Dragon Goku

Moving up in class after stunning late drive from far off pace last time. Showing prospects since switched to dirt, and 1200m on a fast track looks to be a sweet spot. Both wins have come racing to left this year but he has posted second over Nakayama 1200m. Worth a wager.

Dream Believer

Best an eighth in four bids at this level including Nakayama 1200m. Lack of early speed.

Good Deal

Poor results led to shortening of distance, which last out brought best fifth over Fukushima 1150m from six starts of this year. Nakayama is a higher bar but prospects are brighter. On toes in work.

Lecoultre

Chronically late away, tends to race from far off pace with excellent late speed, but has only placed once with three fifths in six starts at this level this year. Could make money if break is smart.

Lord Of The Cheko

Lacks speed. Three double-digit finishes in three starts at this level, including Nakayama 1200m, bode poorly for success.

Mesmeriser

Hates kickback but doesn’t have early speed to lead, so is forced to go wide. Outside gate would be a plus in Nakayama 1200m. Worth a wager to fill out a trio.

Nac Drops

This filly has best sixth in six starts at this level. Not showing improvement after posting seventh over Fukushima 1150m in last outing. Raceday condition is crucial.

Reveur

This filly moved up in class after shorter distance and jockey’s tactic of keeping her amid the pack proved positive with 2-1, both over Nakayama 1200m in September. May be difficult to replicate successfully.

Shogekko

Second over Kokura 1000m in first start at this level but next six starts finished largely in double digits. Likely not a contender.

Smart Raptor

Reached this class after a win in May and finished sixth in first start at this level in June. Summer off and back for third place over Nakayama 1200m on 9 December. Good racing sense, good early speed. Trip suits. Competitive here.

Southern Elf

Highly consistent runner frequently in top three. Miho-based, has posted 3-4-2 since moving up to this class, last two starts over Nakayama 1200m, last start missed win by neck. Matter of time until next win. Promising.

Sweet Promise

Nothing promising here with four double-digit finishes since moving to this class. Speed lacking. Not competitive here.

T M Run Way

Colt given mix of trips in last six starts at this level with largely poor results. Raced in second position last out for sixth over Kyoto 1400m under Mirco Demuro. First time at Nakyama.

Taisei Brillio

Did poorly on turf at this level and was switched to dirt for 2-2 finishes over 1200m. Excellent speed and versatile running style, but mostly races on or close to pace. Ritto-based and first time at Nakayama. Has done well over tighter courses so likely to handle Nakayama well.

Urakawano Kiseki

Highly consistent filly had been doing fine until last outing, results of which can be attributed to a poor start and disregarded. Very familiar with Nakayama, with two seconds over the 1200m at this class. Promising.

Vent De Lion

Seems to be finding his footing after four starts since moving to this class, but best is still a third. Showing improvement from last outing on 1 October. Could make money if lucky.