LUCE BRILLARE (17) is the one to beat after finishing third at this track last start, beaten just under two lengths, and doing her best work late behind Satono Agudo. She is still a maiden, but two placings from three starts and a recent edge over Red Ligare give her the strongest current form profile. LORD LEGGIERO (7) resumes after three months and brings a solid six-start record, including a Hanshin Mdn win before a fourth behind I Got It; his two placings from two runs at this track add weight to his claims. RED LIGARE (2) has the proven track-and-distance win and the benefit of race fitness, though he was safely held last start and must turn around the Luce Brillare line. ARVAND RUD (5) returns from ten months away after a decisive Kokura Mdn win and a consistent early record, so his absence is the main reservation rather than his exposed ability.