【Uma Musume】Kyoto Racecourse・Course Complete Guide|Race List・Strategy・Skill Details
What is Kyoto Racecourse
Kyoto Racecourse is one of the racecourses that appears in Uma Musume Pretty Derby, modeled after the actual racecourse located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. In the game, it is an essential stage in training where many important races are held, including G1 races such as the Emperor’s Prize (Spring) and the Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy.
The greatest characteristic of Kyoto Racecourse is that it is a right-turn course and has a unique course shape, especially for long-distance races. There are two courses: the inner circuit and outer circuit, which are used differently depending on the distance and race. Understanding these characteristics significantly improves the accuracy of training and race strategy.
Basic Information on Kyoto Racecourse
- Location: Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (in-game setting)
- Course Layout: Right-turn
- Course Type: Turf and Dirt
- Main Holding Seasons: Spring (April-May), Autumn (October-November)
- Characteristics: Dual course system with inner and outer circuits
Races held at Kyoto Racecourse include numerous G1 and G2 races such as the Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy, one of the Classic Triple Crown, the Emperor’s Prize (Spring), the Osaka Cup, and the Kyoto Kinen. These races become important milestones in the career of trained Uma Musume, so understanding course characteristics is essential.
Course Characteristics of Kyoto Racecourse
Turf Course (Inner Circuit)
The inner circuit course of Kyoto Racecourse is set with relatively sharp turns, and has many corners. The straight section is about 328m, which is relatively short, and the course demands endurance more than acceleration.
Inner Circuit Course Characteristics:
- Straight Distance: Approximately 328m
- Corners: Many sharp curves
- Suitable Gait: Leading/Chasing
- Distance Suitability: Short to medium distance (1200m~2000m)
On the inner circuit course, positioning is extremely important. Due to the many corners, being passed on the outside tends to be disadvantageous, and leading horses that can maintain inside position or chasing horses with superior corner work have an advantage.
Turf Course (Outer Circuit)
The outer circuit course is used for long-distance races, which are a characteristic of Kyoto Racecourse. The straight section is about 404m, longer than the inner circuit, and the course has a gentle shape.
Outer Circuit Course Characteristics:
- Straight Distance: Approximately 404m
- Corners: Gentle curves
- Suitable Gait: Chasing/Pursuing
- Distance Suitability: Medium to long distance (1800m~3200m)
The outer circuit course is particularly used for 3000m-class long-distance races. Since important races such as the Emperor’s Prize (Spring) and Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy are held on this course, knowledge of it is indispensable for training Uma Musume with long-distance suitability.
Dirt Course
Kyoto Racecourse’s dirt course has four distance settings: 1200m, 1400m, 1800m, and 1900m. While there are fewer races compared to the turf course, it is an important stage for training Uma Musume with dirt suitability.
Dirt Course Characteristics:
- Straight Distance: Approximately 329m
- Track Condition Impact: Large
- Suitable Gait: Leading/Escaping
- Power Stat Importance: High
On the dirt course, Power stat becomes particularly important. Additionally, track conditions (good/slightly heavy/heavy/poor) have a large impact, so considering track suitability skills is worthwhile.
List of Races Held at Kyoto Racecourse
Classic Grade (3-year-old) Races
Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy (Late October)
- Grade: G1
- Distance: Turf 3000m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 3-year-old
- Fans: 20,000+
- Importance: ★★★★★
The final race of the Classic Triple Crown, testing long-distance suitability at the highest level. Uma Musume with high Stamina and Power stats and long-distance suitability A-rank or above have an advantage. In training, if aiming for this race, Stamina training must be the top priority.
Kisaragi Stakes (Early February)
- Grade: G3
- Distance: Turf 1800m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 3-year-old
- Fans: 1,750+
- Importance: ★★★
A stepping stone race to the Classic route, serving as an important stepping race for Uma Musume aiming for the Satsuki Prize or Derby. Balance between medium-distance suitability and Speed/Stamina is required.
