AVE MARIS STELLA (2) finished second, beaten 3 lengths, over 1400m at this track on debut ten weeks ago and has been kept under wraps since. Jumps from a good gate and is expected to prove tough to beat. SHIMME FABLE (12) made progress last time out, finishing 2 lengths from the winner in second at the end of 1400m at this track after being prominent at the corner. Faces an easier assignment so he is sure to be right there at the finish. AQUANAUT (5) is having her first run since winning by 1.75 lengths two-and-a-half weeks ago over 1400m at Mizusawa. Has transferred to the Shinsuke Kudo stable over the break. Solid top-three hope. SHINEN KOGETSU (11) is back from a spell of ten weeks. Debuted with a second, beaten 4 lengths, over 800m at this track at her only appearance to date. Among the main hopes.