1

Boldog Hos

Has shown consistency even after a long layoff. Finished well 4th in the G3 Challenge Cup (2000m) from 19-month break last autumn. 4th in the G2 American Jockey Club Cup (2200m) last time.

2

Ho O Biscuits

3rd in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) last year. Finished second, just a nose behind the winner in the G2 Kinko Sho (2000m) last time. His ability to lead should suit the inner course at Hanshin.

3

Ravel

9th placed in the G2 Kinko Sho (2000m) last time due to the heavy ground. Considering her 2nd-place in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) and triumph in the G3 Challenge Cup (2000m) last autumn, it won’t be surprised if she can make a comeback. Best on firm track.

4

Sol Oriens

Winless nearly two years. Showed little at the top-class races last autumn. Finished 2L 5th in the G2 Kyoto Kinen (2200m) last time. Races from behind.

5

Bellagio Opera

The defending champion heads straight here following 4th-place in the G1 Arima Kinen (2500m). With a perfect record of three wins in three starts at Hanshin and a running style well-suited to the inner track, it’s hard to imagine him faltering.

6

Justin Palace

Claimed his first G1 title in the Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in 2023. Kept on delivering strong performances, including the 2nd in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) and 3rd in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) but has not secured a win for a while. Last run was 5th in the G1 Arima Kinen (2500m).

7

Yoho Lake

The 7-year-old horse finished on the board in 10 of 12 starts. Won his third graded race title by 0.8L in the G2 Kyoto Kinen (2200m) in February.

8

Karate

The 9-year-old horse has been winless since 2023. Has had two-digit finishes in recent six starts. Hard task.

9

Cosmo Kuranda

2nd in the G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) in 2024 but finished out of frame in the other two Japanese classics. Was beaten only 0.1 second 3rd in the G2 American Jockey Club Cup (2200m) last time. Clocked a good time in fast work and more than that, his stride was dynamic and powerful, showcasing his exceptional form.

10

Sixpence

With five wins from six races in his career, the only defeat came in the G1 Japanese Derby (2400m), where he struggled with the distance and failed to settle properly. Switched back to the middle-distance races last autumn, showcasing his high caliber by defeating older horses. Stunned all with a blistering finishing kick, setting a new record in the G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) last time.

11

Desierto

Secured the first graded race title at G3 Chunichi Shimbun Hai (2000m) in December. In the latest start G2 Kinko Sho (2000m), despite setting the exceptional fast pace over the heavy track, he still managed to finish 4th, showing his stamina.

12

Stellenbosch

She finished good third in the G1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) last time despite covering additional ground from racing wide. A remarkably consistent runner, finishing in the top three in all eight starts. The continued partnership with Joao Moreira adds further confidence.

13

Lord del Rey

With six wins and finishing on the board in all nine career starts, the son of Lord Kanaloa secured his first graded race win in the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai (2200m) by 3L in January.

14

Ecoro Walz

Has shown a steady improvement in his 4-year-old campaign. Delivered an impressive run when 2nd in the G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m). Despite strong early pace, he fought well, just beaten by a nose in a race that ultimately favored closers.

15

Al Naseem

Claimed his second group race title in the G3 Nakayama Kimpai over 2000m in January. The 12th finish in the last start was due to the unique track condition at Nakayama, not to the lack of his ability.