ACROPHASE (9) has the strongest winning profile, returning after a three-month break off a dominant Kokura win where he scored by three lengths as odds-on favourite. His earlier G1 Satsuki Sho run was too strong a level to judge harshly, and his 2000m record gives him the right platform. SATONO IVORY (4) is the immediate danger after a neck second at Chukyo, having won at Kokura the run prior, and his overall record remains very reliable. BULLET PASS (5) was below expectations as favourite first-up, but his narrow Hanshin second two back and strong track record keep him firmly in play. EVENT HORIZON (7) was safely held fresh at Nakayama, yet his earlier 3yo ALLOW win over Satono Ivory and proven 2000m record make him a realistic chance to improve sharply second-up.