A completely different horse from his last outing, Bellagio Opera showed renewed energy during his December 15th workout at the Ritto Training Center. After loosening up on the woodchip track, he moved to the slope course, delivering a sharp performance with splits of 4F 55.2, 40.6, and 12.7. Trainer Hiroyuki Uemura, who rode the horse himself, expressed confidence, "It went as planned, and he felt just right. Compared to his last race, his condition is completely different now."

Bellagio Opera captured his first G1 title in this year's Osaka Hai, followed by an impressive third-place finish in the Takarazuka Kinen, confirming his rise to the top ranks. However, in his autumn debut at the Tenno Sho (Autumn), he faded to sixth place, unable to unleash his usual closing speed. Trainer Uemura explained, "He was still feeling the effects of summer fatigue. Compared to his form in the Osaka Hai and Takarazuka Kinen, he was only about fifty percent. Even so, to finish sixth in that state shows what a talented horse he is."

Since that outing, Bellagio Opera has undergone an intensive training regimen. "We've significantly increased the workload in his training. Mentally, he's in a completely different place now, he's sharp and on edge, which is a good sign. He's back to his best," Uemura confirmed with assurance. Looking ahead to the Arima Kinen, Uemura remains optimistic, "Nakayama Racecourse is all about navigating the turns well, and the tricky layout could play to his strengths."

With his condition peaking at just the right time, Bellagio Opera is ready to chase his second G1 title and cement his place among the season's elite.