The Satsuki Sho isn't just a stepping stone; it’s a rite of passage for every serious Uma Musume trainer. As the first major G1 race you’ll encounter during the Junior Class in the main story, it’s a gatekeeper that tests not just your Uma’s stats, but also your deck building, race strategy, and how well you’ve internalized the game’s mechanics. Think of it as your first real PvE boss fight and one that punishes poor preparation.
Held in early April at the Nakayama Racecourse, this 2000-meter Medium Turf event throws a combination of hills, mood volatility, and weather randomness at you. If your Uma is constantly collapsing during the last stretch or missing out on top-three finishes despite being “above average,” you’re not alone. Thousands of players on Reddit, Discord, and YouTube have documented their struggles here, with some referring to it as the "stat check that humbles all new players." But it doesn’t have to be a wall.
This guide is designed for both new players trying to complete their first campaign and returning veterans who want to train consistent climbers for the URA Finals or the Champion's Meeting. From optimal stat thresholds to skill synergy, deck setups, and even community insights, we’ve compiled everything you need in one place.
To set yourself up for success early on, many trainers take advantage of top-up platforms like LootBar to secure essential support cards or inheritance rerolls. If you want to invest in your deck and achieve long-term success, it's one of the smartest first steps.

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Race Overview
DETAIL | INFO |
Race Name | Satsuki Sho |
Type | G1 – Medium Turf |
Track | Nakayama (Right-handed, moderate hills) |
Distance | 2000m |
Season | Early April (Spring) |
Fan Requirement | ~4,500 Fans |
Field Size | 18 Runners |
Key Mechanics:
- Weather: 70% Sunny / 30% Rain (affects skill triggers)
- Track Profile: Long uphill start → sharp downhill → 500m flat finale
- Danger Zones: Stamina drain at 1200m mark, crowd noise debuffs at 800m
Verified Stat Thresholds
Consistent wins require these benchmarks:
STAT | MINIMUM | IDEAL | CRITICAL? |
Speed | 750 | 800+ | Yes |
Stamina | 550 | 600+ | Yes (or Gold heal) |
Power | 400 | 450+ | For acceleration |
Wisdom | 250 | 300+ | Prevents start/mood fails |
Guts | 150 | 200+ | Late-stretch boost |
Reddit Consensus: "Under 300 Wisdom? Expect panic debuffs and missed skill activations in the packed field."
— r/UmaMusume (2024 stats poll)
Top-Tier Uma Picks
CHARACTER | ROLE | BUILD TIP |
Tokai Teio | All-Rounder | Balanced stats + sustain |
McQueen | Closer | Stack late-speed skills |
Bourbon | Sustainer | Stamina-focused inheritance |
Rice Shower | Front-Runner | High-risk (needs Break Alarm) |

Viable Niche Picks:
- Vodka (Speed-stacking decks)

- Silence Suzuka (Requires +10% Mood stability)

Avoid: Deep closers (e.g., Gold Ship) without 650+ Stamina.
Non-Negotiable Skills
ESSENTIAL (Prioritize these):
- Nakayama Racecourse A+ (Lv 5): +150 Speed on this track
- Spring Runner: +100 Stamina in April
- Gold Heal (Swinging Maestro / Light Step): Trigger at 600m
HIGH-VALUE SUPPLEMENTS:
- Corner Recovery: Mitigates hill stamina drain
- Mid-Leg Acceleration: Helps positioning at 1000m
- Last Leg Spurt: Capitalizes on 500m straight
- Mud Runner: Rain skill backup
Optimal Deck Builds
F2P Friendly (3/2/1 Ratio):
TYPE | CARDS | PURPOSE |
SPD x3 | Oguri Cap (SSR), Kitasan Black | Speed + hill resistance |
STM x2 | Super Creek, Manhattan Cafe | Stamina + healing skills |
UTL x1 | Tazuna Hayakawa (SR) | Mood control + event bonuses |
Whale Variation:
- SPD: Teio (SSR), Condor Pasa (SSR), Daiwa Scarlet
- STM: Mayano Top Gun (SSR), Super Creek (SSR)
- UTL: Aoi Kiryuin (Wisdom buffs)
Race Day Execution
PHASE 1: Preparation (Pre-April)
- Reach 4,500+ Fans
- Equip skills: Nakayama + Spring Runner + Gold Heal
- Mood: Confident/Good (Never run Irritated/Insecure)
PHASE 2: Race Strategy
SEGMENT | ACTION |
Start | Hold 4th–6th (Avoid early burnout) |
1200m | Trigger heal if <60% stamina |
600m | Activate Gold heal + position yourself |
500m | Unleash speed/acceleration skills |
Pro Tip: Save your final burst for after Nakayama’s downhill section.
Rewards
- Satsuki Sho Sash (cosmetic)
- Medium Turf Shoes
- 300 Carats + 50,000 Coins
- Rare Goddess Statue drop (<5% chance)
- Fan boost toward URA Finals qualification
Critical Pitfalls
Mistake | Consequence |
Speed <750 | Left behind in the final sprint |
No track/season buff | -200+ stat disadvantage |
Low Wisdom | Panic debuffs + poor starts |
Front-runner spam | Team-wide stamina collapse at 1200m |
Should You Run Now?
YES, IF YOU HAVE:
- A+ Medium/Turf aptitude
- 3 SPD / 2 STM / 1 UTL deck
- Nakayama Racecourse skill
- Mood stability (Tazuna / Kiryuin)
DELAY IF:
- Core skills unlearned
- Avg. stats below 700
- Frequent mood drops below "Good"
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
The Satsuki Sho marks your first real milestone in Uma Musume Pretty Derby. It’s a tactical challenge that blends stat thresholds, smart deck-building, and on-point skill timing to create a race that can feel overwhelming unless you come prepared.
- STATS: 800+ Speed, 600+ Stamina, and 300+ Wisdom are the baseline
- SKILLS: Nakayama, Spring Runner, and a Gold Heal are crucial
- DECK: A 3 Speed / 2 Stamina / 1 Utility build provides balance and mood control
- STRATEGY: Mid-pack position → heal at 600m → burst at final turn
Conquer the Satsuki Sho and you'll gain massive fan boosts, better inheritance potential, and a clear path toward URA Finals and Champions’ Meet preparations. It’s not just about passing a story mission. It’s about establishing your long-term success in the game.
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Before you attempt your next Satsuki Sho clear, make sure your team is equipped and your deck is stacked. If you're ready to strengthen your Uma Musume journey, start by visiting LootBar and topping up through their Umamusume: Pretty Derby Top Up page—because every perfect run starts with the right prep.
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