The Interview Room.
"Jockey Sasaki, are you confident about the upcoming race?"
The host glanced at his script.
Gold Ship naturally had the most support at the moment and was certain to be the favorite, with Extraordinary Steed second in the betting.
Although Extraordinary Steed had been outstanding in the Nikkei Sho, Gold Ship was an undefeated Triple Crown winner.
"After this workout gallop, I do feel fairly confident."
Koichi nodded.
He could hardly go into the race already thinking about conceding. Whatever the case, the racing fans out there still believed Gold Ship could win.
How would they know they couldn't turn their fortunes around without trying?
"It sounds like Gold Ship's workout gallop went very smoothly this time."
The host continued.
He thought highly of Gold Ship too. The horse had ability and good looks, and even liked clowning around.
"The performance was certainly good, both in terms of speed and responsiveness."
But Koichi didn't mention that Gold Ship felt a little below the form shown at the Hanshin Daishoten.
"Everyone is looking forward to seeing Jockey Sasaki lead Gold Ship to victory in this year's Tenno Sho."
Last year, Thunderbolt Steed had won after opening up a huge lead.
Meanwhile, Golden Masterpiece, who had attracted the most attention, had only managed a finish among the front few.
"I hope so. There were certainly plenty of regrets last year, and I hope we can take on this distance again this year."
The Tenno Sho also had the longest distance of any domestic Grade 1 race.
Unfortunately, Thunderbolt Steed's performances had been rather ordinary after winning last year's Tenno Sho.
"Another question: everyone is curious whether Jockey Sasaki has prepared any new tactics this time."
There were eighteen horses entered in this Spring Tenno Sho, and Gold Ship had