The first week of April ended smoothly.
Miss Ayu, a daughter of Deep Impact, won the Oka Sho without trouble. That also made it back-to-back Oka Sho victories for his offspring: Gentildonna last year, Miss Ayu this year.
Koichi, meanwhile, rode a horse owned by the Japan family to sixth place.
The horse had performed well in her previous two races.
But once she entered a major race like this, she clearly fell short. Koichi could also tell that she was unsuited to the upcoming Oaks.
Two thousand four hundred meters would be too much for her.
"What did the Japan owner say?"
"He's probably still unhappy. After all, this horse is Deep Impact's half-sister."
Koichi and Megumi Mitsumori chatted in the office.
With the Oka Sho over, he was preparing for the upcoming Satsuki Sho.
Compared with the time of the Yayoi Sho, Epiphaneia's hindquarters had clearly grown stronger again. Charging up the final slope in the Satsuki Sho should not be too difficult now.
"I see. You're still too accommodating. Whatever else happened, you did win two Grade 1 races with Japan Jordan."
"I'll just ride a different horse next time. I'll probably be an also-ran in this year's Oaks anyway."
Koichi did not particularly mind.
He figured they would change jockeys for the next race, and he was in no hurry himself. There was still some time before the Oaks.
"That's something for you and your agent to think about."
Megumi Mitsumori lost interest in the subject.
Her focus remained on Epiphaneia and Gold Ship. Their next two races were both crucial.
The Satsuki Sho and the Tenno Sho.
"How are Divine Might's preparations going?"
Koichi took a sip of coffee before asking.
"Divine Might has been in really good form lately. You'll definitely feel it for