Hanshin Race 8 - #8 Tamamo Daijokki
There doesn't look to be a huge amount of depth to this race which leaves the way open for this first-up specialist to score on his return from a four-month spell. This is the fifth campaign for the son of Henny Hughes, and his previous four fresh runs have yielded a win and three minor placings. The decision to go to 1400m at the first run back is a good one as his peak rating last prep was over this journey. A frantic early tempo should enable Taiga Tsunoda to slot in midfield and from there he will be tough to hold out.
Alm Fir Tree has contested a couple of tougher races recently and hasn't been beaten all that far. Back in this company he can improve sharply.
Tokyo Race 10 - #5 Anegohada
A big drop in grade should see this talented three-year-old back in the winner's stall. Since success over this course and distance three runs ago, trainer Shozo Sasaki has tested the filly in Grade 3 contests and she has acquitted herself well. She recorded the same figure at both outings, a third in the CBC Sho and a close fourth in the Kitakyushu Kinen, both over 1200m at Kokura. Today's 1400m journey is her favourite, the most notable seven-furlong effort being a minor placing at Grade 2 level at Hanshin in March. From the nice draw Sugawara will settle her up near the speed and her class should prevail.
Voller Blute first-up from a five-month break is the one to watch. She was outclassed in two runs last prep in Grade 1 features but showed her talent by winning a Listed race over this distance earlier this year.
Tokyo Race 11 - #2 Sodashi
The champion white filly again failed to run a strong 2000m when resuming last start in the G2 Sapporo Kinen, beaten comfortably as warm favourite despite having every chance. It was the first time she had failed to win a non-G1 race in her career. Coming back to 1800m is a wise move and she should get this trip strongly in Grade 2 company. As a three-time winner at the elite level she is clearly the class runner. From gate two Hayato Yoshida will enjoy the perfect run and her legion of fans can look forward to an eighth win from just 13 starts.
Andvaranaut and Akai Ito are the other runners with Grade 1 form. Both resume from spells and cannot be underestimated.
Niigata Race 9 - #12 Edel Blume
Super consistent filly who is long overdue a win. Has been in the money at all four runs since a maiden win, the latest over this journey at Kokura where she wound up strongly to finish a close third. That was a career best figure in a similar race to this. She has filled a placing at her only try here, and at the journey has a win plus five minors from seven attempts. With even luck from the tricky draw she looks tough to beat again today.
Ever Chardonnay is fitter for three runs back from a spell, filling a placing in the latest appearance. She looks close to a win and poses a serious threat.
