Chukyo Dirt Race 10 - #14 Don Frankie 

A big line-up but only a handful look realistic hopes, clearly headed by this son of Daiwa Major.

He returned from a brief spell last start over today's trip at Hanshin Dirt and led until the dying stages when Kaseno Dancer nailed him. It was a bold effort but little comfort for backers who took the short odds.

Three previous second-up runs have been mediocre, but all have come off quicker back-ups than today's eight-week break. Trainer Takashi Saito has kept him fresh this time which is how he races best. A noteworthy rider change sees Yuichi Fukunaga aboard for the first time and the Saito/Fukunaga combination is formidable, striking 23% of the time. Despite drawing wide this four-year-old has sufficient pace to cross and lead, and from there he will prove very difficult to haul in.

David Egan takes over on Good Deal and he poses the greatest threat at the third run of the preparation. He has found the line well at both runs this prep and from a better gate today will probably settle a little closer. He is the one to watch for late in the piece.

Chukyo Race 11 - #3 Art House 

There is a lot to like about the prospects of this lightly raced filly who returns today in the Grade 3 feature.

The race contains four runners that have been successful at Grade 2 level, most notably this daughter of Screen Hero who took out the Sho Rose Stakes over today's course and distance when resuming from a spell on 18 September 2022 as $2.70 favourite. That is an excellent form reference for this contest; she carries just 1 kg more today in easier grade and draws a far better gate.

The four-year-old has raced once since that stakes success and it was probably a more impressive effort, beaten only 2.7 lengths by Stunning Rose in the Grade 1 Shuka Sho over 2000m at Hanshin after stalking the leader into the straight.

She has raced four times first-up from a spell for three wins. Trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida has found an ideal race for his filly to improve on that impressive record.

Maria Elena will be a worthy adversary first-up from an 11-week spell. She was beaten under 5 lengths by champion colt Equinox last start in the Tenno Sho before he went onto further glory in the Arima Kinen. Her four runs at this level have produced a win and two minor placings so she certainly has the right credentials, particularly over her pet distance.

Kokura Race 11 - #5 Anagosan 

This honest entire looks well placed today. He returned from a break over 2000m at Hanshin last start and after leading most of the way was grabbed right on the line, missing by a nose. Although beaten on the day, that figure equalled his career best and signals he has returned in fine order.

Second-up the five-year-old has a win and two minors from four runs and at the course he has a win and a placing from two tries. At the 1800m journey he has recorded two of his three career wins, along with three minor placings.

Fitter for that narrow loss when fresh, he draws to be prominent in the run and can go one better today.

Genuine mare Tagano Passion is the main danger. She has placed at both runs this time in, the latest in similar grade at Tokyo. She has a consistent record at the trip and possesses a strong finish; she looks tough to hold out late.

Nakayama Race 9 - #6 Alice Verite 

This filly brings outstanding form to a moderate allowance race.

Two starts back on 29 October, when lining up for just the third time, she contested the Grade 3 Artemis Stakes over the mile at Tokyo and gave a tremendous sight, leading into the straight then battling on bravely to finish just 0.6 lengths away in third. She was subsequently made favourite at Chukyo five weeks ago but didn't enjoy dropping back to 1400m, closing well but failing by just under a length.

Back up to 1600m is the key, and we should see her back in the winner's list.

Kigan caught the eye when second-up from a spell last start over 1200m at this track, coming from last on the bend to get up for third. She gets to 1600m for the first time today which looks ideal.