Just the two meetings in Japan on Friday with racing from Funabashi and Kasamatsu. We've done the form and picked out our best bets for the day

Funabashi Race 2- #1 Storm's End

I'd be surprised if this colt wasn't taking care of these and getting his maiden win out of the way here. He's had four starts, all at Mombetsu and has placed in all of them, running strong ratings at three of the four. He just has to run up to that level here to be winning what looks a fairly thin contest, with #4 Anchoring providing the most resistance with two solid career runs.

Funabashi Race 9- #7 Lady Jan

This looks a nice race for a progressive filly who has won four from six, her only misses coming when second on debut and last start when tackling a much stronger contest at Morioka. She was still thought good enough to start $3.70 on that occasion but her form prior was excellent and if she's able to get back to that level here she should go close. It won't be handed to her however with #5 Oluolu coming off a smart win last start as favourite, rating highly there. I think Lady Jan has more upside and if she's produced to win here she looks the one to beat.

Kasamatsu Race 6- #1 Win Liberta

See no reason this seven-year-old won't win again having comfortably taken out his past two starts, beating a number of key rivals in the process. He ran out a 2-length winner over #8 Misty Nail last start and put 2.8 lengths on #5 Hai two starts back. While the others have shown in the past to be up to his level, he's racing at the peak of his powers at the moment and they'll have a tough time turning the tables. Drawn barrier 1, he'll sit in the first couple again and from there I think he notches up the hat-trick.

Kasamatsu Race 8- #4 Narino Christie

The likely favourite #5 Lazy Warrior is going to be hard to beat but I think Narino Christie can give this a shake. She ran a much better race last start when able to roll out in front, sticking on well for third, beaten 1.3 lengths over this track and distance. Her form prior was just fair but the key to her is definitely leading as all of her best figures have come when able to do so. While she hasn't raced at her absolute best since coming to Kasamatsu on the 28th of June last year, she's shown she's on the right track now and if she's able to elevate off last start she'll give the favourite a big scare.