Turf Oaks Stakes

In the fourth week of May, even in Shanghai, farther north than Fujian Province, temperatures exceeded thirty degrees for most of the day.

Fortunately, Shanghai Central Racecourse had an adjustable roof. It now sealed off the entire track overhead, and with quite a few fans running, the temperature remained fairly comfortable.

In the stands, Zhang Jun wore a short-sleeved T-shirt and held a Shadow Hunter-shaped fan, fanning himself as he kept his eyes on the bay filly warming up on the track.

Lightning Chaser looked to be in excellent condition today. Her steps were light and springy, her ears bobbing with every stride. Ning Fei sat on her back, his body rising and falling with her rhythm, a smile on his face as his left hand stroked her neck.

Watching that lively little girl on the track, Zhang Jun recalled the shy filly who had not dared face anyone when he had first met Lightning Chaser two years ago, and he felt a little emotional.

"That little girl who used to be afraid of strangers has made it onto the G1 stage now."

"Brother Jun, do you think Lightning Chaser can secure a spot today?"

Li Ying sat beside him, representing the staff of Chasing Ranch as they came to cheer for Lightning Chaser. She held a Lightning Chaser support fan bearing the filly's image and six large words: Go, Lightning Girl!

"She can."

Zhang Jun sounded absolutely certain, but in truth, he had no confidence at all.

This girl's development was nearly identical to Wind-Chasing Hound's. Her speed had now reached D rank, the same as Wind-Chasing Hound's had been in the Dirt Oaks.

But this Turf Oaks was held two weeks later than the Dirt Oaks, giving the other racehorses another two weeks to develop. Within Zhang Jun's