Terrific racing across three JRA venues today with stakes races at Hanshin, Fukushima and Nakayama. The latter plays host to an incredible line-up of three-year-olds colts in the Grade 1 Satsuki Sho over 2000m - a race bursting with talent and winning form.

Nakayama Dirt Race 9 - #3 Wahnfried 

Lightly raced entire overdue for a win. Has placed both runs this time in, the latest knuckling down strongly over the same course and distance to fill second. That was his third placing from as many starts here. The four-year-old should be primed now after two runs in to return to his top figures which is the envy of most of his rivals here. He is yet to miss the frame in four tries at the trip including a win and is drawn to stalk the leaders. With even luck he should atone for his defeat last time as favourite.

There look to be a number of dangers but seasoned galloper Yonku appeals as a strong chance to find his best form. He found the line nicely last time after getting back from a very wide draw, finishing fifth but less than two lengths from the winner in an eye-catching run. With good speed on today and Yutaka Take back aboard from a good gate he will be tough to stop at odds.

Nakayama Race 10 - #10 Mad Cool 

Smart four-year-old resuming. Has raced seven times for four wins and three minors and looks well placed to resume winning ways.

The son of Dark Angel was a big fresh-up winner when last resuming before tackling the Grade 3 Silk Road Stakes, trying to lead throughout and kicking on strongly to finish a close-up third. He resumes in easier grade today and has the services for the first time of leading rider Damian Lane.

He's a horse still on the up and will take catching fresh.

Jubilee Heard drops back a notch and looks a serious threat. Last time out he was fifth in the Grade 3 Yukan Fuji Sho Ocean Stakes but will find this easier and was a winner the start prior. He has a great record at the course and distance and will be winding up late.

Hanshin Race 10 - #4 Loin D'Ici 

Got the money last time and can go back to back here. Honest type who stalked the pace last time out and proved too strong in the run home, swamping the leaders to score a dominant win. That was a career best figure and he can match that again here. He has drawn for a good run just off the lead again and will prove toughest to beat.

Up and coming galloper Reverencia looks the main threat. With three wins from just six starts, the entire resumed with an impressive win, racing on speed and letting down strongly to overhaul the leader.

He will be fitter again and has good upside.

Fukushima Race 11 - #8 Baji O 

Has been racing in tougher company recently, including the latest when a fast finishing third in the Grade 3 Kokura Daishoten, finishing less than a length from the winner. He steps back a notch here and will appreciate stepping back up to 2000m today. Regular rider Yuki Hishida is aboard again and looks well placed to return to winning form.

Curren Leciel Bleu is resuming and looks a serious challenger. The entire was a close-up seventh when last resuming in a tougher race and relishes the journey while fresh. He will spot a start but hit the line hard.