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In his seven starts since rising to this class, has best a 9th. Lacks speed. Not a contender here.

Danon Switch

Broke maiden over Kyoto 1400m but given more ground and won again over 1700m. Posted 11-4 at this level with poor result largely due to acting up. Return to Kyoto likely a plus. Can do well if remains calm.

Fortina

Filly has had eight starts at this level with best two sixths. Will run at this distance again after 10 starts over 1000m or 1200m, but little change expected with her lack of speed. Not promising.

Hermodr

Started with a win over Fukushima 2000m but has slowly dropped in distance and 7 starts later notched 2nd win over Chukyo 1400m. Only run at Kyoto was a 6th over 2000m. Missed win by a head last out over Chukyo 1400m. Prospects good if recent form can translate to Kyoto.

Lord Orden

Was doing well at class below but has best 8th since rising to this level four starts ago, three racing to left. Returning after more than five months off. Not promising.

Maido

Returned around three months after poor showing over sloppy Kyoto 1200m and finished midfield over Chukyo 1400m. Won over Kyoto 1400m before. Could improve if break is sharper but not promising.

Peptide Hudson

One-pace colt has 12-5-10 since moving to this level. Races from front or handily but lacks sharp turn of foot. Won over Kyoto 1400m, with last two starts to left. Could surprise with return to Kyoto.

Promising Star

Consistent Ritto-based colt returned after nearly five months off to finish 6th over Chukyo 1400m. Versatile runner, has done well from all positions. Good late speed, good results at Kyoto. Best trip likely 1200m but should be able to go the distance.

Shinen

Needed 11 starts to win again after the second victory. Immediately raced again over Kyoto 1400m for a fourth. Tight rotation may prove taxing. Speed decent but may not be good enough here.

Smart Charis

4-year-old filly raced primarily over 1800m and did poorly in only start over 1400m. Is now 6-16-14 at this level. Likely not a contender but note she will be racing under the lightest weight of 117lb, which was what she carried at last win.

Spirit World

Notched second win last December and raced with poor result around a month later. Last two races brought 7-5 and now returns unprepped from June, though he has done well under similar conditions. However, speed may not be competitive here.

Taisei Warrior

Has failed to win over last nine starts since moving to this level racing primarily at 1700m and 1800m. Given first 1400m at Kyoto last out mid-October and surprised with a second. May have found sweet spot. 

Win Award

Returned after a break of around 15 months to post 15-12-7 at this level. Lacks speed. Not promising.