Track Notes
Course Summary
Brutal right-handed dirt mile-tier course where runners climb Nakayama’s hill twice. Four tight turns, heavy sand, rolling slopes, and a short final stretch punish weak stamina and late-running styles. Early position is critical.
Fun Facts
• Smart Falcon won his third-ever race at this track, reaching a record of two firsts and one second before attempting to switch to turf racing with the ambition of chasing the Classic Triple Crown. Despite a promising win at the Junior Cup on Nakayama Turf 1600m, Falcon placed poorly in the next three turf races, with the Satsuki Sho being the final blow to his turf ambitions. Switching back to dirt reignited Falcon's career and made him the legendary “Suzuka of the Dirt,” finishing with 23 wins, four seconds, and one third in 34 starts.
