Tokyo Yushun. Turf, left-handed, 2,400 m Weather: clear Turf: firm Post time: 15:40
"The eighteen racehorses are filing into the starting stalls."
"Spielberg at Gate One, One-Way Passage at Gate Four, Gold Ship at Gate Six..."
Because Gold Ship was at Gate Six, she entered the gate relatively early.
As they waited for the remaining horses to load, Koichi could clearly feel Gold Ship growing a little impatient, though it was a marked improvement over previous races.
Being confined in such a narrow stall was certainly uncomfortable.
Gold Ship had been wonderfully cooperative today.
Koichi had also used the skill card he had drawn earlier.
Whether they could get Gold Ship Breaks from the Gate would depend on what happened next.
Since Tokyo was a left-handed course, being close to the inside offered a good advantage. If they could gain an edge at the break, their advantage up front would naturally be even greater.
The downside was that the pace would probably be fast this time. The horses on the outside would likely accelerate straight away and squeeze inward. If they could not secure a good position up front, they would have to drop back.
"With Alfrey entering his stall, all eighteen horses are now loaded."
"The long-awaited Derby is about to begin. This race will decide who is this year's strongest three-year-old racehorse!"
The commentators turned their attention straight to the starting stalls.
Once the music ended, the Derby would begin.
The spectators below were even more nervous.
A good break and launch would undoubtedly affect how the rest of the race unfolded.
The jockeys were all patiently awaiting the instant the gates opened.
The gates opened!
Gold Ship shot straight out the moment they opened.
Although Gold Ship had no idea what had happened, he felt