Four NAR meetings in Japan on Wednesday with Himeji, Funabashi, Kochi and Nagoya the hosts. The 12-race card at Funabashi attracts the most interest with the 2400m Conditions event spearheading the meeting with over $740 000 AUD on the line.
Himeji Race 8 - #2 Mozuni Kitai
In what looks one of the more competitive races on the Himeji card, I'm trusting Mozuni Kitai to get the job done. The four-year-old entire has returned in terrific order this prep, scoring back-to-back wins to open the campaign. A Shin Voran looks the immediate threat off the back of his good form but will settle behind our selection and with the form Tomohiro Yoshimura is in I don't think A Shin Voran will be able to gun him down. Expect Yoshimura to make 3/3 aboard Mozuni Kitai.
Funabashi Race 12 - #1 Realiser City
We have to wait until the last where Realiser City comes up as the best bet at Funabashi. In a race that lacks early speed, I expect in-form hoop Takayuki Yano to bounce straight to the front from his inside draw and prove too tough to reel in for his rivals and especially his obvious danger Esperto. The four-year-old entire looks ready to win again as he steps out to the 1600 of the back of five solid runs to begin this campaign – including a win two back.
Kochi Race 2 - #2 Arvind
Siding with the Shinji Kudo-trained gelding Arvind as the best at Kochi. With Brave Ruler expected to attract heavy market support off the back of his dominant last start win, there is chance Arvind slides under the radar. The son of Kizuna caught the eye last start when closing off strongly into the placings to finish under a length away from the winner. Stripping fitter third-up Arvind can settle closer to the action from the low draw and have plenty in the tank when they turn for home.
Nagoya Race 2 - #3 Three Deputy
In a battle of the three-year-olds I'm with one of the colts and last start winner Three Deputy. The son of Mind Your Biscuits didn't give his rivals a chance at the latest when leading all the way over the track and trip. Drawn better than his dangers Marron Ice and Toho Gemma, expect Shoya Hozono to waste little time finding the front from barrier three and take plenty of catching.
