Racing fans are set for a Christmas treat in the Arima Kinen (G1). Japan’s prestigious year-end prize at Nakayama pits defending champion Efforia and multiple Grade 1 romper Titleholder against the newest stars on the scene – Equinox, Vela Azul, and Geraldina.

First in the fans’ voting and betting alike, 11-10 favorite Efforia concluded a stellar sophomore season in Sunday’s $6.1 million Arima Kinen (G1) at Nakayama.

After besting Contrail in the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1), sophomore star Efforia will try to topple defending champion Chrono Genesis in Sunday’s Arima Kinen (G1) at Nakayama.

Japanese star Contrail had one last chance to bolster his legacy in Sunday’s $6.1 million Japan Cup (G1), and the 3-5 favorite seized it to conclude his racing career in a blaze of glory.

Fresh off a ground-breaking Breeders’ Cup double with Loves Only You and Marche Lorraine, trainer Yoshito Yahagi hopes to fill another lacuna on his resume in Sunday’s $6.1 million Japan Cup (G1).

Shinji Maeda’s homebred champion Contrail looked in danger of losing his unbeaten record, and the Japanese Triple Crown in Sunday’s Kikuka Sho (G1) at Kyoto.