Our best bets for Sunday
Tokyo Race 9 - #4 Rouge Eveil
Promising filly resuming. Finished off last campaign with a game sixth in the Japanese Oaks where she drifted well back but kept coming behind Stars On Earth. The filly resumes in much easier grade today and also worth noting she has won both fresh-up runs. Her only other defeat aside from the Oaks was a strong fifth in the Grade 2 Flora Stakes. She looks very well placed here to kick off the campaign with a win.
Last start winner Sincere Wish looks the main threat. She is going well, at her top and expected to go close again.
Hanshin Dirt Race 7 - #15 Dreyse
This lightly raced three-year-old returned from a 14-week spell last start and impressed when runner-up over this distance at Nakayama Dirt. After settling near the tail today's jockey Kazuo Yokoyama made a midrace move to sit second then the filly dug deep to be beaten just a neck. It is worth noting she started favourite in a Listed race when second-up last preparation.
There is plenty of pace on paper so the filly should drop in and take a sit. With the benefit of that run under the belt a third win from just five starts is on the cards.
Reminiscenza is a useful mare who will enjoy a soft run out of the inside gate at her first run of the campaign. Expect her to run well.
Niigata Race 1 - #5 Galvanize
Although a race for maidens this colt is bursting to win. Has raced three times for two minor placings and a fourth, last time out rolling forward from an awkward draw and sitting second before boxing on well over 2000m. Comes back a furlong but drawn better and will have cover this time. Rates clearly on top and can get off the mark.
Tosen Aurora was runner-up on debut in a similar race and can only be further improved. Definite danger again.
Niigata Race 11 - #3 Soft Fruit
More than capable mare resuming. Was just tipped out in this race last year then tackled stakes class in each of five runs since including a game fourth in the Grade 1 QEII Cup. Stats at the course and distance strong and goes well fresh. She can go one better this year.
Nishino Love Wink was good fresh when sixth in tougher grade and is a progressive filly well up to this class.