HIRONYAN (1) finished second two runs back at this track then continued his run of top-two finishes last time out when he scored by half a length as public elect over 1400m at this track. First try at this longer distance but Yuki Miyauchi scored on him last time and retains the ride. Can deliver again. B I BLACK (3) returns from a spell of four-and-a-half months and did win first-up last time in work over 1400m at Kasamatsu. That was one of two fresh wins he has recorded and he finds a suitable race to kick off the campaign. POURQUOI (8) has placed in both starts since winning here over 1400m, last time beaten a neck into second. He is capable of testing his rivals. BLUE FLAME (4) was good again last start when second at this venue. Looks likely to feature in the finish.