Bahn Frei

Experienced at this distance and class, with one second and three thirds. Decent speed, but lacks kick. Short stretch at Kyoto may help. Longshot but could surprise.

Blumenkrone

Bagged 3 wins over this distance at the NAR’s track of Nagoya before re-transferred back to the JRA circuit last spring, with 2 wins over 1800m. Placed twice this term, most recently 2nd at the distance and class at left-handed Chukyo in September. Proven racing to right. One to watch.

Gold Lagoon

Best a 4th in his last 6 starts in this class. Likely not a contender.

It’s Cool

Placed in a 1200m Listed turf race last season. Shown improvement after switching to dirt this year. Made board in 3 of 4 starts shorter than this in spring. Extended to this distance as per jockey’s advice last out. Excitable, may bother by kickback. But could do well with right trip.

Jouer Atout

Won over 1200m a class below in March but well beaten in two starts since moving to this level. Lacks speed. Likely outclassed.

Kurino San Leo

Had trouble to keep up with pace in his first start in this class last out.  Spelled for 9 months. Could do better with an inside draw or he may struggle.

Mallard The Record

Excellent early speed. Not bad when placed for 3rd over Niigata 1200m in August. Has made top three at Kyoto. Extra distance not a plus but within reach.

Meiner Luck

Well beaten in his last 6 starts in this class. Lacks speed. Not promising.

Meisho Mizukaze

Won over Kyoto 1200m a class below this time last year. Double-digit finishes in four starts since. Likely outclassed.

Smart Drake

Will race for the first time after moving back to the JRA circuit.  Had 3 wins over 1200m and 1500m in the NAR races before his transfer. Average speed. May not be competitive at JRA level.

Spada

Good early speed and experienced at distance. Won 3 over 1400m at the NAR track of Oi last year. Back to JRA circuit and he won back-to-back over Tokyo 1400m. Moving to this class for first time. Promising.

Suave Arthur

Unplaced in all 11 starts since moving to this class, including 4 this season. Likely outclassed.

T O Target

NAR horse with 3 wins at Himeji and Sonoda earlier this year, before moving to JRA this spring. Rose quickly through ranks including win over Hanshin 1400m in July a class below. Spelled for 3 months before a fair 7th, after missing break, in his first start this level over Nakayama 1200m on 4 October. Good late speed. Promising.

Tagano Pretoria

Very consistent. Last won at the course and distance in February. Moving to this class and again 2nd over Hanshin 1400m in June. Will be his first run after 3 months off. Usually settles midfield. Handles all going.

Taiki Saturn

Placed for 3rd twice at this level last year but best an 8th in 3 starts this term. Lack speed.

Yodono Victory

Last won at the course and distance in April but two double-digit finishes since moving up to this class. Not promising.