"Although it's stopped raining today, the track is still feeling the effects of yesterday's rain."
"The earlier races today clearly demonstrated that. There are plenty of spots on the track that require extra care, and the moisture clearly isn't evaporating as quickly as we'd hoped."
"We've also received a report from the track staff that the going for the Satsuki Sho remains slightly heavy. That will be a major test for both the horses and their jockeys."
The worst of it was the effect on the front-runners. This track would take a tremendous toll on them.
Still, compared with last year's Derby, conditions were better this year.
At least the rain hadn't continued today.
"All eighteen horses have now begun loading into the stalls. Following last week's Oka Sho, today will decide the strongest contender in the first leg of the three-year-old colts' Triple Crown."
Of course, what everyone was most curious about was how Koichi Sasaki would perform this time.
There wasn't much noise at the racecourse today, either. Everyone was waiting for the race to begin.
Only when the horses were about to enter the stalls did cheers and applause rise from the stands.
After waiting here for so long, they could finally watch the race.
Of course, plenty of people mainly enjoyed the atmosphere at the racecourse. Being there and watching the live broadcast felt completely different.
After the cheers came the fanfare for the Satsuki Sho.
72nd Satsuki Sho (Grade 1) Turf, right-handed, 2,000 m Weather: sunny Going: slightly heavy Post time: 15:40
Neigh-!
The other horses were led inside, while Gold Ship was still looking toward the stands.
Assigned to Starting Stall fourteen, Gold Ship was in no hurry.
When Gold Ship's turn came, the handler grabbed Gold Ship's reins and rushed into