Genius and Genius

The Prix Jacques Le Marois—the deciding battle for Europe's mile crown.

The gates opened almost perfectly in unison.

Would he get away cleanly?

For a moment, my thoughts remained fixed on the instant before the gates had opened.

By the time I came to my senses, I was already staring at the screen.

In that fleeting start, the six jockeys who had taken the summer mile stage each laid down their bets.

"Mejiro Hōso has broken from the outside and is holding his position there. Flintheart and Starry Bay are on the inside, with Street Hurricane, in Godolphin blue, between them. Sky Island is following Mejiro Hōso on the outside. For now, Mejiro Hōso and Sky Island are racing along the grandstand side, with Street Hurricane also among the leaders."

The thing I had feared most had happened.

Part defense and part attack, Luo Dun urged Sky Island on from the very start, sparing no effort as he targeted the black figure beside them.

Could that kid really handle this?

Worry filled my heart.

But in the next instant—

The white blinker hood swayed, and my heart leaped into my throat.

As the dark bay stumbled through his stride, Mr. Yutaka Take kept his hands moving, sending his young partner a steady stream of signals, as though pleading, Please don't bolt. Just relax and run.

Perhaps Baozuo felt them. He fought to restrain himself as he ran, and Sky Island's provocation did not noticeably disrupt his rhythm.

He even turned his head toward the rail while running, looking toward the stands as if telling himself, Right. Stay calm this time.

At the sight, I silently begged him to run straight ahead and clenched my fist without realizing it.

"Is he distracted because the racing fans are so much closer than