Resumes after three months off with a new stable and Tsubasa Sasagawa aboard. Recent Niigata form was plain, but the reset gives him a strong platform.

Led and faded last start, and her track-and-distance record is plain. Has to find more despite the winning rider going back on.

Last-start winner at this track and already proven at the trip. Progressive profile and winning rider stays with him.

Has track-and-distance form, but recent runs have lacked spark. Must lift sharply from the Iron Bible and Philippine lines.

Freshened after a heavy defeat, but his earlier Niigata Dirt fourth reads better. Place claims if he returns to that level.

Last start was plain, but the prior third had merit. Maiden record tempers confidence, though a place is within reach.

Freshened since two well-held Mdn runs. Has placed around this trip, which leaves him as a minor hope rather than a win play.

Keeps finishing around the mark without threatening. No wins from 25 starts makes this a difficult assignment.

Well backed enough last start but folded out badly. Recent margins are too big to ignore.

Better third last start and now fourth-up, but she was beaten as a market hope. Each-way claims rather than a clear top pick.

Latest sixth was better than the margin suggests after conceding a start. Still a maiden, but that run puts him right in the mix.

Back after four months with strong track-and-distance credentials. Latest run was below his best, but his record keeps him in calculations.

Back from a spell after two heavy Mdn defeats. Stable is respected, but exposed form leaves him with plenty to find.

Placed at both runs this track and distance and has been racing above market expectation. Reliable profile and the one to beat.