MEISHO KINTAI (10) is the one to beat after a decisive Niigata win over 1800m, where he quickened strongly and scored by just under two lengths from Trakai Castle. He has placed five times from nine attempts around 2000m and reunites with the same rider who was aboard for that win, giving him the strongest recent profile. WILSON (7) resumes off a Sapporo Mdn victory as favourite and brings a tidy overall record, with one win and three places from five starts plus proven form at this distance. A SHIN IGNIS (5) has stronger back-form than his latest finish suggests, having contested a Listed race before being safely held as a well-supported favourite in ALLOW grade; his 2000m record keeps him firmly in the mix if he returns in order. ALMA LIBRE (2) is lightly raced but her Tokyo debut fifth had merit, beaten just over two lengths after picking up nicely, and she has the scope to improve sharply despite tackling 2000m for the first time.