FERN GROTTO (5) is having his first run since March 1. Yet to miss the frame in four career starts and did win over 2400m at this track at the start of last prep. Will be tough to beat. ASK DEAD HEAT (6) finished second two runs back at Kokura then improved last time out to score by 2 lengths over 2600m at Fukushima. Naho Furukawa scored on him last time and retains the ride. In great recent form and can get the job done again. BAY RUM (3) has also been in good form, scoring three back at Kokura Dirt then placing twice in a row, most recently finishing third when he was prominent throughout over 2600m at Fukushima. Finds a suitable race and can build on that solid recent form. SATONO SOTIRAS (1) settled well back from a wide draw last time then wound up strongly to finish fourth over 2400m at Tokyo. Well placed and is among the chances.