Elm Stakes 2025: Perriere Dominates for Second Graded Stakes Victory
Sapporo Racecourse · Dirt 1700m · G3 · August 9, 2025
Five-year-old Perriere (trainer Yoichi Kuroiwa / jockey Daisuke Sasaki) tracked the pace on the rail and quickened smartly in the stretch to win by 2½ lengths in 1:43.5. It was his second graded title and a statement that he’s fully back to form.
Race Overview – Elm Stakes 2025
Venue and Conditions
- Course: Sapporo (Japan), Dirt 1700m, G3; field of 14
- Going: slightly muddy
- Final time: 1:43.5 · Winning margin: 2½ lengths
Field and Betting Favorites
The 2025 Elm Stakes featured a competitive 14-horse lineup. Heavy favorite Lord Cronus tracked the leaders and stayed on well for second, while Mikki Nuchibana, sent off at double-digit odds, produced a sharp late run along the rail to grab third, surprising many bettors.
Perriere’s Winning Performance
Tactical Ride by Daisuke Sasaki
Jockey Daisuke Sasaki approached the race with a clear plan: secure a good position early without wasting energy. Aware of Perriere’s tendency to lean, he focused on keeping the horse balanced and relaxed through the corners. His decision to stay tucked along the rail saved ground, and once in the stretch, Perriere responded instantly, accelerating past rivals with authority to secure a decisive 2½-length victory.
Trainer Yoichi Kuroiwa on Maturity
Trainer Yoichi Kuroiwa emphasized the horse’s development in composure and racecraft since earlier campaigns. He noted Perriere now settles more kindly, starts sharply, and can execute a tactical race without pulling. This maturity, combined with proven adaptability on different tracks, gives confidence for targeting bigger autumn dirt races. Kuroiwa confirmed the horse will enjoy a short rest before returning for high-profile challenges.
Race Results and Payouts
Top Finishers
| Pos | Horse | Fav. | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perriere | 5th | Daisuke Sasaki |
| 2 | Lord Cronus | 1st | Yusuke Fujioka |
| 3 | Mikki Nuchibana | 10th | Katsuma Sameshima |
Betting Payout
Trifecta: ¥66,080
Reactions from Jockeys and Trainers
Lord Cronus Connections
Jockey Yusuke Fujioka praised Lord Cronus for adapting well when forced to move earlier than planned. However, he admitted that Perriere’s patient ride kept more in reserve for the final stretch, making the difference in the closing stages.
Other Notables
Dura Erede, last year’s runner-up, stumbled at the break and reportedly lost a shoe, which compromised his performance. Jockey Kohei Matsuyama noted that despite finding a good position early, the horse could not respond as usual due to the mishap.
Key Takeaways for the Autumn Campaign
Perriere’s Versatility Across Tracks
Perriere’s back-to-back wins, from Tokyo’s Oonuma Stakes to Sapporo’s Elm Stakes, demonstrate his adaptability. His ability to track the pace and quicken on both wide and tight-turn courses suggests he will remain a serious contender in top dirt races this autumn.
Implications for Japan’s Dirt Division
The race highlighted the value of handy positioning and saving ground at Sapporo. Lord Cronus confirmed his consistency despite another runner-up finish, while incidents like Dura Erede’s stumble underline how starting issues can instantly alter race outcomes.
For more Japan racing news, explore our archive: Japan Racing News.
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