Leopard Stakes 2025: Don in the Mood Powers to First Graded Victory

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Race Overview

The 17th running of the Leopard Stakes (GIII) was held on August 10, 2025, at Niigata Racecourse over 1800 meters on a sloppy dirt surface. Restricted to three-year-olds, the race is a key summer milestone for dirt prospects en route to the Japan Dirt Classic (JpnI) later in the season. Fifteen runners went to post, headed by Vincencio—attempting dirt for the first time after competing in top-level turf company. With rain-softened ground placing a premium on early position and balance, tactics were always going to matter.

How the Race Unfolded

From the inside draw, Don in the Mood broke alertly and secured a rail-saving position in third, keeping clear of the heaviest kickback. Down the backstretch, Kohei Matsuyama angled him a path off the fence to build momentum in clear air. Turning for home, he ranged up to longshot Levain Universe and the pair settled into a sustained duel. In the final 200 meters, Don in the Mood found more on the sloppy surface and edged ahead by half a length, stopping the clock in 1:50.5. Levain Universe held second, with Hiruno Hamburg sticking on for third. The result triggered a huge payout, underlining how unpredictable the conditions made the race.

Key Performances

Don in the Mood (1st): By Asia Express, he translated his UAE Derby third earlier this year into a domestic breakthrough. The inside gate, efficient trip, and measured mid‑race build were decisive ingredients in his first graded success.

Levain Universe (2nd): Dismissed in the market yet delivered a career‑best, saving ground and fighting on bravely to the line.

Hiruno Hamburg (3rd): Forwardly ridden and honest through the line; profiles as a player in 1800m dirt events when pace is genuine.

Vincencio (7th): Dirt debut compromised by a messy start; the raw ability is there and improvement with surface experience is plausible.

Quotes from the Connections

Kohei Matsuyama (Don in the Mood’s jockey): “He broke well, traveled sweetly, and kept responding—once we found rhythm, I trusted he’d see it out.”

Teiichi Konno (trainer): “The draw helped and he’s still maturing. If he sharpens up on right‑handed tracks, we can aim even higher.”

Hiroyuki Uchida (Levain Universe’s jockey): “We had a go at the upset and he really stuck his neck out under the weight.”

Race Results (Top 5)

1. Don in the Mood — 1:50.5 (5th favorite)
2. Levain Universe — +0.5L (12th favorite)
3. Hiruno Hamburg — +0.6L (11th favorite)
4. Hug — (10th favorite)
5. Sano no Wonder — (9th favorite)

Analysis & What’s Next

This was a clinic in making conditions work for you: an inside draw, clean early position, and a progressive move into the stretch. Don in the Mood now shapes as a legitimate candidate for the Japan Dirt Classic at Oi. The right‑handed track there will test a known quirk, but further maturity could unlock another level. Levain Universe and Hiruno Hamburg emerge as dark horses for upcoming graded dirt events—especially when the pace picture invites closers to threaten.

For more race replays and English analysis, visit Japan Racing News – AI Shisan Lab.