Clack, clack, clack-
As the gates opened in rapid succession, the commentator picked up the pace.
"They're off."
"Golden Masterpiece makes a beautiful break from the Starting Gate."
On the screen, Golden Masterpiece had not burst into the lead, but was still among the first few out.
Shonan Mighty and Carmine, on the other hand, had been boxed in.
Blocked like that, Carmine, ridden by Ryuji Wada, had no choice but to slow down.
The situation could hardly have been worse.
With number five blocking the way beside him, Koichi could not steer Golden Masterpiece toward the inside rail either.
The first turn was coming up fast.
"Number three, Clever Robin, accelerates and enters the first turn in the lead."
As the fifth favorite this time, the jockey had decided from the outset to adopt a front-running strategy.
Trying to match Golden Masterpiece's Final Kick on the home straight was unrealistic.
It was better to break away early and build up an advantage.
"Golden Masterpiece is in fifth place. Judging by the pace, there's no intention of chasing the leader."
"Shonan Mighty is right behind Golden Masterpiece."
"It looks like Jockey Yutaka Take intends to keep his strongest rival firmly in his sights again."
"Number three is still pulling away, now four lengths clear of number four Racehorse."
Number three, number four, number one, number twelve, then Golden Masterpiece.
Next came number five, Triumph Ballet.
Their strategy this time was the same as in the Tokyo Yushun: follow Golden Masterpiece and wait for an opening.
"Carmine is still at the very back of the field."
When number two Racehorse's jockey saw Golden Masterpiece give up the inside position, he urged his mount to accelerate.
Koichi glanced at him but made no attempt to block him.
Their current position was just