GRAND CULLINAN (1) is the top pick on the strength of his class profile, with the drop from Open company into a Mdn Steeplechase a significant positive despite his 16th in the Listed OCTOBER STAKES. His third at Sapporo the start prior showed he can finish strongly when allowed to build, and he arrives third-up with a solid overall record. AUSWAHL (13) has the most reliable recent jumping form, beaten half a length at Hanshin after a sound Niigata fourth, though his record around this distance keeps him from being a completely clear-cut option. SECRET KEY (9) returns from a two-month freshening after catching the eye late at Nakayama, and his Chukyo second two runs back gives him a genuine winning reference. T M LISTED (5) resumes after a four-month break off a close Kokura fourth and has the back-form to be competitive if ready fresh.