Hanshin Dirt Race 7 - #10 Shambalah 

Just one win along with 11 minor placings from 13 appearances is not an appealing statistic but this four-year-old is pitch-forked into a very modest affair and looks set to double his win tally.

He returned last start over this trip at Chukyo Dirt and tried hard but found Intense Flame a little too strong. His rating was close to a career-best which was achieved when he scored his only win second-up over this distance in September 2022. Obviously trainer Shinsuke Hashiguchi has his charge back in tremendous order. With a solid tempo likely, Yuga Kawada will slot in just behind the leaders and this entire should be too good for this line-up in the concluding stages.

King Lokomaikai disappointed last start at Chukyo Dirt. His best figures measure up favourably against this field so, if there is an upset, it may come from this four-year-old.

Hanshin Race 11 - #3 Win Charlotte 

There are few if any more consistent mares in training than this five-year-old. She resumed seven weeks ago in the 1400m Grade 3 Kyoto Himba Stakes and looked to have her first win at that level parcelled up until nailed on the line by La La Christine. That result made it nine minor placings, along with five wins, from 15 starts.

The step up to a mile is ideal as the daughter of Screen Hero has a 100% top-three strike rate at the trip from ten runs.

There doesn't look to be a great deal of pressure on paper so regular rider Yukito Ishikawa can lead and control the race. Expect the mare to have plenty to offer when asked for the supreme effort, and a richly deserved feature race win can come her way.

Rouge Stiria is a progressive filly who is sure to attract plenty of interest first-up from an 11-week break. Her only two failures have been when she has tackled Grade 2 company, but they came at just her second and third race starts. This more furnished product can go to a new level now.

Nakayama Race 7 - #7 Mikki Gorgeous 

This exciting prospect appears for the first time since her outstanding debut on 19 February. Starting favourite on that occasion she improved from just off the pace to lead on straightening then cleared right away to put 5 lengths on her rivals at the end of 2000m at Kokura.

Today's allowance race is obviously a step up, but the figure achieved on debut is not out of place at this level, and it is fair to assume there is plenty of improvement to come. Many of the runners in the market come here off plain runs so she certainly brings the right form to the table.

Energy Chime is the interesting runner. She won on debut last August, and her two runs since have been at Grade 2 and 3 level. Back in this company she poses a big threat with Lemaire in the saddle.

Nakayama Race 10 - #10 Yoshino Easter 

Not only an omen tip, but on form this son of Rulership looks perfectly placed to register his fourth win.

He started at $1.80 on his return form an 80-day spell last start and let down nicely in the closing stages but just missed over today's distance at Hanshin. It was a stronger return ratings-wise than his first-up effort last prep when successful. Lemaire takes the reins for the first time today, and with a little improvement off that run three weeks ago he should be too good for this field.

Anegohada is a talented sprinter back from a 21-week break. She was competitive last prep in black-type races so, if forward enough, she can run a big race in this company.