Fourth favourite Al Naseem (6yo horse) scored a decisive victory in the G3 Nakayama Kimpai, claiming his second graded stakes title following the Chukyo Kinen in July of last year. The winning time was 1:58.1. Despite carrying a hefty handicap of 58kg, Al Naseem closed sharply from his mid-pack position, catching the leaders in the stretch and pulling away impressively.

Jockey Yusuke Fujioka, who has been riding Al Naseem consistently, reflected on the win with a smile, "He was in much better condition compared to the Mile Championship. The mile pace felt a bit rushed for him, so I suggested targeting middle-distance races this year. Although we ended up a row or two further back than planned, he travelled strongly throughout. In the stretch, I was slightly worried he might idle after hitting the front, but he responded perfectly."

Sixth favourite Meiner Mond finished second, with the eighth favourite Born This Way taking third. The pre-race favourite, Christmas Parade, had to settle for fourth.