CHERRY TIME (4) gets the top billing on the strength of a far deeper record at this track and distance than most of these can offer. He was only fifth in C2 grade last start, beaten three and a half lengths at long odds, but the drop into C3 and his seven wins and ten places from 43 starts at this track and distance give him the most reliable winning profile. MEISHO RANKEI (3) is the main danger after improving sharply to run third in C2 grade, beaten two lengths by Tagano Achillea, and he is better suited back in this grade if he can repeat that effort. TAIIKUSUWARI (2) has been knocking hard with consecutive narrow seconds, beaten a head then a neck, and the return to 1400m is backed by previous winning form at this track and distance. WEISS LICHT (9) comes through a sound third over 1230m and has enough 1400m substance to be a genuine place threat, though his long winning drought keeps him just behind the main trio.