1

Satono Rasen

Very consistent and finished in top 3 in all his 9 career starts.  Displayed powerful stretch run in his best effort to date to win G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai (2200m) on 9 May. That was also his first appearance at graded race level. Usually settles midfield or better than midfield.  Handles firm and good track conditions.

2

Tanta Alegria

Two wins and four seconds from seven career starts so far.  Raced twice over 2400m at Tokyo and 2nd both times including G2 Aoba Sho on 2 May latest when half-length behind Reve Mistral.  Loves firm track but untested on softer ground.  Usually races from the rear.

3

Komet

Two wins from 5 starts at 2.  His best effort as a juvenile was 1.25L 2nd in G2 Hopeful Stakes (2000m) at Nakayama last December.  Settled well in G1 Satsuki Sho in April, but found little in the stretch and finished 10th.  Races handy and appreciates firm track.

4

Guanciale

Made a perfect start for the year with a win in the G3 Shinzan Kinen (1600m) in January. Subsequently 4th in G2 Yayoi Sho (2000m) at Nakayama in March.  Work at home suggests he has progressed a lot from the 12th place last time in the G1 NHK Mile Cup.  Races held up and no ground issues.

5

Danon Major

No wins in five starts since a win in a 1800m Listed event last September. 11th in G1 NHK Mile Cup on 10 May where he ran gamely until 300m but tired in closing stages.  Hold-up runner and handles cut.

6

Porte d’Auteuil

Recorded the fastest sectional time over last 600m in each of his first four career starts.  2nd first-up this year in G3 Kisaragi Sho (1800m) in February. 4th in Listed Wakaba Stakes (2000m) in March before finishing runner-up in G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai (2200m) latest on 9 May.  Races from rear and likes firm track.

7

Reve Mistral

He has not looked back after taking his maiden victory at his 3rd career start in January. Won 2400m lower-class stakes race at Hanshin in April. Demonstrated bursting late stretch speed for first Graded stakes win in G2 Aoba Sho on 2 May latest.  He is easy to control, has a strong turn of foot and the 2400m is no hitch.  Hold up runner. Likes firm ground.

8

Bell Lap

Won G3 Kyoto Nisai Stakes (2000m) last November. Unable to replicate that form in his last two starts, including 14th in G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) latest.  Settles midfield or better and OK sitting handy.  This son of Heart’s Cry possesses lots of scope.

9

Cosmo Nine Ball

No win in five starts since his success in Listed Ivy Stakes (1800m) at Tokyo last October. 10th in G1 NHK Mile Cup latest.  Usually tracks handy.  Can handle both firm and heavy track.

10

Musee Alien

Won G3 Mainichi Hai (1800m) at Hanshin in March.  Fought on well last time when 7th behind Duramente in G1 Satsuki Sho last month.  Shows strong late kick from rear position.  The long stretch at Tokyo should suit him.  No track worries.

11

Satono Crown

Won first three career starts including a comfortable 1.5L win in G2 Yayoi Sho (2000m) at Nakayama in March.  Never demonstrated his strong late kick last time when 6th in G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) on 19 April.  Settles at rear for late turn-of-foot. Handles all surfaces.

12

Adam’s Bridge

Won on debut last December and made it two wins in a row in Listed Wakagoma Stakes (2000m) in January.  Placed 3rd latest in Listed Wakaba Stakes (2000m) on 21 March.  Usually held-up and saved for a late run.  Prefers firm track.

13

Real Steel

Two wins and two seconds from 4 starts. Edged out sharply in the stretch in G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) last month but he was overtaken by Duramente and was unable to keep up with the winner - settled for a runner-up finish.  Very gutsy horse and races midfield or better than midfield.  Likes firm track.

14

Duramente

Likely the race favourite here.  Despite hanging out and causing interference at the final turn, he showed his impressive turn-of-foot to win the G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) last time on 19 April.  Settles midfield or better.  Handles firm. Untested on soft ground.

15

Musee Sultan

Sidelined for several months due to a knee injury after winning the G3 Niigata Nisai Stakes (1600m) last August.  7th on March reappearance in G2 Spring Stakes (1800m).  Registered the fastest time over the last three furlongs last time to finish 3rd in G1 NHK Mile Cup on 10 May.  Step up to 2400m this time may pose a question. Hold-up runner.  He handles all track conditions.

16

Spirits Minoru

Made his debut last July. Broke maiden at 8th career start in a 2000m event at Chukyo in December. The Deep Sky colt made it three in a row, including a 2200m Listed win in March. Only 9th in G1 Satsuki Sho subsequently.  Finished 6th to Satono Rasen in G2 Kyoto Shimbun Hai (2200m) latest.  Usually races prominently.  Heavier track a plus.

17

Kitasan Black

Unbeaten in first 3 starts and won the G2 Spring Stakes (1800m) in March.  Decent 3rd latest behind Duramente in G1 Satsuki Sho (2000m) on 19 April.  Untried over 2400m. Usually races handy. No ground issues.

18

Tagano Espresso

Won G2 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes (1600m) last November.  Subseqently 6th in G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes (1600m) in December.  In G1 Satsuki Sho latest he failed to respond and ran 13th.  Races behind midfield or from the rear. Likes firm or good track.