| 1 |
Tosen Ra |
Handles from 1600m to 3200m. The winner of G1 Mile Championship last year showed the same turn of foot in that race last time, but failed to defend the title and finished 4th. Short turn at Nakayama may not be his preferred course and he is suited by the firm track. Hold-up runner. |
| 2 |
Verxina |
Finished in the money in all her first nine starts since debut in 2011, Verxina grabbed her first G1 triumph in last year’s Victoria Mile. She succeeded in defending her title in the same race this year, before finishing third behind Gold Ship in G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June. Coming off 11th latest in G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in November. She led and raced handy respectively in her last two starts. |
| 3 |
One And Only |
Japanese Derby winner this year and he showed his brilliant turn of foot in his only two starts at Nakayama, including 2nd in G2 Yayoi Sho (2000m) in March and fourth in G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) in April. Ran 7th latest in G1 Japan Cup on 30 Nov. Hold-up runner. Enjoys firm or good track. |
| 4 |
Gentildonna |
Twice Japan Cup winner in 2012 and 2013. Won G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in March. Disappointing when 9th in G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, but she returned to nice form to finish second in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) in November. Finished 4th latest to Epiphaneia in G1 Japan Cup on 30 Nov. Settles midfield or better and firm track should be her best. |
| 5 |
Lachesis |
A year after finishing second in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, the four-year-old filly scored her first G1 win in the same race latest in November. Will be running at Nakayama for the first time. Tactically versatile and no ground worries. |
| 6 |
To The World |
Very consistent in his first eight career starts, but disappointed last time when finished 16th in G1 Kikuka Sho in October, possibly the 3000m distance in that race being too long for him. Tactically versatile and prefers firm track. |
| 7 |
Last Impact |
Improved a lot this season with three graded stakes wins. Also notched two wins and one third in his three starts this autumn. Latest win in G2 Kinko Sho (2000m) on 6 December. Tactically versatile and best on firm track. |
| 8 |
Meisho Mambo |
Three-time G1 winner last year. Best effort this year was 2nd in G1 Victoria Mile in May. Well below par in three recent starts. Usually races midfield but can close from leader. No ground worries. |
| 9 |
Win Variation |
Four-time runner-up in top class contests including 2011 Japanese Derby, Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger), last year’s Arima Kinen and this year’s Tenno Sho Spring behind Fenomeno. Never showed his true form when finishing 15th latest in G2 Kinko Sho (2000m) on 6 December. Hold-up runner and no ground worries. |
| 10 |
Fenomeno |
Two-time G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) winner in 2013 and 2014. This 5yo did not show his true performance in his two recent starts - 14th in G1 Tenno Sho Autumn (2000m) and 8th in G1 Japan Cup (2400m). Won a G2 over this course and distance in March 2013. Settles midfield or better. Likes firm track. |
| 11 |
Satono Noblesse |
Posted his career-best effort when second to Epiphaneia in G1 Kikuka Sho in 2013. Won twice at graded level this year, including G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai (2400m) in January and G3 Kokura Kinen (2000m) in August. Came off second in G2 Kinko Sho (2000m) latest. Races from midfield. No ground worries. |
| 12 |
Denim And Ruby |
Yet to win a G1 race in her career, the four-year-old Deep Impact filly seems to lose her brilliance this year, finishing below par in all her five starts. Best effort was her runner-up finish behind Gentildonna in G1 Japan Cup last year. Races back in the field and prefers softish track. Short turns at Nakayama may be her issue. |
| 13 |
Epiphaneia |
The 2013 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger) winner grabbed his second G1 triumph in Japan Cup in November when Christophe Soumillon gave him a very good ride, steering him to an impressive 4-length victory. Any ground will be ok, and the key will be on whether he will be able to preserve the energy to the stretch. |
| 14 |
Gold Ship |
The five-time G1 winner – winner of this race last year and the Takarazuka Kinen for two years in a row – will return to the track after finishing 14th in the Arc race at Longchamp in October. Hold-up runner. Softer track will suit him, but handles any going. |
| 15 |
Just A Way |
This 5yo will make his final start on Sunday before stud in at the Shadai Stallion Station next year. Very impressive when winning the Dubai Duty Free in March. He travelled to France for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October and finished the race in 8th. Reappeared on Japanese turf in G1 Japan Cup (2400m) on 30 Nov and finished second to Epiphaneia. Will step up further to 2500m this time. No ground issue. |
| 16 |
Ocean Blue |
Best G1 effort was second behind Gold Ship in 2012 Arima Kinen. Won the G3 Nakayama Kim Pai in January, the six-year-old was well-beaten in the following three starts, including 12th in G2 Kinko Sho latest. Hold up runner and appreciates firm ground. |
