Small field but five or six decent chances. ECHIGO DRAGON (6) pushed forward last time and boxed on to finish 1.1 lengths away in third over 2000m at Hanshin. This looks a sterner test than last time but on his best form he is one of the key runners. SATONO IVORY (4) ran a bold race over this journey when resuming last start, racing on the pace and sticking on strongly to finish 0.8 lengths away in second at Hanshin. A bit more depth to this but on his best form he is capable of testing his rivals. A SHIN IGNIS (9) is a talented colt who was well held last time out in the tougher race won by Matenro Gale over 2000m at Hanshin, beaten 6 lengths into seventh. Should settle handy and will be in this for a long way. SAIMON CHARIOT (3) finished third last time over 2000m at Fukushima, beaten 3.5 lengths. Will trim down following recent racing. In the mix.