OLIBANUM (6) is the one to beat, winning by three and a half lengths against Early Harvest last time out and boasting three wins from five starts here, plus two from two at this distance. The weight relief strengthens her case. SPARK RICHARD (14) shows solid staying form with a second at Sapporo and fifth to Joy Boy at Hanshin; Christophe Lemaire aboard keeps him in contention, though he's winless in eight at 1800m. DEL AVAR (11) underperformed as favorite at Nakayama but holds two wins and a placing from seven at this distance, indicating potential for improvement. ASKCOMMENTALLEZVOU (7) returns after a successful campaign ending with a win at Hanshin over Bullet Pass; with Yutaka Take in the saddle, he poses a genuine threat if he navigates the 1800m better than before.