Hanshin Race 10 - #7 Storia 

This classy filly missed the placings for the first time in seven career runs at her latest appearance, but the effort was undoubtedly her highlight performance. It came in the Grade 1 Shuko Sho over 2000m at this course where she closed well to be beaten just 3.1 lengths by Stunning Rose.

The three-year-old's previous two outings were wins, both over today's journey of 1800m.

Although she got back in the feature last time, expect jockey Mirai Iwata will settle her just off the leading division today. There is a bit of depth to this race, but it is doubtful any of today's opponents could match her feat in the Shuko Sho. Expect her to return to winning ways this afternoon.

The danger could come from Boden. Returns from a six-month spell today but he generally comes to hand quickly and has placed at Grade 2 level.

Chukyo Race 8 - #13 A T Makfi 

Honest colt having his second run from a spell.

Kept coming and was beaten in a three-way photo first-up over today's journey at Niigata. Tends to go better when second-up and with any improvement on the fresh figure he will be tough to toss with top jockey Ryan Moore aboard.

In an open race Cosmic Frost looks the biggest threat. Expected to go forward and will give a big sight at odds.

Chukyo Dirt Race 10 - #7 Fern Hill 

Consistent colt fitter for one run back. Drew off the track when fresh from a spell last start but kept coming to finish third. Tends to go much better second-up and has a much kinder gate this time.
Although unplaced in both tries at this course there were excuses on each occasion. Today's rider has placed at all three rides when aboard, and his best form is on the dirt. Looks hard to beat in this most suitable contest.

Scarlet Zinc has been knocking on the door and looks the main threat. Hit the line hard for a close-up fourth last time and looks tough to hold out again.

Chukyo Dirt Race 11 - #12 T O Keynes 

Very smart galloper who is the benchmark here, having won the race last year by a big space.

He resumed this campaign with an effortless win in stakes grade in a rating far superior to last year's lead up so he doesn't have to improve much to feature again in this Grade 1 dirt feature. He excels at both the course and distance and regular rider Kohei Matsuyama, who has recorded eight wins already on the entire, is aboard again. With four wins from five second-up runs he looks well placed to add to his superb record.

The lightly raced Shamal looks a big threat. While this is his first try at Grade 1 level, he has been in great form this campaign and will give a big sight over a longer journey.