Four NAR meetings install for Japan on Wednesday with racing at Himeji, Ohi (Tokyo City Keiba) Kasamatsu and Kochi. The 1800m Conditions event at Ohi (Tokyo City Keiba) is the highlight for the day's action as the fillies and mares race for $400 000. We've done the form and landed on four best plays that cover the respective cards.
Himeji Race 7 - #1 Chat Noir
Makes her NAR debut and has her first start for Norio Tanaka. Having been competitive against much stronger opposition in previous campaigns, a further push for her chances comes with the booking of leading rider Tomohiro Yoshimura. The talented hoop is career best form, shouldering a winning strike rate of 40% from his last 50 starts and 33% from his last 350. The Shinichiro Saika-trained Kuroshinju looks the immediate threat off her dominant win two back but I'm expecting Chat Noir to show her class edge and take advantage from the inside draw.
Kasamatsu Race 4 - #8 Lien Sky
In what looks to be a competitive contest over the 1400m, I'm siding with Lien Sky to continue her handy form from this campaign and produce another bold performance. The daughter of Group 1 winner Kizuna made a mess of her rivals two back when leading all the way to score over the course and distance late last month. The filly will appreciate dropping back to the 1400m and should prove tough to beat.
Kochi Race 2 - #2 Chelsea Lion
Looking to strike early at Kochi with the Toshihiro Nishigawa-trained Chelsea Lion. The gelding didn't give his rivals a chance at the latest when leading pillar to post for a comprehensive victory. Appreciated the class drop last start and is drawn to do the same again, this time over 1300m. Expect Taichi Nagamori to take his mount straight to the front and not be caught.
Ohi (Tokyo City Keiba) Race 7 - #2 Astrology
With last start winners Towada Campus and Seiun Koln engaged here I'm expecting the market to pay less attention to Astrology. The consistent entire has been racing super this campaign but is just lacking the results. The son of Asia Express boasts a healthy record over the track and trip without winning and is set to score a much deserved victoria.
