1

Mikki Rocket

Could not settle when 7th behind Kitasan Black in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) in April last start. Always produces a powerful late run. Has no track worries and the distance should prove his best trip.

2

Gold Actor

The 2015 Arima Kinen winner has not won since the G2 All Comers (2200m) last September. The six-year-old made his seasonal debut in the G2 Nikkei Sho (2500m) and placed 5th before a disappointing seventh in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) latest. The 2200m should prove his optimum trip. Races close to the speed. No track worries.

3

Spirits Minoru

This 5yo is still seeking for his first win at graded level. Trapped and could not find any room in the straight when 5th last time out in the G3 Naruo Kinen (2000m) on 3 June. Usually races from midfield or better. Softer track is a plus.

4

Clarity City

Raced just two weeks ago in the G3 Epsom Cup (1800m) at Tokyo but fought on well to finish 4th. Should have no concerns with the trip to Osaka, but he has never raced over this distance at Hanshin previously. Usually races from midfield or better.

5

Cheval Grand

Two second placings from as many starts this season, including last time out when he extended well to finish 2nd behind Kitasan Black in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in April. He has been targeting this race. Hold-up runner. Has only raced on firm and good tracks.

6

Sciacchetra

Three wins and one 3rd in four starts in his debut season in 2016. Nose 2nd to Mikki Rocket in the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai (2400m) in January before taking his first graded win in the G2 Nikkei Sho (2500m) in March. Ran flat to finish 9th latest in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in April. Usually settles midfield or rear.

7

Rainbow Line

Runner-up to Satono Diamond in the G1 Kikuka Sho, the Japanese St. Leger, over 3000m last October. Fair 4th to Sciacchetra in G2 Nikkei Sho (2500m) in March before 12th in G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in April latest. Return to this trip should suit. Hold-up runner.

8

Mikki Queen

This 5yo mare has finished in the top 3 in 11 of her 14 career starts, but she was 7th in the G1 Victoria Mile latest in May. The Hanshin track and the 2200m should suit her. Hold-up runner.

9

Hit The Target

This 9yo veteran has seemingly lost his brilliance, though he did finish 5th behind Kitasan Black in the G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) last October. Finished 13th in the G2 Meguro Kinen (2500m) in May latest. Can settle midfield or towards the rear.

10

Kitasan Black

Topped the fan vote and is aiming for his sixth G1 win. He clinched the Osaka Hai (2000m), which was upgraded to G1 status for the first time this year, in April. He then broke the track record set by the legendary Deep Impact in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) later that month. Races prominent to the speed. Tested only on firm and good surfaces.

11

Satono Crown

Beat Arc runner-up and Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Highland Reel to take the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) at Sha Tin in December. Finished 6th in the G1 Osaka Hai (2000m) in April latest. His latest gallop at Miho on 15 June saw him cover the last 200m in 12.8 seconds. Mirco Demuro sticks with him. Can handle a softer track.