Desert Storm

Raced primarily over 1200m with wins at Hanshin and Kyoto last year at class lower than this. Unplaced on sloppy track and turf last 2 starts. Good speed. Looking good in training. May improve.

El Monstruo

Ran poorly last 2 starts over 1200m since moving to Open class. Extra distance a plus and his good steady speed should suit Hanshin. Could surprise.

Eternite

Won at a class below at this course and distance in April. Spelled since and returned first-up in early October. Should now be primed. Runs on pace within striking distance with steady speed. Could surprise.

Girasol

Made money in 7 straight starts at classes lower, including a win at this course and distance in March, before moving to this level for 3rd and 9th this distance last 2 runs. Excellent speed. Settles midfield or better. Competitive.

Hargreaves

1 win and 3 placings this year with last-start 3rd at this level over Tokyo 1400m. Best results from left-handed tracks but also won at right-handed Nakayama. Not bothered by kickback. Excellent late speed. Runs from midfield. First time here but the Hanshin 1400m should suit. Improvement expected.

Lance of Puraana

Took the G3 Mainichi Hai (1800m) in March 2019.  Poor showings since and he moved to dirt last month. Well beaten in that run and his sole previous start on the dirt. Likely not a contender.

Maruka Soleil

Is 5-5-7-13 in last 4 starts, all at this class and distance. Speed likely lacking amid this competition.

Meisho Gigas

Highly inconsistent since the summer of 2019. Did score at Niigata over 1200m in July, also successful over Hanshin 1400m at lower level last year. Could surprise.

Mozu Daddy

Moving to the dirt for the first time since late 2018, since last success on the dirt at the NAR course, Sonoda. Fair 4.75L 6th in the G2 Fuji Stakes (1600m) last out. Good speed but one-paced. Wild card.

Nihonpiro Tide

Good speed. Runs midfield. Made board in 2 of 3 starts at this class. Coming off from 6-month layoff but Hanshin 1400m should suit. Prefers fast track.

Reciprocate

Is 4-2-5 in last 3 starts at this level, last 2 over 1400m but raced to the left. Return to Hanshin 1400m a plus. Excellent speed and prepped. Races midfield. Needs good pace. Good prospects.

Smart C’est la Vie

Raced recently in 1700-1800m range. Took a 1700m handicap at Kokura a class below in August. Another fine showing when 1L 2nd in a 1700m Listed race at Fukushima early this month.  Tends to lead or run on pace. Excellent speed. Agile and well suited to the tighter track. Is prepped and drop in distance a likely positive.

Snark Raiden

Four starts off the board since moving to this class. Won over 1200m at Hanshin a class below. Needs fast track. Good speed and turn of foot. Could surprise.

T O Target

Retransferred from NAR to the JRA circuit and has moved up quickly through the ranks since April. Showed guts and excellent acceleration in win over Kyoto 1400m last out. First time at this class. Runs close to the pace. Excellent overall speed. Very promising.

Tamamo Cattleya

Best a 5th (for twice) in 5 starts since moving to this class. Returning after 5 months off. Good late speed. Races from far off pace, difficult style for Hanshin 1400m dirt. Not promising.

Vanilla Ice

Inconsistent but has made top 3 finishes in 5 of 10 starts at this level. Twice competed at the course and distance, best a neck 2nd in a Listed race here last September. Races close to pace, excellent speed. Improvement expected. Not to be overlooked.