Miho, Training Center.
With Megumi Mitsumori away, her assistant was in charge here.
Epiphaneia was naturally undergoing his final pre-race workout gallop as well.
Huff-!
Huff-!
This time, Epiphaneia was working alongside another racehorse entered in the Satsuki Sho. His early pace was nothing special, but he picked up more and more speed toward the end.
His final kick exploded.
With Koichi riding him through the workout gallop, Epiphaneia felt full of power.
He dug into the dirt.
Then dug in again.
He soon caught the racehorse that had begun pulling away from him, and his own speed kept climbing.
With four consecutive victories behind him, he was confident in himself.
The camera was also trained on Epiphaneia on the right. He swept around the bend on the dirt track, then accelerated down the straight.
Compared with his last race, Epiphaneia had improved again.
That was also Koichi's impression after the workout gallop ended.
"He performed very well. I feel like he's in peak condition now."
Koichi smiled as he spoke after dismounting.
"That's a relief. We can go back and report to Trainer Mitsumori without worrying."
The assistant let out a breath of relief as well.
After all, he had been primarily responsible for the training here this time. Although everyone had decided on the plan together, he was still the one carrying it out.
If anything went wrong, he would certainly bear the greatest responsibility.
"Don't be so nervous. Epiphaneia is doing well in every respect. Just carry on as usual from here."
Koichi patted him on the shoulder.
He could tell from the assistant's expression that he was still a little nervous.
"All right, Kuga, take Epiphaneia back to rest."
"Sure."
Kuga Kai quickly came over.
Neigh, neigh-
Epiphaneia looked toward Koichi.
"Go back and get some