MARGOT BUDDY (12) sets the standard after a second at Hanshin Dirt, beaten a length and a half, and he has now placed at both runs this campaign. His distance profile is the strongest in the race and the Sameshima combination reads well, so he deserves top billing. ECHIGO DRAGON (5) is the immediate danger after getting within a length at Sapporo Dirt last start and he should be at peak fitness third-up. SHINE BECK (16) is harder to trust on recent finishes, but the class relief keeps him in the winning mix if he can make use of the rise back to 1800m. BOOM BAP BEAT (4) brings reliable 1800m substance, including a win and a placing from three starts at this track and distance, and first-time blinkers give him another angle after a beaten-favourite fourth.