Tokyo Race 10 - #7 Rouge Eveil
Talented type who is a winner of three of five races. Returned from a spell over 2000m here as favourite last start, storming home to score with ease. What we like about the run is that it wasn't her best figure so she is capable of more here second-up. Two back she was a solid sixth in the Grade 1 Yushun Himba behind Stars On Earth. The filly is unbeaten at the trip, nicely weighted, well drawn, and the rider knows her well. With improvement off the first up run she should go close again today.
Noir De Jais looks the biggest danger. With international rider Tom Marquand aboard and with some strong figures behind her she looks a big threat fresh.
Tokyo Race 12 - #4 Lord Cathedral
Honest colt long overdue. Fresh up winner then has been thereabouts at the last few runs, the latest a fast finishing fourth as favourite in a tougher affair. Leading rider Tom Marquand goes aboard and he looks very well placed off a much better draw. Expected to be tough to hold out.
Air Miani was solid first up and looks the main threat. Fitter for that run and is suited at this journey. The regular rider is back aboard and based on some strong second-up form he looks a leading player.
Fukushima Race 9 - #4 Big Caesar
This is a promising colt who got off the mark with an easy all-the-way maiden win last time after placing at his first two starts. Tackles a much tougher assignment today but is a colt who looks to be going places. Has been kept fresh for this and on his last figure looks the one to beat again.
Ikodan appeals as the main threat. Missed the frame for the first time last start but wasn't far away and did have a tough run from an awkward draw. Has a much better gate here and should camp just off the speed over the sharper trip. Worth another chance.
Hanshin Dirt Race 7 - #7 Ju Taro
A nice drop in class should see this colt register his third win from just seven starts today. He was well backed when resuming from a four-month spell last time out on turf here over this distance and after leading most of the way was ambushed near the line to finish a close third. His figure that day was clearly the best in his six runs to date so he is back in great order. The son of Arrogate was tested at Grade 3 level at the same stage last prep and finished less than four lengths from the winner. He looks a bit better than these.
The ultra-consistent Super Chief should not be underestimated. His two runs this campaign have been outstanding although he will need to find a couple of extra lengths to match the top selection.
