TAISEI NEXUS (3) is the top pick despite the plain recent figure, with the drop from an ALLOW at Nakayama into C1 company the strongest form angle in the race. He was well held over 2500m after being unwanted in betting, but his Morioka run prior had more merit and the new stable/jockey setup reads positively. MOUNTAIN DAUGHTER (2) brings the more conventional local profile, having placed at this track and distance before battling on fairly in C2 grade last start. LIBERTA ALA (10) has a useful head-to-head edge over Mountain Daughter and has placed in two of three at this track and distance, though the lack of a win keeps her just below the top pair. ASTA WIN (8) is honest enough to be included after a second and fourth at this venue, and the class drop gives her a chance to turn that consistency into another competitive showing.