Titleholder, the three-time G1 winner who posted an easy victory in the G2 Nikkei Sho last time out, worked alone on the woodchip course on the 12th April in preparation for the Tenno Sho (spring) on the 30th. He covered 1200m in 1:26.2, with the last 600m timed at 38.6 seconds, finishing off lightly with a final furlong of 12.4 seconds.

Earlier, on April 7th, he worked 800m in 54.8 seconds up the inclined track. Trainer Kurita commented, "He's coming along well. His last race hasn't taken as much out of him as I thought. He's very calm, which is good to see."