In Sapporo's Race 5, Shonan Baldr, a 2-year-old colt by Bricks and Mortar out of Awake, lived up to his billing as the race favourite. The colt was purchased for 341 million JPY (including tax) at the 2022 Select Sale.

After stealthily navigating his move from a mid-pack position, jockey Kenichi Ikezoe accidentally dropped his whip at the top of the stretch. Despite this, Shonan Baldr secured a comfortable victory, finishing a length ahead of the runner-up without the use of a whip. Ikezoe commented, "He's still young and a bit green, but once he felt the pressure from behind he responded well. We have high expectations for him, so we're asking a lot." Trainer Naosuke Sugai added, "He's a horse that requires careful handling due to his temperament, so we'll be bypassing the G3 Sapporo Nisai Stakes. In a field of tough horses, he showed great determination and fought hard."