SEIUN BIG BANG (6) sets the standard after placing at his past two steeplechase runs, including a second at Nakayama when beaten just under a length and a Tokyo third behind Gerel. He also owns a win from his only start at this track, which gives him the strongest all-round profile. GOLDEN ROOKIE (9) is the main threat if he sharpens second-up; he was fourth as favourite behind Monaco Bull and had gone down by a nose at Kokura the start prior, though his overall maiden record keeps him from being a risk-free option. SCHWARZ MASAMUNE (8) has been well beaten at two runs this campaign, but his career record and good-track profile give him some place appeal if he can rediscover his better figures. NASUNO KANGETSU (3) resumes from six months off with a class edge from Open and ALLOW company, and his closing efforts over shorter trips suggest he can run into a minor placing if ready fresh.