Eagle Amont 

Best of four starts was third-place finish since moving up to this class. Last out over 1200m here on 2 October, drawn wide and missed break, but finished fifth, less than 2 lengths off winner. Excellent effort in stretch. Likely to do better if drawn further inside. Usually starts well.

Eri Tiara 

Lacking consistency this year even after stepping down to this class. Has failed to win since October 2015. Finished third in July over 1200m at Fukushima but not expected to be competitive here. 

French Ideal 

Jumped to open class after debut win and notched two seconds and a third but moved down in class for next six starts. After two thirds and two seconds, won last start on 17 July. Has ability but first race in 5 months may be difficult. Looked good in morning work on 21 December.

Ikioi 

Has failed to finish better than fifth in last six starts since moving up to this class. Added extra furlong last out and raced from back. Made up ground in stretch with good effort.

Kitasan Gamba 

Only six career starts and both starts since moving up to this class have ended in double-digit finishes, though experienced interference two races ago. Finished 13th last out on 2 October under same conditions and was racing for first time in 2 months.

Major Typhoon 

Started career with promise and finished second in G3 over 1200m in second start, but has only one race in top spot (a second at this class) in next seven starts. First time in Nakayama 1200m.

Mieno Dreamer 

Only six starts and two wins, both at a mile. Double-digit finish last start over 1500m at Sapporo on 13 August. First time at distance. Usually late out of gate, but last start broke well. Does not settle well and 1200m may be successful strategy.

Nanyo Amico 

Has finished first, second and third in last three starts at 1200-1400m, including third in Nakayama 1200m at class lower. Last out ran second at Tokyo over 1400m. Excellent late speed. Tends to race from midfield or further back.

Quatre Rapport 

Being given 1200m for first time since September 2015. Only 2 wins in 22 starts, at 1400m and a mile. Ran seventh over 1400m last out on 26 November in all-female company. Failed to get clear run in stretch, but accelerated well once in clear. 

Rhein Meteor 

Raced exclusively over distances of 1000-1400m with 10 finishes in top three spots in 30 career starts.  Last four starts all over straight 1000m at this class or above with only one finish off board.

Sappheiros 

Returning since January and moving down from open class. Has second in G2 over 1400m. Last start over dirt not representative. Excellent race speed. Looked good in work on 21 December.

Shonan Wadachi 

Has only 2 wins in 22 career starts. Is being given 1200m for first time in over a year but no indication of potential success.

Silver Cord 

Gutsy win last out on 4 December at Chukyo at lower class over 1400m after returning from 6-month layoff.  Races better to right and has had good results at Nakayama. Leads or races from forward position.

Taiki Paradox 

Won Fukushima 1200m last out on 12 November at class lower. Has excellent early speed but lacks stamina to last 1200m. Last start raced from behind with success but will be more challenging at Nakayama if racing from same position. Stepping up in class.

Ultima Blood 

Ran second here last year but was having a great year leading up. Started this year off with win at this level, but seven starts since have seen him finish out of the top spots. Drew wide last out and was forced wide to finish fifth some 4 lengths off winner.

Z Houri 

Ran third, second and first in last three starts, all over 1000-1200m. Does well on all going. Broke maiden in mixed company over 1200m. Step up in class may be difficult.