Training Center.
"Sasaki, long time no see."
"It hasn't been that long, has it? Didn't we see each other at the track last time?"
Seeing Koichi arrive, Tadashi Ishisaka greeted him warmly.
He was naturally delighted to be working with him now. Whatever else could be said, Koichi Sasaki had demonstrated tremendous ability and competitiveness, and he had worked quite well with Gentildonna too.
During the Shuka Sho, he had almost thought their Triple Crown hopes were over. Fortunately, she had won by a nose in the end.
That race had truly been a close call, though.
"I've just been really looking forward to seeing you work with Gentildonna again."
Tadashi Ishisaka spoke with a smile.
Lady was highly competitive now, but they still needed someone with a strong feel for racing. Using Koichi Sasaki was undoubtedly their best choice at present.
No one could turn down the Japan Cup's enormous prize money.
"I looked at Gentildonna's recent results before coming here. They've been quite good. I think a few more adjustments should get her into really good shape."
Koichi glanced at Gentildonna, who was waiting over there for her workout gallop.
Compared with the first half of this year, Gentildonna did not seem to have changed much.
"Our opponents in the next race are strong, so we'll be counting on you again."
Their camp was quite pleased that Golden Masterpiece would not be entering the Japan Cup. No matter how they looked at it, Golden Masterpiece's performance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe had been formidable.
Koichi Sasaki also had an excellent record at Tokyo Racecourse.
And most of these racehorses were ones Koichi had already encountered on the track.
"I actually think Gentildonna has a pretty big advantage in this race."
When Koichi saw Gentildonna walk over,