Hanshin Dirt Race 6 - #6 Contratto 

This lightly raced four-year-old returned from a 21-week spell last start and worked home in good style to finish just behind the placegetters. He is not a noted first-up performer, so the effort was encouraging.

It is an interesting move by trainer Tatsuya Yoshioka to bring him back to 1800m second-up. The small field will mean he doesn't settle too far off the pace, which should be strong. His best figures suggest he is better than these, so trust the astute Yoshioka has got this right. Hayato Yoshida has a fine strike rate for the stable and retains the ride.

Wing Haven is the query runner. The daughter of Arrogate debuted on 16 January 2022 and destroyed a Newcomer field by 6 lengths, but hasn't raced since. If there is any betting confidence surrounding this four-year-old, it must be respected.

Nakayama Race 7 - #16 Yell To Heaven 

This is just the third run after a very long spell for this son of Lard Kanaloa and he should be hitting his peak.

The preparation started with a sound sixth, then he was ridden a lot closer last time and responded by finishing just a length away in second over today's course and distance. That run should top him off beautifully for what looks a slightly easier assignment this time. The wide gate is a small concern but with a decent tempo anticipated jockey Hironobu Tanabe should have some options.

Bijou Noir is a clear threat following an outstanding return to racing last start, storming home from next to last to get up for second in a similar race to this a month ago. Watch for her late again.

Nakayama Race 8 - #6 Ame Blanche 

This colt will be well-found in the betting but he looks to have too much class for this field.

Last time out he returned in the Grade 2 Deep Impact Kinen over 2000m at this track and ran a massive race, coming from last at once stage to be beaten just 1.6 lengths. It was clearly the best effort of his career and he can build on that figure as he has only raced four times. The small field will suit his racing style, and over an extra furlong he should be far too strong in the concluding stages.

The best of the others is Durezza who is back from a 20-week spell. The colt raced twice in the maiden prep and was warm favourite both times, winning at his second start over 2000m at Tokyo. With natural improvement this time in work he can be very competitive.

Nakayama Dirt Race 9 - #11 Brindisi 

There was a lot to like about the first-up run of this entire four weeks ago in a similar race to this, his first trip to the races in 11 months. He went straight to the lead that day, held a narrow advantage into the straight, then fought hard only to be denied by a long neck. It was just his fourth race start so there is plenty of scope for improvement.

It is worth noting the son of Duramente improved sharply last prep at the second run back, so he can progress on that impressive effort last start. Despite drawing out a bit he should cross and lead. With the run under the belt he will be very difficult to reel in.

Café Karma started favourite but didn't appreciate dropping back to the mile last start and failed at Tokyo Dirt. He has enjoyed an eight-week let-up since that run, and back at 1800m today he is the one who can improve sharply.