BALCANICUS (8) is the horse to beat after a last-start second at this track in COND grade, and the class drop gives that performance extra weight. He was big odds there yet still produced the best recent placing among the main hopes, and his record at this venue is solid enough to make him the right anchor. ALDHIBAH (10) resumes from five months off, but his three-start record reads strongly: two wins, one placing, and a seven-length win at this track over A Shin Ginger before finishing second to Sadamu Mont Blanc. He has also already beaten Balcanicus at this venue, so the talent is clear. TWO M FLEEK (9) has to rebound from two plain Funabashi runs, but the profile at this track and distance is excellent, with three wins from three attempts and an outstanding overall strike rate. IDEA CRYSTAL (5) brings less convincing race form, having been well beaten at Niigata Dirt, yet the class drop gives her a more suitable opening if she returns sharper.