1

Besten Dank

Seven wins between 1400m and 1800m in 45 runs.  This 8YO still runs consistently.  Relishes firm going.  Generally races close to the speed.

2

Resistencia

Scored her third consecutive win in the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies at the course and distance last December. Ran 2nd to Lauda Sion in the G1 NHK Mile Cup in May.  1600m at Hanshin should be her best.  Races on speed or sits handily.  No going issues.

3

Keiai Nautique

Has not tasted any success since winning the G1 NHK Mile Cup in 2018. Finished in the frame for the first time since in the G2 Fuji Stakes (1600m) latest.  Races back.  Tested only on firm and good.

4

Gran Alegria

High class miler with six wins from nine runs.  Beat Almond Eye in the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June. Clocked the fastest final 600m split (33.6s) to win the G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) last out.  Mile should suit her best.  Settles midfield or further.  No ground worries.

5

Meikei Die Hard

Gained his long-awaited graded race success in the G3 Chukyo Kinen over the course and distance in July. Unable to keep his upward curve last two runs though. Versatile but generally races from behind.  Relishes Hanshin track.

6

Lauda Sion

Four wins between 1200m and 1600m from eight runs.  Showed talent when claiming the G1 NHK Mile Cup in May.  Good 2nd when carrying 123lbs against older horses in the G2 Fuji Stakes (1600m) latest.  Races handy and can take lead.  No ground issues.

7

Admire Mars

Highly talented miler unbeaten at two and won his third G1 over 1600m in the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile last December.  Showed tenacity when 3rd at 1400m in the G2 Swan Stakes latest.  Races close to the speed.  Tested on firm and good.

8

Indy Champ

Claimed both turf mile G1s in spring and autumn last year.  Lost his shoe but showed great efforts to finish 3rd in the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June.  Skipped the Sprinters Stakes due to muscle injury. Major concern will be his first up in five-and-half months.  Races midfield for a strong finish.  No track worries.

9

Katsuji

Ended his losing streak since taking a mile G2 in April 2018 when winning the G2 Swan Stakes (1400m) at Kyoto latest, having changed his tactics and racing on speed.  Handles all ground.

10

Black Moon

Eight wins at 1600m and 1800m from 36 outings.  Winless since taking a 1600m G3 in January 2018.  Well beaten in his last five runs.  Hold up horse.  Proven on firm and good.

11

Scarlet Color

Three wins at 1600m and 1800m from 21 runs.  Placed at G2 and G3 level earlier this season, before 9th in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) latest.  Drop in distance should be to her advantage.  Relishes softer track. Races from deep.

12

A Will A Way

Four wins at 1200m and 1400m from 14 runs.  First run over 1600m since last year’s G1 Oka Sho.  Placed 3rd latest in G1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) in October.  Hold-up horse.  Proven on firm and good.
 

13

Taisei Vision

Finished on board in all seven runs.  Took his 2nd graded win in the G3 Arlington Cup (1600m) in April.  Decent 5th when facing older horses for the first time in the G2 Fuji Stakes (1600m) last out.  Closer with strong kick.  Tested on firm and good.

14

Sound Chiara

Won all her first three runs this term, before runner-up in G1 Victoria Mile in May. Disadvantaged by the rail draw when 10th in the G2 Swan Stakes (1400m) latest.  Races midfield or close to the speed.  No ground issues.

15

Persian Knight

Still showed progress when 2nd in the G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) in August.  Won this in 2017, also finished in the top three in the past two years.  Proven runner at this time of the season.  Settles midfield.  Handles all going.

16

Vin De Garde

Upward curve with three wins in a row late last year.  Finished below par in G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June, but showed excellent acceleration in the stretch to claim the G2 Fuji Stakes (1600m) last out.  Races held-up.  No ground issues.

17

Salios

Four wins and two seconds from six runs.  Runner-up behind Contrail in both the G1 Japanese 2000 Guineas (2000m) and G1 Tokyo Yushun (2400m) in spring. Stepped back to 1800m for a 3L win against older opponents in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) last out.  Proven miler.  Generally races better than midfield.  Tested only on firm and good ground.