JP - Urawa - Race 7

WAVES LEAPS (8) is the clear horse to beat after stretching his unbeaten record to three with a length-and-a-half win at this track last start, when he was sent out a prohibitive odds-on favourite and delivered accordingly. His three-from-three record at this track and distance gives him the strongest profile. KITANO DON CARLO (6) is harder to read on exposed figures, with a plain sixth behind Tranquil Light last time and a well-held Mdn run at Niigata Dirt two back, but he was respected in both markets and is assessed as the main danger despite still chasing a first win. DIA CRYSTAL (1) brings the sharper last-start result, having put Shinano Shogun away by two and a half lengths at this venue, and her two wins from four attempts at this track and distance make her a genuine threat if that turnaround holds. COLORFUL ROCKET (2) has not threatened to win this campaign, but her last two fifths were sound enough for this level and her proven 7f record keeps her in the minor-money mix.