Tokyo Racecourse
Today, Epiphaneia was taking on his first graded stakes race.
Koichi, meanwhile, was once again watching from the sidelines.
For one thing, he worried that seeing him might affect Epiphaneia's performance.
For another, he knew Epiphaneia would most likely win this race. Riding a less-favored horse would only mean handing him the win, so he might as well sit one out and watch from the sidelines.
Before the race, Koichi had made a special trip to the stable to see him.
There were no problems with his condition or spirits.
The pre-race workout gallop had also gone quite well, leaving Koichi very satisfied.
Compared with his earlier newcomer race, Epiphaneia had clearly matured a great deal. He was beginning to look like a proper racehorse, though his old problems still remained.
"Good luck out there, Ikezoe."
Before they entered the parade ring, Koichi offered him a word of encouragement.
This race was quite important for Epiphaneia. After all, it was his first attempt at a graded stakes race, and his opponents were all strong two-year-olds.
The Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes was a highly prestigious race.
"Saying that to me before the race? You're putting pressure on me."
Kenichi Ikezoe smiled from his seat on the bench.
He was quite confident about this race, too. Epiphaneia was very good out of the starting gate. As long as he could secure a pressing position, Ikezoe could keep things under control from there.
"I'm cheering you on!"
Seated beside him, Koichi smiled.
He really was exhausted after a day of racing. Joking around a little now helped lift his spirits.
"Don't worry. Your senior will give it his best. This is an important graded stakes race."
Kenichi Ikezoe had plenty of faith in Epiphaneia's ability.
The earlier workout gallop had