Four NAR meetings install for Japan on Wednesday with racing at Himeji, Kasamatsu, Kochi and Ohi (Tokyo City Keiba). The 2600m Conditions event at Ohi (Tokyo City Keiba) is the feature for the day's action as they race for over $400 000 AUD.
The form's been done and we've come up with our best bet for each card.
Himeji Race 9 - #7 Maple Sister
Siding with Maple Sister to get the job done for us at Himeji. The four-year-old filly took to the Himeji surface well when experiencing it for the first time at the latest, beaten half a length. Sure to take benefit from the track experience and strips fitter third-up where she's undefeated. Miyabi Arc looks the immediate threat off the back of two close placings but has been up for some time.
Kasamatsu Race 5 - #6 Sekitei Honoo
Trusting in-form hoop Tatsuya Watanabe to steer our best at Kasamatsu home to victory. The talented jockey has been in great touch of late, shouldering a neat 22% winning strike rate from his last 350 engagements. Dragoste looks the main danger but the four narrow minor placings on end suggest she mightn't know how to land the knockout blow. Watanabe has started to build a great partnership aboard Sekitei Honoo and I'm expecting that to improve here.
Kochi Race 1 - #4 Machaon Blanc
Looking to get off the board early at Kochi where we are with the consistent Machaon Blanc. The six-year-old son of Turtle Bowl was unlucky not to make it three on the bounce at the latest when beaten under a length over the track and trip. Had made a mess of his rivals in his two starts prior. Expecting Hishi Elegance to prove stiff competition but Machaon Blanc should be way too tough to hold out if he can hold his form.
Ohi (Tokyo City Keiba) Race 1 - #7 Formosa Ruby
Once again looking to strike early here where we've found the progressive Formosa Ruby as our best in the opener. The promising filly picked up and spat out her rivals last time over the track and trip, lengthening nicely in the run home to score with plenty in hand. Tiberius deserves respect on best efforts but if Formosa Ruby is able to produce a similar effort from last time it's very hard to see her being beat.
