LANCE OF VENUS (10) was well fancied when resuming last start over 1400m at Sonoda when second, beaten 3 lengths. Good record at this journey with two wins and five minor placings from nine starts and should be hard to stop. KEY CLASSIC (3) is resuming from a spell of three-and-a-half months and having his first run for the Kosaku Hori yard. Was in the placings when first-up from a spell last campaign at Sonoda over 1400m. Worth serious consideration. IRWIN (9) is back from a spell of five months and does go well when fresh, including a win to launch last campaign over 1400m at Sonoda. Capable of playing a major role. MEISHO KAJIKI (7) turned in a decent effort last start to finish second over 1400m at Sonoda. This looks a good race for him and there is no reason he cannot find winning ways.