CHRONICLE (9) is the one to beat despite two plain ALLOW runs, with the drop into C1 the decisive form angle. He was beaten over 14 lengths by Patient Sien at Hanshin Dirt after racing handy, and the 1300m record is thin, but his broader rating over the last 12 months gives him a clear platform to rebound. MAGIC TOUCH (10) resumes after five months and brings the cleanest local profile, having ended the last campaign with a neck win from Flyer True at this track after a narrow second the start prior. NICHOLAUS (8) has to atone for a costly fourth as short odds-on favourite, yet two wins from three starts at this track and distance and three wins this season keep him right in the argument. SHKMERULI (5) has been below his best in two recent eighths, but his long 1300m record and proven track-and-distance form give him a solid minor upset profile.