Al Mare City

Failed to impress when last-start 8th on the dirt at Niigata over 1200m on 26 October. Must lift to be in contention here.

Chelsea

Has mixed form recently but has shown decent ability with a win and 3 seconds from 13 starts. Can rebound here with luck.

Eifer Lieben

Has struggled repeatedly at this level and beat only 1 runner home last start when 15th over 1400m at Tokyo on 30 November.

El Aurens

Comfortable winner over this course and distance in January and resumed with good 4th over 1400m at Tokyo on 30 November.

F Eight

Well-tried with only 1 win from 20 starts, but has finished 2nd at 2 of last 3 starts, including good effort to surge from the home turn over this course and distance on 13 December.

Himekamino Itadaki

Sole career win from 38 starts came over 1300m at Tokyo in April 2022. Recent form is ordinary and must improve significantly.

Mee Huapala

Led throughout to win on debut over 1800m at Chukyo in December 2023 but has placed only once in 11 subsequent attempts, running 3rd last start.

Perceive

Lightly-raced and one of the main contenders with 1 win and a placing from 7 starts. Solid effort when 4th over this course and distance on 6 December.

Queen’s Chiffon

Won impressively over this course and distance in April and finished powerfully for 6th here over 1200m on 27 September. One of the chances.

Rich Hunter

Racing successfully in lower grades and although this is harder, he’s a consistent type who deserves respect.

Sammaru Lien

Recent form is dismal with 11th at Niigata in October followed by weakening 15th over 1600m at Tokyo on 16 November. Prefer others.

Satono Serenade

Had performed brilliantly on NAR circuit but struggled when 9th after being trapped wide over 1400m at Tokyo on 26 April. Resuming here.

Snow Cruise

Has struggled to live up to early promise and needs to lift markedly on last-start 8th after fading from the home turn over 1800m at Niigata in August.

Taisei Le Vent

Rarely far away and ran well last start when 5th over 1200m at Chukyo on 6 December. Another candidate who can’t be ruled out.

Taylor Tesoro

Strung together 5 wins in a row on NAR circuit but flopped when stepping to this level with distant 14th over 1800m at Niigata.

Tomo Sakae

Had shown great form on NAR circuit but failed badly when stepping up to this grade when last of 15 over 1200m at Niigata in October. Prefer others.