Requirements of AJCC

(TUE) January 20th, 2026

8:25 p.m. Let's start from reviewing the requirements of AJCC.

Because there's an uphill on the homestretch shortly after the start (just like Keisei-hai), the pace is unlikely to get tight unless there are certain conditions to cause a tight-lapped race, such as full-field entry, more than half of the entrees racing in shorter distances previously (say, as in mile races), or multiple front runners. As to support my assumption on the pace, AJCC has never been run in a tight pacce in the last 10 years.

The distance, 2200m is not a major distance, which I think is one of the most important features of this race, and whether to be able to find the forgotten Nakayamma specialists in minor distance or not would be the key to winning AJCC.

Douradores may be favored since he's finished second after Regaleira on the same course and distance in All Comer, but he would probably need a middle to outer post to perform well. I should also stay on the alert for the Roberto line as well as Mr. Prospector line, pedigree-wise.

The End

Caterpillar