SATONO SHINING (4) is the clear starting point after resuming with a third in the G3 Chukyo Kinen, beaten just over a length as favourite, and he was also third in this race last year at this venue. His 1800m record is strong, with a win and two placings from three attempts, and the second-up profile gives him a strong platform. READINESS (3) has race fitness on his side and comes through a G2 Sapporo Kinen placing at big odds, with two wins from four starts at the trip and a sound record at this track. REALIZE SIRIUS (2) brings high-class three-year-old form, including a narrow G1 Satsuki Sho second, and his record at this track and distance keeps him firmly in the mix. REICHSADLER (6) won first-up at Niigata when heavily backed, and while this is a stronger assignment, his 1800m record gives him a genuine winning case.