1

A Shin Hikari

Stirred up before finishing 9th in this race last year. Runaway victory in the G1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) last December and defeated classy field by 10 lengths in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan (1800m) at Chantilly in May. Last start disappointing 6th in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes (2000m) at Ascot in June. Looks in good order.

2

Clarente

Has not won since the G3 Keisei Hai Autumn Handicap (1600m) in September 2014, but 3rd in the G2 Milers Cup in April and 8th in the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June. He did not perform when 10th in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m).

3

Ambitious

Finished a disappointing 16th in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June.  Began autumn campaign in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) on 9 October, showing an impressive late kick to finish 2nd. Close fifth in this race last year.

4

Satono Crown

Strong late run for 6th in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m). First-up since late June but training well. This track and distance is to his liking and he likes firm ground. Hold-up runner.

5

Logotype

Defeated Maurice and scored his third G1 title in the Yasuda Kinen in June. Not the same when 8th in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m). The 2000m should suit. Sits handy.

6

Admire Deus

Finished well for neck 2nd to Kitasan Black in the G2 Kyoto Daishoten last start, but yet to win at G1 level. Hold-up runner and no track worries.

7

Satono Noblesse

Top contender for Yasutoshi Ikee, 2nd last time out in the G2 All Comers (2200m). Good 2000m record, with three wins, two seconds and two thirds at the trip.

8

Maurice

Made it seven consecutive wins in the G1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin in May. The 2015 JRA Horse of the Year was then 2nd twice, in the G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June and the G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) in August. Hold-up runner.

9

Rouge Buck

Started off her career with three straight wins against colts. In the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) last start, her superior turn of foot saw her prevail by a neck over Ambitious, becoming the first filly/mare to win the race in 23 years. Hold-up runner.

10

Comfy

Finished 2nd in the G2 Stayers Stakes (3600m) last December and started the season with 11th in the G3 Diamond Stakes (3400m) in February. Fair 8th in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m) in March before 9th in the Listed May Stakes (1800m) latest. Hold-up runner.

11

Historical

Showed a strong turn of foot to finish 3rd in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) earlier this month and he continues to tick over nicely. A hold-up runner with a strong late kick.

12

Real Steel

G1 Dubai Turf winner is looking for a domestic top-class title. Defeated Duramente in the G3 Kyodo News Service Hai (1800m) at Tokyo February last year. Settles better than midfield.

13

Yamakatsu Ace

Two stakes victories over 2000m, in the G3 Fukushima Kinen last November and the G3 Nakayama Kim Pai in January. Latest 5th in the G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) in August. Hold-up runner, no track worries.

14

Staphanos

Finished second in the G1 QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin, as well as this same race, last year, but he is still looking for a G1 win. Returned from a four-month layoff to charge late for 5th in the G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) three weeks ago. He races midpack and can handle a softer track as well. 

15

Lovely Day

Defending champion. Finished 3rd in the G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) latest, but the 2000m is his best distance. Winless in six recent starts, but trainer Yasutoshi Ikee is satisfied with his condition. Settles better than midfield.