Almeida Minoru

Three wins, all over 1400m, including at Hanshin. Distance looks to be best trip. Coming off win at Tokyo on 8 May. Good early speed.

Burning Pesca

7-year-old has raced at this level since summer of 2019 with 4 finishes in top three and 6-6-6-5 in last four. Honest runner but slow to fire. Likely needs more ground.

Forza F

Has had a couple surprises at Niigata since moving to this class in late 2019, but last 6 starts have brought best 8th. Not promising.

God Bumblebee

Raced nearly exclusively over 1200m. Has only one finish in top three from last 8 starts. Runs from far off pace, with good late speed, but likely needs more ground. Could fill out a trio.

Godairiki

Drop in distance brought win over Hanshin 1400m at level below. 4th last out at Tokyo. Primed. Return to Hanshin a plus.

Gold Paladin

Three seconds from 9 starts at this level, including last out on 5 June over Tokyo 1400m. Tends to run handily. First time over Hanshin 1400m on dirt. Could do well here.

Isshin

Raced predominately at 1200m with best 7th in last 10 starts. Likely not a contender.

Kurino San Leo

9-year-old surprised with 2nd over Hanshin 1200m last out on 1 May. Difficult temperament, unreliable, but can move when so inclined. Extra distance a plus. Good for a wager.

Line of Fate

Filly has 6 finishes in top three from 13 starts. Won over Tokyo 1400m in May despite extra ground covered. Posted 4-3-5 from 3 starts previous, all at Hanshin. Has maintained condition.

Lowell

Promising 4-year-old gelding has all but 4 finishes in top three from 11 total starts and has finished 3-1-2 over last three, all over 1400m. Second start at this level. Very competitive here.

Nihonpiro Rand

Won over Hanshin 1400m before moving up in class and has posted best 5th in 5 starts since, all at 1200m or 1400m. Weight has fluctuated wildly. Could surprise if weight has stabilized, but trackwork not promising.

Over Nexus

Raced with success over 1600-1800m, but switched to 1400m and won at Hanshin end November. Returned from 6-month layoff at this level with poor showing at Tokyo. Improvement expected, return to Hanshin a plus.

Shepherd Boy

Tends to race from far off pace with best a fourth in last 4 starts at this level. Good late speed. Looking good in work. Could make money with right trip.

Suzuka Kanaloa

Last three starts, all over 1200m, brought 8-9-8. Races from far off pace, excellent late speed. Extra distance a plus.

Tagano Pretoria

7-year-old racing regularly at this level since May 2020 has failed to make board in last 8 starts, all over 1200-1400m. Not promising.

Tiger Silence

Has finished far off board in 5 starts since moving to this level. Last win was over Hanshin 1400m but likely outclassed.