LIEN MAHINA (3) is the one to beat after a narrow Hanshin win as favourite, having produced a strong final surge to beat Ferruginous. His second to Vocalize at Chukyo the run prior gives the campaign a solid base, and the Mirai Iwata association reads particularly well. CON TENEREZZA (5) is the main danger if the return to 1600m brings out her better form, with two wins and four placings from eight starts at the distance making her more appealing than the latest 1400m effort suggests. SARDINE RUN (8) was beaten as a well-supported favourite last time, but his Chukyo win over Vocalize two back and useful record at this venue keep him firmly in calculations. ALONSOA (4) has been plain in two runs back, yet his distance record is sound enough to give him a realistic place-to-winning pathway if he finishes off more strongly.