Hanshin Dirt Race 8 - #1 Monarch
Two runs back from a spell should have this colt ready to find his best form.
After a modest effort first-up he improved sharply last time out, making late inroads finish third over today's course and distance. From gate one jockey Kohei Matsuyama should enjoy the run of the race. The Kozaki-trained three-year-old has a peak rating considerably higher than any other runner in this field so he only needs to come on a little more from that last run to be taking this out.
Best of the others is Ryan Moore's mount #2 Bamberg. The entire made good ground to just miss the placings last start over 1200m. Both his wins have come at today's trip so he should prove tough to hold out.
Chukyo Race 10 - #10 Empezar
Handy colt ready to show his best. Solid effort when fresh then improved his rating second up in similar grade when fifth over a little further. Comes back to the mile today and it is worth noting both career wins have been at this course and distance. Wasn't far away in a Grade 2 three back and if he runs to anywhere near that figure third-up today will go very well.
City Rainbow resumes and looks the biggest danger. Has placed 3/5 fresh and is no stranger to this class.
Chukyo Dirt Race 8 - #6 Meisho Kid
Honest colt who looks well placed. Has won just one race from 12 starts but boasts nine minors and has a win and six minors from eight tries at the 1400m journey.
First up he settled at the rail and came home hard to finish seventh and was beaten only a few lengths. That figure was a long way off what he's capable of so he doesn't have to improve much to feature in this. He has placed 3/3 at the track and has a bit on these on his career best rating.
Nakka Faith is third-up from a break and looks a serious threat coming back in trip. The colt has raced over a bit further last few runs but did win his only try this journey. Looks set to improve.
Nakayama Race 11 - #7 Silver Sonic
This is a talented stayer resuming. Drew off the track and was eased down when last seen in the Grade 1 Tenno Sho before heading for a spell. Prior to that he was in the money in this grade in the Hanshin Daishoten, and also filled a placing in this race last year after drawing wide.
In this edition he has a nice draw and leading rider Damien Lane goes aboard. Looks set to enjoy a soft run just off the lead and his figure from last year would see him go close again.
Plume D'Or won first-up and looks the biggest danger. The filly meets a tougher field this time but did turn in a career best run last time and goes very well second-up. If she can take the next step should measure up again.