GIOIELLO (8) is close to breaking through after two consecutive placings, the latest coming when second over 2000m at Hanshin after being prominent from the outset. Should park just off the speed. Likely improver with strong prospects. NIGHT SLUGGER (6) is usually thereabouts but finds it hard to win, with just two wins from 20 starts. Again tasted defeat last start when fifth over 1800m at Niigata, beaten 1.5 lengths. Katsuma Sameshima gets the best out of this five-year-old entire. Nicely placed to figure in the outcome. SHONAN BALDR (5) surprised many last time when a close second over 1600m at this track. Can run another big race. KUSS KUSS (11) finished 11th when resuming two runs back then improved last start but found a couple better over 1600m at this track, beaten 2.5 lengths. Best figures measure up. Sure to run well.