Albert

Kazutomo Mori, assistant trainer
“Last time it was a slow pace, but picking up from the back and racing on the outside, he managed to finish well. Considering it was his first race after a break, it wasn’t a bad run, and he came out of it well. Last year he finished fourth, and he was second the year before, so he can run well in the race, and again he’ll have to run under the handicap conditions.”

Engineer

Koji Maki, trainer
“In his work uphill on Oct. 24, he moved well. He’s getting better now, he’s more mature, and compared to before he’s more relaxed and he doesn’t pull as much. It’ll be his first time at the trip and at this level, and while it won’t be easy, I’m not anxious about the distance. I’d like him to run well now that things are going his way.”

Ganko

Shigeki Matsumoto, trainer
“In his last race, he was coming back from a spell and it was a tough race, so he didn’t do so well. In his training on Oct. 24, he finished off well and he looks to be better now. I think he should be better with that last race under him. As this will be his first time left-handed on turf, one of the keys will be seeing how he can handle this.”

Ho O Dream

Yoshito Yahagi, trainer
“I think left-handed over a trip like this should be fine for him, even though he’s having his first race in a while. Hopefully the training he’s done is enough for him to take a chance here.”

Shunsuke Fujita, assistant trainer
“His times have been fine in training, and by working him he gives it his best. I think it’s easy for him to run at Tokyo with the incline and the width of the course.”

Look Twice

Nobuyuki Tashiro, assistant trainer
“Even though last time he had to run on from the back of the field, he finished well and ran straight, and I’d say the Tokyo course suits him. He’s in similar condition to when he ran last time, and I think the distance will be fine. Given his weight in the handicap, and despite the strong opposition, I think ability-wise he should be right up there.”

Ippo Sameshima, trainer
“He’s able to run off a light weight here. He seems to have really come on now. He’s a 5-year-old, so hopefully he’ll run well.”

Muito Obrigado

Koichi Tsunoda, trainer
“He was coming back from a break last time, but he won well and gave me the impression he’s improving all the time. He’s had good results at Tokyo, leading me to believe he’s well suited to the track.”

Fumiaki Shibahara, assistant trainer
“He’s been starting well in his races, and has put in some solid performances. By kicking on early, he’s had no problem getting to the long, wide straight at Tokyo and then handling it well. It’s been the perfect preparation for this race. He doesn’t have to carry too much weight, so hopefully he can give his best again.”

Noble Mars

Hiroshi Miyamoto, trainer
“While he doesn’t seem fat, I’d like him just to do that little bit extra to make the final adjustment before the race. This could be the key point with him. He should be fine in the race itself.”

Takuji Ishihara, assistant trainer
“He had a stone bruise while at the farm. Since coming back to the stable, however, he’s been fine and has worked well, especially when he’s urged on to do so. Training uphill at Ritto, he took a little time to get going due to the track condition.”

Perform a Promise

Nobuyuki Tashiro, assistant trainer
“He was sick and therefore didn’t run in the Kyoto Daishoten, but he’s recovered well and there have been no lasting effects, particularly when you look at how he’s moving now. When he raced last time, possibly his weight and concentration were issues, but the way he’s running now, this Grade 2 is within his grasp.”

Toshin Monstera

Daiichi Shibata, jockey
“Even though he’s an 8-year-old, the fact that he’s only got to carry 51kg is a plus, and he’s never had such a low weight before. I think he’ll be able to run well with some flexibility given the weight he’ll carry.”

Vosges

Hiroaki Yoden, assistant trainer
“He seems to be in good shape now and mostly because of his own efforts. It’s best for him to be handy in the race and get to run with his own rhythm. I’m looking forward to what he can do in a field like this.”

Win Tenderness

Haruki Sugiyama, trainer
“In his last race he got to the front, but was just unable to maintain it until the finish. Coming back from a break as he was, and considering the strong opponents, it wasn’t a bad run. He’s the type to get better with a run and needs a bit of urgency about him. He’s moving well and I think he’ll be fine adjusting to the race itself.”