Clack-!
The instant the starting stalls opened, Gentildonna burst out cleanly.
Koichi urged her forward before easing her pace.
A fight for position!
With Gentildonna drawn out wide, Koichi had to let her expend some stamina early to secure a better position.
According to their tactics, Gentildonna would most likely need to secure a pressing position, then adjust to how the race unfolded.
But all of that depended on ensuring Gentildonna still had a final kick left for later.
Tokyo Racecourse had a long home straight. If she ran short of stamina, the other horses could easily catch her.
"Number one, Thunderbolt Steed, broke beautifully and has smoothly taken the lead."
"Number fifteen, Gentildonna, is also moving fast, charging straight up from the outside. Number sixteen, Japan Jordan, is right behind her."
"The favorite, Dominant Position, has opted to hold back."
Seeing that Gentildonna had broken well, Koichi immediately sent her toward the inside rail.
The horses drawn in the middle had not accelerated particularly quickly, giving him a real opportunity.
Meanwhile, Japan Jordan, ridden by Mirco Demuro, moved up alongside her.
Before the race began, Koichi had even visited Japan Jordan in the stable. After all, their two outings together had gone very well.
Most of the other horses chose to stay in the middle of the pack and wait for an opportunity.
The first turn.
Coming across from the outside, Gentildonna successfully used the first turn to secure a good pressing position along the rail.
Ahead was Thunderbolt Steed, ridden by Ishibashi, with Japan Jordan beside her.
Those two horses certainly would not pose a threat to Gentildonna at the finish.
Now that we have a good position, let's see what pace they set up front.
As for Dominant Position, Koichi had glanced back earlier and seen that