JP - Nagoya - Race 3

AOZORA LUNCH (9) is the clear starting point in a thin 3yo COND contest, not because the recent finishing positions leap off the page, but because her two Niigata runs have been the most competitive of the main hopes, with margins around six lengths in 3yo Maiden company. The concern is that she was unwanted in the market and did not make headway, but the class drop and race fitness give her the strongest overall profile. ACT SURGE (1) resumes after eight months and has to leave a debut flop over 1 ?m well behind, yet the lighter weight and sharp class relief make him a legitimate improver. NEO AMBO (3) has also been safely held this prep, though third-up fitness and a softer assignment keep him in the winning mix if he finds more at 7 ½f. ECORRO GARUDA (12) is more a danger than a top pick, with the rise in trip a query after an 11th over 6f, but this field gives him some place-to-win scope.