ACADEMIA (14) opened this campaign last start with a third, beaten 1.5 lengths, over 1800m at Kyoto Dirt. Looks better than these based on that effort - just needs to hold the form to be breaking through. SAIMON CHEVALIER (6) followed an unplaced effort first-up two runs back with a third last start over 1800m at Kyoto Dirt after being in contention on the corner. Finds a suitable race and can stretch the top pick. ARC D'OR (5) has not won for a long while. Last raced on December 7 when beaten 4 lengths into fourth at Chukyo Dirt over 1800m. Best figures measure up nicely. Can do a lot better. EIYU FIRE (4) was out of the money when resuming from a spell last start over 1800m at Chukyo Dirt, beaten 5 lengths. Fitter so watch for a better performance.