1

Kiseki

Likely race favourite. 8th here last year, has notched two seconds and two thirds in last five starts since changing riders to Yuga Kawada and running style to race in first or second position. Ran second last out in G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) end of March. Can handle any going.

2

Rey de Oro

Popular pick. Has only finished out of money 3 times, including 2 overseas events, in 13 career starts. Has won at distance at Nakayama and in only prior race at Hanshin (G2 2400m). Coming directly off 6th in G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m). Tends to do well even without prep.

3

Etario

Only 1 win in 11 starts but has 7 seconds, including in 4 graded stakes races. Ran 4th-2nd-4th in three previous starts at G1 level, including 4th in G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) last out 28 April. Raced predominately over longer distances.  Broke maiden over 2000m. Can run from any position. Third start since layoff.

4

Al Ain

2017 G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) winner. Tends to run on or close to pace. Won G1 Osaka Hai over 2000m at same track last out end of March. Same jockey up this time. Has yet to win at this distance, but has 3 second-place finishes over 2200m in G2 events. Popular pick.

5

Tatsu Gogeki

Ritto-based 7-year-old has not raced since last year’s 15th-place in Takarazuka. Track work minimal. Not promising.

6

Stiffelio

All 7 wins in 1800-2000m range. Only 3rd time at this distance. Drew wide and finished 7th in G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) last out, won twice at G3 level before that. Lacks late kick. Tends to run close to pace.

7

Makahiki

2016 Derby winner raced primarily in 2000-2400m range but hasn’t won since G2 Prix Niel (2400m) in France in September 2016. Has made board in 7 of 11 starts since Niel. Finished 3rd and 4th in two starts this year, including the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) last out. Races from far off pace. Extra distance a plus. Could surprise.

8

Shonan Bach

Field’s most senior at 8 years old. Last win over 3 1/2 years ago. Has made top three spots 3 times in last 10 starts, including a third in open-class May Stakes (1800m) in mid-May. Last raced 9 June, finished 4th in G3 Epsom Cup (1800m). Only 3rd start at Hanshin. Chronically late out of gate, but has good late speed. Races from behind. Longshot whom extra distance could help.

9

Clincher

3 wins over 2000 to 2200m from 15 starts, yet to win at G1 level. Raced in 2400-3200m since last win 8 starts ago in February 2018, a 2200m G2. Third start after layoff. Return to distance a plus. Can handle any going. Could surprise.

10

Noble Mars

Third in last year’s Takarazuka. Best a 4th in 5 starts since, all at graded level. Returned after 4-month layoff to run 5th over Hanshin 2000m last out on 1 June. Lacks kick. Will carry heaviest weight since last year’s race.

11

Suave Richard

Likely popular pick. Returning straight from Dubai, 3rd in G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m). Has not won since Osaka Hai (G1 2000m) last year. First time at distance but has won from 1800 to 2500m. Does well without prep. Good late speed. Mirco Demuro in saddle a plus.

12

Lys Gracieux

Field’s only female. Highly consistent. Only 4 wins, but has figured out of top three spots only 3 times in 19 career starts. Coming off 3rd in the G1 QEII Cup (2000m) in Hong Kong. Tends to run midfield in recent starts. Can handle any going.