August

Started career in 9-furlong range but has been slowly given less distance, mostly over 7 furlongs. Took nine starts to get to this level and ensuing two starts brought a 6-8. With lack of kick and decisive early speeds, the drop to 6 furlongs looks not promising.

Bushin

After slump from late last year to March of this year, this American-bred colt is looking turning in consistent good results. Won impressively by 3 lengths with excellent time earlier this month over Nakayama 1200m. Moving up in class with promise.

Danon Michael

This Ritto-based filly has best sixth in last four starts at this level and that result was in most recent open-class company a month ago. Nice footwork in morning work. First time at Nakayama. Could surprise.

Dragon Goku

Turned in best performance early this month from four starts at this level. Race primarily to left recently but did manage a second over Nakayama 1200m early last year. Very good late speed. Responses a bit lacking in morning work. Likely not competitive here.

Gabby’s Sister

This filly rises to this level with three dirt wins from six starts. Won handily last out in mid-August over Sapporo 1000m. Races close to pace with excellent late speed. Has two wins over Nakayama 1200m. Will have weight advantage. Promising.

Goodwood Guy

Raced primarily over 6-7 furlongs and finally scored second win on 24th start. Posted 8-6-9 at this level all over 7 furlongs, but with heavy and sloppy going in two of those starts. Does often make the board but overall speed lacking. First time at Nakayama could add a bit of spark, but not promising.

Grand Faubourg

This colt rises to this class after bold bids from inside draws brought him two wire-to-win wins in a row, over Nakayama 1200m and Tokyo 1300m. Competition likely stiff but similar tactics could land him in the money again.

Hayabusa Jet

Won twice in a row early this year over Nakayama 1200m before being given two races to left, with double-digit finishes in both. Has performed well after being gelded. Looking good in trackwork. Return to Nakayama a plus. Likely not a popular pick, but could surprise.

Keiai Maple

This 7-year-old returns to action after full nine-month off. Had just moved up in class with win over Nakayama 1200m late last year after requiring 8 tries to notch his third win. Looking fit, though heavy, and footwork good in work. That said, likely difficult amid this field.

Monarch

Has posted 9-5-7 since rising to this level, all at 7-8 furlongs, with last five starts to left. Being given shorter trip and return to Nakayama, where he aced his debut over 6 furlongs. Good late speed, but likely a bit too laidback to be competitive here.

Peptide Yamato

Having performed well this year with close finishes of 4-3-4-2 at this level, this Ritto-based horse will take on Nakayama for only the third time in 24-start career. Previous result at venue was a second at this distance. Good overall speed. Competitive here.

Reveur

Has made board twice in five starts at this level, all at 1200m. Best results did come over Nakayama 1200m but lack of late kick will likely see this mare come up short again.

Southern Elf

This Miho-based excitable mare posted 2-4-2-8 in four starts this year with interference a factor in the most recent race. Versatile with good overall speed. Consistent and experienced over Nakayama 1200m. Worth a wager.

Tamamo Daijokki

Settled nicely last out and traveled smoothly but finishing efforts and some interference in the straight resulted in fourth place. This Ritto-based horse has only one prior start at Nakayama, resulting in a third over 1200m early this year. Competitive here.

Unaginobori

Has made board only twice in last 15 starts, a mix of dirt and turf largely at 6-7 furlongs and to left. Did finish fifth over Nakayama 1200m early this early but likely not competitive here.

White Gerbera

Stellar in early career, but unable to recover performance after an 8-month layoff last year preceded by a second in first start at this level. Four double-digit finishes saw future bleak until a third last out earlier this month over the Chukyo 1200m and that despite being late away. Comeback may be possible.