Akano Strong

Had only one finish of eight in the money last year before being raced at local tracks. Only one JRA event with no luck this year. Best results have come racing to right. First time at Kyoto but not promising.

Columbia Tesoro

Miho-based 3-year-old filly has posted 4-14 since moving to this level after win over Hanshin 1800m. Poor results were usually on sloppy ground, but has chance if track condition is better.

Daddy’s Warrior

Moving up in class after win over Hanshin 2000m. First time at Kyoto, but does seem to do better racing to right. Promising.

Excess Return

Fairly consistent colt raced exclusively 1800m until last start. Returned in mid-October after nearly eight months to post third in first time over Kyoto 1900m. Versatile. Promising.

Hagino Rock On

Colt in money in last five starts, including third at this level over Kyoto 1900m in May. Returning after a break of around 6 months but has done well with similar conditions before. Poor away but has excellent late speed.

Hinode Teio

Colt rising in class after win over Niigata 1800m. Mostly raced to right. First time at Kyoto. Likely not competitive here.

Illuminator

Raced nearly exclusively at 1700-2000m but with only two finishes in top three from last 18 and only six on board. Likely not a contender.

Lord Trust

1800-2000m specialist with excellent results in all but 2 of 9 starts. Versatile and is 3-1 in two starts at Kyoto last month. Promising.

Meisho Kojo

6-year-old had good results through early 2022 including at this level and distance but did poorly after moved to grass. Turned in a surprise second after returning to dirt over Kyoto 1800m last out end October. Worth a wager.

Party Bell

Colt has figured in top three with consistency but has trouble winning. Has 20 starts thus far, primarily in 1700-1800m range. Good results at Kyoto. Tends to run from behind. Excellent late speed. Needs just a little more.

Shambalah

Highly consistent colt has only two finishes out of the top three from 16 starts. Took a long time notching two wins but is now 3-14 at this level with last start on turf some 3 months ago. Should be competitive here.

T O Saint Denis

Was doing consistently well until early summer with 9-7-5 in three starts since end June. Was fifth over Kyoto 1800m last out. Tends to lead. Extra 100 meters not a plus.
 

Toho Tenryu

Colt promising after finishing second in the first start at this level over Niigata 1800m, but posted 11-9 in two starts afterward. Returned in October and new to Kyoto. Could show improvement.

Win Honoka

Since moving up to this class, has fared far off board in last 8 starts, over 1600-1800m. Likely outclassed.

Win Wurde

Won over Kyoto 1900m in May at lower level but has performed poorly in three starts since after moving to two-win level, including a repeat over Kyoto 1900m end October. Sudden drop in weight a possible factor but likely outclassed.

Yamanin Ours

Colt taking on only third start after winning both races since debut in August 2022. Last outing was over Kyoto 1800m. Has run from second position both times but still can unleash excellent late kick. Very promising.