MARS ECLAIR (1) is the horse to beat after charging home from what looked a hopeless position to miss by only half a length at Sapporo Dirt. He was big odds there, so the market may not have expected that level of improvement, but the run was the strongest late work in this field and the class drop adds to his appeal. PRIMERA ESTRELLA (3) has been safely held at his past two, yet he is race fit, has placed at around 1800m, and profiles as the next most credible winning hope if he can finish off better than he did at Hanshin. JUN VAGNER (8) has closed well in consecutive fourths and looks ready third-up, though three unplaced attempts around this trip temper the confidence. TAGANO FRIAND (6) was a solid debut third at big odds over 2000m and, despite trying 1800m for the first time, has enough early race experience to remain a genuine minor threat.