BAND SHELL (2) is struggling to break through but hasn't been far away, the latest finishing a 1.5 lengths fourth at Kyoto. Backmarker who keeps coming. Will prove hard to hold out. LORD MY LIFE (4) resumed seven weeks ago over 1200m at Fukushima and was only beaten 1.75 lengths into sixth. Nicely placed to give this a mighty shake. EMANUELE (3) was never in contention when 5 lengths from the winner in eighth over 1400m at Tokyo last start, a less impressive effort than his first-up fourth at Niigata the run before. Likely improver with strong prospects. ITSUMO NIKONIKO (6) saluted at the first run back from a spell last start over 1200m at Fukushima, scoring by a neck. Has been given a let-up of seven weeks since that outing. Will be better for that latest run and must be included.