Kikuka Sho: Kyoto’s classic stamina test
The Group 1 Kikuka Sho, the Japanese St. Leger, takes place at Kyoto on Sunday 25 October 2026 over 3,000 metres on turf. It is for three-year-old Thoroughbreds and excludes geldings.
The advertised winner’s prize is JPY 200 million and the maximum field is 18. Declarations are scheduled for 22 October; assess stamina against the race distance rather than directly comparing performances with those of sprinters.
Aletaq’s early Kikuka Sho selections
Early form-based assessment as of 18 October: 1) Lovcen, 2) Altramuz, 3) Justin Chicago. This is a watchlist, not a declared field or a calculated win probability. The final racecard is due on 22 October; withdrawals and new evidence can change the order.
Lovcen
Won the first two colts’ Classics and the 2,400m Kobe Shimbun Hai on 21 September. His sire World Premiere won the Kikuka Sho, providing a pedigree clue for 3,000m, not proof that the son will stay the trip.
What could change the assessment?
He has not raced over 3,000m; the final assessment depends on his declaration, the pace and the going.
Altramuz
Finished a nose behind Lovcen in the 2,400m Kobe Shimbun Hai, giving him a recent head-to-head measure over a longer trip than a sprint.
What could change the assessment?
A nose margin does not settle his prospects against the wider field over 3,000m; entry and the extra distance remain to be tested.
Justin Chicago
Won the 2,200m St. Lite Kinen Group 2 on 13 September, a qualifying trial whose first three finishers receive priority for the Kikuka Sho.
What could change the assessment?
His win came as the 12th betting choice; stamina over 3,000m and the final declaration remain open questions.