1

Excite Bio

Talented three-year-old stayer who won G3 Radio Nikkei Sho (1800m) before finishing strongly for 3rd in G1 Kikuka Sho (3000m) on 26 October. One of the chances.

2

Shin Emperor

Globetrotter who won at G2 level over 2100m in Saudi Arabia on 22 February. Drew gate 16 and finished 8th in G1 Japan Cup (2400m) on 30 November. Winning chance at his top.

3

Justin Palace

Top-class stayer racing in great form. Won the 2023 G1 Tenno Sho Spring over 3200m and charged home for 5th in G1 Japan Cup (2400m) on 30 November.

4

Museum Mile

G1 Japanese 2000 Guineas (2000m) winner stepping beyond 2400m for the first time. Has plenty of ability but must answer stamina queries.

5

Regaleira

Champion filly who narrowly won this race last year and last start flew home to win the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) at Kyoto. The horse to beat.

6

Meisho Tabaru

Racing well with G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) victory followed by respectable 6th in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) to Masquerade Ball.

7

Sunrise Zipangu

Placed at G1 level with 2nd in February Stakes (1600m) in February but is venturing into unknown territory at 2500m.

8

Chevalier Rose

Veteran stayer who has won over 3600m but recent form is disappointing including 23rd in G1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on 4 November.

9

Danon Decile

2024 G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) winner who comfortably beat Calandagan in G1 Dubai Sheema Classic over 2410m in April before finishing 3rd to same horse in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m) on 30 November.

10

Cosmo Kuranda

Promising three-year-old whose recent performances have been modest, including fading 12th to Masquerade Ball in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn over 2000m before 9th in G1 Japan Cup (2400m) on 30 November.

11

Mystery Way

Chasing third straight win after last start victory in G2 Copa Republica Argentina (2500m) at Tokyo. This is harder.

12

Meiner Emperor

Rarely far away at the elite level and finished good 5th to Redentor last start in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m). Must consider.

13

Admire Terra

Consistent stayer with 5 wins and 2 placings from 11 starts and won the G2 Meguro Kinen (2500m) in June. Resumed with 4th in G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) on 5 October before losing rider in G1 Japan Cup (2400m).

14

Arata

Sparingly-raced veteran with 7 wins and 5 placings from 31 starts. Best win came in G3 Fukushima Kinen (2000m). This is much harder.

15

Elton Barows

Quality miler who finished impressive 5th to Jantar Mantar in G1 Mile Championship at Kyoto on 23 November. High-class galloper but stamina is a query.

16

Tastiera

2023 G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) winner who also won the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April. Finished 7th last start in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m) on 30 November.