After another week of racing in Tokyo, Koichi arrived at Hanshin Racecourse a week before the Takarazuka Kinen.
It wasn't that he couldn't get any more rides in Tokyo. He simply wanted to familiarize himself with Hanshin Racecourse again before the Takarazuka Kinen and use his Track Card here as well.
During this stretch of training, he had also seen Gentildonna training here quite often.
Compared with the first half of the year, she was clearly in quite good form after returning to training, though she had rested for a considerable time.
Her targets for the second half of the year were the Autumn Tenno Sho and the Japan Cup.
So after this race, she would certainly have to begin another round of preparations.
Sitting on Gold Ship's back, he chatted with Gentildonna's rider.
The two of them were quite familiar with each other by now.
Although today wasn't the final workout gallop, he had come early to get a feel for Yellow's current condition.
It might not necessarily help, but at least it would give him an idea.
"You're here early, Jockey Sasaki."
"Not especially. I happened to have time today, so I came to give him a little exercise."
"I see. I'll look forward to your performance in the Takarazuka Kinen, then."
Koichi smiled faintly, then greeted Gentildonna.
Gentildonna turned her head for a glance, then continued walking forward.
Gold Ship did the same.
At that moment, he had no idea that she was his greatest rival right now.
The voting results this year were already quite clear, but not many horses were entering the race. Most people still felt that winning would be too difficult with both Gentildonna and Gold Ship in the field.
Besides, temperatures were high in late June, which posed a major challenge for