73rd Kikuka Sho Turf, right-handed outer course, 3,000 m Weather: clear Turf: firm Post time: 15:40
The Kikuka Sho was a race Koichi knew fairly well.
But Gold Ship and Golden Masterpiece had completely different running styles, so he would be more cautious with his tactics this time.
Loading began.
Once he received the signal, Yamana Takuto began leading Gold Ship toward starting stall one.
He had thought Gold Ship might resist a little, but to his surprise, they walked straight in without any trouble.
It seemed Gold Ship really was cooperative today.
That came as a relief. He had already planned how to handle Gold Ship if the horse refused to enter.
He had learned quite a bit from the others lately. Since they all lived in the Training Center's staff dormitories, it was easy enough to ask for advice.
After entering the starting stall, Koichi stroked Gold Ship's mane.
Getting into the stall safely did not mean everything would be fine afterward. Gold Ship had been calm before, only to become disobedient inside the stall.
Compared with entering the stall, getting away from the starting gate was clearly more important.
Gold Ship began looking to the left.
The stall was naturally very narrow for the horse, and the sounds from next door were intriguing too.
Did we come in a little too early this time?
All Koichi could do was give the reins a slight tug.
The only good news was that the remaining racehorses were loading quickly. Before long, all seventeen had entered their stalls smoothly.
The horses in their first batch had not had to wait too long.
"The long-awaited third leg of the Triple Crown, the Kikuka Sho, is about to begin! This race will crown the strongest three-year-old over a long distance."