Kyoto Shimbun Cup (Mid-May)
- Grade: G2
- Distance: Turf 2200m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 3-year-old
- Fans: 7,500+
- Importance: ★★★★
Positioned as a trial race for the Derby. An important race measuring suitability from medium to long distance, serving as a crucial step to acquire entry rights for the Derby.
Senior Races (3-year-old and Older)
Emperor’s Prize (Spring) (Late April~Early May)
- Grade: G1
- Distance: Turf 3200m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 4-year-old and older
- Fans: 20,000+
- Importance: ★★★★★
Japan’s longest distance G1 race, known as the “Yodo 3200m.” Stamina S or above is recommended, and Uma Musume with S-rank long-distance suitability is ideal. Recovery skills and endurance skills become extremely important.
Osaka Cup (Late March~Early April)
- Grade: G1
- Distance: Turf 2000m (Inner circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 4-year-old and older
- Fans: 20,000+
- Importance: ★★★★★
An important race opening the spring G1 series. Speed is emphasized over medium-distance suitability, and it is positioned as a preliminary race for the Emperor’s Prize (Spring). Balanced stats are required.
Kyoto Kinen (Mid-February)
- Grade: G2
- Distance: Turf 2200m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 4-year-old and older
- Fans: 7,500+
- Importance: ★★★★
An important stepping race toward the spring G1 season. Balance between medium-distance suitability and Stamina is important, and it serves as an ideal adjustment race for Uma Musume aiming for the Osaka Cup or Emperor’s Prize (Spring).
Mile Championship (Mid-November)
- Grade: G1
- Distance: Turf 1600m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 3-year-old and older
- Fans: 20,000+
- Importance: ★★★★★
Known as the battle for the Mile champion. Speed and acceleration are most important, and Mile suitability A-rank or above is recommended. Acceleration skills and straight-line skills are effective.
Other Important Races
Kyoto Taisho (Early October)
- Grade: G2
- Distance: Turf 2400m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 3-year-old and older
- Fans: 7,500+
An important stepping race on the autumn long-distance route, positioned as a preliminary race for the Emperor’s Prize (Autumn) and Japan Cup.
Kyoto Kimpai (Early January)
- Grade: G3
- Distance: Turf 1600m (Outer circuit, Right)
- Entry Condition: 4-year-old and older
- Fans: 1,750+
The first major race of the new year, opening the Mile route.
Sirius Stakes (Mid-October)
- Grade: G3
- Distance: Dirt 2000m (Right)
- Entry Condition: 3-year-old and older
- Fans: 1,750+
An important long-distance dirt race, crucial in training Uma Musume with dirt suitability.
Race Strategy Guide for Kyoto Racecourse
Distance-Based Strategy Points
Short Distance (1200m~1400m)
Recommended Stats:
- Speed: A or above
- Power: B or above
- Stamina: C~B
Effective Skills:
- Finishing kick-type skills
- Acceleration-type skills
- Positioning-type skills
In short-distance races, the start dash and final straight acceleration determine the winner. Kyoto Racecourse’s inner circuit is a sharp turn course, so leading gaits that can secure inside position have an advantage.
Mile (1600m~1800m)
Recommended Stats:
- Speed: A or above
- Stamina: B or above
- Power: B or above
Effective Skills:
- Corner-type skills
- Straight-type skills
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
In Mile races, balance between Speed and Stamina is important. Particularly in important G1 races like the Mile Championship, all stats need to be developed in balance.
Medium Distance (2000m~2400m)
Recommended Stats:
- Stamina: A or above
- Speed: A or above
- Power: B or above
Effective Skills:
- Endurance-type skills
- Recovery-type skills
- Straight-type skills
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
Medium-distance races are the most competitive distance category. Since many important races like the Osaka Cup and Kyoto Kinen are held at this distance, training that combines Stamina and Speed is required.
Long Distance (3000m~3200m)
Recommended Stats:
- Stamina: S
- Power: A or above
- Root: B or above
- Speed: B or above
Effective Skills:
- Arco Maestro
- Koten Ichisoku
- Bottomless Appetite
- Stamina Greed
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
In ultra-long-distance races like the Emperor’s Prize (Spring) and Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy, Stamina becomes the most critical stat. Acquiring multiple recovery skills and preventing Stamina depletion is key to victory.
