Aim For Ace

Took his first win at JRA in 2-win class (1400m) in January since he has been transferred from NAR in October 2024.  Showed little in the class in two recent starts.

Air Miani

The 8-year-old gelding last won in the lower class (1600m) in December 2023 and has struggled since, with no placings in six recent starts.

Captaincy

Finished 2.5L third in this class (1200m) in December, but recent form has been ordinary.

Emanuele

Won the lower class (1500m) at Sapporo in July 2024.  Clocked the second fastest time for the last 600m and ran 5th in his seasonal start (1200m) last time.

Fortem

Showed little in previous two starts. Two straight wins at Sapporo, both over 1500m, last summer. 3.5L 5th over the distance in this class three starts ago.

Meisho Tsuyoki

Two wins in previous four starts on dirt. Changed tactics and showed his early speed to take the lead and made all the way over the cutback in distance to 1400m last time.

Melt Your Heart

Has run from 1600m to 2000m in her 14 career starts. Showed little in the last 4 starts. First race up in nearly 6 months.

Miltenberg

Stepping up to 1400m first time since March 2024. Has shown his consistency in this class, with 5 placings in 7 starts. Traveled nicely and finished 3rd last time.

Mistress

Last year’s 4th-place runner in the G3 Saudi Derby (1600m, dirt) graduated from the lower-class in November. Had two-digit finishes in the last two starts.

Mitono Orfe

Settled well and finished strongly up the hill last time over the distance in the lower-class. He also responded willingly when asked to come through a tight gap. It was a decisive win.

Sam Hunter

The 8-year-old horse won the lower class in April 2025, but his recent form has been little. Can be discounted.

Shonan Last Boss

Has not tasted any success since moved up to this class in September 2022.  Had two-digit finishes in two recent starts.

Sky High

The highly regarded horse has finished in the top three in the last eight starts. After a decisive victory in 2-win class two starts ago, he returned from a five-month layoff last time and finished a good third in his first race in this class.

Success Ai

With two seconds and two thirds in 12 previous starts in this class. Finished 1.5L 6th at the distance last time.

Susan Asher

Won at 1600 and 1800m on turf. Finished 5th over this distance last summer but found things harder since. Sired by Siyouni, a stallion with a strong record in European turf sprint, his pedigree is well suited to the agility and power required for the inner course at Hanshin.

Thrilling Chase

Mainly competed in dirt races over middle to sprint distances, and secured 2-win class in January 2025. Since this race is set as a handicap, he may carry less weight, which could provide a significant advantage in sustaining his effort in closing stages.

Thriving Road

Took two wins in a row in September 2025 and finished 2nd in his first start in this class in November last time. Usually settled in a stalking position.

Unaginobori

Mixed form on both turf and dirt. Winless for three years.  Finished little in the first two starts on dirt this season but showed significant improvement with 2nd on turf last time.