NOMBRE D'OR (1) is the clear starting point after closing last campaign with consecutive seconds at Kokura, beaten a neck then two and a half lengths, and his 2000m record reads strongly for this assignment. He has already placed at this venue and returns with Atsuya Nishimura back aboard, so the profile is solid rather than speculative. KIKKO BELLO (10) is the immediate danger, third-up and beaten only a long neck by A Shin Beacon at Hanshin after starting near the top of betting, though he is still seeking a win at this distance. LONG TALL SALLY (5) has to be judged forgivingly after being tailed off in the G2 Shion Stakes, but her 2000m statistics are sound and the easier set-up brings her back into contention. GAUDI (4) resumes from four months off with a win from two starts at this track and a good record with Kohei Matsuyama, making him a genuine threat if he returns near his better form.