KING MINISTER (7) brings the most persuasive recent profile, with a win and a second from his past two at this venue and a perfect top-three record from four starts at this track and distance. He was beaten as a prohibitive odds-on favourite last time, but the run still had merit and his earlier three-length A3 win over Nanyo Violet reads well for this. HIRONO RAFALE (1) is the logical danger after placing in A3 grade last start and holding a strong track-and-trip record, although the seven-length margin behind Maruka Rapid means he has less authority than the top pick. LUXE LEON (2) has put two better runs together, winning narrowly before a three-length second, and his two wins from four attempts at this track and distance make him a sound place-to-win prospect. ONIMARU (8) resumes from a break with the right distance profile and a strong record with Hiroshi Ohara, but recent beaten margins keep him in the minor-winning-chance bracket.