Hanshin Race 7 - #5 In The Ovation
There doesn't look to be much pace here so this filly to be ridden by Kouta Fujioka should be able to dictate terms.
She last appeared just 12 days ago and did a good job to finish third over 1800m at this track after parking just behind the leading pair. That run followed a break of two months so she will no doubt tighten right up today. The step up to 2000m is a positive as her two runs at the trip have produced a comfortable win at Kokura and a respectable seventh at Listed level.
Hardest to beat will be Al Fahidi who is back from a 16-week spell. He opened last prep with a soft win over this trip in maiden company. With just four starts to his name there is more to come this prep.
Tokyo Dirt Race 10 - #9 Tomoja Lia
It was hard not to be impressed with this four-year-old's win five weeks ago over 2400m at Nakayama Dirt. From a wide gate it was decided to press on to the lead which is against his usual racing pattern, but the son of Sinister Minister was never in danger and had eight lengths to spare when the judge called a halt.
This looks a slightly tougher race but he will carry the same weight as last start which is a bonus after such a dominant display. The step back in trip poses no problems as he returned a good figure when runner-up here at the trip in May.
The filly Cedar staged a form reversal to finish second a fortnight ago over 1800m at Hanshin Dirt. She is on trial at this distance but does find the line well and is a threat down in the weights.
Tokyo Race 12 - #2 Kayonenka
Just one win from 15 starts is normally a bad sign but this filly has been in the money a further nine times and is racing in great heart this prep.
She opened the campaign with an excellent fifth in the Grade 3 Shion Stakes at Nakayama and has subsequently filled minor placings in her other two runs, most recently at this track when she ran on powerfully only to miss by a neck over 2000m.
After drawing out at each run this campaign she finally gets a good gate so Akira Sugawara can probably settle her a couple of pairs closer. She is cherry-ripe now and this looks an ideal race for her to grab a long-awaited second win.
Hi Hello could be the biggest danger first-up from a ten-week break. His only run last prep was a huge maiden win over this trip at Niigata. Expect further improvement this time in work.
Niigata Race 9 - #9 Balaji
Honest colt who is overdue to score again. Effortless maiden winner here five starts back and has filled minor placings at all four runs since, the latest in a similar race to this when a close second over today's journey. Has placed 2/2 at this trip and has a win and two minor placings from three starts at this circuit. Gets a change of rider and looks tough to beat again.
Danon Jackal, a strong fourth when fresh from a break last start, looks the main threat. Worth noting he won at his only try over this distance so he will enjoy the extra furlong today.
