PASSCODE (11) is a consistent performer with four minor placings from six starts this time in work. Continued the trend last time out when runner-up over 1600m at Kyoto. The figures say we should be anticipating another big run. SARDINE RUN (16) comes here off a break of 11 weeks. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a spell last prep over 1600m at Nakayama. Expect him to play a major role. LANCE OF HERO (3) broke his maiden last start over 1600m at Kyoto, scoring by 0.8 lengths. Is lightly raced and has plenty of scope for improvement. Riki Takasugi was in the saddle on that occasion and retains the ride. Harder task ahead this time but can measure up. LIEN MAHINA (18) didn't do a bad job to finish 0.8 lengths away in second last start over 1600m at Kyoto after a win the run before. In contention this time.