Strategy by Gait
Escape
At Kyoto Racecourse, the escape gait has both advantages and disadvantages depending on course shape. On the inner circuit with many sharp turns, pace management is important. In long-distance races, taking the lead early and racing at your own pace is an effective strategy.
Recommended Skills:
- First Strike Necessary
- Escape Know-how◯
- Corner Recovery◯
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
Leading
The most stable gait for consistent good results. On Kyoto Racecourse’s inner circuit, it is particularly advantageous, allowing easier positioning to keep inside.
Recommended Skills:
- Leading Know-how◯
- Corner Expert◯
- Straight Expert
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
Chasing
Particularly effective in long-distance races on the outer circuit. Since the straight is longer, a strategy of cutting through from the back functions more easily.
Recommended Skills:
- Chasing Know-how◯
- Straight Assault
- Finishing kick-type skills
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
Pursuing
Effective on long-distance races on the outer circuit, but tends to be disadvantageous on the inner circuit where the straight is short. If using this gait, acceleration and speed must be maximized.
Recommended Skills:
- Pursuing Know-how◯
- Finishing kick
- Hayate Ichimonji
- Kyoto Racecourse◯
Details of “Kyoto Racecourse◯” Skill
Skill Effect
“Kyoto Racecourse◯” is a location-specific skill where speed increases slightly in races held at Kyoto Racecourse. When training Uma Musume with many races at Kyoto Racecourse, it is one of the skills you want to acquire as a priority.
Basic Information:
- Skill Name: Kyoto Racecourse◯
- Rarity: Normal
- Effect: Speed slightly increases during races at Kyoto Racecourse
- Activation Condition: Race at Kyoto Racecourse
- Required Skill Points: 120
Methods to Acquire Skill
Learn from Support Cards
The following support cards provide “Kyoto Racecourse◯” hints through hint level increase:
- [Happiness Around the Corner]Uraoroshi (SSR)
- [A Grain of Relief]Super Creek (SSR)
- [Pressed by Approaching Heat]Kitasan Black (SSR)
- Other support cards with Kyoto suitability
By including these support cards in your deck and raising hint levels through training and outings, you can obtain hints for skill acquisition.
Learn from Event Choices
In some Uma Musume exclusive events and specific choice options, you may acquire “Kyoto Racecourse◯” hints. Pay attention to event choice options during training.
Recommended Timing for Skill Acquisition
“Kyoto Racecourse◯” should ideally be acquired at:
- Before the Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy (Classic grade October)
- Before Emperor’s Prize (Spring) (Senior grade April)
- Before Osaka Cup (Senior grade March)
Particularly in training scenarios with many long-distance races, acquiring early allows the effect to be used in multiple races.
Priority Compared to Other Location-Specific Skills
Since Kyoto Racecourse holds many races throughout the year, “Kyoto Racecourse◯” has relatively high priority. However, consider the following when deciding whether to acquire:
- Target Race Location: If your target races are primarily at Kyoto, this becomes top priority
- Skill Point Margin: 120pt is relatively easy to obtain
- Balance with Other Important Skills: Acquire after prioritizing recovery and acceleration skills
Training Strategy at Kyoto Racecourse
Scenario-Specific Strategy
URA Finals Scenario
In URA Finals, the Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy and Emperor’s Prize (Spring) are often included as target races, so preparing for Kyoto Racecourse is essential.
Training Points:
- Emphasize Stamina training
- Early acquisition of “Kyoto Racecourse◯”
- Improve long-distance suitability (supplement through factor inheritance)
- Acquire multiple recovery skills
Aoharu Cup Scenario
In Aoharu Cup, increasing bond gauge with team members is important. Use races at Kyoto Racecourse to efficiently deepen bonds.
Training Points:
- Select team members with high Kyoto suitability
- Be mindful of bond gauge increases through Aoharu training
- Prioritize team participation in Kyoto-held races
New Scenario Compatibility
Even in the latest scenarios, the importance of Kyoto Racecourse remains unchanged. It is important to maintain basic training policy while utilizing scenario-specific systems.
