In the long history of the G2 Aoba Sho, it has yet to produce a Japanese Derby winner. Sugar Kun, who powerfully broke away to win with near-flawless racing, raises the question of whether he can deliver an even better performance on the big stage. On the other hand, Shonan la Punta, who finished second, struggled with his pace during the race and lost ground by taking an outside route, missing the win by just a head. While this indicates potential for improvement, particularly given his raw talent, the reality is that this year's winning time was average. Though experience on the track is a plus, the challenge of back-to-back long-distance travel for a Kansai horse adds another layer of concern.

The Listed Principal Stakes, with just a two-week gap to the Derby, presents an even tougher challenge. The key will be conserving enough energy. Despite facing weaker competition, Danon Ayers Rock won comfortably with plenty left in the tank, which is noteworthy given he was returning from a fracture. While his winning time wasn't exceptional, it suggests minimal aftereffects from the race. As a Kanto horse, he faces less travel burden, and while data shows that this trial hasn't produced a Derby winner, his perfect record at Tokyo, including a win over Regaleira in the Ivy Stakes, is promising.

June Take is entering from the G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai. Despite several horses facing significant disadvantages by the first turn, June Take manoeuvred smoothly from the innermost gate. While past winners like Agnes Flight and Kizuna have won the Derby from similar positions, June Take didn't leave an impression as impactful as those two.