Carrots and Sandwiches

On the Thursday before the St Leger Stakes, with help from Orix Trainer and Mr. Yan Zhu'an, Yutaka Take was able to have a warm-up ride at Doncaster Racecourse, then won a mile undercard race the following day.

However, when Yutaka Take returned covered in mud after claiming victory abroad, there was no joy on his face.

"Thanks to Oli and Mr. Ince, I was able to ride in those two races, but the track condition really is terrible."

A heavy track by Japanese standards might have been manageable, but on the Epsom Course, which already placed enormous demands on stamina, worsening weather could make simply finishing the race quite difficult. After Yutaka Take voiced this concern, the owner, who should have been worried alongside him, instead felt slightly relieved.

"When the time comes, please just ride by feel."

In short, I said a few things as the owner to try and put everyone at ease. Still, both Trainer Ikee and Yutaka Take wore exceptionally grave expressions, as though spirits were clinging to their backs.

Moreover, at this week's gate draw, our camp had drawn gate one among the seven runners. At least on the surface, the prospects for this overseas campaign did not look especially bright.

However, the weather remained clear in the days leading up to the race, and before long, the early morning of September 8—the day of the race—arrived.

Traveler, who usually deliberately dawdled when getting onto the horse truck, climbed aboard readily this time, as if he had sensed something.

"I'd like to say overseas campaigns are never easy, but compared to most of the troublesome ones I've taken abroad, this one is definitely much easier."

On the way to Doncaster Racecourse, Trainer Ikee, seated in the passenger seat, made that remark.

The first horse