BAYASHI FAITH (8) has not appeared since he finished 13th over 1700m at Fukushima Dirt on November 8. Lines up today for the first time for trainer Kurakane Ikuyasu. Should be hard to stop. MEISHO INUWASHI (5) was safely held in better company two runs back then appreciated the easier grade last time, scoring over 1400m at this track. Rates highly and can measure up again. CROWN SIHR (1) turned things around last start and landed the prize by a head after being in the firing line on the bend over 1600m at this track. Suitably placed so anticipating another big run. COPANO JAMES (2) is struggling to break through but hasn't been far away, the latest effort a fourth, beaten 2.5 lengths, over 1300m at this track. Likely to push forward and race on the pace. Deserves respect on best figures.