Four meetings install for Japan on Wednesday with racing at Funabashi, Himeji, Kasamatsu and Kochi. The 1800m Conditions event at Funabashi highlights the day's action as they race for over $200 000 AUD. We've done the form and landed on our four best plays that cover the respective cards.
Kochi Race 2 - #2 Skadi
Looking to get off the mark early at Kochi with the Yuji Uchikoshi-trained Skadi. The four-year-old filly returned with a bang over the track and trip when making a mess of her rivals in a dominant front running performance. Heavenly Kiss is much better than his recent outing suggests and looks the immediate threat but I'm expecting the in-form Uchikoshi stable to have improved the filly and prove very tough to beat. An extra push comes with the booking of high-striking hoop H Yoshihara.
Himeji Race 2 - #7 Asukano Tsubasa
Keen on this son of Lovely Day to build on his solid last start placing here over the journey. In what should be a competitive race between our selection and first-up placegetter Piena Perry, I'm expecting Asukano Tsubasa to settle ahead of his challenger and prove too tough to reel in with his fitness edge.
Funabashi Race 6 – #8 Hurly Burly
With last start winner Basin Steet expected to head the market and attract a majority of the market's attention, we are siding with Hurly Burly who might just sneak under the radar. The eight-year-old caught the eye at the latest when closing off strongly into second over this journey. Shouldering an impressive record over the course and distance, Hurly Burly has been kept fresh for his third-up assignment – only missing the frame once from five attempts. A confidence boost comes with talented hoop Tsubasa Sasagawa sticking.
Kasamatsu Race 4 - #1 Yield Black
Siding with Yield Black as the best play of the day for us at Kasamatsu. The five-year-old entire has been ticking along nicely of late with two wins and a placing from his last five starts. The son of Black Tide has turned a page since moving over to the Hiroshi Sasano and is drawn to get all the favours from the inside draw. In-form hoop Tatsuya Watanabe should be able to settle his mount in a stalking position and be ready to pounce when they start to dash.
