On the first day, he rode Epiphaneia. On the second, it was Gentildonna's turn.
Gentildonna had returned a little earlier than both Epiphaneia and Gold Ship.
She had also been confirmed for the 2,400-meter turf race in Dubai.
Only her jockey had yet to be announced.
But everyone had their suspicions. Koichi Sasaki would probably be chosen again to take Gentildonna overseas.
Dubai's fast tracks would certainly be much easier to run on than Europe's.
The racecourses in Dubai also suited the speed and rhythm of Japanese horses.
"How did she feel?"
Horse Trainer Ishisaka asked Koichi as he dismounted.
They had been working together for quite a long time.
"Her responses were excellent, and her condition was decent, too. But she might have slacked off a little toward the end."
Koichi thought for a moment before answering.
They had already discussed everything, of course. As long as nothing went wrong on his end, this Taxpayer-Funded Trip was as good as his.
Since he was heading to Dubai, he would have to start preparing to leave the country after riding Gold Ship in the Hanshin Daishoten. Naturally, he would be unable to attend to his work in Japan during that period.
"Yes, I didn't think she was in particularly good form today, either. But there's no hurry yet."
Tadashi Ishisaka nodded as well.
They certainly did not dare increase her training load too much right now. If something went wrong, she might need a long rest.
Their main priority was to play it safe.
This would also be Gentildonna's first race overseas.
Based on her performances at three, everyone still believed she could deliver a good result.
"I think there's still some room for improvement in her physique. Thank you for all your hard work this coming month."
Koichi smiled