1

Staphanos

No win since the G3 Fuji Stakes (1600m) in 2014. Runner-up in the 2015 QEII Cup, also 3rd and 4th in the Hong Kong Cup in 2016 and 2017.  Below par in first 2 runs this season, before improved for 4th in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) at Tokyo on 7 October latest. 

2

Black Moon

This 6yo horse will make his first career start over 2000m. Won his seasonal debut in the G3 Kyoto Kim Pai (1600m) in January. Unplaced in three subsequent runs over the mile, including 13th in the G3 Chukyo Kinen in July latest.  Hold-up runner.  Sound on fast going.

3

Vivlos

Winner of the G1 Shuka Sho (2000m) at Kyoto in 2016 and the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan in 2017.  Returned to Meydan in March and finished 2nd behind Benbatl in the same race.  Maintained her form when 3.5L 4th behind Mikki Rocket in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in June latest.  Used to sit handy but raced from midfield in recent runs. 

4

Rey De Oro

Last year’s Japanese Derby (2400m) winner. Six wins in 10 career starts.  1 win from 3 starts this year.  3rd in the 2200m G2 Kyoto Kinen in February before 4th behind Hawkbill in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) at Meydan.  Scored his 6th career win in the G2 All Comers (2200m) at Nakayama latest. Usually settles midfield. The long home stretch at Tokyo should suit him. 

5

Suave Richard

Made his G1 breakthrough, at his 4th attempt, in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) at Hanshin in April.  Also a smart 1L 3rd  over the mile in the G1 Yasuda Kinen in June latest.  Usually races from back.  Tried only on firm and good going. 2000m at Tokyo should be his best trip. 

6

Makahiki

Winner of the Japanese Derby and Prix Niel at Chantilly in 2016. Not won in seven starts since, including 5th in this race last year, also storming home for a nose 2nd behind Sungrazer, his first start in 9 months, in the G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) on 19 August latest.  Jockey Yutaka Take will be on board.  Hold-up runner.  No track worries.

7

Al Ain

Earned his classic wings with a win in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) in April last year.  Has not won in 7 starts since, but produced top-class efforts including 2nd in the G2 Kyoto Kinen (2200m) in February, 3rd in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) in April, and neck 2nd behind Rey De Oro in the G2 All Comers (2200m) at Nakayama on 23 September latest.  Best on sound surface but handles all going.  Races handily. 

8

Danburite

Ran 1L 3rd behind Al Ain in the G1 Satsuki Sho, best of his 7 runs as a 3yo last year.  Impressive winner of the G2 American Jockey Club Cup (2200m) in January. Ended his spring campaign with a fair 5th in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in June.  Stumbled out of the gate and raced further back than usual when 3rd in the G2 All Comers (2200m) at Nakayama last month.  Handles all going.  Usually sits close to the speed and needs fast pace.

9

Sungrazer

A highly consistent runner with 7 career wins, including 3 G2s.  Yet to win at top level but came close when 3rd in the G1 Mile Championship last November and 5th in the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June.  Held Makahiki for a nose win in the G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) in August latest.  This will be his first run over 2000m at Tokyo.  Hold-up runner.  No track worries.

10

Kiseki

The 2017 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) victor is winless in 4 recent starts, but his latest effort was a good 3rd in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) at Tokyo on 7 October.  Tactically versatile and no ground issues.

11

Mikki Rocket

Held Hong Kong’s Werther to grab his first G1 success in the Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) at Hanshin in June.  Spelled and freshened since.  Won twice at the distance but at lower level.  Races from midfield and no ground worries.

12

Sakura Empereur

Won the 2000m G2 Sapporo Kinen in August last year, his third career win over the distance. Has yet to win any race since but decent runs when 3rd in the G2 Nikkei Sho in March and 2nd in the G3 Hakodate Kinen in July.  Usually races from midfield or behind midfield.  Prefers firm track.

13

Action Star

Winless since December 2014 and finished below par in all 5 starts this year.  Placed only once – 2nd in a 2000m 3yo G3 in January 2013 - from 28 past attempts at pattern level. Prefers firm and good track.  Hold-up runner.