EPOCH VENUS (16) gets the nod on the strength of a solid Hanshin fourth behind In Vogue, beaten just under a length after picking up nicely in the straight. Her record at this track and distance is a major asset, and she also holds the recent head-to-head over Hagino Aldebaran. TOMMY BAROWS (4) resumes in excellent order on paper, having won both runs last campaign, including a dominant Tokyo success and a Chukyo win as a very short favourite. HAGINO ALDEBARAN (5) is race fit, has been close enough at his past two and brings sound track form, although Epoch Venus had his measure at Hanshin. AVION (7) returns with an unbeaten rider partnership, outstanding mile figures and a last-start Hanshin win by three lengths, so her lightly raced profile gives her genuine winning depth.