Admire Alba

Followed a 9th here last year with 8 straight starts in graded races, with best a 3rd in the G2 Meguro Kinen over the Tokyo 2500m. Last out finished 4.3L behind the winner in an open class over the Hanshin 2600m. This race likely not main target. Good results questionable.

Bozzhira

A Sakae Kunieda-trained 6-year-old has been inconsistent over the last year, with finishes ranging from 2nd to dismal double-digits. Is prepped with a fourth over the Hanshin 2600m in mid-April. Has won over the Tokyo 2400m. Could turn in a good run if can race from more forward position.

Fly Like Bird

Consistent 5-year-old has posted 3-15 in two G2 races, both to the left, including over the Tokyo 2500m in last November. Not raced since mid-January, but has done well with time between races and is showing improvement in trackwork. Will race under only 123lbs, 7lbs off the top weight and a weight he has won under numerous times. Promising.

Glengarry

7-year-old gelding has best results in 2000-2200m range. Returned in late February after 3 month break for 8th in a G3 over 3400m at Tokyo. Likely not competitive here.

Gold Gear

Winner here last year followed up both years with fifth in G2 Meguro Kinen (Tokyo, 2500m). A bit sluggish in trackwork, but worth a wager going on previous year’s performance alone. 

Ice Bubble

Seventh here last year, 6th in 2020, this Deep Impact 7-year-old son has failed to make the top three since last July (2nd in a Hakodate G3 over 2000m). Hasn’t won since January 2019. Not promising.

Sakura Allure

7-year-old dirt runner being given only second turf race of career. Previous turf run was last-place finish in G2 Nikkei Sho (Nakayama, 2500m) in late March. Wild card, but not promising.

Sun Appleton

Fourth-place finisher here last year, followed with 7th in G2 Meguro Kinen, and sidelined with fractures in both forelegs. Returned in late March after 10 months off for 11th in G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m Hanshin). Finished 3rd in Tokyo G2 over 2500m in Nov 2020 but work at Miho base appears lacking.

Weiss Meteor

Colt returned mid-February after 4 months off with 40lbs weight gain and finished fourth in Kokura 1800m G3. Has won in 1800-2000m range but should be able to handle this distance. Getting ample trackwork. Improvement expected. 

Win Mighty

5-year-old mare third in 2020 Japanese Oaks has best sixth in six starts that followed. Returned after 8 months for 9th over Fukushima 2000m. First time back at Tokyo after Oaks run and may find venue to liking once again. Will enjoy lightest assigned weight of field at 119lbs. Could surprise with right trip.