A Grand G1 Stage

In the first week of September, Eight Min Central Racecourse was crisp and clear beneath a cloudless sky.

Standing in the owners' stand, Zhang Jun looked back at the densely packed crowd behind him, an indescribable sense of awe rising in his heart.

This was not Zhang Jun's first time at Eight Min Racecourse, but this visit carried an entirely different meaning—this time, he had come as the owner of Cloudstream Flying Shadow, a horse competing in a G1 race.

Today, September 4, 2023, was the day of the Eight Min Grand Stakes, the first G1 race of the second half of the year in Min Province and the entire East China region.

And Cloudstream Flying Shadow would officially challenge the central G1 stage as a local horse.

The stands were already packed to the brim. Racing fans in all kinds of support outfits had gathered in small groups, some holding signs for their favored horses, others clutching racing forms as they discussed the condition of the horses competing in the Eight Min Grand Stakes.

"Jun!"

Luo Heng's voice came from behind him. Zhang Jun turned around and saw Luo Fei, Luo Yong, and Luo Heng walking toward him.

"Uncle Luo, Brother Yong, Ah Heng."

Zhang Jun stepped forward and greeted them.

Luo Fei patted Zhang Jun on the shoulder, his eyes full of gratification. "Nervous?"

Zhang Jun nodded honestly. "Nervous. This is my first time competing in a G1."

Luo Fei laughed. "That's normal. When I competed in my first G1, I was so nervous I nearly squeezed Liu Yong's and your father's hands purple."

Luo Heng leaned closer and asked curiously, "Jun, do you think Cloudstream Flying Shadow can win this G1 and achieve five consecutive Graded Stakes victories?"

Zhang Jun answered with a serious expression, "I think