MEISHO IBUKI (13) has improved at each start, the latest when second over 1200m at this track after being prominent at the turn. Looks well placed to go one better. Expect another big run. ROUGE LUGANO (2) is yet to break through in three runs. Finished fourth after being prominent at the bend at her last appearance over 1200m at Chukyo on December 6. Well placed on this occasion and gets her chance to break the ice. FIVE TANGO (8) is back after a break of ten weeks. At the last run before the layoff he finished seventh over 1800m at Kyoto Dirt. Leading player on best figures - bold showing expected. KURO USAGI (6) turned in a moderate debut over 1300m at Tokyo Dirt on November 8 when failed to finish. Was well in the market and worth another try.