1

Panja Tower

High-class galloper with best win so far in G1 NHK Mile Cup (1600m) at Tokyo in May 2025. Best form is over longer than 1200m but won here over this trip as a two-year-old. One of the top chances.

2

Big Caesar

Finished ninth in this race last year to Satono Reve after leading. Speedy type whose best wins have come at G3 level. Tested again here.

3

A T Makfi

Extremely consistent with six wins and 16 minor placings, including 10 seconds, from 31 starts. Won G3 Keihan Hai (1200m) at Kyoto in November. This is much harder.

4

Danon McKinley

Has struggled to reproduce best form since winning G2 over 1400m at Kyoto in 2024. Recent performances have been mediocre and hard to enthuse.

5

Yamanin Al Rihla

G3 winner who ran third last start to Fioraia in the G3 Silk Road Stakes (1200m) at Kyoto in February. Recent form has been decent, but this is a steep rise in class.

6

Red Mon Reve

Well exposed galloper with five wins from 24 starts. Best win so far was at G2 level over 1400m in 2023 Keio Hai Spring Cup, which is also his most recent win. Not keen.

7

Yoshino Easter

Listed winner whose latest form has been fair, including strong finishing fifth in the G3 Ocean Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama. Veteran who needs to produce career-best to be competitive here.

8

Win Carnelian

Veteran who surprised with victory in the G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama in September before finishing eleventh in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) to Ka Ying Rising. Always competitive at this level.

9

Satono Reve

High-class sprinter who won this race last year defeating Namura Clair and Mama Cocha. Resuming after finishing ninth in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) to Ka Ying Rising last December. The horse to beat.

10

Mama Cocha

G1 winner who ran third in this race last year to Satono Reve. Ran fourth in the G3 Ocean Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama when resuming. Fitter now and leading chance.

11

La La Maceration

Ran second to Sonshi in G3 Hankyu Hai (1400m) at Hanshin in February. All four career wins have come over 1400m. First attempt over 1200m, this is a big challenge.

12

Puro Magic

Multiple G3 winner who is yet to strike at the elite level. Weakened badly after leading when last of 16 in G3 Ocean Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama in February. Has to improve.

13

Namura Clair

Narrowly beaten in this race in last 3 years. Top-class galloper who will be storming home late. Ran second last start in G2 Hanshin Cup (1400m) in December and poised to strike here.

14

Rapier

In great form with successive runner-up efforts, including last-start second in the G3 Ocean Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama. Racing extremely well, place hope.

15

Invincible Papa

Five of six career wins came over 1200m and he is unbeaten at Chukyo, having led throughout to win the G3 CBC Sho in August. Yet to win at Group 1 level, but definite place hope.

16

Fioraia

Led and won the G3 Silk Road Stakes (1200m) at Kyoto in February but was only fair when tenth in the G3 Ocean Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama last start. This a challenge.

17

Pair Pollux

Stormed from the tail of the field to win the G3 Ocean Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama in February with career-best performance. Improver who warrants respect.

18

June Blair

Produced career-best performance when runner-up to Win Carnelian in the G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama in September before failing when eleventh in G2 Hanshin Cup (1400m) in December. Previous form was excellent, respect.