JACK NADAL (8) is the one to beat after winning first-up at Niigata Dirt as a well-supported favourite, then finishing fifth at Nakayama Dirt when beaten six lengths. His record at around 1300m is strong, he is proven at this venue, and the third-up platform gives him the clearest winning profile. PIKO TENDER (1) resumes with a very consistent overall record and has been placed in six of 11 runs around this distance, so her final-start sixth as favourite can be balanced against deeper form. MASANO UNICORN (12) returns from a longer break, but his 1300m and track records keep him right in the mix if ready. RHEIN SIEG (7) was plain first-up at Chukyo Dirt, yet his previous win at this track and excellent overall consistency make him a genuine danger.