August 21.
Sapporo Racecourse.
This time, Koichi and the others had again decided against the quieter reserved seats or VIP seats.
The Grass Trackside Stands.
This area was right beside the track, where spectators could clearly hear the pounding hooves of the racehorses as they galloped past.
Quite a few spectators liked to stand here to watch the races.
Koichi glanced at the packed crowds on either side, then took out the chilled drink Mirai had bought him.
Summer was still far from over.
"You're here early, Sasaki."
Wearing sunglasses, Tetsuya Futawatari waved at Koichi.
Naturally, he had gone to the stables today to check on Japan Jordan's condition. From what he had observed, winning this race would not be particularly difficult for Japan Jordan.
There were no especially strong opponents in this year's Sapporo Kinen.
Still, a racehorse needed to secure a Grade 1 victory.
Japan Jordan had lost both the Arima Kinen and the Takarazuka Kinen.
After this race, Japan Jordan would be entering the Autumn Emperor's Cup.
"I'd just finished getting Gold Ship settled. I walked over here, and the timing worked out perfectly."
Koichi was wearing sunglasses today too.
The afternoon sun was quite dazzling, so wearing sunglasses helped protect his eyes.
"Let's wait here. The race is about to start."
Tetsuya Futawatari glanced at his watch, then nodded.
This time, he had switched to another veteran jockey with a fairly big reputation.
In matters like this, the trainer was only responsible for making contact. Whether the jockey accepted was ultimately up to them.
"Our stars for today are starting to enter. Let's introduce them to everyone, beginning with horse number one..."
The commentator's voice echoed around them, and soon the big screen showed the horses entering the Parade Ring.
"Looks like Japan Jordan's in good