Monbetsu, Autumn, and Then-

As the season entered autumn, racing in both the central and local circuits changed with it, and high-prize races were held one after another.

For example—

The JBC Juvenile, an interchange graded race whose winner's prize had risen to forty million yen.

Although I had won races like this before as an owner, there was definitely no chance of doing so this year.

On this day, I finally found the time to make a trip to Monbetsu Racecourse.

Mejiro Reikū was still struggling in the maiden ranks.

Monbetsu's brief latter-half season was about to end. If she wanted to shed her maiden status as a two-year-old, this was her last chance.

After discussing it with Teacher Tanaka, we decided to try a 1,100-meter maiden race for two-year-old fillies, slightly shorter than her previous race.

"If we limit it by sex, it should be a little easier."

As he said that, Teacher Tanaka wore a rare trace of helplessness on his face.

Whenever he ran into familiar owners or breeders in the parade ring, he inevitably received a good-natured jab or two, such as, "Looks like even President Kitano can misjudge one sometimes—"

They said with a smile that they were not making fun of him, but it was not convincing in the slightest.

When I crossed the rail to meet the team, the trainer's face was taut as if a major race were just around the corner.

Teacher Tanaka had often worn that expression since I first met him, but this was the first time he had taken a maiden race so seriously.

It was like he was competing with someone.

"This time, I think we have a chance."

The trainer spoke with some hesitation, yet his tone was like he was announcing something.

We had been careful with her