Plenty of meetings around Japan on Tuesday with Urawa, Morioka, Kanazawa, Mombetsu and Sonoda all playing host. We've scoured the cards and picked our best bets across the day's racing.
Urawa Race 4 #10 Smile Genius
Looks a race in two at Urawa and tipping Smile Genius is too strong. This seven-year-old is racing as well as ever, having finished in the first four at his last five starts. He ran second last time out and rated down on his win the start prior, but he was on muddy ground latest so it can be forgiven. That run still makes him competitive here, and if he can bounce back to the form of his 4 length win prior, he'll be far too good. The main danger is #5 Links Crystal who ran a good race last start but I think needs Smile Genius to run another poor one.
Sonoda Race 9 #7 Esprit Bio
Really good race at Sonoda and Esprit Bio will prove awfully hard to beat. This filly won her first three starts at Sonoda for new trainer Masamichi Kashihara, rating very consistently before regressing last start and running second. We haven't really had a chance to back her yet given she's started $1.50, $1.40, $1.40 and $1.30 at her four starts here, but now she's up in grade again slightly and coming off her worst run which should mean she starts $2+. On figures she just needs to bounce back to her wins prior and she should be going close so I'll back her in to do so.
Kanazawa Race 8 #4 Dance In The Snow
Siding with this four-year-old entire who has come back in good order, winning first up for new trainer Kazuya Ibi by 2.5 lengths (with a further 6 lengths back to 3rd) before another solid effort last start when second. His rating actually increased narrowly despite being beaten narrowly last start and he gives every indication he'll at least hold that rating which makes him the one to beat. Back to 1400m looks no issue given his form at the distance last preparation and he should get a soft run just behind the speed. #11 Moonlight Aria and #7 Gold Spear are the dangers. The former is consistent but has a length or two to find on Dance In The Snow, while the latter has one recent peak rating that is very competitive but form around it is just fair.
Morioka Dirt Race 9 #8 Nobo Yuki
Good little contest at Morioka and it looks a race in three. Nobo Yuki is racing very well and I think the best suited at 1000m. She was a very strong winner over this track and distance two starts ago, bolting in by 4 lengths, before another good effort over 1200m last start, beaten 1.25 lengths. She's quick enough to lead and with the form she's in I'll back her in to get the job done. #1 Mitsukane Chocolat also loves the 1000m and won well last time, while #9 Sei Sequence rates highly but does drop back from 1600m and has no form over the short course. Happy to take her on and tipping the market keeps her fairly safe with an in-form jockey and good ratings.