Neigh-!
Neigh-!
"Gentildonna, stop being so temperamental."
Gentildonna's rider was at his wits' end. She simply refused to let him mount.
This was a crucial time for preparing for the next race, but their training was not going smoothly. It had come out of nowhere, too-she simply did not want to cooperate today.
Even when led by the reins, she backed away, pawing impatiently at the ground.
Her temper had flared.
Omura Shinki, her stablehand, was equally helpless.
Despite being Deep Impact's offspring, she had barely inherited her father's temperament, and her tantrums had been growing more frequent lately.
Meanwhile, Trainer Ishisaka was chatting with Koichi Sasaki.
"What do you think of the 2,400-meter distance, Sasaki?"
Tadashi Ishisaka asked.
He did not feel particularly confident about this distance. After all, it was a major hurdle for a mare.
But if Gentildonna could handle 2,400 meters, she would naturally have a chance at greater honors in the future.
"I don't think it'll be a problem. In her last 1,600-meter race, Gentildonna clearly still had plenty of stamina left. She should be able to handle the step up to 2,400."
Koichi thought for a moment before answering.
Of the Filly Triple Crown races, the Oaks was naturally the most difficult. It was the longest, after all, and its counterpart was the Derby.
The Oka Sho was 1,600 meters, the Oaks 2,400, and the Shuka 2,000.
"Yes, I think so too, but some people outside the stable still have their doubts. You'll have to prove what the two of you can do in the next race, Sasaki."
Tadashi Ishisaka was actually a little uncertain himself.
Still, he felt that Koichi Sasaki's assessment might well be accurate.
He had also heard rumors that Koichi Sasaki had consistently recommended racing Golden Masterpiece over distances of