Hanshin Dirt Race 8 - #2 King's Sword
This colt returns from a ten-week layoff in a modest affair and on his best ratings has a bit on this field.
His first-up sixth last prep can be ignored as it was over an unsuitable trip. His win second up by four lengths, and his close fifth when third up in a stronger race than this, were both at 1700m at Kokura Dirt. Trainer Ryo Terashima has found a nice race to launch this prep and on 52 kgs he is beautifully weighted.
Seina Imamura won on the three-year-old last time in work and is back in the saddle today. From gate two he can settle in the front half of the field and from there should get the job done.
#5 Mikki Nuchibana worked home nicely when resuming last start. His record here at this distance reads well, although he will probably need to achieve a new high figure to topple the number one selection.
Hanshin Race 9 - #7 Time Of Flight
There doesn't appear to be much depth to this staying contest so Time Of Flight is a great chance to make it three wins from just six lifetime starts.
The son of Deep Impact opened this campaign last start with an eye-catching third over 2400m at this track, coming from last to be beaten under a length. Second up last prep he stepped up 200m in distance and improved his rating to score. Under similar circumstances today he should be able to round up this field and record his second win over 2600m from three attempts, the only failure a close fourth when at the end of his preparation.
#4 Sunset Cloud led but found a couple better over this distance at Fukushima at his latest appearance. There may not be further improvement to come at the fourth run of the campaign, but he still offers the greatest threat.
Tokyo Dirt Race 10 - #11 Exult
Damian Lane is looking to make it three wins from as many rides aboard this sone of Duramente.
After a poor first up effort as warm favourite, he returned to his usual honest ways last time out over today's course and distance when third, beaten just over a length after racing up on the speed. The gun Australian jockey has a wide gate to negotiate today but he did partner the colt to a five-length win here at 1400m last prep from a similar draw. Expect the Tanaka stable to have this fellow cherry-ripe for today's assignment and on his best figures a win looks on the cards.
#6 Clean Slate was a real eye-catcher first up over the mile at this circuit recently. Coming back to 1400m is not ideal but with a strong tempo likely he will be storming home again.
Tokyo Race 12 - #5 Nishino Souvenir
Although his record reads four starts at the mile for just one minor placing, the step up to 1600m today is the key to this colt's chances. His effort to fill a minor placing first up here at the trip was outstanding, before a modest effort last time when he went back to 1400m.
One of the colt's highlights last time in work was a commendable eighth in the Grade 3 Arlington Cup over this trip at Hanshin when he came from the tail at the bend and passed half the field in the straight.
Wide barriers have dogged him in both runs this prep, but today he fares a lot better with gate five so Tom Marquand may be able to settle him a little closer. We expect when he lets down on straightening, he will be too strong for this line-up.
The lightly raced filly #3 Ria Garcia impressed when she won first up here at this distance seven weeks ago. This is a tougher essay but there is plenty of scope for improvement and Lemaire is aboard.
