JOYFUL ROCK (5) has been a regular in the winners' stall of late including last start in dominant fashion over 1200m at this track. Going up a level this time but he deserves plenty of thought. SIRIUS (11) resumes from a spell of 11 weeks and is having his first outing under new trainer Yasuto Mori. Finished 11th at Niigata Dirt over 1200m at the opening run last time in work. One of the better hopes despite the layoff. TAISEI FESTA (7) has been in the placings at his last two starts, finishing third last time when he was prominent throughout over 1400m at Kawasaki. Meets a stronger field but he is good enough to take this out. FAST LANE (1) went forward and gave a great sight when second over 1200m at this track last time out. Masashige Honda who has scored on him two times retains the mount. Not to be discounted.