AMERICAN SOUL (13) made an immediate statement on debut at this track, starting odds-on and winning by three lengths after travelling like the result was well within his control. The track-and-distance win gives him the cleanest exposed profile among the main hopes, and the US$1.1m yearling purchase looks capable of taking the next step. ENJAMBMENT (14) also resumes unbeaten after winning by three lengths at Nakayama Dirt as favourite, with her one-from-one record at the distance and strong family background adding depth to the case. PAL PAL (7) has already built a reliable two-start profile, finishing second to Epi De Ble before winning by three and a half lengths at Hanshin Dirt, so race fitness and proven 1800m form keep him right in the contest. EUPHOKNIGHT (5) returns after a debut neck win at Sapporo Dirt, where he made up considerable ground and was well found in betting, and that closing style gives him scope to improve again.