Hokkai Ranch.
Since she had the afternoon off, Mirai had dragged Haruki Kuchiki along to watch the races.
"The young master's race is about to start."
Mirai had already settled in front of the television.
Beside her was Megumi Mitsumori, who had come to watch the races herself.
With no races scheduled for the first week, she had found time to visit Man o' War, Divine Might, and Gold Ship at the Training Ranch.
"Coming, coming."
Haruki Kuchiki came over and sat down with his teacup.
The other ranch employees gathered around curiously as well. Compared with the early days, the ranch had expanded its racing staff several times over.
Today's Shinsan Memorial was certainly worth watching, with almost all the top jockeys gathered there.
"Megumi, do you think the young master has a good chance of winning today?"
Mirai preferred to trust a professional's judgment.
"Not especially. Shadai's horse is good, but the favorite is really strong. I imagine they'll focus on mile races with him later on."
Mirai offered a little explanation as well.
The favorite was a horse from the Eishin Family, with an entirely foreign pedigree.
He had won three straight races at two, including a graded stakes race, but unfortunately had performed poorly in the Asahi Hai that year.
If Sasaki had been riding the horse he rode in last year's Asahi Hai, his chances would certainly have been better.
"That's a real shame. There goes his chance of winning the Shinsan Memorial two years running."
Haruki Kuchiki shook his head.
The ranch employees behind him nodded too.
No matter how they looked at it, the young master was in excellent form today.
"That's how it is for jockeys. You can't get a good ride in every race, and even when you do, there's no