The best bets from Racing And Sports for the Saturday cards look this way:

Hanshin Dirt Race 3 - #6 Bonanza 

This colt has been sent out at prohibitive odds at his last two runs but let backers down, most recently when third over today's distance at Chukyo Dirt. He worked across from a wide gate to stalk the leader that day and appeared to have every chance but found Anthrium a little too good.

A couple of changes today.

Firstly, gun jockey Yuga Kawada takes the ride. He has ridden an incredible 24 winners from his last 50 rides and has an impressive strike rate when saddled up by the Shono stable – they are looking to him to turn this three-year-old's fortunes around.

Secondly, he draws a better gate today so Kawada should find the perfect position in running without using too much gas. Expect him to grab a long overdue win at his seventh race start.

Diadochos returned from a spell last start and registered his first top-three finish when beaten by the barest margin over this course and distance. He also draws a far better gate today and is sure to give Bonanza stiff opposition.

Hanshin Dirt Race 6 - #2 Erisuguri 

This lightly raced colt had his first run back from an 80-day break last start over this trip at Nakayama Dirt and was most impressive, working hard to find the lead from a wide alley then boxing on gamely only to be denied by a head. Second-up last prep he absolutely bolted in over six furlongs when facing the starter for just the second time.

The son of Vincennes has fared a lot better today, drawing gate #2. Yokoyama either leads on him or parks in the box seat and with a run under the belt he should have plenty to offer when asked for the big effort.

Silence Time has not raced since he won his maiden by seven lengths over today's course and distance on 24 December. This is a sterner test, but he is a colt of considerable promise and will be storming home.

Nakayama Race 5 - #2 Miyabi Brave 

There is plenty to like about this filly's two runs since a 21-week spell.

She nearly caused a boil-over first-up when beaten narrowly here at the mile. A similar assignment awaited last time out and understandably she was well found in  betting on that occasion. From a wide gate she settled midfield then again unleashed a powerful finish only to find one better.

Today the filly jumps from an inside stall so jockey Masami Matsuoka can settle her a pair or two closer. There should be a little improvement left at the third run back, and if that is the case she looks to have an edge on this line-up.

Red Valentia continues to race well but is finding it hard to break through. The engagement of D Lane might add a couple of lengths which will put the colt right in the finish.

Nakayama Dirt Race 10 - #13 Ho O Roulette 

There is a lovely sense of timing about this fellow's campaign which should see him peak today.

After an inglorious effort first-up it was back to business for the normally reliable four-year-old last start over this course and distance. He drew a wide gate that day so worked forward to sit just behind the leading group before closing off nicely to grab second.

His only other third-up run came over 1700m at Fukushima Dirt and he registered a career-high rating when successful by five lengths. His other two wins have come over 1800m at this venue so he finds an ideal scenario. An ounce of luck from an awkward gate is all that is required for this Toru Kurita-trained entire to add to his impressive record.

Red La Palma led and battled on well for third when fresh from a nine-week break last time out over this course and distance. He has won two from two second-up so it is likely he will improve off that last effort and prove tough to reel in.

FP	Silk	Horse, Age & Sex Sire & Dam	Jockey Trainer	SP WT
1st		2. IROGOTOSHI (JPN) 6yo H VINCENNES (JPN) - IROJIKAKE (JPN)	Y KUROIWA KAZUYA MAKITA	$17.1 63kg
		Gensho Uchida
2nd		10. MIKKI METEO (JPN) 6yo H RULERSHIP (JPN) - METEORICA (JPN)	Y IGARASHI YUICHIRO NISHIDA	$4.3 63kg
		Mizuki Noda
3rd		7. DAISHIN CLOVER (JPN) 7yo G KINSHASA NO KISEKI (AUS) - HISHI DIVA (USA)	KAZUMA MORI TAKAYUKI YASUDA	$11.9 63kg
		Nobuyuki Oyagi
4th		8. T O SOCRATES (JPN) 6yo H EISHIN FLASH (JPN) - T O VENUS (JPN)	T KOSAKA Yutaka Okumura	$9.6 63kg
5th		4. SMART APEX (JPN) 6yo H HEART'S CRY (JPN) - SMART MOVIE (JPN)	MASAYUKI NAKAMURA NAOYA NAKAMURA	$32.4 63kg
6th		1. JUNE VELOCITY (JPN) 5yo H LORD KANALOA (JPN) - ADMIRE SABRINA (JPN)	M NISHITANI HIDENORI TAKE	$27.6 63kg
7th		5. VILLAGE EAGLE (JPN) 6yo H BEHKABAD (FR) - TOKINO NASTIA (JPN)	KEI OEHARA MASAHIRO TAKEUCHI	$7 63kg
8th		6. EMILIO (JPN) 9yo H ADMIRE MOON (JPN) - PRIME OF YOUTH (USA)	SHO UENO TSUYOSHI TANAKA	$166.8 63kg
9th		3. NISHINO DAISY (JPN) 7yo H HARBINGER (GB) - NISHINO HINAGIKU (JPN)	S ISHIGAMI N TAKAGI	$1.8 63kg
10th		9. KURINO OJA (JPN) 7yo H MEISHO SAMSON (JPN) - BLUE BOX BOW (JPN)	YOSHIYASU NAMBA Y TAKAHASHI	$59.1 63kg