ECORO MAJOR (8) sets the standard after missing by a nose at Niigata Dirt last start, closing strongly behind Ricordi Oro, and his record of three placings from three starts around this distance gives him the most reliable profile. CRYSTAL SHINE (7) is the obvious danger after a debut second at Niigata Dirt when beaten just over a length as a well-supported favourite; he was run down late but should take benefit from that first race experience. BEE TELEOS (11) was only a long neck away in the same Niigata Dirt race as Ecoro Major about three weeks ago, so she is close enough on form to threaten if she finds a little more late. EMERSONS (4) is the fresh element, making his debut with a solid trainer-sire combination record and siblings that include Wings, unbeaten from three starts, which gives him enough profile to be treated as a genuine winning hope despite the lack of exposed race form.