Kokura Race 8 - #10 Romneya 

This handy filly is long overdue for a win. Fitter for three runs back from a spell, the latest when she led until being nabbed on the line in a similar race at this track.

She has improved at each of the three runs this time in and although her latest figure tops this field, she achieved higher numbers in tougher races last campaign so there is scope to improve.

With a leading rider engaged while at her peak this is her chance to return to winning form.

Goldschmiede is another that is overdue and looks the main threat. Unlike Romneya who will go forward, this filly has a big finish, last start giving away an impossible start but almost stealing a win here at this trip.

She is at her best after three runs back from a spell and with a soft run assured from an inside draw she will be tough to hold off with even luck.

Hanshin Race 7 - #1 Red Belle Ame 

This genuine entire has only won once in eight starts but is rarely far from the money.

He opened this campaign last start with a strong third over 1600m at Chukyo, making up good late ground to be beaten under a length. This is his first try at 2000m, but at 1800m he has found the line strongly and been beaten narrowly so the ten furlongs shouldn't pose any problems.

The son of Heart's Cry certainly brings some class to the race, being a Grade 3 placegetter a little over 12 months ago. He should be good enough to double his win tally today, with a soft run assured out of the inside gate.

Air Anemoi has the most upside in the race. He last appeared on 6 February 2022 when down the track in a Grade 3. His only other run was a comfortable debut win over 2000m at Hanshin. Despite the long absence he can provide stiff opposition.

Tokyo Race 5 - # Salon De Black 

The Takeuchi yard has found the perfect maiden for this promising colt to open his account.

He has raced four times, the three runs since the debut off breaks of between seven and nine weeks. On Saturday he is on a two-week back-up, suggesting the stable is pleased with the way he came through a last-start third at this circuit when attempting 2400m for the first time. He led that day and was only gunned down late. He will be turned out a little fitter this time and, with Lemaire engaged for the first time, looks set to break through.

Sun Graduation came from last in the 18-strong field to get up for fourth on debut last start over this course and distance, beaten 2.5 lengths by Salon De Black. With that run under his belt and Joao Moreira taking the ride, he can turn the tables without surprising.

Tokyo Race 12 - #3 Meiner Chrysola 

Lines up today for the eighth time this preparation but he continues to perform well.

His last ten starts have been at 2000m, the latest at this track when he was ridden a lot closer to the speed than usual and stuck on gamely to be beaten by the barest margin. That run has prompted the Nakano stable to try him over this slightly shorter trip. There is good speed likely so the in-form Keita Tosaki, who rides the four-year-old for the first time, is likely settle just behind the pace from the nice gate. His superior stamina in the closing stages should then come to the fore.

The danger is Jun Blue Sky who was beaten just 0.6 lengths last time out over this trip at Kokura in a slightly stronger race. He hasn't won for about 22 months but his record at this trip (seven placings from eight runs) and that recent effort brings him right under notice.