Z SILVIA (12) is the one to beat after returning to winning form in A1A2 grade at this track, scoring by a length and a half as odds-on favourite. Her profile over 1400m at this venue is outstanding, and the record with F Komaki adds further authority to the top pick. VIRYA (1) is the main danger, with her seven wins from eight starts at this track and distance hard to overlook; her latest fourth behind Ecoro Gaia was sound enough and followed a dominant five-length win over Astraka. GRACE OF GOD (11) has produced two straight seconds in A2 company and looks ready third-up, with the small-sample track-and-trip record reading well. ELAINE ASTI (7) resumes from six months off after a narrow Kanazawa second as a heavily backed odds-on favourite, and her overall consistency gives her a genuine place-to-winning chance if she handles this venue first time.