Factor Inheritance Utilization
Factor inheritance is important for training Uma Musume that excels in Kyoto Racecourse races.
Factors to Prioritize:
- Long-Distance Factor: Preparation for Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy and Emperor’s Prize (Spring)
- Stamina Factor: Improve stability in long-distance races
- Power Factor: Improve acceleration on hills and straights
- Kyoto Suitability Factor: Improve racecourse suitability
Inheriting blue and red factors significantly reduces training difficulty. Long-distance factors in particular reduce the burden of Stamina training, so prioritize them.
Support Card Composition
Example support card composition for increasing win rate at Kyoto Racecourse:
Long-Distance Training Composition:
- Stamina Cards: 2~3
- Speed Cards: 2~3
- Power Card: 1
- Friend Card: 0~1
Medium-Distance Balanced Composition:
- Speed Cards: 3
- Stamina Cards: 2
- Power Card: 1
Include at least one support card with “Kyoto Racecourse◯” hints to make skill acquisition smoother.
Tips and Tool Utilization for Kyoto Racecourse Strategy
Pre-Race Checklist Points
Before entering a race at Kyoto Racecourse, confirm the following:
- Stats Check: Do you meet appropriate stats for the distance?
- Skill Composition: Have you acquired “Kyoto Racecourse◯” and recovery skills?
- Suitability Check: Is distance and track suitability appropriate?
- Condition Management: Is condition at “in perfect form”?
- Rival Strength: Check rival horse stats
Utilizing Training Tools
To efficiently train, consider using the following tools:
- Training Simulator: Set and confirm stat targets
- Skill Calculator: Calculate required skill points
- Factor Simulator: Consider optimal factor inheritance combinations
- Race Schedule Table: Plan which races to enter
Using these tools improves training accuracy and increases race win rate at Kyoto Racecourse.
Common Mistakes and Countermeasures
Stamina Depletion from Insufficient Stamina
Cause: Insufficient Stamina training in long-distance races
Countermeasure:
- Strengthen long-distance factor inheritance
- Acquire multiple recovery skills
- Enhance Stamina support cards
Positioning Failure
Cause: Mismatch between gait and course characteristics
Countermeasure:
- Select gait appropriate for course shape
- Acquire positioning skills
- Review tactics
Insufficient Skill Points
Cause: Cannot acquire important skills
Countermeasure:
- Conduct Wisdom training
- Utilize friend support cards
- Earn race bonuses
Summary: Key Points to Master Kyoto Racecourse
Kyoto Racecourse is one of the most important racecourses in Uma Musume Pretty Derby. By understanding the following points, you can significantly improve your race win rate at Kyoto Racecourse:
5 Critical Points
- Understand Course Characteristics: Grasp the difference between inner and outer circuits and develop strategies based on distance
- Thorough Stamina Training: Especially in long-distance races, aim for Stamina S
- Acquire “Kyoto Racecourse◯”: A high cost-performance skill at 120pt
- Gait and Course Compatibility: Leading is advantageous on inner circuit, chasing on outer circuit
- Optimize Factor Inheritance: Prioritize long-distance and Stamina factors
Distance-Based Training Goals Summary
- Short Distance: Speed A+, Power B+, Stamina C+
- Mile: Speed A+, Stamina B+, Power B+
- Medium Distance: Stamina A+, Speed A+, Power B+
- Long Distance: Stamina S, Power A+, Root B+, Speed B+
Success at Kyoto Racecourse depends on proper training planning and strategic skill acquisition. Using this guide, have your Uma Musume shine on the Kyoto stage. Pursue victory in prestigious races like the Emperor’s Prize (Spring) and Chrysanthemum Flower Trophy through planned training.
Finally, due to Kyoto Racecourse’s characteristic right-turn course, different suitability is required compared to left-turn courses. Decide whether to train an all-rounder capable of competing at multiple racecourses or a specialist specialized in Kyoto, based on your training philosophy. Either approach will benefit from the information provided in this guide.