SILVER DUKE (10) opened the campaign with a respectable second in a maiden steeplechase (2970m) at Hanshin then last start kept the ball rolling when second in a maiden steeplechase (2860m) at this track 13 days ago. Will never get a better chance to win one. HIGHWAY STAR (8) did a good job to clock-in second two back in a maiden steeplechase (2770m) at Fukushima then ran a nice race last time found a couple better in a maiden steeplechase (2970m) at Hanshin 56 days ago, 6 lengths behind the winner. Hard to beat on that form. LAPIN RAPIDE (9) returns from a 188-day spell. Made just the one appearance when last in work and was fourth in a maiden steeplechase (2850m) at Niigata, beaten 2.25 lengths. Yet to win over the obstacles from two attempts. Expected to be thereabouts. A BATTUTA (1) has failed to fill a placing after 10 career runs, but better last time out when fourth in a maiden steeplechase (2880m) at Nakayama. Minor claims.