KRUGIST (9) is the one to beat after another honest third at this track, beaten two lengths by Black Legend, and his profile is hard to fault with one win and three places from four starts at 1800m. He has placed twice from two starts at this venue and brings reliable exposed form. SATONO GLORIA (6) is the main danger, having resumed with a second at Niigata Dirt as favourite after a dominant five-length Mdn win at Chukyo Dirt; his 1800m record gives him a strong base. PETRICHOR (1) was brave when third at this track last start, leading and just being run down late, and barrier one suits a filly with one win and two placings from five starts overall. AMERICAN ISM (13) has to improve on a fifth at Niigata Dirt behind Ho O Strike, but he has won at this track and has one win and two places from five starts at the distance, so a sharper second-up showing would put him into the race.