Fukushima Race 9 - #5 Serket
Returned from a break last start over 2400m at Hanshin and after settling close to the pace she boxed on strongly to finish third. That was her first try at that longer journey. Strips fitter today and comes back to 2000m, a distance at which she has raced consistently in five runs including a win and two minor placings - one of which was in stakes class. It is worth noting her sole career win was when second up, and with a nice weight and favourable draw she is expected to go close this time.
Ekolu Flugel placed over this journey last time, and the start prior although eighth returned a career-best figure in stakes company. Overdue for a win and looks the main danger.
Hanshin Race 9 - #9 Saint Camellia
This talented three-year-old faces a huge drop in class today and everything points to a return to the winner's list.
After a game second as favourite when resuming at Niigata two runs back, the Takano stable opted to test the filly in the Grade 2 Sho Rose Stakes over today's distance at Chukyo seven weeks ago. She was unable to capitalise on the inside draw and settled back in the field before working home late to finish midfield. Her starting price that day of $4.30 reflects the high esteem in which she is held. At this stage last preparation, she recorded a comfortable all-the-way win over 2000m at Chukyo; she looks a great chance to match that feat in this suitable contest.
Heart's Rhapsody is back from a three-month spell and has been in the money at all three first-up runs in the past. She should provide stiff opposition.
Hanshin Race 12 - #11 Today Is The Day
This son of Deep Impact returned from a brief spell last start and found Selberg a shade too strong over this course and distance after racing on the pace. He returned a comparable rating to launch the last campaign then improved considerably at the second run back to finish the closest of seconds. If he records anything like that second-up figure today he will have a decent edge on this field.
Ever Chardonnay has recorded back-to-back thirds in 2000m races. She is right in the mix based on those efforts but at the fifth run of the preparation she doesn't have the scope to improve that the top selection holds.
Tokyo Race 12 - #1 Parallel Vision
Lemaire renews his association with this talented colt who started warm favourite when resuming last start in the Grade 2 Kobe Shimbun Hai over 2200m at Chukyo. After settling worse than midfield from a wide alley he could only pass a handful in the run home and didn't threaten.
His other two career runs were over today's distance of 2000m and he easily disposed of his rivals. For the first time in his four starts he will jump from a good barrier. Back in this moderate allowance race he looks head and shoulders above the field.
If there is an upset, it may come from Vanishing Point who charged home late and just missed when resuming over this course and distance four weeks ago.
