53rd Takarazuka Kinen Turf, right-handed, 2,200 m Weather: sunny Turf: firm Post time: 15:40
Preparations for the race were still underway, and the horses were warming up beneath the small shelters.
The Tyrant was behaving himself today, obediently circling beneath the shelter.
Warm up hard, then take down every opponent today!
Dominant Position, meanwhile, nodded his head as he warmed up.
His nodding was remarkably rhythmic, too.
With a Grade 1 victory already secured, he had nothing to worry about after retirement. His bloodline was equally outstanding, and he could readily be paired with Sunday-line broodmares in the future.
Triumph Ballet, on the other hand, was under considerable pressure. Golden Masterpiece had completely overshadowed him throughout his three-year-old season. If he failed to produce any good results at four, things would only get harder.
"They can start loading now."
The staff in suits gathered around.
This was an important race, and naturally, they hoped nothing would go wrong.
Triumph Ballet was the first to load, entering starting stall one.
Dominant Position in stall seven and Golden Masterpiece in stall eleven naturally had to wait their turn.
Koichi also spotted Thunderbolt Steed, the horse they had lost to last time.
He trusted that his senior jockeys would not let that horse get away so easily again.
Of course, he himself needed to be even more alert. As the favorite in this race, he would naturally receive the most attention from the other jockeys.
"Come on, Asho. Time to load!"
Wearing protective gear, Hitachi Yosuke hurried over.
Every time he accompanied Golden Masterpiece to a race, he earned some extra pay.
Still, the bulk of his earnings came from the prize money.
Neigh-
Golden Masterpiece shook his head, then quickly followed him toward starting stall eleven.
He was ready.
Koichi