1200m – Dirt
| Aten Festa | Struggled through most of 2016 after finally breaking his maiden over 1200m on dirt on his 6th start. Tried unsuccessfully over 1700m – 1800m but returned to 1400m for a win in February at lower class. Finished 12th at first start at this level last out. Not promising. |
| Avenement | 6-year-old with 3 wins from 22 starts primarily over 1000m -1200m range. Tends to run on the pace and has proven successful over all going. Moved up to this level last two starts and finished 7th and 12th. Likely outclassed. |
| Bellclear | 5-year-old mare last won in April 2017 over 1400m after moving to this level. Did poorly in next 5 starts, but has shown improvement this year under new partner Yuichi Kitamura. Last start finished 3rd on 17 March in Chukyo 1200m. Good on any surface. Has won at Hanshin. |
| Breisgau | 5-year-old mare posted 1 win, a third and two fourth at this level last year. Unsuccessful move to upper class. Returned to this level after 5 months off. Three starts yielded 4-8-4 with last start on 25 February. Chance. |
| Bronze Tailor | 7-year-old mare raced primarily at 1200m. Has failed to win since moving to this class 15 starts ago. Has 2 seconds and 2 thirds. Has not raced since 17 February. Not promising. |
| Kurino Chambord | Has posted best 2 thirds since moving up to this level. Last four starts unplaced, all at 1200m. Not promising. |
| Marukano Kagayaki | 4-year-old colt being tried at 1200m for the first time. Has won at NAR track twice over 1400m competing against both JRA and NAR horses. Has experience at Hanshin over 1800m. Could surprise. |
| Meisho Yumegoze | 9-year-old mare has missed board in last 4 starts, all at this distance, including 9th in Hanshin 1200m last out on 11 March. No doubt showing age. |
| Michael City | Ritto-based 6-year-old has raced primarily over 1200m. Had 3 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds at lower level, but has struggled after move to this level 7 starts ago. Posted 2nd last out on 17 March at Chukyo. Return to Hanshin a plus. |
| Old Bailey | 4-year-old colt has 2 wins and 2 thirds from 8 starts, six starts over 1200m. Made promising start at this level with a third last out on 11 March after 3-month layoff. Improvement likely. |
| Only One Star | 5-year-old mare with 7 finishes in top three spots in 21 starts. Since moving to this level 6 starts ago, best a fourth last out on 11 March. Showed good late speed and improvement likely. |
| Shared | Miho-based 5-year-old dropped back to this class after racing unsuccessfully at level above and posted 3rd and 2nd over Nakayama 1200m last fall. Started year with a 6th over Nakayama 1200m on 3 March. May see improvement. |
| Stapes Maria | Two wins from 7 starts, 4-year-old filly dropped back to this class after 2 unsuccessful runs in open class. Back 11 March for 11th-place finish. May improve. |
| Super Morion | American-bred 4-year-old colt dropped down from open class and has posted 2 seconds in 6 starts at this level, mostly over 1200m. Ran 2nd on 11 March in Hansin 1200m dirt. Promising. |
| Tagano Cattleya | 4-year-old filly dropped down to this level after 4 unsuccessful bids in open class. Raced at 1200m – 1400m in last 3 starts gaining a third. Likely outclassed. |
| Western Oji | 8-year-old gelding has not made board since win in February 2014. Last out on 11 March finished 6th in Nakayama 1200m. Not likely a contender. |
