Three days before the Hanshin Daishoten.
Golden Masterpiece had completed the final tune-up at the training grounds, and the starting stall draw and weigh-in were underway.
Ayano Aoe had also arrived at Hanshin Racecourse with her assistant.
This was Golden Masterpiece's first race as a four-year-old, so naturally, she was there as the owner.
But judging by the current situation, things were not looking particularly good.
As last year's Triple Crown Winner and Horse King, Golden Masterpiece's condition for the first race of the year would have a major impact on everyone's assessment.
"So, are there any major concerns about Golden Masterpiece running in the Hanshin Daishoten?"
"Please rest assured, Miss Aoe. Although Golden Masterpiece hasn't fully recovered form yet, there definitely won't be any major problems running in the Hanshin Daishoten."
Keigo Kudo spoke.
Among the twelve racehorses entered in the Hanshin Daishoten were some strong opponents they had faced before, but none of them could possibly match Golden Masterpiece.
"What about you, Sasaki?"
Ayano Aoe turned toward Koichi.
She put more faith in Koichi's judgment. After all, he and Golden Masterpiece were the partners working together out on the track.
However...
Pulling out now and choosing another race was certainly out of the question.
"I don't think there'll be any major problems, but I still think we need to prepare in advance. After all, everyone saw what happened at the Kikuka Sho."
By the end, Koichi almost wanted to laugh.
Golden Masterpiece had the ability, but was clearly lacking in patience. Running three thousand meters was not impossible, but whether Golden Masterpiece would finish was another question.
"Yes, that makes sense. Golden Masterpiece did have a long break after the Kikuka Sho. Compared to last time, the schedule is certainly a little tight."
Ayano Aoe thought he had