PAI SHAOBING (1) came home strongly last start to finish second, beaten a nose, over 1800m at this track when returning from a spell. Takeshi Yokoyama who has two wins when partnering stays on. Leading contender. TRES SAPHIR (3) returned from a spell eight weeks ago when he was prominent at the turn before being beaten 4.5 lengths into sixth over 1800m at Tokyo. Likely improver with strong prospects. SMART KAIROS (6) is yet to fill a placing in two runs since resuming from a spell, the latest when fifth over 1800m at Hanshin Dirt after he was in contention on the turn. Will strip fitter and is among the leading chances. ECLIPSE RUBAN (12) resumed after a 286-day spell last start but failed to finish at this track. Capable of testing this field if on-song.