1

Justin Palace

Top-class stayer who finished 5th in this race last year. Won the 2023 Tenno Sho Spring over 3200m but always a threat at this level.

2

Croix Du Nord

Brilliant colt who won G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) before winning at G3 level on very soft ground at ParisLongchamp over 2000m. Failed in G1 Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) in October but capable of rebounding here.

3

Cosmo Kuranda

Has struggled to regain promising three-year-old form and recent performances have been modest, including fading 12th to Masquerade Ball in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn over 2000m on 2 November.

4

Deep Monster

Returning to G1 level for the first time since 2023 as last-start winner of the G2 Kyoto Daishoten over 2400m. This is harder.

5

Sunrise Earth

Racing well and won the G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m) in March. Rarely runs a bad race but this is much harder.

6

Ho O Biscuits

G3 winner and placed on multiple occasions at G2 level, finished distant 13th in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn over 2000m on 2 November.

7

Danon Beluga

Contesting this race for the fourth time with a best finish of 5th in 2022. Sparingly raced veteran who has had only 15 starts for 2 wins and 3 minor placings.

8

Calandagan

High-class stayer who has won past 3 races, all at G1 level in England and France. Excels at 2400m and is proven at the elite level. Hard to beat.

9

Seiun Hades

Closed last preparation with victory in the G3 Epsom Cup (1800m) at Tokyo in May and resumed with fair 7th to Masquerade Ball in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn over 2000m.

10

Struve

Won 3 races in a row up to 2500m last year and has lost form since but made good ground last start when 5th over 2500m at Tokyo.

11

Admire Terra

Consistent stayer with 5 wins and 2 placings from 10 starts and won the G2 Meguro Kinen (2500m) in June before resuming with 4th in G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) on 5 October.

12

Yoho Lake

Won G2 Kyoto Kinen (2200m) in February and ran on well for 3rd in G2 Sankei Sho All Comers (2200m) in September.

13

Brede Weg

The 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) winner has not produced her best recently, finishing 10th in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn over 2000m on 2 November.

14

Danon Decile

2024 G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) winner who comfortably beat Calandagan in G1 Dubai Sheema Classic over 2410m in April. One of the chances.

15

Masquerade Ball

Local rising star who charged from midfield on the turn to score stunning win in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn over 2000m on 2 November. The horse to beat.

16

Shin Emperor

Globetrotter who ran dead-heat 2nd in this race last year to Do Deuce before campaigning overseas, winning at G2 level over 2100m in Saudi Arabia. One of the contenders.

17

Durezza

Winless in 7 starts since landing the G1 Japanese St Leger (3000m), defeating Tastiera. Capable on his day but needs to improve.

18

Tastiera

2023 G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) winner who also won the G1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April. Hard to beat on his best form.