JRA Japan Cup Handicap

Completed a double on July course here (1m) last summer. Bright start for current yard prior to shaping as though amiss at Ascot last time. Bit to find at the weights, even if back on song in another change of headgear.

Never looked like justifying support on belated reappearance, however, proved a different proposition when successful in a race that's worked out better than expected (second won since) at Salisbury latest. Still lightly raced for his age and can make bold bid off 5 lb higher with Buick booked.

Consistent sort whose latest success came off this mark in a similar event at Chelmsford in February. Split a pair of next-time-out winners when 2¾-length third at Windsor last time. Makes plenty of appeal back down in grade.

Relatively lightly-raced maiden. Continued run of good form when smooth-travelling second at Kempton (1m) last time, beaten ¾-length having been well positioned off a fairly steady pace. Solid claims if he can build on that returning to turf.

Belated step up to 1m the catalyst for back-to-back successes at Windsor/Yarmouth last month. Probably found out by a quick turnaround when bidding for hat-trick at Windsor since. Could be worth another chance given he's still relatively unexposed as a miler.

Much improved to land 7f novice on this course last October. Now steps up to 1m having failed to fire in either start this year, and there's a chance she hasn't trained on (not the biggest filly).

Well backed to make a winning handicap debut at Kempton in February, value extra having been up with the strong pace throughout. Off since returning lame (again strong in the market) at Chelmsford the following month but he's in the right hands to overcome an absence. Looks interesting.

Lightly-raced sort who was steadily improving when keeping-on third at Newbury (7f) last month. Unsuited by emphasis on speed when failing to land the odds at Wolverhampton (8.5f) latest. Oisin Murphy booked and could well resume progress in first-time cheekpieces on a more suitable track.

Remained in good heart since gaining a first success on turf at Yarmouth (7f) in May. Travelled well when beaten 2 lengths in 'Leger Legends' event at Doncaster last time. Could be vulnerable to a couple of less-exposed ones in here, though.

Sea The Stars filly who improved to make a winning handicap debut in first-time cheekpieces at Ripon (1¼m). Didn't look herself when bidding to follow up at Chester in early-July and too soon to discount given her pedigree/connections (also saddle Warning Symbol).

Won twice over 7f in lesser grades last year, including on July course. Has been running even better in defeat of late, coming home strongly when close third at Yarmouth (1m) last time. May fall short in a better race here.

Capitalised on a much-reduced mark in 1m July course handicap on penultimate start. Had still looked fairly treated on the best of his old form, but he wasn't in the same form when trailing the field over the same C&D 8 weeks ago.