Promising young horses are ready to debut on "Takarazuka Kinen Day," a day known for producing star horses in recent years. One such prospect is Eri King, a blue-blooded colt who was sold for 210 million yen (excluding tax) at last year's Select Sale yearling session. Eri King is out of a former Australian elite, Young Star, a Queensland Oaks winner.

In his penultimate workout on the 12th, Eri King partnered with Lord Plaisir on the Ritto Training Center woodchip track, finishing a length-and-a-half ahead and clocking an impressive 6F in 82.8 seconds, with the final 3F in 36.7 seconds, and the last furlong in 11.2 seconds. During his final tune-up on the Ritto Training Center uphill course, he continued to show good form with swift times. Rider Fukunaga commented, "He has been training well. Although he still appears somewhat immature in terms of physique, if he can translate his training performance to the race, he should do well." Fukunaga's remarks reflect cautious optimism about Eri King's readiness for his debut.