NISSHIN GEPPO (2) was in a different class last time with a dominant all-the-way win by 2 lengths at Monbetsu over 1000m. Will prove very tough to beat. ASCENDIA (9) is a 11-start maiden who could only manage to finish fourth at her latest appearance over 820m at this track. Well placed on this occasion and gets her chance to break the ice. ANDERMATT (8) had been in great form winning two on end before missing the frame last time when ninth over 1400m at this track. Drops back in journey this time. Can return to her best. GIFT BASKET (5) resumes from a spell of four-and-a-half months and is having her first outing under new trainer Yukihide Matsuhira. Finished seventh at Niigata over 1400m at the opening run last time in work.