Arma Sting

Raced primarily at this distance, has not made the board in last 7 starts. Racing for first time since April. Not promising.

Blitzen City

5-year-old gelding consistently made board until summer of 2020 but results wildly fluctuating since, along with his weight. Has finished close to money over Nakayama 1800m. Worth a longshot wager. Condition key on raceday.

Derma Lapis Lazuli

First time over Nakayama 1800m last out on 20 September. Surprised with 3rd-place finish. May have found sweet spot. Speed competitive here.

Emerging Role

Promising Neo Universe 3-year-old moved from turf after second start and recorded 2-1-1 over next three starts, all in 1700-1800m range. Surprised with sudden weight gain and 8th-place finish last out over Sapporo 1700m. Race day condition key.

Long Run

3-year-old colt with two wins over Nakayama 1800m early this year did poorly after jump up in class and 200-300 meters more ground. Return to venue, distance, both pluses though speed may be lacking amid this field.

On the Way

5-year-old miler with no success in last 8 starts was given extra 200m since 2 starts back with poor results. First race since late December 2020. Likely not a contender.

Only One Boy

Colt with 20 starts has made top three spots in 8 of them. Both wins have come over Nakayama 1800m. Raced primarily in 1600-1800m range. Finished fourth in Nakayama 1800m on 20 September. Primed and a possible.

Pionono

Classy King Kamehameha colt has only 3 finishes out of the money in career 9 starts. Raced primarily at this distance. Has had only one race this year and is returning after nearly half a year off. Condition key on raceday.

Puerta del Sol

Stay Gold 7-year-old has performed well (2-3-3) in last 3 starts, all at Kokura over heavy dirt 1700m. Returning after 7-month spell. Wild card.

Red Zenon

Seasoned veteran has failed to make money since summer of 2018, 20 starts ago. Has had long run of heavy ground. Speed may be competitive here. Not to be ruled out.

Rorqual Rouge

Started career with longer distances and posted 5-7 over Nakayama 1800m. Was given less distance, but as chronic late breaker, had little success. Trying with more ground again. Is prepped with run on 19 September. Could surprise.

Tamamo Hip Hop

3-year-old with only 4 starts behind him, including maiden win over Nakayama 1800m. Won over Fukushima 1700m in July. Needs a bit more speed but likely competitive amid this field.

Tomoja Lia

Miho-based 3-year-old colt leapt to graded level last out and finished 7th of 15 over Niigata 1800m on 8 August. Is 3-1 over Nakayama 1800m. Promising.

Victorioso

Debuted over Nakayama 1800m in January 2020 with 7th-place finish, then moved to sprints. Last out early September ran 10th in Niigata 1800m but was heavy. Improvement expected. Could surprise.

Whose Side

Last win was in August 2019 some 20 starts ago. Notched two thirds over Nakayama 1800m at year end and begin of this year. Needs just a bit more. Could get lucky with right trip.

Win Reserve

Colt won debut over Nakayama 1800m in March 2020 and notched second win in NAR race this July. Fifth last out over Sapporo 1700m. Extra distance a plus. Lacks speed. Likely not competitive amid this lineup.