Our Best Bets for Saturday

Nakayama Dirt Race 4 - #1 Nishino Trendy 

Three-year-old filly long overdue for a maiden win. Has placed four of five career runs, the last two when over today's 1200m journey. Last time she pushed forward and sat second but found one better, boxing on strongly for second.

Today the filly has drawn the inside and Hironobu Tanabe, who has placed at all three rides, is aboard again. 

Although finishing second last time, the figure was way off her best. She has the ability to take this out and off the inside will have no excuses.

Zinfin Doll ran a much improved race last time and looks set to continue. She drew off the track last time over 1400m so pushed forward and fought on well despite a tough run early. With a much better draw this time and leading rider aboard she wouldn't have to improve much to feature again.

Nakayama Race 11 - #4 Justin Cafe 

Talented type who looks well placed. Resumed at Tokyo in similar grade and after spotting a big start flew home for fourth, beaten less than a length. He has a good record second-up and leading rider Christophe Lemaire takes over the reins today.

The mile seems to be his optimal trip and while having his first try at Nakayama should be suited by the testing straight.

Just two starts back the five-year-old was a fast finishing and close-up sixth in the Grade 1 Mile Championship and the start prior was Grade 2 placed. His best figures stack right up to this class and he looks tough to stop with even luck.

There looks two main dangers - Red Mon Eve, who was a strong winner in easier grade, and Sonnig, who just missed out fresh and has a great record at this course.

Hanshin Race 9 - #7 Savona 

Talented colt overdue for another win. Has raced over 2400m at last two runs and been runner-up at each. The latest was here where he settled back but wound up strongly to finish only a neck from the winner.

The colt is at his top now after three runs in and looks overdue to build on his consistent record.

The figure from last run has the majority of this field well covered and if runs up to his last two is expected to go close again.

Lanval is a promising colt and looks to have some big upside. He placed at his first two runs then went for a break, before resuming with a strong maiden win over 2000m. He looks suited by the extra ground and will strip fitter again. Although facing a far tougher assignment he appears set for better races.

Hanshin Race 10 - #5 Meisho Clift 

Switched to the turf for the first time last start and ran a huge race. His first five starts were on the dirt, with a win and two minors. But resuming from a break he was tested on the turf latest and after spotting a start off an outside draw thundered home for a narrow third.

This is a slightly tougher assignment but he will strip fitter and leading rider Yutake Take is aboard again. He also draws much better.

The figure from his turf debut is good enough to win this so only needs to repeat the run to feature.

Meisho Sorafune was a most impressive winner fresh and looks a threat. Although resuming in easier grade the entire was far too good, scoring by four lengths after cruising across from the outside draw then running away from his rivals.

He has to step up again but can only be fitter and looks to have good upside.