JP - Tokyo City Keiba - Race 2

LILY IN THE NIGHT (12) is the horse to beat after making a clean winning start at this track, scoring by five lengths from Chercher over 6f and doing it with authority after being well enough found in betting. She is only one run into her career, but the track-and-trip win gives her the clearest upside profile. LUKLA (10) resumes after eight months and brings stronger exposed depth than most, having placed twice from three starts at this venue, although he was rolled as odds-on favourite at both runs last campaign and 6f is new territory. VELVET ONYX (1) is building a reliable place record at this track and distance, with three placings from four attempts, and his last-start second gives him a genuine winning platform if he can settle closer. TAISEI FRIEDEN (9) was beaten nine and a half lengths behind Dear One when third last start and also finished behind Velvet Onyx, but the return of Takayuki Yano and his current campaign fitness keep him in the minor-winning mix.