A Surprise Weapon from Back to Front

The day before the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup, just before noon.

As she crossed past the grandstand toward the entrance to the owners' lounge, the harsh sunlight made her blink.

"I never thought President Kitano would actually come," Trainer Wada said with a somewhat surprised look as they met up with the stable team. The jockey, Haruki, slightly pursed his lips behind his father.

"It is his own child's race, after all. Of course he wanted to come watch."

Besides, it was about time to seriously start planning Chongli's next campaign.

According to feedback from the stable, during his most recent workout on the Ritto C-track, Chongli had shown quite an impressive turn of foot while chasing a training partner that had started ahead of him.

"His skeletal growth has already begun to stabilize. For his next race, perhaps we can let him try something at a higher level."

That was the general idea, though the choice of his next race would still depend heavily on how he performed today.

"Well then—"

"I'll be counting on you again this time, Haruki."

As she said that, she gave the young jockey before her a deep bow.

"I-I'll be in your care as well."

He returned the bow. By the time he swung up into the saddle, Haruki's previously tense expression had already returned to normal.

"Come to think of it, if we're aiming for a graded race, should we consider one of the regional exchange graded races?"

"That's right. If we want to run in a central turf graded race immediately, his earnings are still a little lacking... Though that child is the sort who handles transportation well."

As she spoke, she looked up at Chongli on the parade ring track.

He still had a massive frame, but the slightly bloated