SATONO EPIC (7) returns from a 77-day spell. Concluded the last prep with a minor placing in a steeplechase (3290m) at Niigata, beaten 8 lengths. Well-placed here and sure to be tough to beat. POINT CULMINANT (6) was unplaced two back in a maiden steeplechase (2890m) at Niigata. Bounced back last time to salute by 1.3 lengths in a maiden steeplechase (2750m) at Fukushima. Hard to fault on his recent run. TOA MARISHITEN (1) finished third two back in a maiden steeplechase (2750m) at Fukushima then improved nicely last time to salute by one length in a maiden steeplechase (2750m) at Fukushima. Hard to knock the recent efforts. CROWN SET (3) wasn't popular in betting but returned from a spell on July 11 with a sound third in a steeplechase (3380m) at Fukushima, beaten 5 lengths. Will strip fitter and looms large again.