Hanshin Racecourse.
Before they knew it, the day of the Takarazuka Kinen had arrived.
Everything had gone according to plan during that time. Koichi had also taken a trip to Nara with the other two, then immediately begun preparing for the upcoming race after returning.
He was quite satisfied with his performance the day before.
Today's crowd was naturally the largest of the month, even bigger than the turnout for the Yasuda Kinen.
There was no shortage of formidable horses in the field, either.
"Ikezoe, are you sure you're all right?"
Watching Kenichi Ikezoe prepare to head out, Koichi could not help asking.
His struggles with Epiphaneia clearly had not been easy.
They were even affecting his condition for the races.
"I'm fine. I just need to loosen up a little."
Kenichi Ikezoe patted his chest.
After so many years as a jockey, a little difficulty like this was hardly enough to stop him. Epiphaneia was certainly a major challenge for him, though.
Still, he felt that once he cleared this hurdle, he would be able to improve even faster.
With such a rising star among them now, the veterans naturally felt plenty of pressure.
Yutaka Take was probably the only one who felt none.
His record was already so incredible that he had surpassed everyone who came before him.
"Looks like Epiphaneia really is a handful."
Yuichi Fukunaga spoke with a smile.
Everyone naturally knew what they had been doing lately.
It also showed just how capable the horse really was. Unfortunately, his temperament was poor, and plenty of jockeys would give up on a horse like that.
"I've got faith in you."
Ryuji Wada also patted Kenichi Ikezoe on the shoulder.
"By the way, Sasaki, has your application been approved?"
Koichi Sasaki's application to train abroad had caused