If it's this year's Fuji Stakes lineup, there's a chance for an upset pick
GII Tokyo Turf 1600m
As expected from the image of Tokyo's wide course with a long straight,
highly favored horses tend to perform well. In the past 10 years, all winners were ranked within the top 5 favorites. The #1 favorite won 4 times, while the #2 and #3 favorites each won twice, accounting for 8 wins among the top 3 favorites.
Also, regarding the track condition, as mentioned last week in the Ireland Trophy,
Tokyo's good track condition continues, but there is a slight tendency for outside lanes to be faster.
Although it is a fast track, it doesn't necessarily favor front-runners; it is a track where any horse that can demonstrate leg power over the final 3 furlongs has a chance to win regardless of position.
Therefore, I selected ◎ Josselin based on high-speed track suitability and ability evaluation.
However, here is a point of caution.
The Tokyo Mile race in Group races is
a tougher race than it appears.
It often features fast early laps that do not slow down until the end.
In other words, rather than a gear-change type (slow start ⇒ gradual acceleration), the key to performing well in the Tokyo Mile is a horse that can maintain consistent high-speed laps.
👇 2026 Yasuda Kinen Tokyo 1600m Laps
Even this was a lap profile favorable to front-runners due to a slower early pace compared to usual years.
[Tokyo Race 11]
◎ 9. Keep Calm <U score 102>
〇 5. Admira Zoom <U score 98>
▲ 8. Magic Sands <U score 93>
☆ 1. Fandom <U score 87>
△ 4.7.10.14
Last year's Fuji Stakes was a super high-level GII featuring the strongest domestic milers.
1st Gaia Force: 2nd/3rd place in Mile GI races (excluding February S)
2nd Jantar Mantar: 4 wins in Mile GI races
3rd Soul Rush: 1 win in Mile GI, winner of Dubai Turf
Since ◎ Keep Calm finished 6th in this competitive Fuji Stakes, it clearly suits the Tokyo Mile, and its suitability for one-turn high-speed sustained laps is likely high.
Recent poor finishes are due to late starts, etc., making this a high-expected-value timing where odds are available.
