Angel Circle

Was slow to notch second win after 19 tries. Second start at this level following third in Kokura 2000m.  Miho-based with 5-12 in two previous Nakayama starts. Trackwork satisfactory. High hurdle but could surprise.

Aoi Gold

Versatile Gold Ship filly moved to this level after win over Nakayama 2000m in January, followed by 3-2-2, all over a furlong less, all at Nakayama. Last out, despite uncharacteristic late break, raced from rear and gained to within neck of the win. Extra ground this time a plus.

Atomica

7-year-old last won in April 2020, took year off and returned to make board in 6 of 11 starts. Only finish in top three was third last out over Hanshin 2000m. Was heavy and missed break. Ritto-based, only second start at Nakayama. Improvement expected. Could surprise with right trip.

Autumn Heroine

Ritto-based filly finished last in G2 bid last year and followed with 5-2-6 at 2000-2200m, all at left-handed tracks. Tends to race midfield or further back. Won over Hakodate 2000m last July and may enjoy return to right in first time at Nakayama. Worth a wager.

Barbaresco

5-year-old with early speed has best a fourth from 6 starts since moving to this level. Returned after 2 1/2 months to score fourth in Tokyo 2000m. First turf run at Nakayama but has performed well at Sapporo. Has chance.

Bloomsbury

5-year-old has made the board in two of her four starts at this level, all in the 1800-2000m range. After 5 months off, returned mid-March with 18-kg weight gain, missed break, but rallied for very close fifth over Nakayama 1800m. Finished only 0.5L behind the winner. Improvement evident in trackwork. Worth a wager.

Human Comedy

5-year-old has posted 3-2-4-3 from early October, two of those starts over Nakayama 2000m. Last out late February, advantaged by inside draw, raced well and finished only 0.5L behind winner. Times bit off in trackwork but movement is good. Promising.

Idanikos

Filly moving up in class after win over Kokura 1800m. Agitated in gate but showed tenacity in finish. Normally races at 8-9 furlongs. Only other start at 2000m was at Nakayama with 8th-place finish. Looking strong in work but venue, distance may be a high hurdle.

Love In Fall

Has best a sixth in 7 starts at this level. Moved from dirt to turf. Set the pace in two of her last three starts in 1800-2500m range, only to fade to double-digits at the finish. Likely outclassed at this level.

Marino Sophia

5-year-old hampered by heavier ground in last two starts, but finished third over Chukyo 2000m in mid-December. Is 8-8 this year and prepped with start at Chukyo in late March. Had four finishes in the money last year at this level over 1800-2000m. Could get lucky with right trip.

Mi Amante

5-year-old with G3 experience has finished 3-2-4-2 in last four starts at this level, including a 2nd over the Nakayama 1800m. Returned after 2 1/2 months off for second over Tokyo 2000m. Has done well over any ground. Tends to run midfield. Looking a bit lackluster in work and often slow at break, but competitive amid this field. Nakayama 2000m may suit.

Purple Lady

Miho-based filly dropped in level after no luck in three graded stakes races. Is returning from a 7th in Tokyo 2400m mid-November. Only one start at Nakayama, a ninth in G3 over 2000m. Good late speed, but has tendency to be slow at break. Trackwork sufficient. Has chance with right trip.