1

Struve

An improving talent with three wins in a row this term. Landed the first group race success in the G2 Nikkei Sho over the first 2500m trip in March. Showed impressive acceleration in the stretch to get his second group race title in the G2 Meguro Kinen (2500m) last time.

2

Justin Palace

The G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) winner finished 3rd after the winner Equinox in this race last year. Beaten by Equinox again when 2nd in the G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) with 1:55.6 in October and 4th in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) last time.

3

Bellagio Opera

The son of Lord Kanaloa seeks the second straight G1 success following the Osaka Hai (2000m). Did not taste any success in the Japanese classics last year but commenced the current season with around 0.8L second in the G2 Kyoto Kinen over this course and distance last time.

4

Do Deuce

Secured his place in the race with record-breaking fan votes, surpassing last year’s top vote-getter Equinox. Last year’s G1 Arima Kinen (2500m) winner will be back for the first time since the 5th-place in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) in March. First run at Kyoto in his career.

5

Deep Bond

The 7-year-old horse yet to win since the G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m) in 2022 but still bounced back from the recent defeats when 2.5L 3rd in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in April last time. Finished in the top three in 6 from 8 starts at Kyoto.

6

Heat On Beat

A 5-time winner including over this course and distance from 29 starts. Showed little in recent three starts. Best on firm track.

7

Pradaria

2 wins in 2 starts at Kyoto. After disappointing 14th in the G1 Arima Kinen (2500m) last December, he won the G2 Kyoto Kinen in February but needed more when 6th in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) last time.

8

Karate

A three-time G3 winner in 41 starts. Showed little in four starts this term. No ground issues. Hold-up runner.

9

Sol Oriens

Yet to win since the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) of 2023. Finished 3L 7th in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) last time. Settles back for the late run.

10

Rousham Park

The 5-year-old horse had three-time winning streak last year before having missed to finish on the board for the first time when 8th in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December 2023. He showed his class and finished 2nd in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) last time.

11

Yamanin Sympa

A 3-win class winner. Returned from a break of around six and a half months and finished well 4th in the G3 Naruo Kinen (2000m) at Kyoto last time.

12

Blow The Horn

Has shown consistency, finishing on the board in recent 13 starts except one. Won the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai (2400m) in January, 3rd in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m) in March. He launched the tremendous late charge that made the fastest time for the last 600m when 2L 2nd in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) last time. Rain-affected track should be preferable.

13

Rouge Eveil

Proven runner over this course and distance when 2nd in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2200m) at Kyoto last November. Launched the fastest speed for the last 600m and secured third-place in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) last time.