1

Sun Stockton

Has not won since July 2023 with an overall record of four wins and seven minor placings from 28 starts. This his toughest test yet. Others appeal more.

2

Matenro Leo

Most recent win came in the 2022 Listed Andromeda Stakes (2000m) at Hanshin. Recent form has been fair with last-start fourth behind Shohei in G2 American Jockey Club Cup (2200m) at Nakayama.

3

Seiun Hades

Won G3 Epsom Cup (1800m) at Tokyo in May 2025 but has struggled since, including fading 12th in G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) after leading. Needs to improve.

4

Danon Decile

Dual G1 winner, including 2025 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) and 2024 Japanese Derby (2400m), who finished strongly last start for third in G1 Arima Kinen (2500m). One of the main chances.

5

Shohei

Dual G2 winner who is racing in excellent form, including last-start victory in American Jockey Club Cup (2200m) at Nakayama. Definite chance.

6

Meisho Tabaru

One of the leading contenders here as all-the-way winner of 2025 G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in June. Finished 13th in the G1 Arima Kinen (2500m) last start. Better suited at 2000m.

7

Ecoro Dinos

Talented young stayer with four wins and three minor placings from eight starts. Won over 2200m here two starts back and capable of contending again.

8

Ecoro Walz

Listed grade winner up to 1800m and a versatile type who is never far away. Ran third in G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) last start and cannot be ruled out.

9

Yoho Lake

Lightly-raced veteran with five wins and six minor placings from only 17 starts. Is a dual G2 winner and finished off fairly last start in the G2 Kyoto Kinen (2200m). Chance at long odds.

10

Boldog Hos

Runner-up in the 2023 G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m) but form since has been mediocre. Finished eighth in this race last year behind Bellagio Opera. Needs to lift markedly to contend here.

11

David Barows

Solid performer in lower class than this with victory last start in the G3 Naruo Kinen (1800m) in December when finishing strongly. This is much harder, but he is racing well.

12

Lebensstil

Talented galloper who has won two of past three starts, including last-start success in G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m). A repeat of last effort would make him a definite chance.

13

Faust Rasen

G2 winner in March 2025 over 2000m, but his form has slumped badly since with a best finish of 12th from his past four starts. Drops sharply in trip here, which might help but needs to improve.

14

Tagano Dude

Finished powerfully from the tail of the field to win the G3 Kokura Daishoten (1800m) on 22 February to continue great form. Improving type, but this is a steep rise in class.

15

Croix Du Nord

High-class stayer who won the G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) in 2025 and last start finished a close fourth to Calandagan in the G1 Japan Cup (2400m). The horse to beat.