VENT DE L'EST (6) makes strong appeal fresh after winning his Sapporo debut by two lengths as favourite, and the fact he is already one from one at this distance gives him the most complete profile among the main hopes. TEXAS (3) has the sharpest last-start winning margin, putting away a Nakayama Mdn by four lengths, and he also brings proven 2000m form, so he is the clear danger. ESCUADRA (7) resumes from a longer break, but his Fukushima debut win in a 15-runner NEWCOMER had depth in the way he made ground and scored with something in hand. NISHINO FRANKEN (9) is race-fit second-up, was only beaten half a length at Kyoto, and his Kokura win prior showed enough acceleration to keep him firmly in the mix.
