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第45回ジャパンカップ枠順確定！クロワデュノールが引いた「伝説の2番」は忖度か？有力馬タスティエーラは外枠の逆境へ

The eagerly anticipated gate draw for the 45th Japan Cup (G1), scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Tokyo Racecourse (Turf 2400m), has been finalized and has ignited a fiery debate among horse racing fans and media. In particular, the specific gate drawn by the highly popular and much-watched Arc de Triomphe returnee, Croix du Nord, has sparked accusations of “blatant favoritism” and “preferential treatment,” triggering a significant controversy even before the race begins.

Controversy Erupts: Croix du Nord Lands Favorable Gate 2 in Japan Cup
1. Illustrious Japan Cup Victories from Post 2 (Partial List)
Favorites Face Uphill Battle: Key Contenders Drawn in Challenging Outer Gates
Inside Track Advantage: Justin Palace Draws Lucky Post 1, Aims for Upset
Official Gate Draw: All Runners for the 45th Japan Cup (G1)
Further Reading & Source
関連ガイド

Controversy Erupts: Croix du Nord Lands Favorable Gate 2 in Japan Cup

The Japan Cup, a premier event attracting formidable contenders from Japan and abroad, witnessed its most striking gate draw with Croix du Nord, a top contender from the three-year-old generation, securing Gate 1, Post 2. This coveted Post 2 is historically renowned as a “legendary gate,” having been the starting point for past champions like Contrail, Equinox, and Almond Eye, many of whom clinched victory in their retirement races from this very position.

Fans have voiced strong opinions, with comments such as “An inner gate is perfect for Croix, who excels at the start,” “Is this inner gate assistance similar to Contrail’s win?” and “If they lose from here, there’s no excuse.” Having recently experienced the challenging far-outside draw (Gate 18) in the Arc de Triomphe, an inner, even-numbered gate — considered the most advantageous at Tokyo’s 2400m — is truly “ideal” for Croix du Nord. This has fueled speculation that the Japan Racing Association (JRA) might be intentionally assisting a popular horse to victory.

Illustrious Japan Cup Victories from Post 2 (Partial List)

Almond Eye (2018, Retirement Race)
Contrail (2021, Retirement Race)
Equinox (2023, Retirement Race)
Buena Vista (2010)
Horlicks (1989)

※List compiled based on fan observations

Favorites Face Uphill Battle: Key Contenders Drawn in Challenging Outer Gates

In stark contrast to Croix du Nord’s favorable draw, several other leading contenders have been relegated to difficult outer gates. This stark difference in gate assignments has only intensified the “favoritism” claims surrounding the draw.

Tastiera (Gate 8, Post 18 – Far Outside): Last year’s Derby winner faces the worst possible draw. Without an absolute burst of speed in the final stretch, many observers are pessimistic, stating, “Gate 18 at 2400m is too tough” and “They lack the late kick to make up ground from there.”
Masquerade Ball (Gate 7, Post 15): This successful mare in G1 races also drew a wide gate. With existing concerns about her distance suitability, being forced to run wide could severely impact her stamina.
Shin Emperor (Gate 8, Post 16) and Durezza (Gate 8, Post 17): Last year’s strong performers also drew far-outer gates. This apparent pattern of excluding major contenders from inner gates has drawn significant fan criticism, with many exclaiming, “It’s too obvious!” and “They’ve gone too far!”

Inside Track Advantage: Justin Palace Draws Lucky Post 1, Aims for Upset

Beyond the controversial Croix du Nord, other formidable contenders are poised to capitalize on inner gate draws. Notably, Justin Palace (Gate 1, Post 1) is recognized as an inner-gate specialist. Furthermore, Post 1 in the Japan Cup boasts an impressive record over the last 10 years, with a 30% win rate and a 60% in-the-money rate, making it a truly “lucky” post.

While Justin Palace has shown some pre-race start anxiety, the skill of jockey C. Demuro, combined with the undeniable advantage of the innermost gate, significantly enhances its chances of contending for victory. This makes Justin Palace a highly noteworthy prospect for betting enthusiasts.

Additionally, foreign challenger Carandagan (Gate 4, Post 8) secured a middle gate. While concerns persist regarding its tight schedule after the Arc de Triomphe, as a proven international contender, a strong performance from this gate is certainly within the realm of possibility.

Official Gate Draw: All Runners for the 45th Japan Cup (G1)

Gate Post Horse Name Jockey 1 ① Justin Palace C. Demuro 1 ② Croix du Nord Tomoe Kitamura 2 ③ Cosmo Kuranda T. Tannai 2 ④ Deep Monster K. Matsuyama 3 ⑤ Sunrise Earth H. Ikezoe 3 ⑥ Ho O Biscuits Yas. Iwata 4 ⑦ Danon Beluga D. Sasaki 4 ⑧ Carandagan C. Barzalona 5 ⑨ Seiun Hades T. Tsumura 5 ⑩ Struve Ak. Sugawara 6 ⑪ Admire Terra Y. Kawada 6 ⑫ Yoho Lake M. Iwata 7 ⑬ Brady Vege T. Marquand 7 ⑭ Danon Dezail K. Tosaki 7 ⑮ Masquerade Ball C. Lemaire 8 ⑯ Shin Emperor R. Sakai 8 ⑰ Durezza Y. Pooshan 8 ⑱ Tastiera D. Lane

第45回ジャパンカップ枠順確定！クロワデュノールが引いた「伝説の2番」は忖度か？有力馬タスティエーラは外枠の逆境へ

Controversy Erupts: Croix du Nord Lands Favorable Gate 2 in Japan Cup

Illustrious Japan Cup Victories from Post 2 (Partial List)

Favorites Face Uphill Battle: Key Contenders Drawn in Challenging Outer Gates

Inside Track Advantage: Justin Palace Draws Lucky Post 1, Aims for Upset

Official Gate Draw: All Runners for the 45th Japan Cup (G1)

Further Reading & Source

関連ガイド

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第45回ジャパンカップ枠順確定！クロワデュノールが引いた「伝説の2番」は忖度か？有力馬タスティエーラは外枠の逆境へ

Controversy Erupts: Croix du Nord Lands Favorable Gate 2 in Japan Cup

Illustrious Japan Cup Victories from Post 2 (Partial List)

Favorites Face Uphill Battle: Key Contenders Drawn in Challenging Outer Gates

Inside Track Advantage: Justin Palace Draws Lucky Post 1, Aims for Upset

Official Gate Draw: All Runners for the 45th Japan Cup (G1)

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