Firstbahn

Gelding has best a fifth since moving to this class. Returned somewhat heavy last out after 2.5 months off and finished 7th over Nakayama 1200m. Showing reluctance to run in morning work. But could improve with sharpener.

Jigen

American-bred colt is 3-6-2 since moving to this level. In second start since returning from time off finished 2nd over Nakayama 1200m. Was advantaged with ideal trip but has talent. Promising.

Kaiawase

Filly looks to be coming into own over 6-7 furlongs since late 2020. Returned after 3 months for first start at this level and raced nicely to finish fourth over Hanshin 1200m. Won over Nakayama 1200m at class lower in mid- September. Has promise.

Laurel Jack

Racing at this level since late spring of last year with only one finish on board. Not a contender.

Matthias

Versatile Ritto-based colt moving up in class is returning after recovering from fracture. First race since February. Sprint specialist has 9 finishes in top three (including 3 wins) all over 1000-1400m. First time at Nakayama. Race day condition key.

Meisho Kogomi

6-year-old mare has been racing at this level since early 2019 with best a third and only 5 finishes on board. Responses dull last out on 4 December. First time at Nakayama, but likely not a contender.

Muscoloso

Racing at this level since early 2020 with only 2 finishes on board, none in money, predominately on turf. Two starts on dirt, including one at Nakayama failed to bring good results. Likely not a contender.

Nanyo Izayoi

Gelding has done poorly in 8 starts this year, all at this level. But, posted best results of 5-7 in only 2 starts over 6 furlongs. Looks good in morning work. Poor going could advantage.

Night Breeze

Filly has only one finish off board in last 6 starts. Posted 5-6 in last two starts at this level. Broke slowly last start but gained in stretch. Persevered despite first time getting kickback. Has promise with right trip.

Nishino Horizon

Last out, chronic poor starter turned in best 3rd in nine starts at this level. Has good late speed so short stretch is plus. Nakayama 4-7-5-9 results at this level closer than finishing order suggests. Fourth in this race last year. Has chance.

Pier Chic

5-year-old with six starts at this level in dirt sprints has failed to win but has made money 3. Is taking on Nakayama for first time in 23 career starts. Tends to race from far off pace and is not advantaged by turf start in Nakayama dirt 1200m or short stretch, but stretch hill and excellent late speed may work in his favour.

Shonan Anime

Versatile colt finished close fourth in first start at this level early October after 2 months off. Last out, encountered interference at break and failed to recover. Finished three off rear. Still, has promise.

Sunrise Senna

6-year-old has been racing at this level largely over 9 furlongs since end of 2019, but dropped in distance to sprints for 6-8-4 over last three starts. Is slow from gate, so Nakayama 1200m may be busy for him. Worth a wager.

Urban Jager

Veteran 7-year-old has been racing at this level since spring of 2019 without a win. Given seven starts this year, all over 7-9 furlongs and has made board in four. Was 2-3 in last two starts. Honest racer. Shadow roll helped last out, but drop in distance this time likely not a plus. Did finish second in Nakayama 1200m in January 2020.

Waltz For Run

Excitable filly moved from NAR circuit to JRA at year begin and is 1-2-1-2 in four starts since, in Hokkaido and last start over Fukushima 1150m. Has talent but still has concerns with maneuverability and control in general. First time at more difficult Nakayama. Races on or close to pace. Trip, ride will be key.

Witchcraft

Second start at this level in 2 weeks over Nakayama 1200m. Usually leads, was held back for late drive that made sixth. Weight has been dropping. Condition key on race day but speed not promising.