SWITCHBLADE (5) is the clear top pick after resuming with a strong second at this track over 1500m, beaten two lengths by Line Of Soul at generous odds. The return to 2000m is a major positive, with three wins and two places from eight starts at this track and distance, and his record with Takahiro Imai is another solid pointer. TANABATA (2) has put together two sound A2 runs, placing at Kasamatsu before finishing fourth here when beaten just over two lengths, and the class drop gives him a realistic chance to hold his form. STAPES SHOMA (4) has to rebound from a plain sixth as favourite, but his win over Le Terrible start prior and strong record at this venue keep him under notice, despite the first try around 2000m. AL FAHIDI (1) has not been sharp in two recent 1700m runs, yet his two wins from three starts at this track and distance make him the value runner if he lifts back toward that profile.