner win the Kikuka Sho himself? The answer is: not easily. Over the past 15 years, only Deep Impact has achieved the rare feat of a father-and-son victory.

The late Deep Impact’s sons have won the Kikuka Sho five times, but none are present this season. So who is next in line? That would be Duramente, sire of Durezza and Titleholder. His son Energico skipped the Tokyo Yushun due to a setback, but returned in the summer to run a brilliant race against older horses in the G3 Niigata Kinen.

With Christophe Lemaire aiming for a Kikuka Sho hat-trick, it seems he’s found the perfect partner to make it happen.

Selections: #9 Energico, #7 Shohei, #11 My Universe, #8 Rex Novus

Steven Ho

Angle: Key trial form

Of the 30 horses that finished in the Kikuka Sho placings over the last ten years, 27 had also secured a top-three finish in their previous start, highlighting the importance of strong recent performances. Among the lead up races the St. Lite Kinen stands out as the key trial, with seven out of nine St. Lite Kinen participants subsequently placing in the Kikuka Sho. This year Yamanin Bouclier – who finished second behind the classy Museum Mile in the St. Lite Kinen – appears to be a promising longshot contender.

Selections: #4 Yamanin Bouclier, #15 Eri King, #9 Energico, #5 Giovanni

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