Japan's feature race, the Dec. 25 Arima Kinen (G1) at Nakayama Racecourse, carries a total purse of ¥864 million (US$6.23 million) and is unique in that the runners are selected by popular vote.
Racing fans cast 4,137,049 votes with Titleholder garnering the most votes at 368,304. The Duramente colt won the Tenno Sho Spring (G1) and Takarazuka Kinen (G1) earlier this year. The second runner-up, Efforia, received 300,661 votes, despite not running since June.
Titleholder won three group 1 events in 2021, including the Arima Kinen (G1) 12 months ago, and was awarded Japanese Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt in 2021. It was expected that the Ephiphaneia colt would dominate the racing scene this year; however, as he turned 4, Efforia lost his form abruptly. In April, he finished 9th in the Osaka Hai (G1) and was 6th in the Takarazuka Kinen (G1) June 26. Since his lackluster performances, he has disappeared from the front lines.
Efforia spent some respite at Northern Farm in Hokkaido, where he was born, and moved to the Tenei Branch of Northern Farm to resume full training in October. He returned to trainer Yuichi Shikato's stable at Miho Training Center Nov. 30 and has since been preparing for the Arima Kinen.
The second runner-up, as voted by racing fans, proves the public will be watching for a dramatic comeback from Efforia during the Arima Kinen.
