The Sprinters Stakes 2026 is one of Japan’s most important sprint races and the opening G1 of the autumn JRA season. The 60th running will be held at Nakayama Racecourse on September 27, 2026, over 1,200 meters on turf. A maximum of 16 runners can compete, with a total prize value of ¥369.9 million and ¥170 million awarded to the winner.
Race Overview
| Race | Sprinters Stakes 2026 |
|---|---|
| Grade | G1 |
| Distance | 1200m |
| Surface | Turf |
| Location | Nakayama Racecourse, Japan |
| Date | September 27, 2026 |
| Local Time | 15:40 JST |
| Race No. | Race 11 |
| Qualification | 3yo & up, Open Class, Set Weights |
| Maximum Starters | 16 |
| Total Purse | ¥369,900,000 |
| Prize Money for Winner | ¥170,000,000 |
Why International Bettors Follow the Sprinters Stakes
- It is one of Japan’s two major G1 sprint races over 1,200 meters.
- The race attracts established Japanese Group winners as well as emerging international-class sprinters.
- Ante-Post and Fixed Odds markets can provide opportunities before the final field and draw are confirmed.
- Nakayama’s right-handed 1,200-meter turf course creates a distinctive test of early speed and finishing ability.
- The race is particularly important for identifying Japan’s leading sprint champion of the autumn season.
- International racing fans can follow a high-value Japanese G1 featuring a large and competitive sprinting field.
Early Betting Odds
Early prices for the Sprinters Stakes are subject to change as the final field, declarations and betting markets develop. At this stage, the available figures should be treated as predicted odds rather than confirmed final bookmaker prices. International bettors should check the latest Fixed Odds and Ante-Post markets before placing a bet.
Last updated: September 15, 2026
| Horse | bet365 | 1xBet |
|---|---|---|
| Flicker Jab | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| Star Anise | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| Panja Tower | 6.50 | 6.50 |
| World’s End | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Puro Magic | 8.50 | 8.50 |
| Lugal | 12.00 | 12.00 |
| Win Carnelian | 13.00 | 13.00 |
| Mama Cocha | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| Rapier | 15.00 | 15.00 |
| Sound Moryana | 19.00 | 19.00 |
| From Dusk | 26.00 | 26.00 |
| Ai Sansan | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Black Chalice | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| Lily Joie | 34.00 | 34.00 |
| A T Makfi | 51.00 | 50.00 |
| Craspedia | 67.00 | 65.00 |
| June Blair | 67.00 | 65.00 |
| Yoshino Easter | 67.00 | 65.00 |
| Pair Pollux | 81.00 | 80.00 |
| Red Mon Reve | 81.00 | 80.00 |
| Tamamo Icarus | 101.00 | 100.00 |
Previous Year Result
| Position | Horse |
|---|---|
| 1st | Win Carnelian |
| 2nd | June Blair |
| 3rd | Namura Clair |
The 2025 Sprinters Stakes was won by Win Carnelian, who defeated June Blair by a head. Namura Clair finished third. Win Carnelian started as an 11th favorite and recorded his first G1 victory in the race.
Historical Winners
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Win Carnelian |
| 2024 | Lugal |
| 2023 | Mama Cocha |
| 2022 | Gendarme |
| 2021 | Pixie Knight |
