HIRO SHIGE CRYSTAL (4) is back after a break of 11 months. At the last run before the layoff she finished fourth over 1400m at Urawa. Good effort to open last prep when in the money at this track over 1200m. Can make a winning return. SHINTO AKIRA (7) showed good early dash and raced on the speed last start before fading to finish 6 lengths back in fourth over 1200m at this track. Will go forward and is expected to be in the finish. STORM PEGASUS (6) went forward over 1300m at Urawa on debut last start but found a couple better. Capable of testing this field. PICCOLO BAMBINA (8) is fresh from a spell of four-and-a-half months and did hit the frame when last resuming at Urawa over 1400m. In a different yard now.