LORD VOYAGER (9) has not appeared since he finished second over 1700m at Fukushima Dirt on November 22. Has a win and a placing from four previous first-up runs. Leading player. HO O BAROLO (6) comes here off a break of five months. Worth noting he filled a minor placing when returning from a spell last prep over 1700m at Hakodate Dirt. Has found a suitable race to launch this campaign. WATER PARADIS (14) was out of the money two runs back then again missed the frame last start over 1400m at Hanshin Dirt, beaten 5.5 lengths into fourth. Not much depth to this so anticipating a big run this time. LA MANCHE (8) fought on for second last start over 1800m at Chukyo Dirt, beaten 2 lengths to add to the placing when fresh from a spell the run prior. Nicely placed to give this a mighty shake.