RAPIER (12) knuckled down strongly to get within one length of the winner in third last start over 1200m at Kyoto when coming back from a spell. Significant class drop this time. Major player. AMERICAN BIKINI (5) didn't make an impact at her last run before going for a spell on 6/04/2025, finishing seventh and beaten 3.5 lengths over 1400m at Hanshin Dirt. Strong chance to kick the campaign off on the right note. SONG OF LIFE (8) built on a nice second when fresh from a spell two starts back at Fukushima with success as favourite over 1200m at Niigata five weeks ago, getting home by 1.75 lengths. Meets some better types this time but a big run is on the cards. LORD TRESOR (3) was prominent at the corner and finished second last start at the first run back from a spell over 1200m at Kyoto, beaten a nose. Fitter for that run. Capable of another top-three outcome.