KIICHI AUTUMN (6) is ready to win after another minor placing last start, finishing third over 1400m at Sonoda when he was in the firing line all the way. Worth noting Wataru Hirose goes aboard. Likely improver with strong prospects. SETTING SUN (2) showed good early speed when resuming last start before boxing on well and finishing third, beaten 9 lengths, over today's trip at Sonoda. Likely improver with strong prospects. CHERRY RUSSIAN (4) is fresh from a spell of four months and it is worth noting he has scored at the past two first-up runs, last prep over 1400m at Sonoda. Sure to make his presence felt. MEISHO KOHOKU (5) took advantage of the good draw and sat on the pace last start before tiring to finish fourth, beaten 10 lengths, over 1400m at Sonoda. Cannot be underestimated.