The Grade 1 Mile Championship, one of Japan’s premier mile races, is set for Sunday, November 17, at Kyoto Racecourse. Now in its 41st year, this year’s event will feature a robust lineup of 17 runners, including Charyn from abroad, a notable international challenger since the race opened to foreign competitors in 1998. Charyn could become the first international entrant to clinch this prestigious title.

Last-minute adjustments impacted the field after Sixpence, the Mainichi Okan winner and expected Mile Championship favorite, was withdrawn due to lameness. Nonetheless, Japan’s lineup remains formidable. Leading the local challengers is defending champion Namur, with Soul Rush—who finished a close second last year and has continued to run well against top competitors like Romantic Warrior—also positioned as a top contender.

Japan’s other standouts include Brede Weg, the 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner who recently claimed victory in the Grade 2 Fuchu Himba Stakes. Serifos, the 2022 Mile Championship victor, and other strong domestic hopefuls are also vying for the ¥180 million first prize, part of a generous ¥389 million total purse.

The race, contested over Kyoto's outer course with its distinctive right-handed turns and a descending slope from the backstretch, poses unique challenges, particularly for horses positioned wide as speed picks up. The field’s lineup for Sunday’s race at 3:40 p.m. includes:

**Namur**
This five-year-old daughter of Harbinger will be aiming to become the seventh horse to achieve consecutive Mile Championship wins. Following last year’s Mile Championship, Namur has raced internationally with notable performances in the Hong Kong Mile and Dubai Turf, though domestic starts this season saw her at the back after slow starts in the Victoria Mile and Yasuda Kinen. While unprepped for this race, Namur’s formidable finishing speed and expected jockey Cristian Demuro make her a strong contender.

**Soul Rush**
Competing in his third Mile Championship, six-year-old Soul Rush has consistently placed in top finishes, including a narrow fourth in last year’s Hong Kong Mile. Trained by Yasutoshi Ikee, Soul Rush’s recent second place in the Grade 2 Fuji Stakes at Tokyo has him prepped and primed to deliver a potential breakout performance, especially if the forecasted rain plays a role.

**Charyn**
This four-year-old from Dark Angel’s lineage has notched five wins in seven starts this year, including Group 1 victories in the Queen Anne Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Though Charyn’s wins came on straight tracks, his adaptability to right-hand turns and recent successes in France and England make him a serious threat in Kyoto, with Ryan Moore expected in the saddle.

**Brede Weg**
A consistent daughter of Lord Kanaloa, Brede Weg returns to the Mile Championship for her first test at the mile distance. Her recent Grade 2 win in the Fuchu Himba Stakes demonstrates her impressive turn of foot, and with Christophe Lemaire likely aboard, she’ll be looking to make a statement in Sunday’s race.

**Serifos**
After his Mile Championship victory in 2022, Serifos has maintained form with a steady 2-5-4 record this season. His reputation for being a challenging ride adds an element of unpredictability, but with a well-timed prep in the Fuji Stakes, he remains a solid contender under Yuga Kawada.

**Jun Blossom**
Securing a spot in this year’s Mile Championship with his recent win in the Fuji Stakes, five-year-old Jun Blossom has shown impressive top speeds that could give the track record of 1:31.3 a challenge. The strong partnership with jockey Keita Tosaki makes him a popular choice for those betting on his breakout potential.

**Other Notables**
Matenro Sky, Win Marvel, Obamburumai, Elton Barows, and Fierce Pride add depth to this lineup, each with recent strong performances that make them formidable opponents in this year’s field. Also worth noting are entrants sired by Maurice, who won the Mile Championship in 2015, including Al Naseem and Balsam Note, with Matenro Sky as a notable descendant to watch.

This year’s championship promises a thrilling display, blending seasoned champions with promising international talent for an unforgettable contest at Kyoto.