The countdown to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe had begun.
Golden Masterpiece had also completed his final workout gallop under Koichi's guidance.
His time was considerably better than it had been before the previous race.
Still, the clear favorite was Imperial Castle, with Lanfranco Dettori in the saddle.
Although Imperial Castle had also changed jockeys, Dettori was clearly better suited to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe than Koichi Sasaki.
Christophe Soumillon, Li Muhua, William Buick, Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire...
The lineup of jockeys was naturally world-class.
In the final days, Koichi also completed his pre-race interview for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with his interpreter's help.
He took a very humble approach during the interview.
Despite that humility, he still said he was confident he could win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
After all, he had spent two months learning in Europe and wanted to earn his graduation certificate before leaving.
As for Golden Masterpiece's condition and temperament, their team's combined efforts had restored him to peak form.
He would enter this race in a whole new state.
First favorite: Imperial Castle.
Second favorite: Golden Masterpiece.
Third favorite: Beautiful Sky.
Fourth favorite: Sea Moon.
After the interview, the entire team discussed their tactics. With their horse drawn in the outermost starting stall, their main strategy this time was to follow the pack.
The key was that European races started at a very slow pace, so Golden Masterpiece could gradually move inward from the outside before looking for an opportunity from behind.
"Then let's base our strategy for this race on stalking or closing from behind."
Ayano Aoe spoke.
Of course, by stalking or closing, she did not mean hanging right at the back. The going was very poor for this race, and dropping too far behind