LUSCIOUS BALLAD (11) gets the nod after going within a head at this track four weeks ago, and she now comes to the third run of the campaign with the top-ranked track jockey aboard. She is still chasing a first win, which is the obvious qualification, but three placings from four attempts at this track and distance give her the right profile to break through. BLUE RADICAL (12) is the major danger after winning by five lengths here as the odds-on favourite, with his broader record of four wins and four places from 14 starts giving him the strongest winning habit in the field. SWEEP REGINA (7) has been third at her past two starts, beaten a length and just over a length, and the weight relief keeps her firmly in the winning discussion. KURUME MITCHI (3) comes through a sound Urawa second and has placed regularly enough over 1400m to be treated as a genuine minor chance if he holds that form.