LA LA AVRIL (1) was far from disgraced after being prominent at the bend to finish half a length away in third last start over 1000m at this track. That followed a first-up win at this track. Has started three times at this course and distance and is yet to miss the placings. Nicely placed to feature in the finish. PEARL FRONT (8) finished fourth over 1000m at this track when resuming last start, beaten only 0.6 lengths. Fitter and doesn't need to improve all that much to take this out. D S SHOMA (12) showed good speed to lead over 1200m at Hanshin Dirt last start but faded right out of it to finish seventh. Likely to push forward and race on the pace again. Should be involved in the finish. TOA JOTO (2) turned in a fine effort to score by 1.75 lengths at today's course and distance when resuming from a layoff last start. Must raise the bar but another big run will not surprise.