The feature race this upcoming weekend in Japan is the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1T) over 1,200 meters (about 6 furlongs) at Chukyo Racecourse March 29.
The field for the Japan Racing Association's first turf grade 1 of 2026 has strength and depth as Satono Reve, last year's winner who thereafter finished second to Ka Ying Rising in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (G1), and Win Carnelian, who finished second in the Al Quoz Sprint (G1T) and won the Sprinters Stakes (G1T) in 2025, are intended runners for the Takamatsunomiya Kinen.
Both horses were ruled out of a trip to Dubai due to the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region, which may prove more lucrative as the ¥369.9 million (approx. US$2.3 million) is more valuable than the US$1.5 million Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan Racecourse March 28.
Another notable runner in the field is Namura Clair, who has finished second in this race for three consecutive years. In addition, she finished third in the Sprinters Stakes for the last three consecutive years and it is obvious that she is Japan's most consistent sprinter at the highest level in recent years. This is the fourth and last attempt for Namura Clair in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, as it is reported that this will be the 7-year-old mare's final career start. It would draw significant attention by racing fans if Namura Clair rounds off her career with the first grade 1 glory in her 25th and final start.
