Even on heavy going, Golden Masterpiece could accelerate.
"Golden Masterpiece has a commanding lead, but Triumph Ballet, who has been right behind all along, hasn't given up!"
Out on the track, Triumph Ballet was still doing everything possible to chase down Golden Masterpiece.
Unfortunately, Golden Masterpiece showed no sign of slowing.
Triumph Ballet was running out of time.
"A Double Crown Winner! This is the moment a Double Crown Winner is born-Golden Masterpiece!"
"Triumph Ballet takes second place."
"The winner is the twenty-second Double Crown Winner in history, Golden Masterpiece!!"
This time, Golden Masterpiece finished a full eight lengths ahead of third place.
If Triumph Ballet hadn't fought so hard to keep up from behind, this would have been yet another utterly crushing victory.
"Congratulations to jockey Sasaki for withstanding the pressure from outside and guiding Golden Masterpiece to victory in the Tokyo Yushun!"
"This also shows just how confident jockey Sasaki is in Golden Masterpiece's ability."
"Congratulations to Golden Masterpiece on a magnificent second crown! This horse has what it takes to challenge for the Triple Crown this year!"
Perhaps this was the next Triple Crown Winner!
Whoooo!
Yeaaaah!
The entire racecourse erupted the instant Golden Masterpiece crossed the finish line.
Once again, they had witnessed Golden Masterpiece's strength. Not even the rain could stop that powerful finishing kick.
Sure enough.
Golden Masterpiece hadn't let them down.
This pair was challenging for the title of the strongest of their era!
And Koichi Sasaki's hold-up strategy had proved more than successful.
Still out on the track, Koichi broke into a delighted smile, then began easing Golden Masterpiece down.
He pumped his arm.
It was that same familiar gesture.
Though he was covered in mud, he felt it had all been worth it.
Fortunately, Swiss Watch up ahead hadn't completely blocked