1

Decipher

This six-year-old horse came into his own again this season with two wins and two placings in five starts including a win in G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) in August.  1.25L 2nd to A Shin Hikari in G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) on 11 Oct last time.  Usually settles midfield, also adaptable when positioning closer to speed. Seems to have no track concern.

2

Ambitious

This 3yo colt won 4 of his 7 career starts, including G3 Radio Nikkei Sho (1800m) at Fukushima in July.  Started slowly last time in G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) on 11 October and was forced to settle last but made up some late ground to finish 6th.  Worth consideration if he jumps cleanly.  Favours firm going.

3

Satono Crown

This 3yo colt finished 6th in G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) in April and 3rd in G1 Japanese Derby (2400m) in May.  The Tenno Sho Autumn is his first start since May but everything has gone as planned.  Hold up runner.  Favours firm or good ground.

4

D’Accord

This seven-year-old notched his first graded stakes win in the G3 Niigata Daishoten (2000m) on 10 May.  6th latest in G3 Niigata Kinen (2000m) on 6 September.  This hold-up runner will make his G1 debut here.

5

Clarente

This six-time graded stakes race winner has been winless in six runs since last September. Best effort in that time when 1.5L 3rd in G1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) in June. Jockey Hironobu Tanabe partnered the horse to two G3 wins last year and teams up again.  Left-handed course at Tokyo not a problem.  Usually races midfield or held up.

6

Curren Mirotic

Very consistent runner. Failed to win any of his four starts this season but gave good showing when one-length 3rd in G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) in May and 1.75L 3rd latest in G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) on 12 Oct. Left-handed track not an issue. Struggled to handle softish or rough track.  Usually races close to the speed.

7

Last Impact

Lightly raced this season with three starts. Ran 3rd in G2 Hanshin Daishoten (3000m) in March. Subsequently 4th in G1 Tenno Sho Spring (3200m) and 6th latest in G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) in August.  Usually settles midfield or better than midfield.  Can handle softish track.

8

Lovely Day

Seeking a 4th consecutive win here.  Likely to be favoured in the betting market. Best when defeated some classy opponents to win G1 Takarazuka Kinen (2200m) in June.  Another victory in G2 Kyoto Daishoten (2400m) latest on 12 Oct. Has developed a lot physically this year.  Can cope with fast pace.  Usually races close to the speed.  Untested on softish track.

9

A Shin Hikari

Won 8 of 9 career starts, including an impressive wire-to-wire victory in G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) latest on 11 Oct.   Both trainer Masanori Sakaguchi and jockey Yutaka Take said he has no rival over 1800m.  Twice winner over this distance, including once at Tokyo last October, despite hanging out in the stretch.  Likely leader here. Can handle cut.

10

Pelusa

This 8yo notched his first win in 5 years, in Listed Sapporo Nikkei Open (2600m) last time in August.  Won twice over the course and distance as a juvenile.  Finished 2nd in this race in 2010 and 3rd in 2011. Hold up runner.  Prefers firm or good track.

11

One and Only

Winner of Japanese Derby (2400m) last year.  Showed his potential when he 3rd in G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March. Has not yet returned to his best in two subsequent runs, including latest when 6th to Lovely Day in G2 Kyoto Daishoten on 12 Oct.  Hold up runner. Prefers good to firm track.

12

Derby Fizz

Scored a first graded stakes success in G3 Hakodate Kinen (2000m) in July.  Close 3rd to Decipher in G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) latest in August. He will be partnered by Christian Demuro, who recently received a JRA short term jockey licence.  Usually settles behind midfield. Track condition not an issue.

13

Vincennes

Did well in mile company earlier this year when winning the G3 Tokyo Shimbai Hai in February, and neck 2nd in G1 Yasuda Kinen in June. Usually held-up but changed tactics when raced handy to finish 9th in G2 Mainichi Okan latest on 11 Oct.  Has two wins and two seconds in five starts at Tokyo. Untried at 2000m.

14

Staphanos

Runner-up behind Blazing Speed in G1 APQEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin in April.  Spelled for six months to finish a fair 7th in G2 Mainichi Okan (1800m) on 11 October, the only time out of the top 5 in 13 starts.  With slow early sections, he covered the last three furlongs in 33.2s.  A hold up runner.  Handles firm to soft.

15

Shonan Pandora

Winner of G1 Shuka Sho (2000m) last year.  Proved her 3rd in G1 Takarazuka Kinen was not a fluke with a bold performance against male opposition to win G2 All Comers (2200m) latest at Nakayama in September.  The 2000m distance should suit.  Best when settled midfield.  Can handle all going.

16

Isla Bonita

Winner of 2014 Japanese 2,000 Guineas (Satsuki Sho).  Started as top favourite and ran 3rd in this race 12 months ago. Only one run this spring when 5th in G2 Nakayama Kinen (1800m) in March.  Spelled for 7 months and returned to race in G2 Mainichi Okan on 11 Oct, finishing a decent 3rd.  Consistent sort and 1800m to 2000m at Tokyo suits. Tactically versatile, can lead or settle in any position better than midfield.

17

Spielberg

The defending champion ran 6th in the G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and reappeared on Japanese turf for the first time since in the G2 Mainichi Okan.  Never a factor on that occasion and finished 10th.  His six career wins have all come at Tokyo, including three at this distance. Usually races held up.  Handles all going.

18

Admire Deus

Started off the season with two impressive G2 wins, in the Nikkei Shinshun Hai (2400m) in January and Nikkei Sho (2500m) in March.  Disappointing 15th in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring last time.  Spelled for five months and this is his first race up from the layoff.  Settles rear and he has run only on good/firm track in his career.