BALDANZA (7) gets the nod after missing by a nose at this track over the same trip four weeks ago, a run that also gives him a recent edge over Taiki Blitzen. He has placed twice from five starts at this venue and now gets Takeshi Yokoyama, one of the leading riders at the track, so his latest figure looks the most reliable winning reference. TAIKI BLITZEN (2) has the right profile to answer, having won at this track from Raise Tempest two runs back before finishing fourth behind Show Rebirth, and the weight relief keeps him firmly in play. TRAVELIN' BAND (8) is fitter third-up after a solid second to Toyosakae and brings proven track-and-trip form, though he still has to turn recent placings into a win. RED STINGER (13) resumes after a three-month break with a sound ten-start record and was beaten just over half a length two runs back at Sapporo, making him a genuine danger if he returns in that sort of order.