How to Complete the Japanese Derby Race in Umamusume: Pretty Derby?

How to Complete the Japanese Derby Race in Umamusume: Pretty Derby?

Competing in the Japanese Derby—Tokyo Yūshun—is a milestone in every trainer’s journey in Umamusume: Pretty Derby. Success here not only opens the path to further wins but also proves your prowess as a trainer. This guide covers everything you need to know to ace the Japanese Derby, from eligibility to stat optimization and race-day strategies.

What Is the Japanese Derby?

• Date: Late May of the Classic (second) year

• Track: Tokyo Racecourse

• Type: G1 Turf Race, 2400 meters (Medium Distance)

• Eligibility: Three-year-old horse girls with suitable Classic-year background, A-rank Medium and Turf aptitude

• Participants: Up to 18

• Weather: Typically sunny

You need a minimum of 6,000 fans to qualify. Placing top five is vital for progressing to the URA Finals, while winning is required for a Triple Crown run.

Best Horse Girls for the Japanese Derby

Choose a horse girl with high aptitude for Medium distance and Turf tracks. Recommended characters include:

• Tokai Teio: Excels at Medium distances with speed and stamina synergy

• Mejiro McQueen: Balanced stats; strong under pressure

• Symboli Rudolf, Special Week, Silence Suzuka: All strong Medium runners, fit for Tokyo’s long straights

Building the Right Stat Profile

Recommended Stats

Example stat targets before the race:

• Speed: 700+

• Stamina: 500-600 (higher if Front or Pace Chaser)

• Power: 450+

• Guts/Wit: Around 300-400

Focus on Speed, then Stamina, followed by Power. Level up Support Cards and train in sessions with the most friend bonuses for optimal growth.

Crucial Skills and Support Cards

Skills that boost performance for this race:

• Tokyo Racecourse: For track advantage

• Sunny Days: To match typical weather conditions

• Medium Straightaways: For acceleration on long straights

• Swinging Maestro: Great for courses with many turns

Prioritize skills with “Medium” and “Tokyo” keywords. Build your support deck around stats and skills matching your horse girl’s running style and the race demands.

Training and Preparation Tips

• Raise Friendship Bonds on your support cards early; it amplifies stat gains.

• Monitor Energy and Mood: Rest frequently to keep energy and mood high, as low levels hurt performance.

• Schedule Training: Check the race calendar and “Schedule” your entry to secure spot on race day.

• Don’t Overtrain: Keep energy above half whenever possible, avoid injuries before big races.

Race-Day Strategy

• Maintain Good Mood: Use the Recreation option to boost mood if low.

• Check Positioning: Based on your Uma’s strategy (Front, Pace Chaser, etc.), tailor stats (e.g., more Stamina for Front, more Power for Chaser).

• Consider Traffic: With 18 participants, expect heavy traffic; Power and Wit help in tight situations.

• Skill Use: Time your skill activations, especially recovery skills, for the latter half of the race.

Rewards for Completing

Guaranteed rewards for a strong performance include:

• Medium Distance Shoes

• Japanese Derby Winner’s Garland

• In-game money (Monies)

• Support Points

• Significant fan boost (up to ~20,000 for 1st place)

Random rewards add even more value, such as Carats and Goddess Statues.