Race favourite Contrail continued undefeated in his third career win in the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes (2000m) at Nakayama on Saturday. Breaking his maiden in his September debut over 1,800 meters, he scored an overwhelming 5-length victory in the following Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes (G3, 1,800) in November where he set a new course record. 

Second pick Lys Gracieux claimed this year’s Arima Kinen  at Nakayama on Sunday following the Takarazuka Kinen in spring to become the 14th horse and the first mare to dominate both Grand Prix races (10th horse to win both races in the same year).

Heavy favourite Salios captured the Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes title  over 1600m at Hanshin on Sunday and he is undefeated in three starts since his debut in June and did so in record 1:33.0, 0.3 second faster than the previous record set by Danon Premium in 2017.

Japanese superstar Almond Eye is set to return to action in the Arima Kinen this month after missing Hong Kong’s International fixture on Sunday.

Fourth favorite Resistencia showcased a perfect trip under Yuichi Kitamura to dominate the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies at Hanshin on Sunday in an amazing 1:32.7, 0.4 seconds faster than the record set by Vodka in 2006

The 38th running of the Grand Prix (KOR G1) takes place on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse. The time-honoured race has attracted a field of ten runners who will line up over the 2300m.